PeNoy, Gloria, et al. — all one family DIE HARD III Herman Tiu Laurel 08/13/2010

PeNoy, Gloria, et al. — all one family

DIE HARD III Herman Tiu Laurel 08/13/2010 At the gathering for Sen. Sonny Trillanes’ birthday at Camp Crame last Aug. 7, I predicted the “rehabilitation” of Gloria Arroyo within a year or two. I was with Dodong and Princess Nemenzo, NGO leader Manjette, lawyer Argee Guevarra, Oliver Felix (of our guerilla radio Sulo group), and Linggoy Alcuaz at that time. The Nemenzos found this both funny and appalling, as they laughed, doubted and lamented at the same time. Someone interjected: “Sa bagay, the Marcoses are rehabilitated.” To which I hurriedly added that “at least Marcos had the right nation-building program,” unlike Arroyo’s which people believe was pure kleptocracy. The truth of my prediction is already being seen on radio and in Congress today, as Teddy Boy Locsin glorifies Gloria’s non-imposition of the Value added tax (VAT) on toll ways while the likes of Rep. Neptali Gonzales Jr. shield her from Rep. Walden Bello’s righteous condemnation. Gloria Arroyo will be “rehabilitated” under the present system because the system itself is corruption incarnate, in which Arroyo is just one of its children. The other children of the corrupt system will naturally come to her rescue, as sure as Speaker Sonny Belmonte will always be by Gloria’s side to escort the one who has been tagged by many youth activists as “President Evil.” But really, she can only be as evil as the system is. Belmonte, meanwhile, is said to personify the institutionalization of corruption in Quezon City, the alleged basis of which is that he raised the corruption incarnate “pork barrel” and other fund prerogatives of the Office of the Mayor and all councilors to unprecedented amounts (P2 billion for the mayor, P42 million each for councilors). On the other hand, Lakas to Liberal Party turncoat Neptali Gonzales Jr. has been the alternating partner of Mayor BenHur Abalos in the exploitation of Mandaluyong, the latter being the heir apparent to Ben Abalos’ NBN-ZTE “borger” fortune. Gonzales invokes “parliamentary courtesy” to shield Arroyo. Coming from a most vulgar Congress, it is truly laughable. They are all claimed to be part of the alleged corrupt family of political degenerates running the country. Walden Belo’s party-list group Akbayan may not be much different, maybe just a bit more ethical by some degree. His party-list matriarch Etta Rosales isn’t exactly a paragon of any virtue, having been a chief lackey of Gloria Arroyo during the 2004 illegal proclamation of the “Hello Garci” president. Rosales will be rewarded by the new Gloria Arroyo, i.e. Noynoy “PeNoy” Aquino, with an appointment to the Commission on Human Rights — to carry on the charade of human rights in an essentially plutocratic, oppressive and exploitative corporatocracy. Already, PeNoy has proposed to raise the “pork” of senators and congressmen for 2011, from P6.9 billion this year to P22.3 billion next (a whopping 223.18 percent or P15 billion increase). This seems incredible since PeNoy campaigned on the promise of “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap,” but PeNoy’s Budget Secretary Butch Abad was quoted on it. In fact, one report stated, “Even as the PDAF allocation was increased, the government proposed a reduction of subsidy programs… amid the state’s cash flow problems.” Those subsidies include those earmarked for the National Food Authority rice purchase. So are they saying that there will be no subsidy for farmers but increased “pork” subsidy for politicians? Everyone knows just how “pork” is the mother of all corrupt funds that politicians dip into, so why is PeNoy increasing this? Perhaps if we put this in context with a new development, a clearer picture on how invisible forces behind PeNoy are reinforcing the edifice of corruption will come about. This new development is the proposed postponement of the barangay election slated for October on due to alleged financial constraints, together with the simultaneous proposal that it be synchronized with the 2013 national elections. There are several deleterious effects of these two initiatives: (1) abusive and corrupt barangay officials will not be called into account as a democratic system requires; (2) it will strengthen the indebtedness of the present barangay officials to the present PeNoy regime; (3) these barangay officials will then be used by the current regime to consolidate tyrannical powers in 2013 toward the continuation of the corporatist dictatorship consolidated under Gloria Arroyo; and (4) it will make the “fully synchronized” 2013 elections even more massively chaotic than the already messy elections of 2010. If the present system is corruption incarnate, then a super-synchronized election aimed at securing it is none other than a perpetuation of this systemic corruption, the evil results of which those jaundiced by the Yellow fever can’t seem to see as continuously ravaging the nation. For those who still do not know, here’s a sampling of these evils — July 2010 item: Power rates to rise again in August (due to Wesm power horse trading); Aug. 8: Manila Water net income up 34 percent (while people suffer heavier costs); Aug. 9: Robredo wants strengthened Small Town Lottery (cover for jueteng); Aug. 10: AFP suppresses Adm. Feliciano Angue exposé on 2010 elections; Aug. 11: $10-billion offer for Pagcor. As long as the corrupt system goes on and on — exploiting, inveigling and plundering — PeNoy only continues the legacy of Cory, FVR and Gloria. (Tune in to Sulo ng Pilipino, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6 to 7 p.m. on 1098AM; watch Politics (and Economics) Today, Tuesday, 8 to 9 p.m., with replay at 11 p.m.; visit our new blog, http://newkatipunero.blogspot.com)

