Creating more headaches EDITORIAL 08/12/2010

Creating more headaches

EDITORIAL Click to enlarge 08/12/2010 Midnight appointments are hardly the core issue in the executive order released by Malacañang, because there really is no way for Noynoy and his legal team to know just who are the so-called midnight appointees, as the EO is a blanket order, combined with threats to remove all of those appointments done within the election ban period and probably reappoint the bulk of these so-called appointees. It is very likely that Gloria Arroyo did not appoint anyone — at least officially — within the election ban period. She would have known better than to be caught appointing anyone — outside of appointing people in an acting capacity — within the election ban period. Truth is, if Noynoy and his lawyers knew just who among the close to a thousand appointees are midnight appointees, they would already have been given their walking papers. It would be pretty difficult to identify close to a thousand of so-called midnight appointees and quite frankly, Malacañang is just giving itself a huge headache over this EO and spend time and effort before the court defending its EOs. But what Malacañang is said to be pushing is not the appointments made before the ban, but the appointees’ acceptance and swearing in, as well as claims of such appointment dates being antedated, which antedating style Noynoy and his boys are guilty of too, with at least four of the EOs clearly being antedated..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100812com1.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Creating more headaches FRONTLINE Time for Cha-cha FEATURE Saudi Arabia hopes giant clock will establish ‘Mecca Time’ BLURBAL THRUSTS HGC official dangles P50-M carrot for reappointment COMMENT P-Noy’s golden eggs VIEWPOINTS Warning: Jueteng-STL tandem a formidable political force focus Racing against time to preserve Racing against time to preserve

Hacienda seeks SC approval of farmers’ SDO accord By Benjamin B. Pulta and Aytch S. de la Cruz 08/12/2010

Noy insists on no involvement in deal Hacienda seeks SC approval of farmers’ SDO accord By Benjamin B. Pulta and Aytch S. de la Cruz 08/12/2010 Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI) management appears to be striking while another Aquino presidential iron is hot. It was during then President Cory Aquino’s time that the hacienda came up with the stock distribution option (SDO) in a Cojuangco-Aquino hacienda bid to evade placing Hacienda Luisita under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law. Another Cojuangco-Aquino sits in Malacañang today, and the same hacienda owners want the SDO retained through an agreement that has been branded by critics and activists as “deceptive,” “illegal” and a “sham.” Lawyers of the Cojuangco-owned HLI, formally asked the Supreme Court (SC) yesterday to approve the compromise agreement it had signed with the supposed representatives of the 5,000 farmworkers who are supposed to benefit from the government’s land reform program. HLI is finalizing the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and is seeking the approval of the compromise agreement sought by HLI and farmers belonging to Alyansa ng mga Manggagawang Bukid ng Hacienda Luisita, (Ambala) United Luisita Workers Union (Ulwu) and Supervisory Group of Hacienda Luisita, Inc. Some of the signatories reportedly said that money, to the tune of P150 million and pledges of work for farmers who sign up were offered by the Cojuangcos. The approval of the compromise agreement may make moot HLI’s petition seeking the nullification of a resolution issued by the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) recalling the stock distribution option (SDO) adopted by the Cojuangcos and the farmworkers 16 years ago.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100812hed1.html

HEADLINES Hacienda seeks SC approval of farmers’ SDO accord TRO sought vs toll fees e-VAT; Noy has power to suspend tax Solons: Lacson can’t be impeacheds toll fees e-VAT; Noy has power to suspend tax AFP probing ‘politicking’ officers — DND No SC TRO means axing of Gloria appointees on — Palace Solon resurrects Right of Reply bill

TRO sought vs toll fees e-VAT; Noy has power to suspend tax By Benjamin B. Pulta and Angie M. Rosales 08/12/2010

