Protestant Church sues Arroyo for killings, human rights abuses

Protestant Church sues Arroyo for killings, human rights abuses

“Something is indeed terribly wrong when pastors and church workers are killed, arrested and detained or go missing while they are teaching people to know, defend and fight for their rights,” Rev. Rex Reyes, general secretary of the National Church of Christ in the Philippines (NCCP), said.

By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com
MANILA – While the Aquino government dilly dallies in running after former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, her family, and officials of her administration, different groups have filed cases against the former president and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officials for plunder and human rights violations. Now, it is a church that decided to do so.

With more than 18 of its members killed, one disappeared, three ambushed and wounded and four arrested, detained and tortured, the United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP) filed today a damage suit against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

UCCP general secretary Bishop Reuel Norman Marigza, relatives of five slain UCCP pastors and members and Pastor Berlin Guerrero filed the civil case against Arroyo before the Quezon City Hall of Justice.

“Gloria Arroyo and the military agents under her command must be held accountable for the injustice they have exacted on the Church and the Filipino people,” Marigza said. “We have preponderance of evidence pointing to the military establishment [as the perpetrators]. Arroyo then was the commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Being the highest official of the AFP then, we are suing Arroyo under the principle of command responsibility.”

Marigza cited the case of Guerrero who was abducted just outside the local UCCP chapel in Biñan, Laguna after a Sunday worship service on May 27, 2007. The UCCP bishop said that records show that members of Naval Intelligence Security Forces were the ones who took Guerrero to a safehouse and tortured him before he was turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s provincial headquarters at Camp Pantaleon Garcia in Imus, Cavite.

Relatives of slain UCCP pastors and members are joined by bishops in their quest for justice.(Photo by Ronalyn V. Olea/ bulatlat.com)

Not one of the perpetrators of the crimes has been prosecuted, said lawyer Emilio Capulong.
Relatives of UCCP members Joel Baclao, Pastor Edison Lapuz, Pastor Raul Domingo, Pastor Andy Pawican and Noel Capulong are among the complainants.

Baclao was shot dead by a gunman just outside his home in Daraga, Albay, Bicol on Nov. 10, 2004. Baclao was the coordinator of Andurog-Bicol, a disaster relief program of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and the regional coordinator of the Promotion for Church People’s Response (PCPR).

Lapuz had just come from his father-in-law’s burial in San Isidro, Leyte on May 12, 2005 when he was shot dead by two unidentified men.

Domingo, a United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) pastor and secretary-general of the human rights group Karapatan in Palawan, was killed by suspected military agents last Aug. 20, 2005..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/06/17/protestant-church-sues-arroyo-for-killings-human-rights-abuses/

Progressive groups ask, why is the Aquino government suddenly engaging China over the Spratly Islands?

Progressive groups ask, why is the Aquino government suddenly engaging China over the Spratly Islands?

 “It is as clear as day,” declared Terry Ridon, chairman of League of Filipino Students, “that it is only when US interests are served shall it extend assistance to its semi-colony.”
By MARYA SALAMAT

Bulatlat.com
MANILA – When US Ambassador Harry Thomas seemed to contradict this week the earlier statement of the US embassy about not intervening in the Spratly Islands issue, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III immediately welcomed Thomas’ statements. For weeks now, the Aquino administration has been loudly complaining of Chinese “intrusions” in parts of Spratly which the Philippines has been claiming as its territory.

But to back up that claim the Philippine military installations and deployment in the disputed islets seemed puny against those of rival claimants. And so, the Aquino government’s solution has been to invoke its treaty partnership with the United States and expect US troops and military hardware to lend support.

“It is as clear as day,” declared Terry Ridon, chairman of League of Filipino Students, “that it is only when US interests are served shall it extend assistance to its semi-colony.”

“The Aquino government is allowing the Philippines to become the battleground of a US proxy war with China,” said Vencer Crisostomo, chairman of national youth group Anakbayan. Not only that, they called attention to the way the Aquino and the US governments have been insinuating the possibility of more US troops and arms arriving in the Philippines.

While the group Akbayan protested the Chinese “intrusions” in front of the embassy of China, the progressive labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) protested the way the Aquino government has been playing into the US’ “desperation to expand its military presence in the country and the region.”

The Aquino government’s assertion of sovereignty over the Spratly Islands is “hypocritical,” charged the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), considering that the Aquino government is at the same time “allowing the US imperialists to blatantly trample on Philippine sovereignty.”

Pro-US war-mongering

Aside from the Philippines, six other countries are laying claim, wholly or partly, on the Spratly group of islands, a group of tiny, rocky islands in the South China Sea believed to be rich in oil and natural gas. These islands were “discovered” under former strongman Ferdinand Marcos, who decreed that it would then be part of Philippine territory. This week, as Noynoy Aquino engages in a word war with China for parts of the Spratly, namely the Recto Bank (Reed Bank to China), Aquino has also ordered the renaming of South China Sea as “West Philippine Sea.”

All these claims to Spratly are unilateral, said Roland Simbulan, a UP professor and expert on geopolitics.
Prior to Marcos’ declaration which China regarded as an “invasion” of their Nansha islands, the Philippines, said China, has never referred to the Spratly islands as part of its territory, whereas China can boast of a long historical claim to it. The other claimants to Spratly are Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. In 2002, these countries including China and the Philippines signed a Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) ..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/06/17/aquino-governments-row-with-china-over-spratlys-criticized-as-part-of-us-script/

Supreme Court fails to issue decision again on Hacienda Luisita agrarian dispute

Supreme Court fails to issue decision again on Hacienda Luisita agrarian dispute

“By not issuing any decision today, the Supreme Court prolongs the sufferings of farm workers and provides opportunity for the Cojuangco-Aquinos to maneuver.” – Lito Bais, president of the United Luisita Workers Union (Ulwu) said.

By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com

MANILA – Farm workers from Hacienda Luisita left their homes at 4 a.m. today to witness the promulgation of the decision of the Supreme Court on the decades-old agrarian dispute.

After hours of waiting, they went home empty-handed as the Supreme Court still did not issue any decision on the legality of the Stock Distribution Option (SDO) scheme in the 6, 453 disputed sugar estate owned by President Benigno S. Aquino III and family. The case has been pending with the high court since 2005 after the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) ordered the revocation of the SDO.

The Cojuangco-Aquinos implemented the SDO in 1989, one of the non-land transfer schemes allowed by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law. In lieu of land distribution, corporate shares were distributed to farmer-beneficiaries.

“By not issuing any decision today, the Supreme Court prolongs the sufferings of farm workers and provides opportunity for the Cojuangco-Aquinos to maneuver,” Lito Bais, president of the United Luisita Workers Union (Ulwu) said.

Long wait 

Bais, like most of the farm workers at Hacienda Luisita, have been waiting for decades to gain control of the land.

Frustrated, farm workers from Hacienda Luisita and their supporters bang the gates of the Supreme Court.(Photo by Ronalyn V. Olea / bulatlat.com)

In 1967, the Hacienda Luisita should have been distributed to the farm workers had the Cojuangcos complied with the conditions of the loan from the Central Bank. When the Cojuangcos purchased the sugar mill and the Hacienda Luisita land through a loan from the Central Bank in 1957, the loan agreement provided that the land should be distributed to the farmers after ten years.