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL A test of political will FRONTLINE Cases piling up focus No Ramadan respite as unrest rocks Indian Kashmir MR. EXPOSE Time for a divorce law? DIE HARD III PeNoy, Gloria, et al. — all one family focus Russia’s top duo fight to save reputation from flames FEATURE Catholic Church raises profile in Cuba with icon of virgin

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

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100813com5.html

Russia’s top duo fight to save reputation from flames focus 08/13/2010

Russia’s top duo fight to save reputation from flames

focus

08/13/2010
MOSCOW — Be it dousing fires from a plane or sacking several officers in a single meeting, Russia’s ruling tandem is battling to ensure its hold on power does not go up in smoke in the wildfire crisis.

Image-making has emerged as significant a weapon in the crisis as hoses or water-bombing jets as Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev seek to ensure their popularity survives the crisis intact.

With Russia emerging from the slowdown, the duo may have been congratulating themselves on deftly seeing off the economic crisis as they planned their summer holidays.

But then Russia found itself hit by a heatwave that wrecked 10 million hectares of land and triggered wildfires which have killed over 50 persons and burned down entire villages.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100813com6.html

Catholic Church raises profile in Cuba with icon of virgin FEATURE 08/13/2010

Catholic Church raises profile in Cuba with icon of virgin

FEATURE

08/13/2010
HAVANA — For the first time since the Cuban revolution half a century ago, an icon of Cuba’s patron saint is making the rounds of the island in a sign of a gradual rapprochement between the Communist authorities and the Catholic Church.

The pilgrimage’s send-off took place Sunday at the shrine to the Virgin of Charity of Copper, in a valley peppered with copper mines near Santiago de Cuba, 950 kilometers (590 miles) east of Havana.

Its year-and-a-half journey through the Cuban countryside is a highlight of festivities organized by the church to mark the 400th anniversary of the virgin’s appearance, according to legend, to three fishermen lost in a storm..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100813com7.html

GMA allies seek SC’s voiding of truth body By Gerry Baldo, Benjamin B. Pulta and Aycth S. de la Cruz 08/13/2010