TRO sought vs toll fees e-VAT; Noy has power to suspend tax

By Benjamin B. Pulta and Angie M. Rosales 08/12/2010 A petition before the Supreme Court (SC) asks the tribunal to stop the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) from imposing the value-added tax on toll fees being collected from motorists which is scheduled to start on Monday, Aug. 16. However, Malacañang can order the suspension of the scheduled imposition of the 12-per-cent expanded value-added tax (eVAT) on toll fees, which is seen to bring to as much as 286 percent the total rate increase, pending Congress’ review on the said policy, an administration senator said yesterday, although signs are that the Palace won’t move to stop this. Sen. Franklin Drilon said that unless there is a court order that will put on hold its implementation on Monday, there is no stopping the eVAT on toll fees which, incidentally, will also coincide with the increase in its current rates. “The Senate cannot do anything because the Senate does not have injunctive power. If there is no TRO (temporary restraining order) issued on it, it will have to be enforced, unless the Executive branch would order the deferment of the charges. The secretary of finance can do it,” he said.  Drilon yesterday called on Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima to direct the Bureau on Internal Revenue (BIR) to impose, at least a moratorium, pending a review of the said policy vis-à-vis existing laws alongside inquiry in the upper chamber. The suit was filed by former Nueva Ecija 1st District Representative Renato Diaz and former Trade and Industry assistant secretary Aurora Timbol. Diaz is the principal author in the House of Representatives of Republic Act No. 8424, otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Tax Reform Act of 1997” and one of the co-authors and sponsors of Republic Act No. 7716, otherwise known as the “Expanded VAT Law.” Timbol,on the other hand is one of the principal writers and initiators of the Consumer Code of the Philippines and a former consultant of the TRB Toll Operating Agreements (TOAs) and Supplemental Toll Operating Agreements (STOAs) between the government and its private sector partners... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100812hed2.html

HEADLINES Hacienda seeks SC approval of farmers’ SDO accord TRO sought vs toll fees e-VAT; Noy has power to suspend tax Solons: Lacson can’t be impeacheds toll fees e-VAT; Noy has power to suspend tax AFP probing ‘politicking’ officers — DND No SC TRO means axing of Gloria appointees on — Palace Solon resurrects Right of Reply bill

Solons: Lacson can’t be impeacheds toll fees e-VAT; Noy has power to suspend tax By Angie Rosales 08/12/2010

Solons: Lacson can’t be impeacheds toll fees e-VAT; Noy has power to suspend tax

By Angie Rosales 08/12/2010 Only senators can remove a senator, Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile said yesterday in response to an anti-crime group’s plan to file an impeachment complaint against fugitive Sen. Panfilo Lacson.  The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) said it would initiate moves to impeach Lacson from the Senate for being implicated in the double murder case of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emammnuel Corbito and for going into hiding to evade an arrest order. “Nobody can remove a senator. They should first review the Constitution before they open their mouth,” Enrile said in an interview with reporters. Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, chairman of the justice and human rights committee, said Lacson can be expelled from being a member of the upper chamber either through a vote by the Senate, following a recommendation by the committee on ethics and privileges or by order of the Court in case there is a conviction by final judgment which will include the penalty of absolute and perpetual disqualification to hold public office. Escudero said there should first be a resolution or a complaint filed before the ethics panel, so that appropriate action can be taken against Lacson. “So far, there’s no information reaching us regarding that matter. If they are out to impeach the senator, they cannot do that because senators are not among the impeachable officers under the Constitution. In fact, it is the Senate that conducts the trial proceedings on any impeachment case,” he said..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100812hed3.html

HEADLINES Hacienda seeks SC approval of farmers’ SDO accord TRO sought vs toll fees e-VAT; Noy has power to suspend tax Solons: Lacson can’t be impeacheds toll fees e-VAT; Noy has power to suspend tax AFP probing ‘politicking’ officers — DND No SC TRO means axing of Gloria appointees on — Palace Solon resurrects Right of Reply bill

AFP probing ‘politicking’ officers — DND By Mario J. Mallari 08/12/2010

AFP probing ‘politicking’ officers — DND

By Mario J. Mallari 08/12/2010 Now they’re talking. The Department of National Defense (DND) yesterday said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is currently investigating the allegations of National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) chief Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue that some ranking military officers were engaged into partisan political activities during the last May 10 elections. “The AFP has its own internal procedures already in place and I am sure that it has already acted on this or at least started investigations on these allegations,” DND spokesman Eduardo Batac told a press briefing. Angue earlier called for an investigation into the alleged “politicking” of some ranking military officers during the last May 10 polls. The two-star general also decried that those who sided with the winners are now occupying choice positions in the military and expressed disgust over the return of “bata-bata system” or patronage politics in the AFP promotions. He, however, did not name names. After making the allegations, Angue was “gagged” by AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo David Jr. who demanded him to explain why he should not be sanctioned for issuing statements not covered by his mandate and mission as commanding general of the NCRCom, the AFP’s primary unit against coup d’etat. the AFP leadership also challenged Angue to formalize his allegations and substantiate them with pieces of evidence. But the AFP did not admit any ongoing investigation of Angue’s allegations regarding politicking of some officers during the May 10 elections.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100812hed4.html

HEADLINES Hacienda seeks SC approval of farmers’ SDO accord TRO sought vs toll fees e-VAT; Noy has power to suspend tax Solons: Lacson can’t be impeacheds toll fees e-VAT; Noy has power to suspend tax AFP probing ‘politicking’ officers — DND No SC TRO means axing of Gloria appointees on — Palace Solon resurrects Right of Reply bill

No SC TRO means axing of Gloria appointees on — Palace By Aytch S. de la Cruz 08/12/2010

No SC TRO means axing of Gloria appointees on — Palace

By Aytch S. de la Cruz 08/12/2010 The Palace will pursue the termination of the so-called “midnight appointees” of former President Arroyo after the Supreme Court (SC) held off from issuing an injunction against Executive Order nos. 2 an 3 that reversed previous edicts on government postings. EO 2 revoked the appointments of officials appointed by Arroyo on or after March 11 and those appointed prior to March 11 but took their oaths and assumed office after the date which was the designated date from which a 45-day ban on appointments under the Omnibus Election Code took effect while EO 3 nullified EO 883 granting career executive service rank to lawyers in the Executive Department. Given the SC decision not to grant a temporary restraining order (TRO) sought by some petitioners on both executive orders was taken by the Palace as a green light for Malacañang to pursue the firing of “midnight appointees”. “They (petitioners) asked for a TRO and the Supreme Court did not grant them that remedy, therefore, having no legal process to restrain us from performing our functions, all the Cabinet departments are still given the right to replace midnight appointees,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda told reporters. Lacierda added that Solicitor General Joel Cadiz will issue the Executive’s response to the SC’s order for the Palace to comment on the petitions filed against Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr, who was named sole respondent in the complaints against the two executive orders.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100812hed5.html

HEADLINES Hacienda seeks SC approval of farmers’ SDO accord TRO sought vs toll fees e-VAT; Noy has power to suspend tax Solons: Lacson can’t be impeacheds toll fees e-VAT; Noy has power to suspend tax AFP probing ‘politicking’ officers — DND No SC TRO means axing of Gloria appointees on — Palace Solon resurrects Right of Reply bill

Solon resurrects Right of Reply bill 08/12/2010

Solon resurrects Right of Reply bill

08/12/2010 In an apparent bid to get even with some mediamen who have maligned him and his family, a lawmaker from Camiguin yesterday refiled the controversial Right of Reply Bill (RoRB) in the House of Representatives. RoRB seeks to penalize journalists, including newspaper publishers, broadcast directors and media owners if they fail to allot airtime or newspaper space that would publish or air the side of a person criticized by the concerned media outlet. Rep. Pedro Romualdo was the lawmaker who could be blamed for the demise of a similar bill during the 14th Congress when he questioned quorum at the time when the House was set to approve the bicameral conference committee report on the Freedom of Information (FoI) bill. The FoI has been pushed by media workers as a tool for reporters to get the public documents and other information needed in the course of their news gathering. Romualdo, now a member of the ruling Liberal Party coalition, claimed that the RoRB will not curtail press freedom..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100812hed6.html