In 1985, a Manila trial court ordered the distribution of Hacienda Luisita to the farm workers. When Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino became president, the case was dismissed by the Court of Appeals (CA)..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/06/14/supreme-court-fails-to-issue-decision-again-on-hacienda-luisita-agrarian-dispute/

Divorce bill, providing a remedy for women in abusive marriages

Divorce bill, providing a remedy for women in abusive marriages
“We cannot deny the reality that there are marriages that turn sour. There are marriages that are abusive, even violent and there are bigamous marriages. We need to address this reality and give couples in these failed marriages the option of divorce.” – GWP Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan

By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL
Bulatlat.com

MANILA – There are nineteen victims of marital violence every day. In 2009, wife battery ranked highest among cases of violence against women at 72 percent, victimizing 6,783 women. About three out of ten perpetrators of violence against women are husbands of the victims, according to Philippine National Police (PNP).

Some 800 cases for legal separation and annulment are filed every month before the Office of the Solicitor General. Over 43,650 applications were recorded from 2001 to 2007.
These are the bases of Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP) for introducing House Bill 1799 or “An Act Introducing Divorce in the Philippines.”

The GWP said that HB 1799 is based on the concrete experiences of married Filipinos. “These experiences were studied in their religious, socio-economic, political, cultural and legal context. Lessons and insights were drawn up, and from these lessons, the provisions of HB 1799 were formulated.”

GWP Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan cited studies showing that not all countries that allow divorce have a high divorce rate. Divorce statistics show that In Italy, only 12 percent of marriages end in divorce, while in Spain it is 17 percent. Both countries are predominantly Catholic.

The Catholic Church believes allowing divorce would lead to a breakdown of the family. Others who are likewise opposed to the bill thinks that a divorce law would be abused. Rep. Ilagan asserted that there are enough safeguards to prevent the divorce law from being abused. “The bill has five grounds before a divorce is granted and the couple has to undergo a rigorous process. Divorce will not be granted just because a husband or a wife is bothered by the other’s snoring. This is not like divorce Las Vegas style,” Ilagan said.

Rep. Ilagan also said that HB 1799 is not modeled after divorce systems of other countries; they call it divorce-Filipino style. “And it is sensitive to the rich and diverse cultural – including moral and religious – environment of our country.”

Divorce guarantees women’s rights 

The progressive women’s group Gabriela said that divorce provides an option to women who want to get out of abusive and unhappy marriages. “This measure will benefit women, especially those who are victims of domestic violence,” Lana Linaban, secretary general of Gabriela, said.

From 2009 to March 2011, there were 1,452 cases of marital violence that have been referred to Gabriela. This constituted 67 percent of the total number of cases of violence against women that were handled by Gabriela. Domestic violence consistently ranks highest among cases of violence against women (VAW) that Gabriela has been handling..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/06/14/divorce-bill-providing-a-remedy-for-women-in-abusive-marriages/

Another journalist was killed, three more received threats for exposing corruption By RONALYN V. OLEA Bulatlat.com

Another journalist was killed, three more received threats for exposing corruption
 
By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com
MANILA – Another radio broadcaster was shot dead, the fourth journalist killed under the new administration.

According to a report by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), Romeo Olea, 49, was riding a motorcycle on his way to the radio dwEB office in Nabua, Camarines Sur when he was shot at around 5:52 a.m. along the national highway.

Olea was immediately brought to the Riconda Medical Center. He was dead when he reached the hospital.
According to the local police, two 9 mm. shells were found at the crime scene. Police have yet to determine if the killing is work-related.

The CMFR said that if the murder is work-related, Olea’s killing would be the fourth case of a journalist/media worker killed in the line of duty under the administration of Benigno Aquino III, and the third in 2011. He would also be the sixth journalist from the Bicol Region killed in the line of duty since 1986, and the second from Camarines Sur province.

Threats against journalists continue
 
Meanwhile, in just one week, three other journalists who exposed alleged corrupt practices were harassed by local authorities.

In Kalinga, Governor Jocel Baac barged into the radio booth of Kalinga broadcaster Jerome Tabanganay, June 7 and struck the latter in the mouth with a microphone.

According to accounts by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Tabanganay was about to end his program “Agenda” on dzRK Radyo ng Bayan-Kalinga when Baac arrived with his men brandishing Armalite rifles. Baac threatened the broadcaster, saying: “Go on. Keep talking. I will kill you.”

The brazen assault on Tabanganay “shows the extent to which impunity has thrived in this benighted land of ours,” the NUJP said in a statement.

On May 19 last year, Tabanganay survived an assassination attempt after he began criticizing the resurgence of “jueteng,” an illegal numbers game in the province.

“This incident shows the extent to which this system of governance has allowed petty tyrants and the enemies of truth to use everything at their disposal to silence those with whom they disagree with impunity,” the NUJP said..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/06/14/killings-threats-against-journalists-escalating/

House allies junk Noy’s KKK probe By Gerry Baldo, Charlie V. Manalo and Aytch S. dela Cruz 06/18/2011

MOTIVE OF MINORITY TO ‘ROIL’ AQUINO QUESTIONED BY PALACE, CONGRESSMEN

House allies junk Noy’s KKK probe

By Gerry Baldo, Charlie V. Manalo and Aytch S. dela Cruz 06/18/2011


Heeding President Aquino’s marching order to his allies in the House of Representatives to stop the probe of his KKKs (Kaibigan, Kaklase and Kabarilan), or presidential cronies, classmates and shooting range buddies, both Malacañang and the the presidential allies in the House are all set to junk the move of the House Minority bloc to hold an investigation on the issue, giving the same reason for blocking the move.

Aquino does not fear the House Minority’s congressional inquiry into his erring close allies but is merely questioning the “motives” of the opposition camp in pursuing such political undertaking, Malacañang clarified yesterday. This was echoed by a House ally.

Deputy presidential spokesman Abigail Valte said their concerns only spring from the huge probability that some lawmakers in the House, especially those who are not allied with the administration, may take advantage of the investigation to throw mud at their political foes..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110618hed1.html

No NSC meet, despite terror attack threats By Aytch S. dela Cruz 06/18/2011

No NSC meet, despite terror attack threats

By Aytch S. dela Cruz 06/18/2011

Still rejecting full blown Cabinet meetings, including a meeting of the National Security Council, President Aquino is not scheduling an NSC meeting to discuss the reported threat of a terrorist attack, with Malacañang claiming that the intelligence report on the terrorist threat was “raw information.”

The Palace yesterday down-played the reported terrorist attack that was said to be plotted by local extremist groups while the nation was celebrating the Philippine Independence Day last Sunday, June 12.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the intelligence report from where the information was reportedly culled was “raw and unconfirmed”, adding that it “is just one of many such reports received by the government on a regular basis”..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110618hed2.html

ILO adopts treaty to ensure protection of 53M domestic aides globally By Michaela P. del Callar 06/18/2011

ILO adopts treaty to ensure protection of 53M domestic aides globally

By Michaela P. del Callar 06/18/2011

The International Labor Organization (ILO) adopted last Thursday in Geneva a landmark treaty that will ensure protection to an estimated 53 million domestic helpers, including Filipinos, worldwide.