‘Violates equal protection clause and amends Charter’ GMA allies seek SC’s voiding of truth body By Gerry Baldo, Benjamin B. Pulta and Aycth S. de la Cruz 08/13/2010 Members of the House minority bloc yesterday asked the Supreme Court (SC) to nullify the creation of the Truth Commission through Executive Order (EO) 1, on the ground that its establishment is unconstitutional. This is the third EO issued by President Aquino, through his Executive Secretary that is being challenged before the high court. Earlier, EO 2 and 3, seeking the dismissal of Palace-claimed appointees and the nullification of an Arroyo issued EO granting government lawyers career executive officer status, have also been questioned before the high court. Minority leader and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman and three other senior lawmakers, in a 55-page petition for Certiorari and Prohibition, challenged the constitutionality of EO 1 which formed the “Truth Commission” with Palace-designated head, former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. They asked the SC to issue a temporary restraining order and or a writ of preliminary injunction to maintain the status quo. Docketed as G.R. No. 193036, the petitioners including Lagman, Reps. Rodolfo Albano, Jr, Simeon Datumanong and Orlando Fua, Jr. posited that EO 1 violates the separation of powers as it arrogates the legislative authority of the Congress to create a public office and appropriate funds for its operation.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100813hed1.html

HEADLINES GMA allies seek SC’s voiding of truth body Unless SC issues TRO, toll VAT on, says Palace Too many spokesmen in Cabinet spoil budget DoST chief’s appointment raises conflict of interest concerns Pirate attack on Norwegian ship with 29 Pinoys thwarted SC rebukes Palace on EO 2 rush, calls for courtesy

Unless SC issues TRO, toll VAT on, says Palace By Benjamin B. Pulta 08/13/2010

Unless SC issues TRO, toll VAT on, says Palace

By Benjamin B. Pulta 08/13/2010 Despite being deluged by demands for the government to defer the imposition of the 12 percent value added tax on road tolls, both the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Palace said yesterday that the tax will be imposed on Monday as scheduled unless the Supreme Court issues a hold order. Unless the SC issues a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the imposition of VAT on tolls nationwide, the BIR will start imposing the tax on Monday, Aug. 16, Malacañang stressed yesterday. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda maintained that the 12-percent VAT on toll is not a new tax measure. Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares said the VAT on tolls should not significantly affect the cost of transporting people and goods. Henares said the measure will not impact heavily on the public because of the input or output formula.  The substantial amount to be collected by the government will go the programs for the poor, she added..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100813hed2.html

HEADLINES GMA allies seek SC’s voiding of truth body Unless SC issues TRO, toll VAT on, says Palace Too many spokesmen in Cabinet spoil budget DoST chief’s appointment raises conflict of interest concerns Pirate attack on Norwegian ship with 29 Pinoys thwarted SC rebukes Palace on EO 2 rush, calls for courtesy

Too many spokesmen in Cabinet spoil budget By Aytch S. de la Cruz 08/13/2010

Too many spokesmen in Cabinet spoil budget

By Aytch S. de la Cruz 08/13/2010 In accomodating too many mouthpieces of Cabinet rank, the Palace is in a bind over where to place the new communications offices created under Executive Order 4 to keep the Executive under the bounds of law that bars it from creating a new portfolio agency that gets budget funding.  Yesterday, the head of the new Presidential Communi-cations Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) said his office might be placed under the Office of the President (OP). PCDSPO Secretary Ricky Carandang revealed this to reporters who were inquiring on the budget plans of the the former Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) now called the Presidential Communi-cations Operations Office (PCOO). The PCOO led by Secretary Herminio ‘Sonny’ Coloma is expected to get the bigger share of the budget of the former OPS according to Carandang as he found out that his office will be placed under OP just like the office of presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, who also has a Cabinet rank.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100813hed3.html

HEADLINES GMA allies seek SC’s voiding of truth body Unless SC issues TRO, toll VAT on, says Palace Too many spokesmen in Cabinet spoil budget DoST chief’s appointment raises conflict of interest concerns Pirate attack on Norwegian ship with 29 Pinoys thwarted SC rebukes Palace on EO 2 rush, calls for courtesy

DoST chief’s appointment raises conflict of interest concerns By Aytch S. de la Cruz 08/13/2010

