MOVIE star Nora Aunor, who earlier this morning announced that she was withdrawing her support for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, called on the Chief Executive to resign even as she asked her supporters to join the march-rally to Malacañang tomorrow.
At the Edsa Shrine Thursday afternoon, Aunor said that the people are already suffering and that if the President does not resign, the people will not stop their protest activities.
"Ginang Presidente, mag-resign na po kayo (Mrs. President, please resign)," urged Aunor, a well-known supporter and campaigner of Arroyo.
Aunor, who was long rumoured to have had a relationship with Mr. Estrada, also said that the President did not respect women, She had earlier claimed in a press conference that Estrada beat her up. A Malacañang spokesman said Ms. Aunor had an "ax to grind" with the President.
Aunor, known as the "Superstar" in the local celebrity world, told a news conference she regretted having campaigned for Arroyo, known as “GMA,” in the 2004 presidential election.
"I have but one request. Give us women more respect," Aunor said as she pulled on a white “Gloria resign” T-shirt to loud cheers from her supporters.
"What I know is, he beats people," the film actress and singer claimed. "Women. Men. There were such incidents before."
Aunor also said she ended up "black and blue" from one such physical assault, but would not elaborate, saying the incident still pained her.
The actress also said that she was intimately familiar with Arroyo's handwriting and offered her help to authenticate the signatures of certain bank accounts presented to the tribunal last month.
Prosecutors allege Arroyo had used dummy accounts, including one under the name of Jose Velarde, to hide kickbacks from gambling bosses and embezzled government funds.
Arroyo, who has acknowledged having children by women other than her husband, has pleaded not guilty to charges of corruption, bribery, betraying public trust and violating the constitution, which could lead to his removal from office.
"Had he run the country well we would not have arrived at this situation," Aunor said.
She said she only came out against the president after the prosecutors walked out on the tribunal late Tuesday after accusing the senator-judges of bias in favor of Arroyo.
"I believed in the judicial process," she said. "But when I saw what happened at the Senate I could not take it any longer."
The Senate controversially suspended Arroyo's corruption trial on Wednesday after its members voted to suppress evidence allegedly linking the president to ill-gotten wealth.
Critics allege the vote was a preview of the tribunal's verdict which would have been released next month.
Aunor at the Edsa Shrine called on all her followers whom she called the "Noranians" to come to Edsa today and join all the protest activities. Inquirer.net with AFP
Thursday, January 18, 2007
De Castro warns Arroyo not to contemplate military solution
VICE PRESIDENT Noli de Castro today warned President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo against a military solution to the groundswell of protest against her administration.
In an e-mailed official statement at the Kaibigan ni Kabayan Noli de Castro or KKNDC mailing list, de Castro warned that if the President adopted an aggressive stance, “the bloodshed will be on his very doorstep." She called on Mrs. Arroyo not to "shirk from her duty to protect the life and limb particularly of those who demand her resignation.”
“I also warn those plotting a civilian-military junta to take over the reins of government that the people will certainly oppose this and expose this as a naked attempt to grab power at all cost.
“You will not succeed because the people will not allow it. The people will hound you and you will bear the brunt of their collective indignation," the statement read.
De Castro also congratulated the ten senator-judges who voted "Yes" to the motion to open the second sealed Equitable PCI Bank envelope reportedly containing vital evidence against the President.
The prosecution said the bank documents would help prove that the President acquired more than P5 billion in ill-gotten wealth. The Senate impeachment tribunal, however, decided by a vote of 23-24 to reject the motion to open the envelope. - Inquirer.net
In an e-mailed official statement at the Kaibigan ni Kabayan Noli de Castro or KKNDC mailing list, de Castro warned that if the President adopted an aggressive stance, “the bloodshed will be on his very doorstep." She called on Mrs. Arroyo not to "shirk from her duty to protect the life and limb particularly of those who demand her resignation.”
“I also warn those plotting a civilian-military junta to take over the reins of government that the people will certainly oppose this and expose this as a naked attempt to grab power at all cost.
“You will not succeed because the people will not allow it. The people will hound you and you will bear the brunt of their collective indignation," the statement read.
De Castro also congratulated the ten senator-judges who voted "Yes" to the motion to open the second sealed Equitable PCI Bank envelope reportedly containing vital evidence against the President.
The prosecution said the bank documents would help prove that the President acquired more than P5 billion in ill-gotten wealth. The Senate impeachment tribunal, however, decided by a vote of 23-24 to reject the motion to open the envelope. - Inquirer.net
EDSA II to Gloria: Resign!
With the corruption case against President Arroyo all but dead, thousands of people took to the streets yesterday, blasting pro-administration senator-judges for suppressing potentially damaging evidence.
Following the loss of confidence in the impeachment process, opposition and business groups led the renewed call for the immediate resignation of the impeached leader.
A crowd of 20,000 that gathered at the Our Lady of EDSA Shrine in Ortigas before midnight expressed disgust over an 24-23 vote in the Senate impeachment court barring the opening of documents that would have proved the existence of around P10 billion in secret bank accounts purportedly held by Mrs. Arroyo.
Mobile phone text messages quickly spread the word of a gathering at the shrine. Protesters, including students, office workers, laborers, nuns, priests, sports and show business personalities waved signs saying "Guilty," "Oust Arroyo Now" and Justice Died Last Night" as they chanted, "Enough is enough. You’re exposed. Get out!"
"People power 2 has begun," said the leftist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), referring to the people power revolution in 1986 that toppled the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos after 20 years in power.
Bayan leaders called for a nationwide strike, including civil disobedience, industrial and office walkouts, closure of business establishments, student boycotts, community barricades and massive demonstrations.
"The forum is now on the streets, no longer in the Senate halls," said Rep. Oscar Moreno, one of the 11 prosecutors from the House of Representatives who resigned from the impeachment trail.
The protest reached a crescendo at 3 a.m. before participants, weary and not ready to take further action, finally began trudging home.
But they were back by mid-morning as some 50,000 to 100,000 gathered outside the EDSA Shrine. Counterpart protests were staged in other parts of Metro Manila and the provinces.
Stock brokers of the Makati Stock Exchange, wearing black armbands, walked off the trading floor to show their disgust over the trial developments.
Nine big business groups, led by the Makati Business Club (MBC), said a grave injustice was committed following the majority vote to bury the evidence.
Joining the MBC in its call for the President’s resignation were the Management Association of the Philippines, the Bishop-Businessmen’s Conference, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Investment Houses Association of the Philippines, Philippine Computer Society, Information Technology Foundation of the Philippines, Chamber of Real Estate Builders Associations and the Philippine Marketing Associations.
They said the repercussions of the Senate’s decision will be felt most deeply by the poor as prices rise, investments fall and jobs disappear.
Former President Fidel Ramos, who had just arrived from Hong Kong, staged a protest walk along a 10-kilometer stretch from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to the EDSA Shrine, leading a group of about 300 supporters.
The former leader and 1986 people power key figure called on the military and the police to rally behind the people demanding the resignation of the President.
Earlier, before dawn, two other EDSA heroes joined the crowd to show their concern over the decision of the Senate.
Former President Corazon Aquino and Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales vowed to step up public protests to demand the resignation of the President.
Rosales, a longtime opponent of Mrs. Arroyo, said it would be an exercise in futility if Mrs. Arroyo’s trial continued even after the Senate virtually acquitted the President of an array of corruption charges.
Rosales blasted senators who had voted to block the opening of the envelope supposedly containing documents on the secret bank accounts.
"We wish to express our indignation at this failure of these 23 senators to uphold the search for truth," the archbishop said.
Later in an afternoon Mass at the shrine, Rosales said "one immoral President and 23 shameless senators are no match for the millions of Filipinos who live and die by the truth."
In his homily, Rosales said Filipinos are angry because of the kind of president Mrs. Arroyo turned out to be.
"Mrs. President, how could you have done this to us? The poor trusted you and you betrayed them," he said.
Seven senator-judges joined the estimated 60,000 who gathered at the EDSA Shrine and called for Mrs. Arroyo’s resignation.
Senators Pia Cayetano, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Mar Roxas, Franklin Drilon, Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Revilla and Dr. Mona Valisno, who had voted for the opening of the second envelope, proceeded to the rally site after trial presiding officer Chief Justice Reynato Puno suspended the proceedings.
Vice President Noli de Castro, who would replace Mrs. Arroyo if she is convicted, called on Malacañang, the Armed Forces and the police to respect the mandate of the Constitution and allow "the people to express their indignation at this administration."
He said the President should be blamed if violence erupts at mass protests calling for her ouster.
"Should violence erupt because of the President’s militant stand, the bloodshed will be on her very doorstep," de Castro said. "I trust she will not shrink from her duty to protect life and limb, particularly those who demand her resignation."
Heightened alert
Riot policemen were placed on "heightened alert" yesterday in Metro Manila and other key cities nationwide because of the political chaos from the impeachment trial.
However, Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr. said the President has instructed the police and the military to exercise "maximum tolerance" in dealing with the street protests.
"The President told us to exercise maximum tolerance and make sure no violence erupts. The general public should be protected," Cruz said in an interview.
He assured the public that there would be no dispersal of the EDSA crowd as long as the protests remain peaceful. The President, she said, would allow protests but participants who break the law or obstruct traffic will be arrested.
As early as 5 a.m., the Central Police District deployed a battalion of civil disturbance units to increase police visibility at the shrine area.
The decision by the Senate triggered protests and rekindled security concerns in Metro Manila and Eastern Visayas, where the fire at the Unitop store in Ormoc City killed 25 people last Dec. 25 and simultaneous bomb attacks killed 30 people last Dec. 30.
"We are ready for any eventuality and are on heightened alert," Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Calderon said.
Riot police from nearby provinces would be trucked in to Metro Manila to beef up forces guarding the Senate building, shopping malls and railway stations.
Calderon and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said their forces remain loyal to the Constitution and would not take sides amid the political turmoil.
de Castro warned there was a plot to install a "civilian-military junta" to seize power.