HEADLINES Hacienda seeks SC approval of farmers’ SDO accord TRO sought vs toll fees e-VAT; Noy has power to suspend tax Solons: Lacson can’t be impeacheds toll fees e-VAT; Noy has power to suspend tax AFP probing ‘politicking’ officers — DND No SC TRO means axing of Gloria appointees on — Palace Solon resurrects Right of Reply bill

Usurping congressional power EDITORIAL 08/11/2010

Usurping congressional power

EDITORIAL Click to enlarge 08/11/2010 Noynoy Aquino’s executive orders (EOs), being issued one after the other, in all likelihood, are, at best infirm, and at worst, illegal and unconstitutional, and in some cases, there is clear usurpation of congressional powers by Malacañang. The latest EO issued is EO 4, which “restructures” the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) while giving this department a new name, to be known officially as the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO). EO 4 states: “There is a vital need to reorganize and effect functional changes within the Office of the Press Secretary and create an office to systematize, rationalize, and complement the existing structure to achieve a more efficient and systematic interaction between the people, the Office of the President and the executive branch.” It justifies this move with the statement saying that it is “imperative that government redefines its efforts to integrate and harmonize its message conceptualization, formation and development policies and programs in order to fully utilize the opportunities arising from the rapid development of existing and emerging media.”.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100811com1.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Usurping congressional power FRONTLINE Arroyo clone FEATURE Winds of political change blow through Malaysian jungles MR. EXPOSE Pagcor jackpot focus US pilots fly Pakistan flood aid to win hearts and minds HE SAYS For Prisco HE SAYS Beyond Prisco

Arroyo clone FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 08/11/2010

Arroyo clone

FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 08/11/2010 During Gloria Arroyo’s time in Malacañang, when allegations of corruption, or irregularity or presidential impropriety were leveled against her, Palace spokesmen always countered these charges with “prove it” and “bring these to the proper forum.” This stand apparently hasn’t changed at all under the Noynoy presidency, with his spokesman now coming up with the same challenges of proving these allegations. Just recently, with the National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) chief Adm. Feliciano Angue issuing statements on the military still playing partisan politics during the 2010 elections and with those Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officers who sided with the winners now reaping their rewards through choice posts in the military, there went Noynoy’s spokesman, Edwin Lacierda, challenging Angue to present his evidence before the proper forum on his recent revelations that some high-ranking officials of the AFP are still going by the culture of partisan politics. As Lacierda said: “He (Angue) has to prove that. As far as we know, there’s a process in appointing new generals. There’s a board of generals that they go through. So if there are any allegations that he’s being muscled then let him show proof of that. As I understand it, there’s a hierarchy (in the military) that their democratic voice is not as open as any ordinary citizens..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100811com2.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Usurping congressional power FRONTLINE Arroyo clone FEATURE Winds of political change blow through Malaysian jungles MR. EXPOSE Pagcor jackpot focus US pilots fly Pakistan flood aid to win hearts and minds HE SAYS For Prisco HE SAYS Beyond Prisco

Winds of political change blow through Malaysian jungles FEATURE 08/11/2010

Winds of political change blow through Malaysian jungles

FEATURE 08/11/2010 LONG MUBUI — An opposition party poster hanging in a Penan tribal chieftain’s wooden longhouse deep in Malaysia’s rainforests signals winds of political change blowing across Borneo island. The Penan are among the most disadvantaged of Malaysia’s indigenous people, and have for decades fought a one-sided war against the powerful logging and plantation firms that are obliterating their ancestral land. But a political transformation in Malaysia, which threatens to unseat the coalition that has ruled for half a century, has put the Borneo island states of Sabah and Sarawak in a powerful position. And the poster in the Penan longhouse, promoting the leaders of the Democratic Action Party — one of a trio that make up the opposition alliance — is the sort of thing that has the government worried. Prime Minister Najib Razak made an historic visit last month to the interior of Sarawak to visit the Penan and other “Orang Ulu” — tribal groups known as “River People” as their homelands are located along remote waterways. The premier, who arrived with senior ministers by helicopter in the village of Long Banga, made multimillion-dollar pledges to fund projects including a long-overdue road, a mini dam and a mobile medical clinic..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100811com3.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Usurping congressional power FRONTLINE Arroyo clone FEATURE Winds of political change blow through Malaysian jungles MR. EXPOSE Pagcor jackpot focus US pilots fly Pakistan flood aid to win hearts and minds HE SAYS For Prisco HE SAYS Beyond Prisco

Pagcor jackpot MR. EXPOSE Amb. Ernesto Maceda 08/11/2010

Pagcor jackpot

MR. EXPOSE Amb. Ernesto Maceda 08/11/2010 The proposal of SMC CEO Ramon Ang to buy Pagcor for $10 billion has become the hot subject of the day in government and media circles. But it is not about to happen for at least three years. President Aquino calls it “a very interesting proposal,” but he correctly observed that it has to be “studied first” to make sure “we get the correct price.” Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senators Francis Escudero, Frank Drilon, Edgardo Angara, Reps. Danilo Suarez (Quezon, 3rd district) and Albee Benitez (Negros Occidental, 3rd district) expressed reservations, pointing out that the government should retain the regulatory functions of Pagcor and the proceeds should be earmarked or deposited in a trust fund. We submit the $10 billion offer has no factual basis yet considering the reported corruption in Pagcor. President Aquino should order SGV or any reputable auditing firm to conduct an audit of Pagcor. Its reported P29 billion income is certainly understated. Ramon Ang says this should easily be increased to P35 billion. With the addition of five luxury casinos at Entertainment City and several more at Subic, Clark, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija and Metro Manila, it may even be P40 billion. An offer of $10 billion has been made. Government must now set its minimum price at between $15 to 20 billion. One thing sure, you need a law to sell Pagcor. With a P450 billion price tag or more, certainly a P22.5 billion or 5 percent lobby fund would be needed. Jackpot!... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100811com4.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Usurping congressional power FRONTLINE Arroyo clone FEATURE Winds of political change blow through Malaysian jungles MR. EXPOSE Pagcor jackpot focus US pilots fly Pakistan flood aid to win hearts and minds HE SAYS For Prisco HE SAYS Beyond Prisco

US pilots fly Pakistan flood aid to win hearts and minds focus 08/11/2010

US pilots fly Pakistan flood aid to win hearts and minds

focus 08/11/2010 GHAZI — For US combat pilots in Afghanistan, there are two reasons to visit Pakistan: To help provide aid to the millions affected by devastating floods, and to improve America’s image. Torrential monsoon rains have lashed Pakistan for two weeks, triggering catastrophic flooding that the UN says has affected 13.8 million people, in a disaster eclipsing the 2004 tsunami that killed 220,000 across Asia. Entire villages have been washed away. Parts of the country, such as the northwest Swat valley which for years was paralyzed by Taliban insurgency, are cut off from the outside world. An estimated 1,600 persons have died. The government says the international community has promised $92 million, but it is the presence of US military helicopters that may incite the most controversy in Pakistan, where anti-Americanism is endemic. The White House said that US helicopters have helped to save more than 1,000 lives in Pakistan. Washington has provided $35 million in aid, including 436,000 halal meals and 12 pre-fabricated bridges..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100811com5.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Usurping congressional power FRONTLINE Arroyo clone FEATURE Winds of political change blow through Malaysian jungles MR. EXPOSE Pagcor jackpot focus US pilots fly Pakistan flood aid to win hearts and minds HE SAYS For Prisco HE SAYS Beyond Prisco

For Prisco HE SAYS Aldrin Cardon 08/11/2010

For Prisco

HE SAYS Aldrin Cardon 08/11/2010 Until he received a moderate tongue-lashing from President Aquino in the aftermath of “Basyang,” a rather moderate typhoon compared to the worst ones that hit the country only recently but still resulted in about a hundred deaths, Nilo Prisco had opted to stay in the sidelines of action, unless his services were needed. And oftentimes they were, especially during typhoon months, when Nilo, as our many sources in the Philippine Atmospheric and Astronomical Services Administration-Department of Science and Technolgy (Pagasa-DoST) have claimed. He would spend countless days in their aging office, sometimes without sleep, as he joined hands with a few other weather scientists in monitoring many a typhoon’s progress, using antiquated equipment, which they have long appealed for it to be upgraded, if not replaced. It was not the first time the Pagasa had come under fire. It had, in fact, made inaccurate predictions many times in the past. I remember years ago when the Pagasa, which was still under a different head, predicted a rainy day that prompted the cancellation of classes in most parts of Luzon, only to see one of the best days I’ve had in my life, which I spent biking with my kids, under the moderate sun and some friendly wind, which reminded me of clear, unpolluted days of my youth..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100811com6.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Usurping congressional power FRONTLINE Arroyo clone FEATURE Winds of political change blow through Malaysian jungles MR. EXPOSE Pagcor jackpot focus US pilots fly Pakistan flood aid to win hearts and minds HE SAYS For Prisco HE SAYS Beyond Prisco

Beyond Prisco HE SAYS Aldrin Cardon 08/11/2010

Beyond Prisco

HE SAYS Aldrin Cardon 08/11/2010 Out with the old, in with the new. How we would love to say that about the equipment to be found in Pagasa, or as not many Pinoys know, the Philippine Atmospheric and Astronomical Services Administration-Department of Science and Technology (Pagasa-DoST). But what happened recently was that a long-time Pagasa employee and erstwhile chief got the boot when a new face came in, and it was revealed that never the twain shall meet — that is, Malacañang has said “irreconcilable differences” between Prisco and newly-appointed DoST Secretary Mario Montejo have made it impossible for them to work together. One had to go, and that, as we well know, was Nilo Prisco.  It was Prisco who got reprimanded by President Aquino after “Basyang” swirled in and danced around Metro Manila, and Pagasa failed to warn Malacañang about its change of direction in time. Like a marriage that never got a chance to work out, that relationship, too, died long before it could blossom..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100811com7.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Usurping congressional power FRONTLINE Arroyo clone FEATURE Winds of political change blow through Malaysian jungles MR. EXPOSE Pagcor jackpot focus US pilots fly Pakistan flood aid to win hearts and minds HE SAYS For Prisco HE SAYS Beyond Prisco

SC to Palace: Reply to suits vs EOs 2, 3 By Benjamin B. Pulta and Aycth S. de la Cruz 08/11/2010

Noy has Malacañang lawyers answer petitions SC to Palace: Reply to suits vs EOs 2, 3 By Benjamin B. Pulta and Aycth S. de la Cruz 08/11/2010 No restraining order was handed down by the Supreme Court (SC) yesterday after its initial deliberation into two petitions filed by alleged “midnight appointees” of President Arroyo seeking to invalidate the implementation of President Aquino’s Executive Order (EO) Nos. 2 and 3. SC spokesman Jose Midas Marquez said the two suits filed by lawyer Eddie Tamondong, acting director of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Department of Justice Assistant Secretary Jose Arturo de Castro were taken up by the high tribunal during yesterday’s regular en banc session. The Court directed Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. to comment on the two petitions within a non-extendible period of 10 days. “There was no TRO issued yet by the Court, but the respondent was ordered to comment on the two petitions within a non-extendible period of 10 days,” Marquez said. EO 2 revoked the appointments of officials appointed by then President Gloria Arroyo on or after March 11, 2010; those who were appointed prior to March 11 but took their oaths and assumed office after the date; or designated during a 45-day ban under the Omnibus Election Code..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100811hed1.html

HEADLINES SC to Palace: Reply to suits vs EOs 2, 3 Budget overhaul, probes set over GOCC fat pays Palace plays coy on HLI deal as tillers plan big rally Noy junks MILF plea; insists on retaining US forces in Mindanao Cha-cha alive again as GMA ally files bill AFP grumblings show up in manifesto

Budget overhaul, probes set over GOCC fat pays By Angie Rosales and Gerry Baldo 08/11/2010

Budget overhaul, probes set over GOCC fat pays

By Angie Rosales and Gerry Baldo 08/11/2010 Fat bonuses and high salaries of executives from government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) reached as much as P47 billion that contributed to the ever growing budget deficit incurred by the previous administration, Sen. Franklin Drilon said. Drilon vowed to seek reforms in this year’s national appropriations, which he said have been misused and abused over the years. The chairman of the Senate finance committee said the huge salaries of government executives will be tabled for discussion on the proposed P1.64 trillion budget for 2011, a 6.8 percent increase from this year’s P1.54 trillion appropriations. Besides the issue of restoring the automatic appropriations of the debt service and preventing the reenactment of the budget, Drilon said the matter concerning fiscal discipline of the GOCCs will be among those the Senate will address when actual deliberations on the budget start. Drilon earlier filed a resolution to enjoin the Senate to conduct an inquiry into the reported excessive and unwarranted salaries and other perks of officials in GOCCs and government financial institutions (GFIs) adding his committee is ready to start the investigation on Tuesday next week. Allies of the administration in the House of Representatives also sought an investigation into the salaries and allowances of GOCC officials..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100811hed2.html

HEADLINES SC to Palace: Reply to suits vs EOs 2, 3 Budget overhaul, probes set over GOCC fat pays Palace plays coy on HLI deal as tillers plan big rally Noy junks MILF plea; insists on retaining US forces in Mindanao Cha-cha alive again as GMA ally files bill AFP grumblings show up in manifesto

Palace plays coy on HLI deal as tillers plan big rally By Aytch S. de la Cruz and Charlie V. Manalo 08/11/2010

Palace plays coy on HLI deal as tillers plan big rally

By Aytch S. de la Cruz and Charlie V. Manalo 08/11/2010 Malacañang continues to shrug off criticisms hurled at President Aquino for distancing himself from the highly-denounced compromise agreement between Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI) and its farm workers as two of the biggest rural based organizations in the country, the Unyon ng Mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA), the mother federation of Hacienda Luisita-based farm worker groups Alyansa ng Mga Manggagawang Bukid sa Asyenda Luisita (Ambala) and United Luisita Workers Union (ULWU), and the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) have declared Aug. 18 as a national day of outrage against the deal. The nationally-coordinated protest will coincide with the scheduled oral arguments at the Supreme Court regarding the five-year old legal case pending before the high tribunal. Lawyers of striking Luisita farm workers led by Jobert Ilarde Pahilga, executive trustee of Sentra Para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo (Sentra) and lawyer Romeo Capulong of Public Interest Law Center (PILC) will represent the Ambala and ULWU in the case, where they are expected to challenge the compromise deal hatched between the HLI management and some union leaders before the high tribunal. UMA national coordinator Edna Velarde and KMP secretary general Danilo Ramos had sent memorandums to their chapters all over the country to conduct demonstrations against the HLI compromise deal.  Aquino’s spokesman Edwin Lacierda said it is not part of Aquino’s mandate to intervene in the affairs of the HLI especially dealing with the farmers’ gripse since it is now considered to be under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court as a result of a case about the issue pending before it..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100811hed3.html

HEADLINES SC to Palace: Reply to suits vs EOs 2, 3 Budget overhaul, probes set over GOCC fat pays Palace plays coy on HLI deal as tillers plan big rally Noy junks MILF plea; insists on retaining US forces in Mindanao Cha-cha alive again as GMA ally files bill AFP grumblings show up in manifesto

Noy junks MILF plea; insists on retaining US forces in Mindanao By Aytch S. de la Cruz and Mario J. Mallari 08/11/2010

Noy junks MILF plea; insists on retaining US forces in Mindanao

By Aytch S. de la Cruz and Mario J. Mallari 08/11/2010 President Aquino is not about to go against American policy, which is to maintain the US forces in Mindanao, rejecting the appeal of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for him to remove the US armed presence in that region. This simple request was said to have been forwarded by the MILF chairman, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, who said that American presence in Mindanao merely complicates the restive situation in the region which might get in the way once they start negotiating next month. Malacañang through presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda yesterday said Aquino is committed to resume the peace process without either party laying down a set of preconditions. “We have not set any preconditions so we hope that they (MILF) will not use as a precondition thd US presence in Mindanao that they are talking about. This is an internal problem that can be resolved by the MILF and the government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP),” Lacierda said at a news conference. Murad also reportedly communicated to some members of the media that they have no intention to go back to square one in the peace negotiations that will be facilitated by the new Aquino administration..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100811hed4.html

HEADLINES SC to Palace: Reply to suits vs EOs 2, 3 Budget overhaul, probes set over GOCC fat pays Palace plays coy on HLI deal as tillers plan big rally Noy junks MILF plea; insists on retaining US forces in Mindanao Cha-cha alive again as GMA ally files bill AFP grumblings show up in manifesto

Cha-cha alive again as GMA ally files bill By Gerry Baldo 08/11/2010

Cha-cha alive again as GMA ally files bill

By Gerry Baldo 08/11/2010 The move to change the Constitution through a constitutional convention (con-con) has been revived in the Lower House with the filing of House Concurrent Resolution No. 4 and House Bill No. 2264. Introduced by Dasmariñas City Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, Jr. of the Lakas Kampi CMD, both resolution and bill seek to amend the 1987 Constitution on the ground that its provisions “have seemingly outlived their purpose.” The resolution stated that the “various proposals for amendments to, or revision of the Constitution are essential for this Republic to directly address the basic needs of the people, and to ensure its competitiveness in a highly globalized economy.” In Barzaga’s resolution, the Cavite lawmaker said the Constitution must be able to provide direction and effectively respond to the conditions at various points in the life of a nation and its people. “Calling for a constitutional convention to propose amendments to the Constitution is the most transparent, exhaustive and democratic means of implementing constitutional reforms,” he said. Barzaga said through the resolution, the Congress with the vote of two-thirds of all its members can call for the constitutional convention.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100811hed5.html

HEADLINES SC to Palace: Reply to suits vs EOs 2, 3 Budget overhaul, probes set over GOCC fat pays Palace plays coy on HLI deal as tillers plan big rally Noy junks MILF plea; insists on retaining US forces in Mindanao Cha-cha alive again as GMA ally files bill AFP grumblings show up in manifesto

AFP grumblings show up in manifesto 08/11/2010

AFP grumblings show up in manifesto

08/11/2010 Despite claiming that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is non-partisan and professional, with the morale of the military high with a new Commander in chief, grumblings within the military force are still alive, and kicking in an anonymous manifesto that cropped up in Camp Aguinaldo. The manifesto appears to be related to a third wave of top-level reassignments in the AFP that is upcoming, sparked by today’s mandatory retirement of Western Command (Wescom) chief Vice Admiral Hernani Perez and amids criticisms regarding the military’s promotion system. AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said that the AFP’s Board of Generals (BoG) has already submitted its recommendations to President Aquino, through Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. “We are waiting for the so-called third tranche. We are just awaiting the approval of Commander-in-Chief President Aquino. We will be informing you as soon as it becomes official,” said Mabanta. Perez, who is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1976, is reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 today..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100811hed6.html

HEADLINES SC to Palace: Reply to suits vs EOs 2, 3 Budget overhaul, probes set over GOCC fat pays Palace plays coy on HLI deal as tillers plan big rally Noy junks MILF plea; insists on retaining US forces in Mindanao Cha-cha alive again as GMA ally files bill AFP grumblings show up in manifesto