DoST chief’s appointment raises conflict of interest concerns

By Aytch S. de la Cruz 08/13/2010 It is now the Aquino administration’s turn to defend itself from the conflict of interest issues that might hound it soon, as Malacañang yesterday confirmed reports that Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo is related by affinity to Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. The admission was made by presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda during a post-briefing interview but he denied that Ochoa, a close ally of President Aquino, has lobbied for his brother-in-law’s appointment at the helm of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST). “Secretary Montejo is in a relatively apolitical department. He is in the DoST and he is qualified to head that agency. There was no politics involved there,” Lacierda said. He stressed that Montejo was appointed owing to his feats cited by the President in the field of science and technology including some of the inventions that he supposedly made in the past. “Secretary Mario Montejo is the brother-in-law of Secretary Ochoa but please don’t put any political color because he is more than qualified. Again, the appointing power is the President, not Secretary Ochoa — just to emphasize that point,” he told reporters. Because of this confirmation, speculations become widespread that Montejo has something to do with Aquino’s decision to sack Prisco Nilo as chief of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) last week..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100813hed4.html

HEADLINES GMA allies seek SC’s voiding of truth body Unless SC issues TRO, toll VAT on, says Palace Too many spokesmen in Cabinet spoil budget DoST chief’s appointment raises conflict of interest concerns Pirate attack on Norwegian ship with 29 Pinoys thwarted SC rebukes Palace on EO 2 rush, calls for courtesy

Pirate attack on Norwegian ship with 29 Pinoys thwarted By Michaela P. del Callar 08/13/2010

Pirate attack on Norwegian ship with 29 Pinoys thwarted

By Michaela P. del Callar 08/13/2010 Some 29 Filipino seafarers onboard a Norwegian-flagged ship survived a hostage attack by Somali pirates after it was foiled by European Union forces patrolling the dangerous Gulf of Aden off Somali waters. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Filipino sailors could have been among the 81 other Filipino seamen being held hostage in Somalia if not for the “timely action” of the European Union Naval Force (EU NavFor). In a letter by manning agency ODFJELL Philippines Inc. to the DFA, chemical tanker MT Bow Saga was attacked by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden in the early morning of Aug. 3, when it was proceeding westward in the International Recommended Transit Corridor in the Gulf of Aden. Seven armed brigands using a small boat fired shots at the vessel.  The ship’s crew adopted security measures and conducted various counter actions, including evasive maneuvering and water deployment to prevent boarding. The ship’s captain sent out a distress call and an EU NavFor unit close by responded.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100813hed5.html

HEADLINES GMA allies seek SC’s voiding of truth body Unless SC issues TRO, toll VAT on, says Palace Too many spokesmen in Cabinet spoil budget DoST chief’s appointment raises conflict of interest concerns Pirate attack on Norwegian ship with 29 Pinoys thwarted SC rebukes Palace on EO 2 rush, calls for courtesy

SC rebukes Palace on EO 2 rush, calls for courtesy By Benjamin B. Pulta 08/13/2010

SC rebukes Palace on EO 2 rush, calls for courtesy

By Benjamin B. Pulta 08/13/2010 Not so fast. A little judicial courtesy should be in order. President Aquino and his spokesman, lawyer Edwin Lacierda, must be red in the face, especially after bragging that, as the Supreme Court (SC) had failed to issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on Executive Order (EO) 2 on the so-called Midnight Appoint-ments, the firing of these officers appointed by former President now Rep. Gloria Arroyo has been given the green light. SC spokesman and Court Administrator Midas Marquez yesterday “advised” Malaca-ñang to put off ousting the alleged midnight appointees despite the absence of a restraining order from the high court. Calling what he described as “judicial courtesy,” Marquez pointed out that the Palace should put off the implementation of executive orders of Aquino revoking the “midnight appointments” of the Arroyo administration while the case has not yet been finally resolved by the high court. Marquez, said “It would be more prudent (for Malacañang) to maintain a status quo in the meantime since the Court has already acquired jurisdiction on the issue. What we’re asking is for them (Palace) to just give the Court a little more time on deciding whether it would issue a TRO or not,” he said.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100813hed6.html

HEADLINES GMA allies seek SC’s voiding of truth body Unless SC issues TRO, toll VAT on, says Palace Too many spokesmen in Cabinet spoil budget DoST chief’s appointment raises conflict of interest concerns Pirate attack on Norwegian ship with 29 Pinoys thwarted SC rebukes Palace on EO 2 rush, calls for courtesy

Time for Cha-cha FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 08/12/2010

Time for Cha-cha

FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 08/12/2010 It really is time to get the 1987 Constitution changed, and it really shouldn’t matter who filed the bills calling for a Charter change (Cha-cha). Too often, whenever calls for Cha-cha are made, opposition is lodged and the reasons are always the same: Now is not the time to change the Charter. This change is to become the tool for political perpetuation of those in power and position. Congress cannot be trusted to amend or draft a new Charter. It’s too expensive to have a Charter change, and many more. All these same reasons are aired, despite the oppositor’s acknowledgment that the 1987 Charter is very defective as well as their provisos having been prostituted by whoever sits in Malacañang. That the Constitution is much too flawed is undeniable. Where on earth can one find a multi-party system under a presidential form of government? This is the reason we have been having too many presidential candidates in elections and always end up with a minority president. And yes, Noynoy Aquino is a minority president, despite his supporters’ claim of a landslide victory and the boated 15 million votes. He still does not have the widest winning margin and more people against him than for him.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100812com2.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

Saudi Arabia hopes giant clock will establish ‘Mecca Time’ FEATURE 08/12/2010

Saudi Arabia hopes giant clock will establish ‘Mecca Time’

FEATURE 08/12/2010 MECCA — Muslims around the world could be setting their watches to a new time soon when the world’s largest clock begins ticking atop a soaring skyscraper in Islam’s holiest city of Mecca. Saudi Arabia hopes the four faces of the new clock, which will loom over Mecca’s Grand Mosque from what is expected to be the world’s second tallest building, will establish Mecca as an alternate time standard to the Greenwich meridian. The clock is targeted to enter service with a three-month trial period in the first week of the holy month of Ramadan on or about Aug. 12, according to the Saudi state news agency SPA. It boasts four glimmering 46 meter-across (151 feet) faces of high-tech composite tiles, some laced with gold, sitting more than 400 meters (1,320 feet) over the Holy Haram compound. The tower’s height will reach 601 meters (1,983 feet), SPA said. On its Web site, Premiere Composite, which is responsible for cladding the top section, including a shimmering spire topped by a golden crescent moon, puts the planned height at 590 meters (1,947 feet). That would make it the world’s second tallest building — ahead of Taiwan’s 509 meter (1,670 feet) Taipei 101, but well behind the Burj Khalifa, the 828 meter (2,717 feet) skyscraper inaugurated in Dubai in January..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100812com3.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

HGC official dangles P50-M carrot for reappointment BLURBAL THRUSTS Louie Logarta 08/12/2010

HGC official dangles P50-M carrot for reappointment

BLURBAL THRUSTS Louie Logarta 08/12/2010 There are some jerks in the Philippine National Police’ National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) that must have very little regard for the intellect of the Filipino public or else they wouldn’t have tried to pass off as a “legitimate kill” this unfortunate fellow identified as Ivan Padilla, an alleged leader of a gang of car thieves, whom they lamely claimed had died resulting from serious injuries he had sustained in a gunfight the other week with operatives of their anti-carnapping unit as he was trying to evade imminent arrest, while they were taking him to the hospital. Dr. Raquel Fortun, a highly-respected forensics expert from the University of the Philippines, disputed the assertions of the NCRPO headed by the newly-designated Director Leocadio Santiago that there wasn’t any foul play surrounding the death of alleged carjack ringleader Padilla who had expired en route to the Ospital ng Maynila (which veteran police reporters refer to as the “Mona Lisa hospital” because the patients “just lie there and they die there” spoofing the lyrics of the song popularized by the late black crooner Nat King Cole) where he was being taken for emergency treatment.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100812com4.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

P-Noy’s golden eggs By Ronald Roy COMMENT 08/12/2010

P-Noy’s golden eggs

By Ronald Roy COMMENT 08/12/2010 It’s sad that more and more passengers are becoming disappointed with SS Pilipitnas’ newly installed ship captain Bienvenido Noyalastik, B-Noy for short. B-Noy is supported by a crew which he was given the authority to organize as a concession. He was also given the prerogative to fire personnel whenever he saw fit. The previous captain, Ma. Guloria (Maguloria for short) Barroyot, and some of her crew were fired just three months ago for gross incompetence that drew mounting complaints from passengers for a period of 10 agonizing years. They had to go. The ship owners had hoped the new hires would restore the liner’s fitness to participate anew in the competitive business of seafaring. Maguloria Barroyot was also suspected as having caused the larcenous disappearance of all the ship’s expensive equipment. The new complement were thus expected to introduce those changes that would rebuild public confidence, but those changes were slow in coming. The trouble is that B-Noy seems unprepared for the job as are some of his choice hires. He remains silent on management issues when he should speak up, speaks up when he should not, delegates authority when he should not, and does not delegate authority when he should. Anyway, here now is an eyewitness account of what happened during the SS Pilipitnas’ voyage last weekend. The sun had long set when the vessel was sailing through some shark-infested straits off the coast of Panay. B-Noy was in a foul mood because he had not slept well in a new bed the night before. Worse, strong winds suddenly kicked up creating high waves that violently rocked the boat and made him feel sick. .... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100812com5.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

Warning: Jueteng-STL tandem a formidable political force VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 08/12/2010

Warning: Jueteng-STL tandem a formidable political force

VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 08/12/2010 Now it can be openly and publicly told what was probably already known before but remains unsaid and/or underestimated. There was strong and solid reason behind the fact that all the post-martial maw administrations in the past shamelessly danced with the jueteng lords. Now, there is more forceful and cogent cause why even the present administration — with anti-corruption and pro-integrity as its loud and repeated battle cry — expressly and officially declared that eradicating jueteng was not and remains not a “priority.” And as a matter of course, much less does the PNP together with local public officials look at neutralizing jueteng as anything relevant. In fact, recently a former President at that, fervently and loudly proclaimed that jueteng should be “legalized” — in the spirit of the saying that if you cannot lick ‘em, then join ‘em. Simple yet devoid of principle, and wherefore ethically flat broke. If by itself then, jueteng was not only a national shame but also a fearsome social cancer, very much more it is during these times since Small Time Lottery (STL) became its intimate buddy, its bosom partner — making themselves an awesome and fearful paring. In case there are people who are still unaware of it or who miss the sinister significance and foreboding consequences of the jueteng-STL tandem, let them know the following on-the-ground realities..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100812com6.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

Racing against time to preserve Racing against time to preserve focus 08/12/2010

Racing against time to preserve

focus 08/12/2010 MUMBAI — High in the hills of western India, Homi Dhalla looks around the Bharot Caves complex, pointing out the cracked and crumbling stone in the roughly-hewn rocks. “If we wish to save these caves, the world community has to stand up and do something about it now before it’s too late,” he says, as the Web video fades to a still image of two Parsi priests worshiping in one of the stark grey vaults. Time and neglect have left the ancient caves in a dangerous state of disrepair that now threatens them as a place of pilgrimage for India’s fire-worshipping Parsi community. In the 14th century, their ancestors fled to the caves with the sacred fire of their Zoroastrian religion to escape a Mughal invasion. According to legend, the “Iranshah” — the first fire to be consecrated in India — stayed lit throughout the 12 long years they were there. So far, 3,000 persons have signed a petition on the www.zoroastrians.net portal — where Dhalla’s video is shown — which will be sent to the Archaeological Survey of India, urging it to repair the protected caves..... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100812com7.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

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