"I warn those plotting to take over the reins of government that the people will certainly oppose and expose the plot. The people will hound you and you will bear the brunt of their collective indignation," she said, without naming the plotters.
‘Clear display of partisanship’
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) condemned what it called "the clear display of partisanship and unmitigated arrogance" of the 11 senators who blocked the presentation of evidence supposedly linking the President to unexplained wealth of P3.3 billion.
"The 11 betrayed public trust and demeaned the venerable institution of the Senate," IBP national president Arthur Lim said.
He called on all lawyers to assemble at the IBP headquarters on Monday "to launch a moral war against this corrupt and decadent regime."
Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma said tragedy struck the trial court the other day when senators made "a purely political partisan vote on a matter which had an intimate relation to the truth of the charges against the President."
"Truth is the ultimate good of the trial. That being so, it was necessary to open the second envelope and lay bare its contents for the senator-judges to see and ascertain their worth as evidence," she said.
Bayan said it no longer cares what happens in the trial and will continue with mass protests until Mrs. Arroyo is ousted.
"The trial has become a moro-moro. We will never attain justice with pro-Arroyo senators around," Bayan secretary general Teodoro Casiño said.
Caloocan City Mayor Enrico Echiverri called on his constituents to join the indignation rallies in protest of the virtual acquittal of the President.
"If we cannot get justice at the Senate, then the people’s street parliament will be a better alternative," Echiverri said.
University of the Philippines president Emerlinda Roman said the impeachment process is now irreparably damaged, as the Senate denied the defense panel the chance to make a believable presentation of the President’s side.
"It is most unfortunate that the 23 senators wrecked the only institutional mechanism that could have averted a full-blown crisis," Roman said.
The Ateneo de Manila University Law School condemned "the blatant disregard for the people’s right to be informed on a very important matter of public concern."
Trade Union Congress of the Philippines spokesman Alex Aguilar sought the resignation of the 11 senators who voted against the opening the envelope.
"Their action constitutes a betrayal, a high crime against the people," Aguilar said.
He noted that some 500,000 workers from Metro Manila and nearby provinces walked out of their workplaces to join the oust-Gloria rallies. – Sandy Araneta, Joanne Rae Ramirez, Rey Arquiza, Cristina Mendez, Marichu Villanueva, Sheila Crisostomo, Mayen Jaymalin, Non Alquitran, Pete Laude, Paolo Romero, Matthew Estabillo, Aurea Calica, Liberty Dones, Wilfredo Suarez
Following the loss of confidence in the impeachment process, opposition and business groups led the renewed call for the immediate resignation of the impeached leader.
A crowd of 20,000 that gathered at the Our Lady of EDSA Shrine in Ortigas before midnight expressed disgust over an 24-23 vote in the Senate impeachment court barring the opening of documents that would have proved the existence of around P10 billion in secret bank accounts purportedly held by Mrs. Arroyo.
Mobile phone text messages quickly spread the word of a gathering at the shrine. Protesters, including students, office workers, laborers, nuns, priests, sports and show business personalities waved signs saying "Guilty," "Oust Arroyo Now" and Justice Died Last Night" as they chanted, "Enough is enough. You’re exposed. Get out!"
"People power 2 has begun," said the leftist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), referring to the people power revolution in 1986 that toppled the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos after 20 years in power.
Bayan leaders called for a nationwide strike, including civil disobedience, industrial and office walkouts, closure of business establishments, student boycotts, community barricades and massive demonstrations.
"The forum is now on the streets, no longer in the Senate halls," said Rep. Oscar Moreno, one of the 11 prosecutors from the House of Representatives who resigned from the impeachment trail.
The protest reached a crescendo at 3 a.m. before participants, weary and not ready to take further action, finally began trudging home.
But they were back by mid-morning as some 50,000 to 100,000 gathered outside the EDSA Shrine. Counterpart protests were staged in other parts of Metro Manila and the provinces.
Stock brokers of the Makati Stock Exchange, wearing black armbands, walked off the trading floor to show their disgust over the trial developments.
Nine big business groups, led by the Makati Business Club (MBC), said a grave injustice was committed following the majority vote to bury the evidence.
Joining the MBC in its call for the President’s resignation were the Management Association of the Philippines, the Bishop-Businessmen’s Conference, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Investment Houses Association of the Philippines, Philippine Computer Society, Information Technology Foundation of the Philippines, Chamber of Real Estate Builders Associations and the Philippine Marketing Associations.
They said the repercussions of the Senate’s decision will be felt most deeply by the poor as prices rise, investments fall and jobs disappear.
Former President Fidel Ramos, who had just arrived from Hong Kong, staged a protest walk along a 10-kilometer stretch from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to the EDSA Shrine, leading a group of about 300 supporters.
The former leader and 1986 people power key figure called on the military and the police to rally behind the people demanding the resignation of the President.
Earlier, before dawn, two other EDSA heroes joined the crowd to show their concern over the decision of the Senate.
Former President Corazon Aquino and Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales vowed to step up public protests to demand the resignation of the President.
Rosales, a longtime opponent of Mrs. Arroyo, said it would be an exercise in futility if Mrs. Arroyo’s trial continued even after the Senate virtually acquitted the President of an array of corruption charges.
Rosales blasted senators who had voted to block the opening of the envelope supposedly containing documents on the secret bank accounts.
"We wish to express our indignation at this failure of these 23 senators to uphold the search for truth," the archbishop said.
Later in an afternoon Mass at the shrine, Rosales said "one immoral President and 23 shameless senators are no match for the millions of Filipinos who live and die by the truth."
In his homily, Rosales said Filipinos are angry because of the kind of president Mrs. Arroyo turned out to be.
"Mrs. President, how could you have done this to us? The poor trusted you and you betrayed them," he said.
Seven senator-judges joined the estimated 60,000 who gathered at the EDSA Shrine and called for Mrs. Arroyo’s resignation.
Senators Pia Cayetano, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Mar Roxas, Franklin Drilon, Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Revilla and Dr. Mona Valisno, who had voted for the opening of the second envelope, proceeded to the rally site after trial presiding officer Chief Justice Reynato Puno suspended the proceedings.
Vice President Noli de Castro, who would replace Mrs. Arroyo if she is convicted, called on Malacañang, the Armed Forces and the police to respect the mandate of the Constitution and allow "the people to express their indignation at this administration."
He said the President should be blamed if violence erupts at mass protests calling for her ouster.
"Should violence erupt because of the President’s militant stand, the bloodshed will be on her very doorstep," de Castro said. "I trust she will not shrink from her duty to protect life and limb, particularly those who demand her resignation."
Heightened alert
Riot policemen were placed on "heightened alert" yesterday in Metro Manila and other key cities nationwide because of the political chaos from the impeachment trial.
However, Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr. said the President has instructed the police and the military to exercise "maximum tolerance" in dealing with the street protests.
"The President told us to exercise maximum tolerance and make sure no violence erupts. The general public should be protected," Cruz said in an interview.
He assured the public that there would be no dispersal of the EDSA crowd as long as the protests remain peaceful. The President, she said, would allow protests but participants who break the law or obstruct traffic will be arrested.
As early as 5 a.m., the Central Police District deployed a battalion of civil disturbance units to increase police visibility at the shrine area.
The decision by the Senate triggered protests and rekindled security concerns in Metro Manila and Eastern Visayas, where the fire at the Unitop store in Ormoc City killed 25 people last Dec. 25 and simultaneous bomb attacks killed 30 people last Dec. 30.
"We are ready for any eventuality and are on heightened alert," Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Calderon said.
Riot police from nearby provinces would be trucked in to Metro Manila to beef up forces guarding the Senate building, shopping malls and railway stations.
Calderon and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said their forces remain loyal to the Constitution and would not take sides amid the political turmoil.
de Castro warned there was a plot to install a "civilian-military junta" to seize power.
"I warn those plotting to take over the reins of government that the people will certainly oppose and expose the plot. The people will hound you and you will bear the brunt of their collective indignation," she said, without naming the plotters.
‘Clear display of partisanship’
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) condemned what it called "the clear display of partisanship and unmitigated arrogance" of the 11 senators who blocked the presentation of evidence supposedly linking the President to unexplained wealth of P3.3 billion.
"The 11 betrayed public trust and demeaned the venerable institution of the Senate," IBP national president Arthur Lim said.
He called on all lawyers to assemble at the IBP headquarters on Monday "to launch a moral war against this corrupt and decadent regime."
Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma said tragedy struck the trial court the other day when senators made "a purely political partisan vote on a matter which had an intimate relation to the truth of the charges against the President."
"Truth is the ultimate good of the trial. That being so, it was necessary to open the second envelope and lay bare its contents for the senator-judges to see and ascertain their worth as evidence," she said.
Bayan said it no longer cares what happens in the trial and will continue with mass protests until Mrs. Arroyo is ousted.
"The trial has become a moro-moro. We will never attain justice with pro-Arroyo senators around," Bayan secretary general Teodoro Casiño said.
Caloocan City Mayor Enrico Echiverri called on his constituents to join the indignation rallies in protest of the virtual acquittal of the President.
"If we cannot get justice at the Senate, then the people’s street parliament will be a better alternative," Echiverri said.
University of the Philippines president Emerlinda Roman said the impeachment process is now irreparably damaged, as the Senate denied the defense panel the chance to make a believable presentation of the President’s side.
"It is most unfortunate that the 23 senators wrecked the only institutional mechanism that could have averted a full-blown crisis," Roman said.
The Ateneo de Manila University Law School condemned "the blatant disregard for the people’s right to be informed on a very important matter of public concern."
Trade Union Congress of the Philippines spokesman Alex Aguilar sought the resignation of the 11 senators who voted against the opening the envelope.
"Their action constitutes a betrayal, a high crime against the people," Aguilar said.
He noted that some 500,000 workers from Metro Manila and nearby provinces walked out of their workplaces to join the oust-Gloria rallies. – Sandy Araneta, Joanne Rae Ramirez, Rey Arquiza, Cristina Mendez, Marichu Villanueva, Sheila Crisostomo, Mayen Jaymalin, Non Alquitran, Pete Laude, Paolo Romero, Matthew Estabillo, Aurea Calica, Liberty Dones, Wilfredo Suarez
PGMA to city mayors: Remain focused on national development
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo urged today the 117 city mayors nationwide to remain focused on national development as the country prepares to meet the challenges posed by the highly-invigorated ASEAN and East Asia communities.
In her message at the 1st League of Cities National Convention at the Manila Hotel this morning, the President also promised the city mayors that she would remain their partner for development, security and good governance.
"Let us remain focused on the tasks at hand. I shall continue to wait upon your leadership to serve the people," she said, adding that the cities "have become a force to reckon with" in national development as the super regions concept relies much on the best of local leadership and resources.
"Your cities are the hubs whose spokes extend along all points of the compass, to other cities and hubs of prosperity in the region," the President said.
She said the country's economy, which is now on an extended bull run as seen in higher-than-ever overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) remittances, a very strong peso, bullish stock market, low inflation rate, stable interest rates and increasing investments, could be sustained with support from "hardworking and dedicated city mayors."
The President also said that as a result of the economic reform measures implemented by her administration, the budget for social services now is higher than for debt services for the first time in many years.
"We have championed a social agenda that weaves into the spirit of one caring and sharing community that is given a tangible share in the 2007 budget," the President stressed as she urged the city mayors to be her partners in the delivery of enhanced social services to the Filipino people.
In her message at the 1st League of Cities National Convention at the Manila Hotel this morning, the President also promised the city mayors that she would remain their partner for development, security and good governance.
"Let us remain focused on the tasks at hand. I shall continue to wait upon your leadership to serve the people," she said, adding that the cities "have become a force to reckon with" in national development as the super regions concept relies much on the best of local leadership and resources.
"Your cities are the hubs whose spokes extend along all points of the compass, to other cities and hubs of prosperity in the region," the President said.
She said the country's economy, which is now on an extended bull run as seen in higher-than-ever overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) remittances, a very strong peso, bullish stock market, low inflation rate, stable interest rates and increasing investments, could be sustained with support from "hardworking and dedicated city mayors."
The President also said that as a result of the economic reform measures implemented by her administration, the budget for social services now is higher than for debt services for the first time in many years.
"We have championed a social agenda that weaves into the spirit of one caring and sharing community that is given a tangible share in the 2007 budget," the President stressed as she urged the city mayors to be her partners in the delivery of enhanced social services to the Filipino people.
PGMA orders DENR to speed up development of 4 major river basins
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Angelo Reyes to speed up and prioritize the development of four major river basins in the country that would supply water in the agribusiness programs of the administration.
The President issued the directive to Reyes during a recent Cabinet meeting in preparation for the realization of the super regions development plan scheduled for full implementation this year.
The four major basins to be developed are the Cagayan river basin for the Northern Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, Subic-Clark area for the Luzon Urban Beltway, the Bicol river basin for Central Philippines, and the Agusan river basin for Agribusiness Mindanao.
Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo said the President also ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to include the development of other river basins in Leyte-Samar and the Upper Saug River in Davao del Norte under the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP).
In line with this, the DENR will transform the Natural Water Resources Board into the River Basin Control Office (RBCO) to handle the policy-making component of the river basins development program.
The President also agreed to the proposed creation of the Water Resources Management Bureau to take charge of the operation and administrative component of the RCBO.
She likewise tasked the Cabinet to discuss in a forthcoming meeting the road mapping of human rights and environment problems of the country.
The President issued the directive to Reyes during a recent Cabinet meeting in preparation for the realization of the super regions development plan scheduled for full implementation this year.
The four major basins to be developed are the Cagayan river basin for the Northern Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, Subic-Clark area for the Luzon Urban Beltway, the Bicol river basin for Central Philippines, and the Agusan river basin for Agribusiness Mindanao.
Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo said the President also ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to include the development of other river basins in Leyte-Samar and the Upper Saug River in Davao del Norte under the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP).
In line with this, the DENR will transform the Natural Water Resources Board into the River Basin Control Office (RBCO) to handle the policy-making component of the river basins development program.
The President also agreed to the proposed creation of the Water Resources Management Bureau to take charge of the operation and administrative component of the RCBO.
She likewise tasked the Cabinet to discuss in a forthcoming meeting the road mapping of human rights and environment problems of the country.
Government's all-out campaign vs. terrorism paying off -- PGMA
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said today the all-out war waged by the government against terrorism has again paid off with the death of another senior Abu Sayyaf leader in an encounter with government troops last Monday in Talipao,Sulu.
In her message at the 1st National Convention of the League of Cities of the Philippines held at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel, the President commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines for killing Abu Solaiman, the Abu Sayyaf leader tagged by the military as the mastermind behind several high-profile terror attacks such as the Dos Palmas kidnapping in Palawan in 2001 and the Super Ferry bombing off Corregidor island in 2004.
"The relentless pressure we have applied in the field is taking its toll and we will keep it up until all the terrorists and their clandestine cells are accounted for," the President said.
The President said the AFP’s latest feat marks another "milestone" in the fight against terrorism, which "caps with glory" the ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism which was signed by the leaders of the 10-member ASEAN at the conclusion of their 12th summit in Cebu last Monday.
"We are resolved to work with our strategic allies in the region and with the United States to tighten the dragnet and stop the movement of terrorists, their finances and their deadly materiel across seas and borders," the President stressed.
Saying the Philippines has regained its place in the international landscape as a strong player in the fight against terror, the President vowed to relentlessly work for a lasting peace not only in the country or East Asian region but in the world as there are around eight million Filipinos working overseas.
"We mark every high point in the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf and the Jemaah Islamiyah with greater resolve to move forward in strengthening domestic, regional and global security," she said.
"The Philippines has a stake in a safer world where eight million Filipinos work and reside, and in an East Asian region that builds shared prosperity on stability and peace," she added.
The President also expressed determination "to finish the job with a hand of steel against evil and to usher in a durable peace through economic development, interfaith dialogue and international cooperation."
In her message at the 1st National Convention of the League of Cities of the Philippines held at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel, the President commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines for killing Abu Solaiman, the Abu Sayyaf leader tagged by the military as the mastermind behind several high-profile terror attacks such as the Dos Palmas kidnapping in Palawan in 2001 and the Super Ferry bombing off Corregidor island in 2004.
"The relentless pressure we have applied in the field is taking its toll and we will keep it up until all the terrorists and their clandestine cells are accounted for," the President said.
The President said the AFP’s latest feat marks another "milestone" in the fight against terrorism, which "caps with glory" the ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism which was signed by the leaders of the 10-member ASEAN at the conclusion of their 12th summit in Cebu last Monday.
"We are resolved to work with our strategic allies in the region and with the United States to tighten the dragnet and stop the movement of terrorists, their finances and their deadly materiel across seas and borders," the President stressed.
Saying the Philippines has regained its place in the international landscape as a strong player in the fight against terror, the President vowed to relentlessly work for a lasting peace not only in the country or East Asian region but in the world as there are around eight million Filipinos working overseas.
"We mark every high point in the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf and the Jemaah Islamiyah with greater resolve to move forward in strengthening domestic, regional and global security," she said.
"The Philippines has a stake in a safer world where eight million Filipinos work and reside, and in an East Asian region that builds shared prosperity on stability and peace," she added.
The President also expressed determination "to finish the job with a hand of steel against evil and to usher in a durable peace through economic development, interfaith dialogue and international cooperation."
Statement of the President
I commend the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for another milestone in the campaign against terror, which caps with glory the signing of the ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism.
We are resolved to work with our strategic allies in the region and with the United States to tighten the dragnet and stop the movement of terrorists, their finances and their deadly materiel across the seas and borders.
We mark every high point in the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf and the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) with greater resolve to move forward in strengthening domestic, regional and global security.
The Philippines has a stake in a safer world where eight (8) million Filipinos work and reside, and in an East Asian region that builds shared prosperity on stability and peace.
The relentless pressure we have applied in the field is taking its toll and we will keep it up until all the terrorists and their clandestine cells are accounted for.
This government is determined to finish the job with a hand of steel against evil; and to usher in a durable peace through economic development, interfaith dialogue and international cooperation.
We are resolved to work with our strategic allies in the region and with the United States to tighten the dragnet and stop the movement of terrorists, their finances and their deadly materiel across the seas and borders.
We mark every high point in the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf and the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) with greater resolve to move forward in strengthening domestic, regional and global security.
The Philippines has a stake in a safer world where eight (8) million Filipinos work and reside, and in an East Asian region that builds shared prosperity on stability and peace.
The relentless pressure we have applied in the field is taking its toll and we will keep it up until all the terrorists and their clandestine cells are accounted for.
This government is determined to finish the job with a hand of steel against evil; and to usher in a durable peace through economic development, interfaith dialogue and international cooperation.
ENRILE: CANCER CONSCIOUSNESS SHOULD BE MORE THAN JUST AN EVENT BUT A WAY OF LIFE
Urges people to participate in campaigns to fight cancer
Senator Manny Villar says that people should not just shrug off disease awareness campaigns as calendar events of certain organizations only, instead as opportunities to focus on programs and projects that can alleviate the suffering of people afflicted with such diseases.
According to Villar, We have gotten used to certain days, weeks or months of the year designated as a date to observe a certain disease, that there is a tendency to just shrug it off or worse ignore it. This is really counterproductive to the purpose of designating those dates as such.
Adds Villar, Lawmakers file bills to designate certain day of the year as awareness day for diseases in order to call the attention of the public and even the government to do something to combat such disease or support its sufferers or victims.
Villar cites cancer as an example of a disease or affliction which is commemorated extensively but remains a serious threat and still requires close attention. Cancer is the number three killer of Filipinos today and over a hundred die from it everyday.
January 17 to 23 is Cancer Consciousness Week. On top of this, there are different dates of observance for specific types of cancer such as for breast cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, leukemia among others. This is a good time to take action versus cancer before it becomes the number killer of Filipinos, as projected in the next few years.
Villar himself has filed bills related to cancer such as Senate Bill (SB) 116, establishing a program for public education on prostate cancer and SB 2303, establishing an ovarian cancer awareness campaign. Other legislators are seeking the designation of other dates for awareness of prostate cancer, liver cancer and even cancer that affects the retina of the eye called retinoblastoma.
As lawmakers, by filing those bills, we hope to help cancer sufferers and their families. The threat of cancer is real and just about anyone can get stricken by it. in fact, it is estimated that one of every 1,000 Filipinos will get cancer and that 200,000 Filipinos suffer from cancer yearly. Early detection is the key and creating awareness is the first step, further cites Villar.
Senator Manny Villar says that people should not just shrug off disease awareness campaigns as calendar events of certain organizations only, instead as opportunities to focus on programs and projects that can alleviate the suffering of people afflicted with such diseases.
According to Villar, We have gotten used to certain days, weeks or months of the year designated as a date to observe a certain disease, that there is a tendency to just shrug it off or worse ignore it. This is really counterproductive to the purpose of designating those dates as such.
Adds Villar, Lawmakers file bills to designate certain day of the year as awareness day for diseases in order to call the attention of the public and even the government to do something to combat such disease or support its sufferers or victims.
Villar cites cancer as an example of a disease or affliction which is commemorated extensively but remains a serious threat and still requires close attention. Cancer is the number three killer of Filipinos today and over a hundred die from it everyday.
January 17 to 23 is Cancer Consciousness Week. On top of this, there are different dates of observance for specific types of cancer such as for breast cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, leukemia among others. This is a good time to take action versus cancer before it becomes the number killer of Filipinos, as projected in the next few years.
Villar himself has filed bills related to cancer such as Senate Bill (SB) 116, establishing a program for public education on prostate cancer and SB 2303, establishing an ovarian cancer awareness campaign. Other legislators are seeking the designation of other dates for awareness of prostate cancer, liver cancer and even cancer that affects the retina of the eye called retinoblastoma.
As lawmakers, by filing those bills, we hope to help cancer sufferers and their families. The threat of cancer is real and just about anyone can get stricken by it. in fact, it is estimated that one of every 1,000 Filipinos will get cancer and that 200,000 Filipinos suffer from cancer yearly. Early detection is the key and creating awareness is the first step, further cites Villar.
Recto warns against abusive use of force
The firepower of 200 hundred cops to serve an order of dismissal is an abusive use of force, Senator Ralph Recto said of the incident involving Governor Tupas who barricaded himself inside the Iloilo capitol building.
A man who submitted himself to the publics verdict in an election involving millions of voters seems more than just a reasonable man. It did not do any good that his family was subjected to such intimidation, Recto said.
The action-packed service of the order of dismissal is now a melodrama with the governor gaining public sympathy.
Recto explained the it may be a very thin line that divides reasonable force from excessive force, but cops, and certainly their chiefs, ought to know it.
We need to warn police officers against use of excessive force. A cop may have the right to use force as is reasonably necessary in the performance of his duties but his right is limited by a citizens right, and that includes Governor Tupas, to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.
At the very least, the 48-hour deadline should have been observed.
Recto advised that as the election season heats up, cooler heads must prevail. The arm of the law should all the more remember to use force prudently though firmly.
Recto recommended that to prevent similar incidents from occurring whatever the situation and not just limited to the service of dismissal orders, we may have to call in experts to screen violence-prone candidates and prevent their entry into the police forces nationwide.
A man who submitted himself to the publics verdict in an election involving millions of voters seems more than just a reasonable man. It did not do any good that his family was subjected to such intimidation, Recto said.
The action-packed service of the order of dismissal is now a melodrama with the governor gaining public sympathy.
Recto explained the it may be a very thin line that divides reasonable force from excessive force, but cops, and certainly their chiefs, ought to know it.
We need to warn police officers against use of excessive force. A cop may have the right to use force as is reasonably necessary in the performance of his duties but his right is limited by a citizens right, and that includes Governor Tupas, to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.
At the very least, the 48-hour deadline should have been observed.
Recto advised that as the election season heats up, cooler heads must prevail. The arm of the law should all the more remember to use force prudently though firmly.
Recto recommended that to prevent similar incidents from occurring whatever the situation and not just limited to the service of dismissal orders, we may have to call in experts to screen violence-prone candidates and prevent their entry into the police forces nationwide.
UNLESS REFINED, ANTI-TERROR BILL WILL TERRORIZE US
By Sen. Nene Pimentel
The Anti-Terrorism Bill embodied in Senate Bill No. 2137 is, arguably, the most terrifying piece of legislation ever submitted for the consideration of the Senate.
Like Draco, the 7th century Athenian lawgiver, who prescribed tough punishments even for civil debts, the Bill treats with equal severity a person who is a mere suspect in the crime of terrorism and another who is actually accused or convicted of the crime.
As of December 16, 2006, the Bill had 56 sections.
In fairness, 34 of the 56 sections seek to prevent official abuse in the implementation of the Bill or are innocuous provisions as far as these relate to persons suspected of the crime of terrorism.
The other 22 sections, namely: 7, 8, 9, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 34, 35, 36, 39, 40, 41 and 42 refer specifically to suspects of the crime.
Severe sentences
But no matter what the nature of the liability of the person involved in the crime of terrorism might be, the jail terms prescribed for it are tough. For instance, the early sections of the Bill, namely, Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 penalize the principal culprits with reclusion perpetua, or loosely, life imprisonment. In descending order, the other felons get shorter sentences like reclusion temporal in its maximum period or imprisonment of 17 years, 4 months and 1 day to 20 years for the co-conspirators; reclusion temporal in its medium period or imprisonment if 14 years, 8 months and 1 day to 17 years for those who acted as accomplices and prision mayor in its maximum period or imprisonment of 8 years and 1 day to 12 years for those who were after-the-fact accessories.
The Bill, thus, intends and rightly so - to rigorously punish those who commit terrorism.
Most scary flaw
What is most scary, however, is that as indicated above the bill harshly deals even with those who are merely suspected of being involved in the crime. These are individuals who are not even formally charged before the court or convicted in court for the crime.
It is a flaw of the Bill that it allows some unnamed persons or anonymous informers to tag others as participants in or plotters of the crime of terrorism. The Bill does not require that the identity of the informer be revealed to and be recorded by the law enforcement authorities. Neither is it a requisite that the competence of the informer as a reliable source of information be first established before the authorities use the full force of the law to roll over the suspect. Nor does the Bill define the kind of responsibility the informer has to bear in the event that the information he or she passed on to the authorities turns out completely baseless. In fine, the Bill grants the informer a virtually boundless power to cause injury to others by the simple expedience of labeling them as suspects of the crime of terrorism without incurring any responsibility for it.
The cavalier way by which the Bill tolerates suspects to be dragged into the criminal web of terrorism on the mere say so of anonymous informers should raise alarum bells. For in this country as of today, even without any anti-terrorism legislation, people are already being picked up, detained and tortured or, worse, killed extra-judicially.
Makapili method
The use of hooded ratters, stool pigeons, if you will, or faceless informers who can trigger the arrest and detention without judicial warrant of persons suspected of having committed terrorism recalls the evil facets of the Spanish Inquisition of the 14th century or the Makapili era during the Japanese occupation of our country. Those finger-pointers are technically witnesses against the suspect who he or she wont be able to confront as required by Sec. 14, Art. III of the Constitution. Obviously, the use of anonymous witnesses has no place in a modern, democratic society.
The great danger is that once the Bill becomes law, unless refined, it will cripple the human rights and curtail the civil liberties of any person who is pointed to as a suspect in the crime of terrorism.
Bill of Rights, undermined
Of the 22 sections of the Bill that cover suspects in the crime of terrorism, four sections severely undermine the constitutional guarantees in the Bill of Rights. These are sections 7, 18, 26 and 38.
1. Sec. 7 authorizes the surveillance, interception and recording of communications, conversations, messages of persons suspected of the crime of terrorism.
The section legitimizes the police surveillance of the movements of the suspects of the crime, the surreptitious search of their homes, offices and places of leisure, and the electronic recording of their communications by methods that include such advance technology as magic lanterns, trace and trap, and other devices.
2. Sec. 18 allows the arrest without judicial warrant and the subsequent detention of any person suspected of the crime of terrorism. Originally the detention was for not more than 15 days but as amended, it has now been reduced to not more than 3 days.
The section legalizes police arrest and incarceration of suspects upon the mere say so of their informants or assets.
3. Sec. 26 empowers the police or law enforcement officials by order of the Court of Appeals to examine the deposits, placements, trust accounts, assets and records of a person suspected of the crime of terrorism.
The examination may be done ex-parte, that is, behind the back of or without notice to the person concerned.
The hazardous import of the section to the human rights and civil liberties of people may not be felt unless it is tied up with the fourth section we had adverted to earlier and that is Section 38 of the Bill.
4. Sec. 38 authorizes the seizure and sequestration of the bank deposits, placements, trust accounts, assets and records of a suspect of the crime of terrorism.
The section also sanctions the seizure and sequestration of the suspects moneys, businesses, transportation and communication equipment and other implements, and properties of whatever kind and nature.
It is vital to note that the person whose properties of whatever kind and nature are seized and sequestered under the section is someone who is not yet convicted of the crime of terrorism. He or she is not even accused of terrorism. He or she is, to put it bluntly, a mere suspect.
Due Process, thrashed
In these sections, the Bill thrashes, at the very least, the constitutional provisions that deal with due process.
Specifically, these are Sections I and Section 14 of Article III of the Constitution that has to be read in relation to Section 12 of the same article.
Sec. 1 mandates that: No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law;
Sec. 14 states that: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved, xxx (have the right) to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against him, xxx to meet the witnesses face to face; and
Sec. 12 (1) provides that: Any person under investigation for the commission of an offense shall have the right to be informed of his right to remain silent and to have competent and independent counsel preferably of his own choice. Xxx These rights cannot be waived except in writing and in the presence of counsel.
Threatening incidents
But under the provisions of the Bill, the police or law enforcement officials may subject a person simply SUSPECTED of terrorist activities to the following:
1. Surveillance of his or her movements without or with a judicial warrant obtained in secret (ex-parte). Even now, in the absence of an Anti-Terrorism Law, suspects not only of terrorism but of other crimes as well are being placed under surveillance without judicial warrants.
2. Recording of his or her communications, messages, conversations verbal or written with a judicial warrant secured ex-parte;
3. Search of his or her house, papers and effects with a judicial warrant secured ex-parte;
4. Seizure, sequestration and freezing of his or her properties of whatever kind ex-parte; and
5. Arrest and detention without a judicial warrant.
The net effect of these activities whether done together or separately is to deprive even a SUSPECT in terrorist cases of his or her liberty and property without due process of law. And that makes the Bill patently defective, clearly impermissible, and fatally flawed for violating the Constitution.
Rid Bill of impurities
As such, the Bill is an abomination to a democratic society.
Happily, the Anti-Terrorism bill cannot supersede what the Constitution mandates for the protection of the rights of people.
We submit that those rights must be upheld, protected and enhanced rather than curtailed, diminished and demeaned as the Bill proposes to do.
We need the help of the people and of our colleagues in the Senate to rid the Bill of its impurities so that we may secure the country against the scourge of terrorism but without sacrificing our people's basic liberties and fundamental freedoms.
The Anti-Terrorism Bill embodied in Senate Bill No. 2137 is, arguably, the most terrifying piece of legislation ever submitted for the consideration of the Senate.
Like Draco, the 7th century Athenian lawgiver, who prescribed tough punishments even for civil debts, the Bill treats with equal severity a person who is a mere suspect in the crime of terrorism and another who is actually accused or convicted of the crime.
As of December 16, 2006, the Bill had 56 sections.
In fairness, 34 of the 56 sections seek to prevent official abuse in the implementation of the Bill or are innocuous provisions as far as these relate to persons suspected of the crime of terrorism.
The other 22 sections, namely: 7, 8, 9, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 34, 35, 36, 39, 40, 41 and 42 refer specifically to suspects of the crime.
Severe sentences
But no matter what the nature of the liability of the person involved in the crime of terrorism might be, the jail terms prescribed for it are tough. For instance, the early sections of the Bill, namely, Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 penalize the principal culprits with reclusion perpetua, or loosely, life imprisonment. In descending order, the other felons get shorter sentences like reclusion temporal in its maximum period or imprisonment of 17 years, 4 months and 1 day to 20 years for the co-conspirators; reclusion temporal in its medium period or imprisonment if 14 years, 8 months and 1 day to 17 years for those who acted as accomplices and prision mayor in its maximum period or imprisonment of 8 years and 1 day to 12 years for those who were after-the-fact accessories.
The Bill, thus, intends and rightly so - to rigorously punish those who commit terrorism.
Most scary flaw
What is most scary, however, is that as indicated above the bill harshly deals even with those who are merely suspected of being involved in the crime. These are individuals who are not even formally charged before the court or convicted in court for the crime.
It is a flaw of the Bill that it allows some unnamed persons or anonymous informers to tag others as participants in or plotters of the crime of terrorism. The Bill does not require that the identity of the informer be revealed to and be recorded by the law enforcement authorities. Neither is it a requisite that the competence of the informer as a reliable source of information be first established before the authorities use the full force of the law to roll over the suspect. Nor does the Bill define the kind of responsibility the informer has to bear in the event that the information he or she passed on to the authorities turns out completely baseless. In fine, the Bill grants the informer a virtually boundless power to cause injury to others by the simple expedience of labeling them as suspects of the crime of terrorism without incurring any responsibility for it.
The cavalier way by which the Bill tolerates suspects to be dragged into the criminal web of terrorism on the mere say so of anonymous informers should raise alarum bells. For in this country as of today, even without any anti-terrorism legislation, people are already being picked up, detained and tortured or, worse, killed extra-judicially.
Makapili method
The use of hooded ratters, stool pigeons, if you will, or faceless informers who can trigger the arrest and detention without judicial warrant of persons suspected of having committed terrorism recalls the evil facets of the Spanish Inquisition of the 14th century or the Makapili era during the Japanese occupation of our country. Those finger-pointers are technically witnesses against the suspect who he or she wont be able to confront as required by Sec. 14, Art. III of the Constitution. Obviously, the use of anonymous witnesses has no place in a modern, democratic society.
The great danger is that once the Bill becomes law, unless refined, it will cripple the human rights and curtail the civil liberties of any person who is pointed to as a suspect in the crime of terrorism.
Bill of Rights, undermined
Of the 22 sections of the Bill that cover suspects in the crime of terrorism, four sections severely undermine the constitutional guarantees in the Bill of Rights. These are sections 7, 18, 26 and 38.
1. Sec. 7 authorizes the surveillance, interception and recording of communications, conversations, messages of persons suspected of the crime of terrorism.
The section legitimizes the police surveillance of the movements of the suspects of the crime, the surreptitious search of their homes, offices and places of leisure, and the electronic recording of their communications by methods that include such advance technology as magic lanterns, trace and trap, and other devices.
2. Sec. 18 allows the arrest without judicial warrant and the subsequent detention of any person suspected of the crime of terrorism. Originally the detention was for not more than 15 days but as amended, it has now been reduced to not more than 3 days.
The section legalizes police arrest and incarceration of suspects upon the mere say so of their informants or assets.
3. Sec. 26 empowers the police or law enforcement officials by order of the Court of Appeals to examine the deposits, placements, trust accounts, assets and records of a person suspected of the crime of terrorism.
The examination may be done ex-parte, that is, behind the back of or without notice to the person concerned.
The hazardous import of the section to the human rights and civil liberties of people may not be felt unless it is tied up with the fourth section we had adverted to earlier and that is Section 38 of the Bill.
4. Sec. 38 authorizes the seizure and sequestration of the bank deposits, placements, trust accounts, assets and records of a suspect of the crime of terrorism.
The section also sanctions the seizure and sequestration of the suspects moneys, businesses, transportation and communication equipment and other implements, and properties of whatever kind and nature.
It is vital to note that the person whose properties of whatever kind and nature are seized and sequestered under the section is someone who is not yet convicted of the crime of terrorism. He or she is not even accused of terrorism. He or she is, to put it bluntly, a mere suspect.
Due Process, thrashed
In these sections, the Bill thrashes, at the very least, the constitutional provisions that deal with due process.
Specifically, these are Sections I and Section 14 of Article III of the Constitution that has to be read in relation to Section 12 of the same article.
Sec. 1 mandates that: No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law;
Sec. 14 states that: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved, xxx (have the right) to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against him, xxx to meet the witnesses face to face; and
Sec. 12 (1) provides that: Any person under investigation for the commission of an offense shall have the right to be informed of his right to remain silent and to have competent and independent counsel preferably of his own choice. Xxx These rights cannot be waived except in writing and in the presence of counsel.
Threatening incidents
But under the provisions of the Bill, the police or law enforcement officials may subject a person simply SUSPECTED of terrorist activities to the following:
1. Surveillance of his or her movements without or with a judicial warrant obtained in secret (ex-parte). Even now, in the absence of an Anti-Terrorism Law, suspects not only of terrorism but of other crimes as well are being placed under surveillance without judicial warrants.
2. Recording of his or her communications, messages, conversations verbal or written with a judicial warrant secured ex-parte;
3. Search of his or her house, papers and effects with a judicial warrant secured ex-parte;
4. Seizure, sequestration and freezing of his or her properties of whatever kind ex-parte; and
5. Arrest and detention without a judicial warrant.
The net effect of these activities whether done together or separately is to deprive even a SUSPECT in terrorist cases of his or her liberty and property without due process of law. And that makes the Bill patently defective, clearly impermissible, and fatally flawed for violating the Constitution.
Rid Bill of impurities
As such, the Bill is an abomination to a democratic society.
Happily, the Anti-Terrorism bill cannot supersede what the Constitution mandates for the protection of the rights of people.
We submit that those rights must be upheld, protected and enhanced rather than curtailed, diminished and demeaned as the Bill proposes to do.
We need the help of the people and of our colleagues in the Senate to rid the Bill of its impurities so that we may secure the country against the scourge of terrorism but without sacrificing our people's basic liberties and fundamental freedoms.
GOVT-MILF PEACE TALKS HARDLY A MODEL FOR OTHER COUNTRIES -- PIMENTEL
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Senate poised to investigate PNP use of 'excessive force' during Iloilo Capitol siege, says Drilon
The Senate Committee on Public Order and the Committee on Local Governments will investigate the alleged use of "excessive force" by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during a violent assault on the Iloilo provincial capitol on Wednesday, Liberal Party (LP) President Franklin Drilon said today.
Drilon, who is also chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Illegal Drugs, said LP leaders in both the Senate and the House of Representatives have condemned the "unnecessary raid and excessive use of force" by the PNP during the siege reportedly on orders of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez and Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno to forcibly remove Iloilo Gov. Neil Tupas Sr., a ranking LP leader, from the provincial capitol.
Drilon, who is currently presiding over a regular meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Human Rights Committee in Geneva, Switzerland, said television footages showing policemen in full battle gear, armed with high-powered rifles, manhandling unarmed civilians inside the Iloilo Capitol were shown in international TV "giving the impression that the Philippines is under an undeclared state of Martial Law."
"The use of excessive force against unarmed civilians, including women, is completely unjustified. This fiasco at the Iloilo Capital has given the Arroyo government another black eye before the international community," Drilon said.
Reports said a resolution calling on the Senate committees on public order and local government was being drafted and will be submitted when Congress resumes sessions on Monday, Jan. 22. The Committee on Public Order and Illegal Drugs is chaired by Drilon while the Committee on Local Governments is chaired by Sen. Alfredo Lim, a former police general.
After surviving what he said was a politically motivated and unjustified assault on the provincial capitol, Tupas said he was eyeing the filing of charges against policemen in the siege try.
Tupas, who survived the crisis after getting a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Court of Appeals at the last minute, accused Gonzalez of being behind the order to assault the capitol.
The Iloilo governor noted that policemen not only destroyed glass windows and panels to enter the capitol, but also aimed high-powered firearms at his children and supporters, including several officials of the provincial capitol.
LP leaders condemned the Ombudsman's suspension and disqualification order against Tupas, saying it was a desperate move on the part of the Arroyo administration particularly with the coming elections.
Former LP President Florencio "Butch" Abad said Malacañang was trying to eliminate some of its strongest opponents like Tupas, who has the support of his province with no serious contenders for the governorship.
"This is just the opening of the political season and if this is already the acts being undertaken at this early stage, you can expect things to even get worse," said Abad. He noted that Tupas withdrew his support for President Arroyo following the "Hello Garci" controversy. He is also a known ally of Drilon.
Drilon condemned what he termed as "unlawful and shameless political bullying" by the Arroyo administration after the DILG ordered the dismissal of a number of opposition local executives, including Tupas.
"This is even worse than martial law. The Arroyo administration is making a mockery of the Constitutional guarantee to due process and a fair and speedy trial," Drilon deplored.
Drilon revealed that several Malacañang "political operators" have been trying to convince Tupas in the past months to abandon Drilon and the LP and join the Arroyo administration. However, the Iloilo governor has remained steadfast with his political convictions, he added.
Drilon said Malacañang was applying "unlawful and shameless political bullying" tactics against Tupas after realizing that the administration-backed Lakas and Kampi political parties could not find a legitimate candidate who can defeat Tupas as Iloilo governor in the coming elections.
Drilon, who is also chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Illegal Drugs, said LP leaders in both the Senate and the House of Representatives have condemned the "unnecessary raid and excessive use of force" by the PNP during the siege reportedly on orders of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez and Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno to forcibly remove Iloilo Gov. Neil Tupas Sr., a ranking LP leader, from the provincial capitol.
Drilon, who is currently presiding over a regular meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Human Rights Committee in Geneva, Switzerland, said television footages showing policemen in full battle gear, armed with high-powered rifles, manhandling unarmed civilians inside the Iloilo Capitol were shown in international TV "giving the impression that the Philippines is under an undeclared state of Martial Law."
"The use of excessive force against unarmed civilians, including women, is completely unjustified. This fiasco at the Iloilo Capital has given the Arroyo government another black eye before the international community," Drilon said.
Reports said a resolution calling on the Senate committees on public order and local government was being drafted and will be submitted when Congress resumes sessions on Monday, Jan. 22. The Committee on Public Order and Illegal Drugs is chaired by Drilon while the Committee on Local Governments is chaired by Sen. Alfredo Lim, a former police general.
After surviving what he said was a politically motivated and unjustified assault on the provincial capitol, Tupas said he was eyeing the filing of charges against policemen in the siege try.
Tupas, who survived the crisis after getting a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Court of Appeals at the last minute, accused Gonzalez of being behind the order to assault the capitol.
The Iloilo governor noted that policemen not only destroyed glass windows and panels to enter the capitol, but also aimed high-powered firearms at his children and supporters, including several officials of the provincial capitol.
LP leaders condemned the Ombudsman's suspension and disqualification order against Tupas, saying it was a desperate move on the part of the Arroyo administration particularly with the coming elections.
Former LP President Florencio "Butch" Abad said Malacañang was trying to eliminate some of its strongest opponents like Tupas, who has the support of his province with no serious contenders for the governorship.
"This is just the opening of the political season and if this is already the acts being undertaken at this early stage, you can expect things to even get worse," said Abad. He noted that Tupas withdrew his support for President Arroyo following the "Hello Garci" controversy. He is also a known ally of Drilon.
Drilon condemned what he termed as "unlawful and shameless political bullying" by the Arroyo administration after the DILG ordered the dismissal of a number of opposition local executives, including Tupas.
"This is even worse than martial law. The Arroyo administration is making a mockery of the Constitutional guarantee to due process and a fair and speedy trial," Drilon deplored.
Drilon revealed that several Malacañang "political operators" have been trying to convince Tupas in the past months to abandon Drilon and the LP and join the Arroyo administration. However, the Iloilo governor has remained steadfast with his political convictions, he added.
Drilon said Malacañang was applying "unlawful and shameless political bullying" tactics against Tupas after realizing that the administration-backed Lakas and Kampi political parties could not find a legitimate candidate who can defeat Tupas as Iloilo governor in the coming elections.
2007 budget bill fixes disparity in benefits of retired policemen, says Drilon
Senate Committee on Finance Chairman Franklin M. Drilon today said that with the P150 million for payment of pension of PC-INP retirees incorporated in the proposed P1.126 trillion national budget for this year, policemen who are retired from service can now claim more judicious retirement benefits.
When the President approves the proposed budget bill next month, Drilon said the 2007 national budget will provide for the pension benefits of retirees belonging to the defunct Integrated National Police (INP), particularly members of the Manila's Finest Brotherhood of the Western Police District. The benefits, Drilon noted, will be at par with that being received by the retirees of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
"The new budget for this year addresses the glaring disparity between the rates of pension being received by the INP as compared with that of the retirees of the PNP. It is only fair that we provide for equal benefits to those who performed the same nature of work," Drilon said.
During the budget deliberations on the 2007 budget, Sen. Alfredo Lim, a retired police general, pushed for the inclusion in the national budget of a pension fund that will finally address the protracted clamor of INP retirees to receive the same rate of pension as that of PNP retirees.
The gap between the pension of INP and PNP retirees widened when the effort to professionalize the police service necessitated the upgrading of the benefits received by PNP personnel in terms of pay and allowances as well as other additional allowances, Drilon noted.
The INP retirees are receiving pension based on the rate of pay they received when they were still in the active service. Their pension is provided for by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and based on the rate of pay they received while in the active service as provided in the PNP, Drilon added.
A comparison of the rate of pension showed that an INP retiree with a rank of Corporal receives a monthly pension of P3,225 as against a PNP retiree with a corresponding rank of SPO3 who receives P11,310 monthly pension, or a difference of P8,085. An INP brigadier general at retirement receives P10,054 monthly pension as compared to a matching rank of chief superintendent in the PNP, who receives P18,088, or a difference of P8,033.
"For a very long time now, the INP retirees were left at a very disadvantageous situation. We hope to provide the retired police force some form of upliftment in their lives, amidst the economic hardships we are going through," Drilon said.
On June 3, 2002, The INP retirees filed a civil case against the Department of Budget and Management, PNP, Civil Service Commission and the GSIS. The case was decided in favor of the INP retirees on March 21, 2003. At present, the case has been elevated to the Supreme Court for review. The payment of the claims of INP retirees shall be subject to the decision of the Supreme Court under GR No. 169466.
Over the weekend, Drilon announced that the budget bill for 2007 will provide for a total of P10 billion for the rehabilitation of areas in the country badly affected by typhoons Milenyo, Paeng, Reming and Seniang.
The Bicameral Conference Committee has broken the deadlock on the 2007 budget bill after a series of meetings with Drilon's House counterpart, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda.
The bicam committee agreed on a compromise version of the budget that shall be submitted for ratification by both chambers of Congress when session resumes this month, Drilon said. The bill can then be presented for the President's signature before Congress adjourns on February 10.
When the President approves the proposed budget bill next month, Drilon said the 2007 national budget will provide for the pension benefits of retirees belonging to the defunct Integrated National Police (INP), particularly members of the Manila's Finest Brotherhood of the Western Police District. The benefits, Drilon noted, will be at par with that being received by the retirees of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
"The new budget for this year addresses the glaring disparity between the rates of pension being received by the INP as compared with that of the retirees of the PNP. It is only fair that we provide for equal benefits to those who performed the same nature of work," Drilon said.
During the budget deliberations on the 2007 budget, Sen. Alfredo Lim, a retired police general, pushed for the inclusion in the national budget of a pension fund that will finally address the protracted clamor of INP retirees to receive the same rate of pension as that of PNP retirees.
The gap between the pension of INP and PNP retirees widened when the effort to professionalize the police service necessitated the upgrading of the benefits received by PNP personnel in terms of pay and allowances as well as other additional allowances, Drilon noted.
The INP retirees are receiving pension based on the rate of pay they received when they were still in the active service. Their pension is provided for by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and based on the rate of pay they received while in the active service as provided in the PNP, Drilon added.
A comparison of the rate of pension showed that an INP retiree with a rank of Corporal receives a monthly pension of P3,225 as against a PNP retiree with a corresponding rank of SPO3 who receives P11,310 monthly pension, or a difference of P8,085. An INP brigadier general at retirement receives P10,054 monthly pension as compared to a matching rank of chief superintendent in the PNP, who receives P18,088, or a difference of P8,033.
"For a very long time now, the INP retirees were left at a very disadvantageous situation. We hope to provide the retired police force some form of upliftment in their lives, amidst the economic hardships we are going through," Drilon said.
On June 3, 2002, The INP retirees filed a civil case against the Department of Budget and Management, PNP, Civil Service Commission and the GSIS. The case was decided in favor of the INP retirees on March 21, 2003. At present, the case has been elevated to the Supreme Court for review. The payment of the claims of INP retirees shall be subject to the decision of the Supreme Court under GR No. 169466.
Over the weekend, Drilon announced that the budget bill for 2007 will provide for a total of P10 billion for the rehabilitation of areas in the country badly affected by typhoons Milenyo, Paeng, Reming and Seniang.
The Bicameral Conference Committee has broken the deadlock on the 2007 budget bill after a series of meetings with Drilon's House counterpart, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda.
The bicam committee agreed on a compromise version of the budget that shall be submitted for ratification by both chambers of Congress when session resumes this month, Drilon said. The bill can then be presented for the President's signature before Congress adjourns on February 10.
Who will be Miss Cebu 2007?
Who will be Miss Cebu 2007? This is the most asked question these days which will see answer tonight as Stephanie Basubas Senires, Ms. Cebu 2006, will relinquish and pass her crown to the fairest amongst the 11 lovely Cebuana hopefuls who will parade infront of the excited and eager spectators at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino's Grand Ballroom.
The handsome and fluent Paolo Trillo will be the night's host while the very respected tri-media personality Boy Abunda will do the question and answer segment. Guest performers include every Cebuano's pride: Pinoy Dream Academy's Jay-R Siaboc and Panky, Star In A Million's Jimmy Marquez, and local talent Maria Donna.
Looking at the photos of the candidates, I'm pretty sure that you will agree with me that this year's batch is one of the best in the history of Miss Cebu. Well, let's leave that very critical decision to the distinguished board of judges. I'm sure, too, that they will have a hard time. Good luck to all of you! See you tonight! Pit Senyor!!!
https://www.philstar.com/cebu-lifestyle/2007/01/18/380584/who-will-be-miss-cebu-2007
The handsome and fluent Paolo Trillo will be the night's host while the very respected tri-media personality Boy Abunda will do the question and answer segment. Guest performers include every Cebuano's pride: Pinoy Dream Academy's Jay-R Siaboc and Panky, Star In A Million's Jimmy Marquez, and local talent Maria Donna.
Looking at the photos of the candidates, I'm pretty sure that you will agree with me that this year's batch is one of the best in the history of Miss Cebu. Well, let's leave that very critical decision to the distinguished board of judges. I'm sure, too, that they will have a hard time. Good luck to all of you! See you tonight! Pit Senyor!!!
https://www.philstar.com/cebu-lifestyle/2007/01/18/380584/who-will-be-miss-cebu-2007
MPD fetes 17 cops on its 106th anniversary
Seventeen police officers were honored during the commemoration of the 106th anniversary celebration of the Manila Police District (MPD) yesterday at its headquarters along United Nations Avenue in Ermita, Manila.
The MPD anniversary was actually on Jan. 9 but the celebration was moved to a later date as the Manila police was then busy securing the procession of the Black Nazarene.
Forty-nine individuals and non-government organizations received leadership awards, while three policewomen were given special awards.
The awardees were selected for their exceptional performance and outstanding contribution to the building of a more competent and responsive Manila police force, MPD director Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa told The STAR.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director Gen. Oscar Calderon, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Reynaldo Varilla and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza extolled the accomplishments of the MPD in their individual speeches during the program.
Abarzosa said this year’s anniversary celebration was made simple and austere in deference to victims of various calamities that hit the country last year.
Leading the awardees is Senior Superintendent Edgar Danao, chief of the District Intelligence and Investigation Division (DIID), who was named Senior Police Commissioned Officer of the Year.
Other individual awardees are: Senior Inspector Rene de Jesus, chief of the Detective Beat Patrol Unit (Junior Police Commissioned Officer of the Year), Superintendent Ernesto Barlam, MPD’s Operations chief (Staff Officer of the Year), Superintendent Jimmy Tiu (Night Watch Officer of the Year), SPO4 Manuel Lao (Executive Senior Police Officer of the Year), Inspector Carol Macawile (Policewoman Commissioned Officer of the Year), PO2 Jaquelyn Patrimonio (Policewoman Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year), SPO2 Virgo Villareal, senior investigator of the Homicide section (Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year), PO2 Conrado Juano (Junior Police Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year), and Thelma del Prado (Non-Uniformed Personnel of the Year).
The Meisic police station (PS 11) under Superintendent Bernardo Diaz was chosen as Best Police Station of the Year, while Superintendent Ricardo Layug of the Moriones police station was adjudged as Best Station Commander of the Year.
The Best Police Community Precinct Award went to Asuncion PCP (Station 2) under Chief Inspector Rolando Balasabas, while Inspector Eduardo Morata of Dagupan PCP (Station 2) received the Best PCP Commander of the Year.
The best district support went to the District Mobile Force Unit under Superintendent Edgar Alintog, while the best national support unit was awarded to the Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO). SPO1 Juzemar Feleo received the award for Best Policewoman and Children’s Protection Desk Officer.
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/18/380493/mpd-fetes-17-cops-its-106th-anniversary
The MPD anniversary was actually on Jan. 9 but the celebration was moved to a later date as the Manila police was then busy securing the procession of the Black Nazarene.
Forty-nine individuals and non-government organizations received leadership awards, while three policewomen were given special awards.
The awardees were selected for their exceptional performance and outstanding contribution to the building of a more competent and responsive Manila police force, MPD director Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa told The STAR.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director Gen. Oscar Calderon, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Reynaldo Varilla and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza extolled the accomplishments of the MPD in their individual speeches during the program.
Abarzosa said this year’s anniversary celebration was made simple and austere in deference to victims of various calamities that hit the country last year.
Leading the awardees is Senior Superintendent Edgar Danao, chief of the District Intelligence and Investigation Division (DIID), who was named Senior Police Commissioned Officer of the Year.
Other individual awardees are: Senior Inspector Rene de Jesus, chief of the Detective Beat Patrol Unit (Junior Police Commissioned Officer of the Year), Superintendent Ernesto Barlam, MPD’s Operations chief (Staff Officer of the Year), Superintendent Jimmy Tiu (Night Watch Officer of the Year), SPO4 Manuel Lao (Executive Senior Police Officer of the Year), Inspector Carol Macawile (Policewoman Commissioned Officer of the Year), PO2 Jaquelyn Patrimonio (Policewoman Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year), SPO2 Virgo Villareal, senior investigator of the Homicide section (Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year), PO2 Conrado Juano (Junior Police Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year), and Thelma del Prado (Non-Uniformed Personnel of the Year).
The Meisic police station (PS 11) under Superintendent Bernardo Diaz was chosen as Best Police Station of the Year, while Superintendent Ricardo Layug of the Moriones police station was adjudged as Best Station Commander of the Year.
The Best Police Community Precinct Award went to Asuncion PCP (Station 2) under Chief Inspector Rolando Balasabas, while Inspector Eduardo Morata of Dagupan PCP (Station 2) received the Best PCP Commander of the Year.
The best district support went to the District Mobile Force Unit under Superintendent Edgar Alintog, while the best national support unit was awarded to the Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO). SPO1 Juzemar Feleo received the award for Best Policewoman and Children’s Protection Desk Officer.
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/18/380493/mpd-fetes-17-cops-its-106th-anniversary
Suspended LU mayor yields post peacefully
SAN FERNANDO, La Union — The mayor of Sudipen, La Union yielded his post peacefully yesterday after the Office of the Ombudsman suspended him for three months for alleged abuse of authority, gross negligence and betrayal of public trust.
Mayor Alexander Buquing told The STAR in a phone interview that he decided to give way for the good of the municipality, adding though that he would still contest his suspension because he was denied due process.
"Yes, I already gave way," he said as he confirmed that Vice Mayor Feliza Catcatan and councilor Melvin Macusi had been sworn in by Judge Revelino Ringor as acting mayor and vice mayor, respectively.
He said he would file a motion for reconsideration with the Ombudsman, adding that he would consult a lawyer if he could file a court petition for a temporary restraining order.
Buquing’s suspension order was served last Jan. 9 by Corazon Guray, assistant regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
In suspending him, the Ombudsman found merit on the complaint filed by four councilors led by Macusi on July 24 last year after he refused to provide the municipal council with the necessary "program of work" on the various projects he had implemented.
He was alleged to have implemented several projects without valid contracts. He challenged the councilors to file a case against him when he denied their request for the documents.
"It should be noted that the law guarantees access to public documents (like program of work). Such refusal may be considered as a violation of the law or that there was excessive abuse of authority which may either amount to grave misconduct or gross neglect of duty," stated the Ombudsman’s decision signed by Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Victor Fernandez.
Municipal operations had been halted since Thursday last week when Buquing’s supporters massed in front of the town hall and employees locked their offices.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2007/01/18/380487/suspended-lu-mayor-yields-post-peacefully
Mayor Alexander Buquing told The STAR in a phone interview that he decided to give way for the good of the municipality, adding though that he would still contest his suspension because he was denied due process.
"Yes, I already gave way," he said as he confirmed that Vice Mayor Feliza Catcatan and councilor Melvin Macusi had been sworn in by Judge Revelino Ringor as acting mayor and vice mayor, respectively.
He said he would file a motion for reconsideration with the Ombudsman, adding that he would consult a lawyer if he could file a court petition for a temporary restraining order.
Buquing’s suspension order was served last Jan. 9 by Corazon Guray, assistant regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
In suspending him, the Ombudsman found merit on the complaint filed by four councilors led by Macusi on July 24 last year after he refused to provide the municipal council with the necessary "program of work" on the various projects he had implemented.
He was alleged to have implemented several projects without valid contracts. He challenged the councilors to file a case against him when he denied their request for the documents.
"It should be noted that the law guarantees access to public documents (like program of work). Such refusal may be considered as a violation of the law or that there was excessive abuse of authority which may either amount to grave misconduct or gross neglect of duty," stated the Ombudsman’s decision signed by Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Victor Fernandez.
Municipal operations had been halted since Thursday last week when Buquing’s supporters massed in front of the town hall and employees locked their offices.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2007/01/18/380487/suspended-lu-mayor-yields-post-peacefully
Impeachment trial hangs
The historic impeachment trial of President Arroyo was thrown into limbo yesterday as prosecutors irrevocably resigned in disgust over a Senate decision Tuesday night to preclude what they believed was a damning piece of evidence against the Chief Executive.
Speaker Prospero Nograles said, however, that the House leadership was not inclined to accept the resignation, adding that refusal by the prosecutors to do their duty would be tantamount to abandonment of office.
This developed as Chief Justice Reynato Puno, the presiding officer of the impeachment tribunal, granted a motion by Sen. Mona Valisno, amended by Sen. Pia Cayetano, that the court indefinitely suspend proceedings until the House of Representatives resolves the issue on the re-signation of the public pro-secutors.
Tempers briefly flared as defense lawyer Raul Daza tried to enter a manifestation asking the court to set a date for the resumption, but Roco castigated him, saying he was not a member of the court.
Cayetano stressed that the Senate cannot order the House to act on the resignation of the prosecutors within a time frame because the House is a co-equal branch of government.
Puno ruled to cut off Daza.
Senate Majority Leader Francisco Tatad agreed with Roco, adding that Daza had not been recognized by the chairman to say his piece.
Puno ruled that an amendment to an amendment is not allowed.
"The House is the client of the prosecutors, and we have to get official communication from the client first," Puno explained.
He added that if the House will not act, then the impeachment trial is deemed closed because it cannot continue without the prosecutors.
The defense lawyers wanted to have a definite date for the resumption. "But we cannot do that without the prosecutors because that would be a fixed match. That would be a travesty of justice," Cayetano said.
Replacing the prosecutors with members of the majority bloc in the House was held unlikely as it would be ridiculous for the President’s allies to wage a campaign for his ouster.
"The forum is now on the streets, no longer in the Senate halls," said prosecutor Misamis Oriental Rep. Oscar Moreno.
"It is now in the bar of public opinion and I’m sure the Filipinos will rise up to the occasion," Moreno said.
The prosecutors led by House Minority Leader Francis Escudero sent to the Senate through a messenger a manifestation of withdrawal of appearance. Attached to it was a copy of their letter to Speaker Prospero Nograles tendering their irrevocable collective resignation.
"We fear that our further participation in the charade will only mislead the people — the ultimate judge. We do not wish to legitimize the proceedings of a tribunal that has lost the moral authority to render judgment on an impeachable official who has clearly lost the moral ascendancy to govern," the resignation letter stated.
"It is clear to us that the judgment of the impeachment court will not be reached on the basis of truth that the people seek, but on the partisan votes of the majority of the senator-judges," the letter said.
The letter was signed by Escudero, Locsin, Moreno, Ilocos Sur Rep. Salacnib Baterina, Iloilo City Rep. Raul Gonzalez, Agusan del Norte Rep. Roan Libarios, Samar Rep. Eduardo Nachura, Pampanga Rep. Oscar Rodriguez, Quezon Rep. Wigberto Tañada and Cebu Rep. Clavel Martinez.
For their part, the private prosecutors said they refused to "dignify and legitimize a patently farcical and tragically doomed proceedings with our continued participation, no matter how inconsequential our role may be in this historic ritual."
Aides and staff of the prosecution panel packed up to vacate a room assigned to them at the Senate hall, indicating that the prosecutors have no intention of coming back to the trial.
Gonzales said their continued participation in the trial, dubbed as the trial of the century, was already pointless because they no longer believed in the credibility of the process.
Reacting to the Speaker’s statement, Apostol said the House leadership cannot reject their irrevocable resignation. "There is no more option for us, because if we go back there, they would just trifle with our case," he said.
He said their decision was definite.
"There is no justice in that impeachment body. So our presence there would only legitimize the act of injustice."
The lawmaker said he is willing to go to jail for their decision, as long as Mrs. Arroyo is ousted.
Locsin argued that the House leadership has no choice but to accept their resignation.
Locsin earlier branded the Senate vote on the second envelope as a "shameless act of acquittal (for Mrs. Arroyo)."
Sen. John Osmeña said if the House will not act on the resignation before Congress goes on recess next month, the impeachment case must be refiled by the next Congress not earlier than October this year.
Osmeña pointed out that an impeachment case could be filed only once a year. Since the current case was initiated in October last year, the next could be filed only in October yet.
"That could be more troublesome for the President, especially if the opposition would get the majority. The impeachment article could be amended so that those questioned in the current hearing like the testimony of Clarissa Ocampo and the second envelope could become acceptable," Osmeña said.
However, the indefinite suspension of the trial was seen as an acquittal for the President, who was being tried for alleged bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution.
Voting 24-23, the senators, sitting as judges in the impeachment trial, ruled out the opening of a second envelope surrendered to the tribunal by the Equitable-PCI Bank which Arroyo claimed contained documents showing that Mrs. Arroyo held P3.3 billion in a secret account under the false name "Jose Velarde."
The Senate’s decision, viewed by the prosecution and its supporters as "suppression of evidence," precipitated an outpouring of protests and indignation nationwide, as well as a beating of the Philippine stock exchange.
SC keeps hands off impeachment trial
The Supreme Court (SC) turned down an appeal by a private lawyer for the tribunal to render its opinion on how the Senate could resolve the controversy on the two-thirds vote to reach a conviction of the President.
It was the fourth time that the High Court tossed out petitions relating to the impeachment process, saying exclusive and original jurisdiction over such matters belonged to the trial courts.
The latest petition was filed by San Beda law professor Jose Sundiang.
Debates on the issue raged as some quarters contended that two-thirds should be computed at 48, the original number of senators.
At present, there are only 48 senators sitting as judges in the trial.
Former Senator Robert Barbers died in office in 2005, Noli de Castro was elected vice president in the 2004 elections, while Robert Ace Barbers, a member of the opposition bloc, is recuperating from throat surgery in the United States and has yet to take his oath as impeachment trial judge.
Meanwhile, de Castro batted for the termination of the trial, saying the Senate has deprived the whole nation of a chance of knowing the truth behind the President’s alleged hidden wealth.
"No one should be afraid of the truth, so why were they afraid?" de Castro said in a speech before officials and members of the Financial Executives Institution of the Philippines at Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City.
de Castro said the mass gathering at EDSA following the Senate vote was historic and spontaneous. She noted that the unity and heroism manifested by the people in February 1986 was being repeated.
He called for a "moral revolution" at the top by going back to the values which sustained the previous generation.
"I call on the President to cease and desist from pitting Filipinos against Filipinos. Should violence erupt because of the President’s militant stand, the bloodshed will be on his very doorstep," de Castro said.
Former Speaker Jose de Venecia expressed disappointment over the Senate decision. "I was really hoping the senators would vote with us and see the truth," de Venecia said in a speech before the Philippine Bar Association.
"We gave it our best shot...we were almost there, and I think we blew it," de Venecia said.
JPE pushes for snap elections
In another development, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, one of the senators who voted against the opening of the second envelope, reiterated his call for the holding of snap elections to determine Mrs. Arroyo’s fate as a leader.
He said if the political opposition could not accept a "not guilty" verdict, the issue must be submitted to the people.
Enrile has filed a resolution seeking the conduct of snap elections.
His son, Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile, also filed a similar resolution at the House.
Meanwhile, Sen. Gregorio Honasan, who led a series of coup attempts against former President Corazon Aquino, warned the opposition that the rightist Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa and the Guardian will resist any attempt to grab power by force.
Honasan asserted that the impeachment process is the only legitimate way to oust the President.
He belittled a statement by former National Security Adviser Jose Almonte who has said RAM was poised to strike Honasan off its roster.
"I speak for RAM and the Guardian and it is our collective stand that we will not participate in any attempt to topple the government," Honasan said. — With reports from Liberty Dones, Jose Aravilla, Perseus Echeminada, Pia Lee-Brago, Non Alquitran, Aurea Calica, Marvin Sy, Sandy Araneta, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Marichu Villanueva.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/18/89465/impeachment-trial-hangs
Speaker Prospero Nograles said, however, that the House leadership was not inclined to accept the resignation, adding that refusal by the prosecutors to do their duty would be tantamount to abandonment of office.
This developed as Chief Justice Reynato Puno, the presiding officer of the impeachment tribunal, granted a motion by Sen. Mona Valisno, amended by Sen. Pia Cayetano, that the court indefinitely suspend proceedings until the House of Representatives resolves the issue on the re-signation of the public pro-secutors.
Tempers briefly flared as defense lawyer Raul Daza tried to enter a manifestation asking the court to set a date for the resumption, but Roco castigated him, saying he was not a member of the court.
Cayetano stressed that the Senate cannot order the House to act on the resignation of the prosecutors within a time frame because the House is a co-equal branch of government.
Puno ruled to cut off Daza.
Senate Majority Leader Francisco Tatad agreed with Roco, adding that Daza had not been recognized by the chairman to say his piece.
Puno ruled that an amendment to an amendment is not allowed.
"The House is the client of the prosecutors, and we have to get official communication from the client first," Puno explained.
He added that if the House will not act, then the impeachment trial is deemed closed because it cannot continue without the prosecutors.
The defense lawyers wanted to have a definite date for the resumption. "But we cannot do that without the prosecutors because that would be a fixed match. That would be a travesty of justice," Cayetano said.
Replacing the prosecutors with members of the majority bloc in the House was held unlikely as it would be ridiculous for the President’s allies to wage a campaign for his ouster.
"The forum is now on the streets, no longer in the Senate halls," said prosecutor Misamis Oriental Rep. Oscar Moreno.
"It is now in the bar of public opinion and I’m sure the Filipinos will rise up to the occasion," Moreno said.
The prosecutors led by House Minority Leader Francis Escudero sent to the Senate through a messenger a manifestation of withdrawal of appearance. Attached to it was a copy of their letter to Speaker Prospero Nograles tendering their irrevocable collective resignation.
"We fear that our further participation in the charade will only mislead the people — the ultimate judge. We do not wish to legitimize the proceedings of a tribunal that has lost the moral authority to render judgment on an impeachable official who has clearly lost the moral ascendancy to govern," the resignation letter stated.
"It is clear to us that the judgment of the impeachment court will not be reached on the basis of truth that the people seek, but on the partisan votes of the majority of the senator-judges," the letter said.
The letter was signed by Escudero, Locsin, Moreno, Ilocos Sur Rep. Salacnib Baterina, Iloilo City Rep. Raul Gonzalez, Agusan del Norte Rep. Roan Libarios, Samar Rep. Eduardo Nachura, Pampanga Rep. Oscar Rodriguez, Quezon Rep. