Citizens oppose towers to save environment SPECIAL FEATURE 01/31/2010 Dear Editor:

Citizens oppose towers to save environment SPECIAL FEATURE 01/31/2010 Dear Editor: I write to support local action groups now opposing construction of more condominiums in Metro Manila. Reports have recently appeared in leading newspapers of QC barangay residents opposing a condo project, and the formation of a group at Oriental Gardens Makati. In QC, the objection is to further increase traffic density as a threat to life, limb and amenity. In the Makati case, Federal Land has proposed to construct a third tower on what was previously marketed as a two-tower site. In opposing this project the residents have been picketing, leafleting and even using YouTube to warn off prospective buyers. They are also taking legal action. Why is this militancy spreading across Metro Manila? First, there is a sense that the interests-financial, environmental, social, and health of ordinary people are being trampled on by the large “developers.” A feeling of betrayal exists, a lack of participation in the important decisions affecting their lives — no consultation, no transparency and often what appear to be unfair, immoral practices. Second, no accountability. The institutions of the political order show little interest and take even less action to stop the devastation of the urban environment. This is more than the loss of some historic trees, however lamentable that is. The loss of open spaces has serious effects on us and our children, as does the air and noise pollution caused by increasing population density and motor vehicle traffic. Clearly, there are high, very real, social and financial costs to the country..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune ALTERNATE URL: http://www.classicposters.com/commentary/20100131com7.html

COMMENTARY FRONTLINE Useless forums EDITORIAL P7.2B worth of bull focus Egypt’s veil wearers see it as barrier to harassment BLURBAL THRUSTS Deadly day for the PMA C.R.O.S.S.R.O.A.D.S Not the worst Senate TABLETS OF STONE No need for forums SPECIAL FEATURE Citizens oppose towers to save environment

Auto poll field test fails again By Marie A. Surbano and Aytch S. de la Cruz 01/30/2010

But Comelec, Smartmatic say tests a ‘success’ Auto poll field test fails again By Marie A. Surbano and Aytch S. de la Cruz 01/30/2010 The field tests conducted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on the Smartmatic Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines were a failure as the machines failed to read four sample ballots out of 10 during their testing at Aguho Elementary School in Pateros. The transmission of election results also failed again in the second field test, but both Smartmatic and Comelec brushed this failure aside, claiming that the problem was lodged in weak transmission lines. Earlier, the blame on the delay in transmitting election data was laid on the mobile phones’ SIM cards..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune ALTERNATE URL: http://www.classicposters.com/commentary/headlines/20100130hed1.html

HEADLINES Auto poll field test fails again Graft in GMA gov’t blamed for AFP’s woes DILG chief honors ‘protectors of our people’ at PNP rites No GMA veto of elderly’s free eVAT — Palace Erap shoots TV ads, skips DLSU forum Rebellion raps vs Ampatuans, clan’s army up for resolution

Losing it all EDITORIAL 01/30/2010

Losing it all EDITORIAL Click to enlarge 01/30/2010 That there was a coup attempt against Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile by the camp of Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. earlier this month is no longer doubted. But was not the coup attempt made because the camp of Villar was desperate to kill that Senate committee of the whole report that seeks the censure of Villar on unethical conduct with regard to the C-5 controversy where Villar was charged with having realigned the road extension project to benefit his properties and businesses?.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune ALTERNATE URL: http://www.classicposters.com/commentary/20100130com1.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Losing it all FRONTLINE Passing the buck of failure again BACKBENCHER Noynoy cashing in on the people’s ignorance

Passing the buck of failure again FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 01/30/2010

Passing the buck of failure again FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 01/30/2010 Looks like the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines aren’t performing well. According to a QTV report, poll machines failed to read ballots and transmit data in two separate field tests conducted by the poll body in Pateros yesterday. The report said four out of 10 valid sample ballots were rejected by the Smartmatic machines in Aguho Elementary School. But Smartmatic wasn’t about to take the blame, as usual..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune ALTERNATE URL: http://www.classicposters.com/commentary/20100130com2.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Losing it all FRONTLINE Passing the buck of failure again BACKBENCHER Noynoy cashing in on the people’s ignorance