With 396 affirmative votes, 16 against and 63 abstentions, the 2011 Convention on Domestic Workers will come into force after two countries have ratified it. The Philippines, one of the leading sources of household workers, and Uruguay said they would ratify the accord.

In Manila, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) welcomed the approval of the agreement, saying its adoption would protect foreign domestics, particularly Filipinos, from abuses and other labor risks..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110618nat3.html

Muslim body seeks Senate aid on budget release 06/18/2011

Muslim body seeks Senate aid on budget release

06/18/2011
The commission tasked to look after the welfare of Muslim Filipinos recently sought the help of the Senate for the release of an approved P100 million supplemental budget from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for it to effectively carry out its social, legal and development projects.

The appeal was contained in a letter of National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), Secretary Bai Omera Dianalan-Lucman in reply to the Senate’s request for updates on the implementation of Republic Act No. 9997, the law that created the commission. Lucman’s letter was addressed to Peter Paul Pineda, deputy secretary of the Senate’s external affairs and relations office..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110618nat9.html

SC upholds P1.2 million fine imposed on Robina factory for illegal discharge of wastewater By Benjamin B. Pulta 06/18/2011

SC upholds P1.2 million fine imposed on Robina factory for illegal discharge of wastewater

By Benjamin B. Pulta 06/18/2011

The Supreme Court (SC) has sanctizoned a factory owned by Universal Robina Corp. (URC) in Bagong Ilog, Pasig City which was discharging wastewater into the Pasig River for more than three years.

The tribunal’s Third Division’s decision affirmed earlier rulings of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and the Court of Appeals (CA) which found the Gokongwei-owned firm liable for accumulated daily penalties amounting to P1.2 million for continuously polluting the lake for a total of 1,247 days.

In turning down URC’s appeal, the tribunal said LLDA correctly reckoned the two periods — from March 14, 2000 to Nov. 3, 2003 and from March 15, 2006 to April 17, 2007 — within which URC was found to have continuously discharging pollutive wastewater.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110618met5.html

40 sex den workers rescued, seven pimps arrested in Makati 06/18/2011

40 sex den workers rescued, seven pimps arrested in Makati

06/18/2011
Inquest proceedings have been initiated against seven individuals suspected of acting as pimps for more than three dozens sex workers in Makati City.

An Inter Agency Council Against Trafficking in Persons composite team rescued 45 sex workers and arrested pimps and employees in a house used as a sex den at 2061 Edison st., Barangay San Isidro, Makati City.

The team led by National Inter-Agency Task Force Against Trafficking chief Fiscal Jonathan Lledo, personnel from the Women and Child Protection Desk (WCPD) of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group headed by Senior Supt. Emma Libunao and social welfare officers of Makati City conducted the police rescue operation after weeks of casing and surveillance..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110618met4.html

A nation dumbed down? DIE HARD III Herman Tiu Laurel 06/17/2011

A nation dumbed down?

DIE HARD III

Herman Tiu Laurel

06/17/2011
Over the past week a systematic campaign of misinformation was being waged with few, if any, noticing it. This is regarding the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)’s decision on Manila Electric Co. (Meralco)’s petition for PBR (Performance Based Rate) for the regulatory period from this year to 2014. The report in almost all mainstream newspapers is that the ERC denied the increase Meralco sought and reduced the rate by passing a lower PBR. The truth is, it’s a collusion of the ERC and Meralco in a gigantic sleight-of-hand to hoodwink the millions of Meralco consumers and the public. During the first week of June, ERC announced its denial of Meralco’s 2011 PBR application of 1.70/kWh, setting it at P 1.58/kWh which it boasts to be lower than the 2010 PBR of P 1.65/KWh. It looks so nice for the ERC until one takes a comprehensive historical look and find that under the original RoRB (return-on-rate base, 12 percent allowable profit) the rate was only P 0.70/kWh — since the PBR rate of 15.8 percent this has more than doubled.

That is only half the story, senior consumer advocate Genaro “Naro” Lualhati (who was among those who won consumers its first refund of P 30 billion) has investigated the cost computations of Meralco for its capex (capital expenditure) and has found it bloated by 37 times. His findings are corroborated by Mr. Jojo Borja who has produced documents showing the massive overpricing and transfer pricing of Meralco power generation equipment, which has been presented before ERC hearings but are not reflected by the ERC final determination of the PBR rates. Mr. Naro Lualhati’s own computation shows that the proper Meralco rate for this period should only be at the maximum of P0.90/kWh. Meralco has been putting out its song-and-dance about how it needs to tighten its belt due to ERC’s reduction of its rate and mainstream media has been pandering distorted story and dumbing down the public; the truth is that Meralco is continuing its power plunder of the people.

On the matter of the Stradcom deal that’s bedeviling the BSA III administration and inflicting its damage on the public coffers and transport regulatory system, we have here a perfect example of the idiocy of subcontracting such essential government functions to private corporations. The computerization of the LTO records does not require a complicated computer system, there’s no rocket science to it. Why is government shelling out P140 million a month for this very basic computer system? It’s been going on for several years now that the amounts have reached staggering billions of pesos that two factions of the subcontracting company are now fighting over — and getting the BSA III embroiled in its dirty quagmire. So much for Teddy Locsin’s talk and Conrado de Quiros’ about BSA III’s personal “honesty,” he is drenching in the corruption all around him; besides the fact that he is wallowing in the corruption of his family which even stoops to collecting illegal toll fees on public roads.

What the public isn’t being told is that the subcontracting of that computerization of the LTO functions should never have happened. It shouldn’t have happened in the same way that the computerization of other institutions like the GSIS, which has been experiencing endless glitches, shouldn’t have happened. Information systems of government are crucial to national security as well.

The basic outrage in all this, however, is the huge amounts paid to the private subcontractors that further deplete the national coffers and the public’s purse. Then the public gets to learn that in this case, Stradcom gets twice more that the LTO from the fees the public pays. It is no surprise, too, that political strings were pulled for the awarding of the contract. Why do we allow this to happen?

Now comes the hare-brained idea from the Gloria Arroyo’s special economic adviser upon whose advice the Philippine hunger incidence spiked from 2003 to the present. Albay Gov. Joey Salceda earns political grandstanding points by riding the patriotic tide over the Spratly’s issue and suggesting a boycott of Chinese imports. This one time a gofer of the securities section of an international bank is suddenly a celebrated economist? Salceda cited RP’s trade deficit of $1 billion with China in 2010, but he forgets that it was a surplus of $750 million in 2005; trade seesaws and with the future mineral demand of China will tilt the balance in favor of the Philippines again. Imagine the massive inflation push when Chinese products stop flowing, from DVD players to garlic. Now, if the Philippines is ready to subsidize its agro-industrial entrepreneurs again we have a fighting chance; but with Salceda’s love of “globalization” (duh?) a boycott and out economy would be doomed.

A balanced view of the Spratlys issue comes from Sen. Antonio Trillanes who, over merienda with two ambassadors, said that there are “hawks” as well as “doves” in the Chinese government and one must deal with the controversies with this in mind; while asserting the Philipines’ rights vigorously. I added that while there is psychological warfare underway (Vietnam is rumored to be calling for conscription of tis citizens to prepare for war), there are sufficient formal agreements on the negotiated settlement of issues and sharing of resources to ensure an amicable conclusion in the coming times. Trillanes did give a caveat, that the Chinese should be careful not to put too much “face,” i.e. its prestige, on the line with the “hawks” or it may lead to uncontrollable events. As for Salceda’s boycott, I told others that we never heard him support the “Buy Filipino” call we issue every year of the past two decades.

(Tune in to Radyo OpinYon, Monday to Friday, 5 to 6 p.m., and Sulo ng Pilipino, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6 to 7 p.m. on 1098AM; Talk News TV with HTL, Tuesday, 8 to 9 p.m., with replay at 11 p.m., on GNN, Destiny Cable Channel 8, topic: ”GSIS Union victory vs. Winston’s outrages”; visit http://newkatipunero.blogspot.com and http://hermantiulaurel.blogspot.com for articles, TV and radio archives)
(Reprinted with permission from Mr. Herman Tiu-Laurel)

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110617com5.html

Guilt by association EDITORIAL 06/17/2011

Guilt by association

EDITORIAL

Click to enlarge

06/17/2011
The circumstances behind the filing of charges against State Prosecutor Wendell Sulit does not appear to be a clear-cut case of an official violating or abusing the law, but as Noynoy and his allies had already prejudged those whom they see as being identified with the previous administration, they are deemed guilty, merely on the basis of guilt by association. And as Malacañang wanted her suspended, so she has been suspended.

Earlier, Noynoy also made it clear that he wanted deputy Ombudsman Emilio Gonzalez fired, to the point of making him the principal accused in having botched the August rescue operations which left eight Hong Kong tourists dead, yet when it came to his shooting buddy, DILG Undersecretary Rico Puno, who was in charge of the Philippine National Police team that was involved in the hostage rescue, he was absolved, along with other Noynoy allies..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110617com1.html

Noynoy, proven KKK coddler FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 06/17/2011

Noynoy, proven KKK coddler

FRONTLINE

Ninez Cacho-Olivares

06/17/2011
For all of Noynoy and his spokesmen’s denials on the reasons for the resignation of Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) Secretary Ping de Jesus attached to the Noynoy’s coddling of his shooting buddy, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Virginia Torres, the truth is certainly baring itself.

A report stated that Ping submitted a memorandum as early as April 6 to Noynoy through Executive Secretary Jojo Ochoa, asking Noynoy to discipline Torres, but which was ignored by Noynoy.

The report quoted the memo as saying: “We respectfully request His Excellency, President Benigno Aquino III, to exercise his disciplinary power against Assistant Secretary Virginia Torres, chief of Land Transportation Office, for gross neglect of duty and gross insubordination for her continued refusal to perform official duties and obey as well as implement lawful orders from her superiors.”.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110617com2.html

Hung-over NO HOLDS BARRED Armida Siguion-Reyna 06/17/2011

Hung-over

NO HOLDS BARRED

Armida Siguion-Reyna

06/17/2011
And this, I suppose, is the kindest that some say behind my back, soon after I’d leave a cluster where I talk much about the one-month road show tour we did in the US, “Aawitan Kita sa Amerika.” But you needn’t worry, I have no plans of boring you about the singing that we did, column in, and column out. This, too, shall pass, although as I write, negotiations are going on for six shows in Australia and three in New Zealand, before the year ends.

This will be the last reference here to the tour — until the next foreign performances come in — so thanks again, to my two unnamed angels. My brother, Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile. Vice President Jojo Binay. Sen. Chiz Escudero. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor). The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Philippine Airlines (PAL). MyPhone. San Miguel Corp. PureGold. And Terminal Container Terminal Services Inc.

As I wrap up, allow me still to say that it’s been amazing. We continue to get e-mail and Facebook messages from people who saw it in any of the 12 shows that we did, in nine states: Two in Washington (Vancouver on April 29, and Seattle on May 21); one each in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Ohio, and three in California, from April 29, to May 29..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110617com4.html

Cheap and ill-advised C.R.O.S.S.R.O.A.D.S Jonathan De la Cruz 06/17/2011

Cheap and ill-advised

C.R.O.S.S.R.O.A.D.S

Jonathan De la Cruz

06/17/2011
It is good that Albay Gov. Joey Salceda’s call for the boycott of Chinese products turned out to be a dud. Except for some noise coming from people who should know better, no other self-respecting leader, in and out of government, came out in support of Salceda’s cheap shot. Even the usually anti-Chinese voices from some Makati-based quarters did not join the chorus. Best of all, Palace spokesmen managed to restrain themselves in time before getting sucked into this comical acid mouthed exercise from someone who reportedly has some fascination for things Chinese. But P-Noy’s spokesman Edwin Lacierda should have openly rebuked Salceda for such infantile antics instead of babying him with that wishy washy “he-has-the-right-to-say-whatever-he-wants” line. No, Sir. Malacañang should be the first to advise one and all that the Spratlys issue is of such critical importance we should not trivialize it with uninformed and knee-jerk reactions. Stoking the fires, as it were, can only bring us closer to a situation we can only regret getting into sooner than we can say stop or did not mean to. If all that we wanted is to bring the matter of China’s “hostile and provocative statements” and “muscle flexing” to the glare of international attention I believe we have done more than necessary..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110617com6.html

Noy to House: Stop probe of my KKKs By Aytch S. de la Cruz and Charlie V. Manalo 06/17/2011

‘CONGRESS NOT A VENUE FOR CHARACTER ASSASSINATION’

Noy to House: Stop probe of my KKKs

By Aytch S. de la Cruz and Charlie V. Manalo 06/17/2011

Fearing a congressional investigation of the presidential KKKs, President Aquino yesterday again meddled in the affairs of the House of Representatives as he gave his marching orders to congressmen to stop any and all congressional investigations of his Kaibigan, Kaklase and Kabarilan.

This presidential marching order to his allies in the House, who are in the majority, was announced by his spokesman, Edwin Lacierda, in reaction to the members of the minority bloc in the House of Representatives that yesterday filed a resolution seeking an inquiry in aid of legislation into the failure or desistance from imposing discipline, suspension or dismissal of errant Cabinet members, more common;y referred to as Aquino’s infamous KKKs..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110617hed1.html

Lacson still in Dacer DoJ probe; Justice chief faces rough sailing at CA By Benjamin B. Pulta and Angie M. Rosales 06/17/2011

Lacson still in Dacer DoJ probe; Justice chief faces rough sailing at CA

By Benjamin B. Pulta and Angie M. Rosales 06/17/2011

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima yesterday said Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson will be covered by the reinvestigation of her department into the kilings of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito in 2000.

According to her, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) and the Department of Justice (DoJ) “ultimately opted for a reinvestigation of the Dacer-Corbito double murder case as it would come across all things, including the mastermind” and that would start immediately upon arrival of former police Senior Supt. Michael Ray Aquino from the United States.

“The reinvestigation will cover everybody,” she stressed.

And in case a new witness or evidence surfaces and points to Lacson, the senator could again be charged for the crime without violation of double jeopardy rule since he was not arraigned in the first case that was dismissed by the Court of Appeals earlier this year..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110617hed4.html

Noynoy, Hataman deny endorsement for ARMM OIC By Gerry Baldo and Aytch S. de la Cruz 06/17/2011

Noynoy, Hataman deny endorsement for ARMM OIC

By Gerry Baldo and Aytch S. de la Cruz 06/17/2011

Malacañang yesterday denied that President Aquino was endorsing former party-list Rep. Mujiv Hataman as officer-in-charge (OIC) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) shortly after the Chief Executive gets to sign the bill which sought for the cancellation of its scheduled elections into law.

Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning (PCDSP) Secretary Ricky Carandang told reporters that all the names being floated as potential OICs for the ARMM are speculative at this point since the bill is yet to reach Aquino’s desk in the first place.

Carandang underscored that no less Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs pointed out that there are processes to be undertaken before a particular individual could be placed under Aquino’s radar screen as possible caretaker-leaders in the ARMM government..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110617nat7.html

GMA hospitalized for pinched nerve 06/17/2011

GMA hospitalized for pinched nerve

06/17/2011
Former President, now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo was admitted yesterday to the St. Luke’s Medical Center after she was diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy or pinched nerve.

Arroyo was rushed to the hospital early morning after she complained of severe neck pains.

The former President was first attended to by Dr. Juliet Cervantes and was later referred to Dr. Mario Ver.
 ..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110617nat3.html

QC schools with few enrollees to accept students from over-populated ones By Arlie O. Calalo 06/17/2011

QC schools with few enrollees to accept students from over-populated ones

By Arlie O. Calalo 06/17/2011

The Quezon City government is considering a proposal of local education officials to put into use schools with decreasing enrollment by accommodating students from overpopulated schools in the city.

Most notable among QC schools registering a decrease in enrollment include Kalantiyaw Elementary School, Camarilla Elementary School, P. Tuazon Elementary, Malaya Elementary School and Fort Aguinaldo Elementary School.

Other schools located in Districts III and IV where the city government was able to achieve an ideal classroom-student ratio of 1:45 are also more likely to absorb the excess enrollees from Area 7 in District 2.

Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista said his administration is contemplating on adopting the suggestions of city school officials in a determined effort to maximize the use of schools and at the same time unburden the load of other schools which have found to be already over-populated..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110617met4.html

Court sentences to life imprisonment 7 Chinese for kidnap of rich Chinoy By Pat C. Santos 06/17/2011

Court sentences to life imprisonment 7 Chinese for kidnap of rich Chinoy

By Pat C. Santos 06/17/2011
A Manila court yesterday sentenced seven Chinese to life imprisonment for kidnapping-for-ransom Jacky Rowena Tiu in San Fernando, La Union on Sept. 27, 2001.

In a 38-page decision, Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 52 Presiding Judge Antonio Rosales sentenced Shi Jian Hui alias Jacky Sy King, Lim Jian Feng alias Jason Lim, Xu You Kwang alias Johnny Co, Wu Chang Shi Chun Qi alias Jacky Sy Ocampo and Zhang Xi Wang alias Michael Zhang to life imprisonment without benefit of parole, while Zhang Du alias Wilson Chang was charged as accessory in the crime of kidnapping for ransom and sentenced to a minimum of six years to a maximum of eight years and one day.

Another accused, Henry Ong, who is still at large, was ordered arrested trough a warrant issued by the judge..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110617met2.html

Wrong move EDITORIAL 06/16/2011

Wrong move

EDITORIAL

Click to enlarge

06/16/2011
Noynoy must have thought that getting the United States to come to his aid in the Spratlys problem with China would make the Asian superpower tremble enough to stop its incursions into the group of Islands claimed by China, as well as other neighboring states.

He said as much the other day, after US Ambassador Harry Thomas announced that the US “will do what is asked by its Philippine ally,” as he expressed confidence that Washington’s support for Manila through its presence via the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) would serve as a counterbalance to Beijing’s incursions.

Noynoy must be dreaming if he really believes that, as a counterbalance force, the US will be sending its warships to the disputed group of islands and stand guard for any Chinese or Vietnamese incursions. Noynoy must really be in dreamland if he thinks that good ole USA will engage in a war with China over the disputed islands and on what the Philippines asks of the US. But why not ask the US to get out of Mindanao and dismantle its bases? After all, if RP asks that of the US, shouldn’t this also be followed, as Thomas claims?.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110616com1.html

Fair rules FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 06/16/2011

Fair rules

FRONTLINE

Ninez Cacho-Olivares

06/16/2011
Media establishments that have been urging the high court to allow live TV coverage are still complaining — but now that it has been granted, they complain over the claimed “strict rules” imposed by the Supreme Court (SC) on the massacre trial coverage, arguing that the TV and radio networks will be discouraged into airing the trial live.

Yet the rules of the high court are fair to the public at large as well as the rights of the accused, in that TV and radio networks must cover all hearings from start to finish without commercial breaks, with no anchors or reporters speaking or commenting while the hearing is ongoing, as well as repeat airings being banned. Comments can come after the trial is over.

The rules are fair and logical, given the media’s propensity to provide very biased reportage of trials, a case in point being both the impeachment and plunder trial of ousted President Joseph Estrada.

It will be recalled that during the live TV coverage of Estrada’s impeachment trial in the Senate, all those talking heads and their guests, all of whom were anti-Erap, kept up with their biased comments. And even as the trial was ongoing, they made it appear that Estrada was guilty of what he was being charged..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110616com2.html

Six months on, Arab spring faces serious threats focus 06/16/2011

Six months on, Arab spring faces serious threats

focus

06/16/2011
CAIRO — Six months after mass revolts toppled Tunisia’s Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and then Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak, the so-called “Arab spring” has hit roadblocks ranging from fierce repression to outright war.

Spurred by democratic aspirations and hostility toward deeply entrenched governments, the uprisings have been followed by conflict and economic woes.

“What we are going through right now is a bottleneck,” said Rabab al-Mahdi, a political science professor at the American University of Cairo.

The Dec. 17 self immolation of a Tunisian street vendor sparked demonstrations that toppled Ben Ali..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110616com3.html

Obama searches for right note on jobs focus 06/16/2011

Obama searches for right note on jobs

focus

06/16/2011
MIAMI — US President Barack Obama is searching for the right rhetorical note on the stuttering US economy, as Republicans seek to squelch his 2012 reelection rollout with an assault over the jobs crisis.

By now, the White House had hoped the world’s largest economy would be powering ahead, generating hundreds of thousands of jobs every month, along with goodwill for Obama’s second term hopes.

But government data last month showing slowed growth, slumbering manufacturing and tepid job creation, forced the White House to recalibrate its message, and raised questions over Obama’s 2012 second term prospects.

With unemployment at 9.1 percent, and higher in some key states, Republicans scent a vulnerable target as they kick off their nominating race..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110616com7.html

Mass arrests take Asian cooperation to new level FEATURE 06/16/2011

Mass arrests take Asian cooperation to new level

FEATURE

06/16/2011
TAIPEI — Top-level police officials across Asia had been in contact for months as they prepared a sweeping crackdown on fraud rings in half a dozen countries. Last week, they finally struck.

Nearly 600 suspects were rounded up as law enforcers launched a coordinated attack on Internet and telephone scams in an operation that many police and experts said marked a milestone in the regional fight against crime.

“It was unprecedented considering how many countries were involved and how many police officers were mobilized,” said Liao Yu-lu, chief of the Department of Criminal Investigation at Taiwan’s Central Police University.

Arrests were made in Taiwan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and — crucially — China..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110616com6.html

3Gs VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 06/16/2011

3Gs

VIEWPOINTS

Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz

06/16/2011
The Philippines is a lovely and loving country. Many of her islands remain a paradise for many people, fowls and animals alike. Her environ is still by and large clean and healthy. Her mountains are awesome to see just as her volcanoes are fearsome to behold.

And the Filipinos? In general, they are good and kind. They love their families and dote on their children. They enjoy telling jokes and are filled with laughter. They celebrate many fiestas. Their demands are not much just as their expectations are not high. Their culture remains right and proper as a rule. Their value system stays basically sound. But there is something wrong — very wrong in the Philippine scenery.

There are some people who persist in causing trouble to Filipinos in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Their human dignity is trampled upon, and many of their basic and complementary human rights are violated. There are furthermore certain individuals who make crime a big business, who engage in massacres, in exploiting women and children. To top it all, the people have supposedly chosen leaders who precisely lead them either astray or to nowhere..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110616com5.html

Wendell Sulit’s removal from service pushed By Aytch S. dela Cruz. Arlie O. Calalo and Angie M. Rosales 06/16/2011

OMBUDSMAN ENFORCES SUSPENSION ORDER ON PLEA BARGAIN PROSECUTOR

Wendell Sulit’s removal from service pushed

By Aytch S. dela Cruz. Arlie O. Calalo and Angie M. Rosales 06/16/2011

Special Prosecutor Wendell Barreras-Sulit, the alleged “architect” of the controversial plea bargain agreement between the Office of the Ombudsman and retired Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia, has not only been placed under preventive suspension for 90 days, but is also now facing charges of graft and corruption and betrayal of public trust.

Acting chief Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro also yesterday issued an implementation order on Sulit, which was received and signed by her also yesterday.

The implementation order stated that she was found to be “probably guilty” due to the existence of a prima facie case and that her removal from service is warranted..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110616hed1.html

‘Strategic ally’ RP unstable, dangerous — US advisory 06/16/2011 By Michaela P. del Callar

‘Strategic ally’ RP unstable, dangerous — US advisory

06/16/2011
By Michaela P. del Callar
After calling the Philippines its “strategic treaty ally,” the United States retained the country in its list of “dangerous or unstable” territories when it re-issued a damaging travel warning against Manila, citing heightened concerns on possible terrorist attacks.

Washington released the travel warning on the same day its envoy to the country, Harry Thomas, called the Philippines its “strategic treaty ally” in the midst of Manila’s brewing territorial dispute with China in the contested Spratlys in the South China Sea.

Travel warnings, according to the US State Department, are issued when “long-term, protracted conditions make a country dangerous or unstable,” which leads them to recommend that “Americans avoid or consider the risk of travel to that country.” It is also issued when the US government’s ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110616hed5.html

DoJ charges 4, clears Reyes, 5 others in Ortega murder By Benjamin B. Pulta 06/16/2011

DoJ charges 4, clears Reyes, 5 others in Ortega murder

By Benjamin B. Pulta 06/16/2011

A ruling by a prosecution panel recommended criminal charges against four individuals, including the alleged gunman in the killing of broadcast journalist Gerry Ortega early this year.

In a 21-page resolution dated June 8, the Department of Justice (DoJ) panel also dismissed for insufficient evidence the charge against former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and former Marinduque Gov. Jose Carreon; former Palawan provincial admainistrator Romeo Serratubias; Coron, Palawan Mayor Mario Reyes, and suspects Arturo Regalado and Percival Lecias.

The DoJ panel headed by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Edwin Dayog, however, recommended the filing of murder charges against Rodolfo “Bumar” Edrad Jr. and suspects Armando Noel, Dennis Aranas and Arwin Arandia.

Two other members of the panel were Assistant State Prosecutors Bryan Cacha and John Benedict Medina..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110616nat1.html

Pet activists want to punish a man cruel to puppy 06/16/2011

Pet activists want to punish a man cruel to puppy

06/16/2011
Animal rights activists and thousands of members of the public expressed outrage yesterday over a photo on Facebook showing a puppy pegged to a clothes line in the Philippines.

The photo was apparently posted by a young Filipino man on his Facebook account, where he initially ignored reprimands by pet lovers and boasted he would not be jailed for “washing” his dog.

The photo showed a small puppy hanging by five plastic pegs to a clothes line.

After going viral on the Internet, the link was picked up by animal rights activists, including the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which launched an investigation..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110616nat3.html

Former Pasay City mayor, three others charged over irregular bidding for P500-M mall, market By Arlie O. Calalo 06/16/2011

Former Pasay City mayor, three others charged over irregular bidding for P500-M mall, market

By Arlie O. Calalo 06/16/2011
The Office of the Ombudsman yesterday gave the go-signal to file criminal charges against former Pasay City Mayor Wenceslao Trinidad and three others in connection with the alleged anomalous bidding procedure for the construction of a mall and market in 2003.

Also ordered indicted were ex-Councilor Jose Antonio Roxas and Non-Government Organization-Bids and Awards Committee representatives Joselito Manabat and Alexander Ramos in violation of the provisions of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) in relation to RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act) and Article 237 of the Revised Penal Code (Prolonging Performance of Duties and Powers).
.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110616met3.html

SC okays firing of 3 PEA execs in P600-M anomaly By Benjamin B. Pulta 06/16/2011

SC okays firing of 3 PEA execs in P600-M anomaly

By Benjamin B. Pulta 06/16/2011

The Supreme Court (SC) has turned down separate petitions filed by three senior officials of the Public Estates Authority (PEA) who are questioning their dismissal from the service for their supposed part in bloating the project cost of the President Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard project in Pasay City by P600 million.

In a 15-page decision by Associate Justice Jose Catral Mendoza, the SC’s Second Division denied the consolidated petitions filed by Theron Lacson, PEA’s deputy manager for finance, legal and administration; Jaime Millan, assistant general manager, and Bernardo Viray, department general manager.

The three took the case to the SC after the Court of Appeals (CA) upheld the order issued by the Office of the President upon the recommendation of the defunct Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) dismissing the petitioners from PEA..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110616met1.html

Failed presidency EDITORIAL 06/15/2011

Failed presidency

EDITORIAL

Click to enlarge

06/15/2011
If Noynoy’s Independence Day speech is a peek into his State of the Nation Address (Sona), his July 25 address, will surely be yet another big disappointment to many Filipinos, because all he states are promises that are certainly never going to be delivered — whether in two or even five years.

But it is also apparent, given his speech last Sunday, that he and his administration really have no achievement or reforms to speak of, considering what he says he has done is to have “planted the seeds of reforms” that however, cannot even be seen or felt, as there certainly are no palpable reforms that he claims to have introduced. The postponement of the ARMM polls is no reform, but a throwback to the Marcos dictatorship, where OICs were appointed.

A Sona is a yearly speech to the nation, through a congressional speech, outlining what a chief executive achieved in his first year in office, what his plans are for the next year or so, and how he will be implementing these plans — and from there, he is judged by the nation..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110615com2.html

A now controversial figure FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 06/15/2011

A now controversial figure

FRONTLINE

Ninez Cacho-Olivares

06/15/2011
Outgoing Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales now seems to be the most controversial applicant for the position of Ombudsman, but perhaps that is also because almost everybody knows she is Noynoy’s choice as replacement of Merceditas Gutierrez.

It was Noynoy who personally asked Morales to apply for the Ombudsman’s job, which translated means that the job was hers — on a silver platter. And she quickly accepted that offer on condition that former SC chief justice Art Panganiban endorses her, which he prompted did, in the vernacular, that appointment would be termed as Lutong Macao.

If Noynoy was truly not interfering with the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), and would simply choose one from a list of three, he wouldn’t have talked Carpio into applying for the position. Besides, despite the presidential spokesman claim that the JBC is an independent body and that Noynoy is not interfering in its choices, the fact is that Noynoy has practically the majority members of the JBC vote, as they are his appointees, apart from three more political allies, such as Rep. Niel Tupas, Sen, Chiz Escudero and Justice Chief Leila de Lima. They will toe the Noynoy line as they can hardly be called independent..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110615com3.html

Bangladesh shipyards back in business FEATURE 06/15/2011

Bangladesh shipyards back in business

FEATURE

06/15/2011
DHAKA — Bangladesh’s vast ship-breaking yards are roaring back into business, after the easing of strict environmental regulations that brought the major industry to a halt for much of 2010.

A High Court ruling on March 7 reversed a series of 2010 court verdicts — fought for by environmental activists — that required vessels to be cleared of all hazardous material such as asbestos before being imported for scrap.

“Finally, we can see the end of our long legal problems,” Hefazatur Rahman, president of the Bangladesh Ship Breakers’ Association, told AFP, calling the ruling a victory for the industry.

The court decision has allowed the industry to restart the import of scrap vessels and 50 ships are now waiting to be broken at Sitakundu, the country’s southeastern ship-breaking hub..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110615com4.html

Henares, apologize and pay up! C.R.O.S.S.R.O.A.D.S Jonathan De la Cruz 06/15/2011

Henares, apologize and pay up!

C.R.O.S.S.R.O.A.D.S

Jonathan De la Cruz

06/15/2011
PNoy’s speechwriters did him a great disservice. And, worse, at the expense of his dearly beloved mother, the first President Aquino. Imagine injecting such words as “...This is a new free Philippines, we are the free Filipinos, separated from the scourge of corruption and poverty... meeting the future with heads held high and with much excitement...” in his first Independence Day speech! And then, prefacing such with “On behalf of all Filipinos, I declare the start of a new chapter in our history where each Filipino will reap the fruits of his labor, where the law is fairly implemented, where everyone can be the master of his destiny and where freedom comes hand in hand with dignity.” So, what are P-Noy and his writers saying? That we have had nothing going in this country until they came along?... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110615com6.html

The flag NO HOLDS BARRED Armida Siguion-Reyna 06/15/2011

The flag

NO HOLDS BARRED

Armida Siguion-Reyna

06/15/2011
Last weekend the news centered on whether or not the United States was going to be with us against China over the issue of Spratly Islands. And when tri-media devoted almost as much space to Manny Pacquiao’s moving into Forbes Park, the purchase of a house that purportedly cost more than P300 million served to distract, methinks, from the commemoration of Independence Day.

Anyway. Where before the unspoken rule was to have the Vice-Presidents in the Emilio Aguinaldo house in Cavite while Presidents took in all the pomp and pageantry and pagandahan ng floats at the Quirino Grandstand, the most recent one had P-Noy himself laying the wreath at the tomb of the first President of the Republic, and after raising the flag up high on the same balcony where it was hurled 113 years ago, there delivered his “graft-free Philippines” speech.

Curiously, where is the original flag? Is it still around? Is it the one in Baguio, under the care of the Aguinaldo-Suntays, described as “custodians” of the much, much earlier version “discovered folded and tucked” in Aguinaldo’s deathbed in 1964?.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110615com5.html

Noy rushes to US side over China Sea dispute By Aytch S. de la Cruz 06/15/2011

US ENVOY AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO BACK RP

Noy rushes to US side over China Sea dispute

By Aytch S. de la Cruz 06/15/2011

President Aquino ran to the side of the United States to seek succor amid an increasingly tense dispute with China over rival claims in the South China Sea.

“Perhaps the presence of our treaty partners, the United States of America, ensures that all of us will have freedom of navigation (and) will conform to international law,” Aquino said.

“Of course they (China) are a superpower, they have more than 10 times our population. We do not want any hostilities to break out,” Aquino told reporters when asked about recent Chinese actions in the disputed waters.

Aquino’s comments came after the US ambassador to the Philippines, Harry Thomas, said yesterday that the United States remained committed to helping its former colony in any dispute over the South China Sea..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110615hed1.html

SC allows live TV coverage of Ampatuan massacre trial By Benjamin B. Pulta 06/15/2011

SC allows live TV coverage of Ampatuan massacre trial

By Benjamin B. Pulta
06/15/2011

The Supreme Court (SC) decided yesterday to allow live media coverage of the Maguindanao massacre trial.

In a unanimous vote, the SC justices ruled to allow pooled television coverage of the trial presided over by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes. The court’s decision is not a precedent to other cases.

“The court took into consideration the impossibility of accommodating all the parties.” Court Administrator Midas Marquez explained to newsmen about the court’s decision.

The live coverage will tap the SC’s video camera mounted inside the court room which will then feed the footage to various media networks..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110615hed5.html

Court sentences ex-SBMA exec to 8 years By Arlie O. Calalo 06/15/2011

Court sentences ex-SBMA exec to 8 years

By Arlie O. Calalo 06/15/2011

A former Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) executive has been found criminally liable for certifying a non-existent memorandum of agreement (MoA) for a P40-million worth of hospital equipment and vehicles in 1998.

Lawyer Hedy Esmade-Diaz was ordered to serve six to eight years in prison by Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Judge Richard Paradeza who found her guilty beyond reasonable doubt for falsification of documents under Article 141 of the Revised Penal Code.

The former SBMA corporate secretary was specifically held liable for certifying that a MoA providing for the transfer of about P40-million of equipment and vehicles had been ratified and approved..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110615nat2.html

Repeal of Epira Law pushed By Gerry Baldo 06/15/2011

Repeal of Epira Law pushed

By Gerry Baldo 06/15/2011

Amid the unabated increase in electricity rates, a lawmaker yesterday pushed the repeal of the
Electricity Power Industry Reform Act (Epira).

According to Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan, the consumers of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) have been billed more than doubled during the 10 years that the law has taken effect. It took effect in 2000.

Ilagan, citing data from a consumer group People Opposed to Warrantless Electricity Rates (Power), said that Meralco customers were only billed at the average rate of P4.87 per kilowatt hour (kwh) in 2001 until it reached an average rate of P10.35 per kwh in 2010.

“The Epira is a failure. The Filipino families now contend with having to pay the highest electricity rates in Asia is enough proof that Congress has done a great disservice by enacting this law,” Ilagan said. She said that Epira had failed to protect consumers from alleged abuses and greediness by electric companies nationwide..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110615nat3.html

Former Pagcor chairman charged for using P26.7M in filming ‘Baler’ By Benjamin B. Pulta 06/15/2011

Former Pagcor chairman charged for using P26.7M in filming ‘Baler’

By Benjamin B. Pulta 06/15/2011

Graft charges were filed yesterday by the state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) against its former chairman, Efraim Genuino, and other former officials of its funds for a movie three years ago.

In a 24-page complaint, Pagcor said P26.7 million, or two-thirds of cost of production of the film “Baler” by BIDA Productions Inc. and VIVA Communications Inc. came from its operations.

“Respondents, in conspiracy with each other, fraudulently appropriated, took, misappropriated or consented or, through abandonment or negligence, permitted another person to take public funds from the coffers of Pagcor,” the complaint said..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110615met3.html

Pacquiao joins militant workers’ call for P125 across-the-board wage hike By Charlie V. Manalo 06/15/2011

Pacquiao joins militant workers’ call for P125 across-the-board wage hike

By Charlie V. Manalo 06/15/2011

Citing his experience as a lowly-wage earner, eight-time world boxing champion Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao yesterday joined militant workers in pressing a P125 across-the-board wage hike.

Paying a visit to the national headquarters of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Pacquiao justified the workers’ call for a wage increase, saying it’s about time for workers to find a little relief from the rising cost of basic commodities.

“Ako rin ay naging ordinaryong manggagawa. Naging welder, service boy, nagbenta ng balot at sampaguita, nagtra-trabaho sa kakarampot na kita. Hindi naging madali ang buhay kaya naiintindihan ko ang inyong laban,” Pacquiao said.

KMU leaders, together with Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano, welcomed Pacquiao’s support as they expressed hope the Filipino champion’s voice could help enjoin their colleagues in the House to support the measure..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110615met2.html

Empty pledges EDITORIAL 06/14/2011

Empty pledges

EDITORIAL

Click to enlarge

06/14/2011
On Independence Day, Noynoy again went big with promises — but empty promises they are.

They are as empty as the promises he made during his inauguration at Luneta on June 30, 2010.

As a matter of fact, his Independence Day speech was clearly a rehash of his inaugural address. No doubt it was his bid to recapture the “enthusiasm” he generated to his supporters after his poll victory, with his repeat of his “You are my boss” line.

Unfortunately, he forgets that he will have been in the presidency for a full year by the end of June, and he has already been found wanting by many Filipinos, including many of his supporters. That enthusiasm generated cannot be revived — not with another round of pledges that can hardly be delivered..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110614com1.html

Noynoy’s ‘sea of lies’ FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 06/14/2011

Noynoy’s ‘sea of lies’

FRONTLINE

Ninez Cacho-Olivares

06/14/2011
It was, as publicly speculated: Ping de Jesus quit his post as Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) chief over Noynoy’s demand that De Jesus change his recommendation amid Noynoy’s insistence for him to cancel the Stradcom contract and retain his kabarilan, suspended LTO Chief Virginia Torres.

That is as clear as day, given the date (May 23) of the memo, the time recived by Noynoy and the date word of Ping’s resignation surfaced, plus of course, the contents of the memorandum to Noynoy.

Noynoy, the source, a transport undersecretary, said, asked them to change their recommendations and instead recommend the speedy termination of the Stradcom contract by citing that there are no benefits to the Stradcom contract. The source said they refused to do it, as it was also clear in Ping’s memo that it would not benefit the public if the Stradcom automated IT services were cancelled, with the LTO reverting to manual..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110614com2.html

Ghosts of Prague’s historic Golden Lane FEATURE 06/14/2011

Ghosts of Prague’s historic Golden Lane

FEATURE

06/14/2011
PRAGUE — Kveta Zrustova, 91, can clearly recall the spring day in 1938 when she entered a tiny house in Prague’s famed Golden Lane to ask advice from the fortune teller Madame de Thebes.

“I was scared stiff. She was sitting in the corner with a cat on her shoulder,” said Zrustova who was 18 and wanted to know how her school exams would go.

Madame de Thebes, who later died during interrogation by the Nazis after predicting the fall of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich, was just one of the colorful real-life residents of the historic street..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110614com3.html

Exporting culture AN OUTSIDERS VIEW Ken Fuller 06/14/2011

Exporting culture

AN OUTSIDERS VIEW

Ken Fuller

06/14/2011
The name Cornel West (professor of African American Studies and Religion at Princeton University) was unknown to me until I came across his 2004 book, Democracy Matters: Winning the Fight against Imperialism, on the second-hand table at National Bookstore.

It’s clear that West is a serious thinker, deeply concerned about the direction in which the USA was headed during the Bush years. He finds it ironic that 9/11 became “the historic occasion for the full-scale gangsterization of America,” possibly ushering in “a postdemocratic age in which the very ‘democratic’ rhetoric of an imperial America hides the waning of a democratic America.”

West calls upon Americans – and the deep but officially-ignored American radical tradition – to combat the anti-democratic impulses abroad. “It is when we confront the challenges of our anti-democratic inclinations as a country that our most profound democratic commitments are born, both on the individual and the societal level.”.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110614com4.html

RH Bill (Once more with pleasure) VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 06/14/2011

RH Bill (Once more with pleasure)

VIEWPOINTS

Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz

06/14/2011
For start, it is good to recall that God Himself gave but Ten Commandments to rule the whole world, the whole of humanity all over the globe. And the Lord Jesus Christ even reduced them into but Two Commandments: Love God. Love others. The first Three Commandments are for the love of God. The other Seven Commandments are for love of others. It requires but these Commandments for all peoples to live in truth, to get justice, to live in peace.

On the other hand, it is worth asking how many thousands of laws have the present and immediately past Legislative Department enacted? Three thousand? Four thousand? As a valid consequential question, it comes to order to ask how many laws has the executive department succeeded in having duly implemented? One thousand? Two thousand? And as a logical follow-up question, how many violators of the law has the judicial department brought to justice? Answer: Just guess. Such would be enough, given a long existing dysfunctional justice system in the Philippines..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110614com5.html

Probe called on Noy’s arm twist of DoTC By Charlie V. Manalo and Aytch S. de la Cruz 06/14/2011

PALACE DENIES TRIBUNE REPORT, CLAIMS NO STRADCOM RECOMMENDATION IN DE JESUS MEMO

Probe called on Noy’s arm twist of DoTC

By Charlie V. Manalo and Aytch S. de la Cruz 06/14/2011

A congressional inquiry into the issue of outgoing Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) Chief Jose “Ping” de Jesus’ resignation, reportedly over President Aquino’s insistence on having the contract between Land Transportation Office’s IT provider, Stradcom, rescinded, is being set in motion, with a congressman allied with the ruling majority seeking a probe on the alleged “arm-twisting” ways of the Palace.

A Tribune report Monday bared De Jesus’ resignation after the President ordered him
to change his recommendation on the automated system being rendered by LTO Information Technology (IT) provider Stradcom that will in effectively terminate its contract with the government as demanded by Aquino’s kabarilan (shooting buddy), LTO head Virginia Torres.

“It looks like the old corrupt habit is rearing its head at the DoTC,” remarked Bayan Partylist Rep. Teddy Casiño. “Apparently, De Jesus’ resignation was connected to his recommendations on the automated system of the LTO which did not sit well with the President’s shooting buddy. This is something that the House has to look into if we want to clean up the department,” Casiño said..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110614hed1.html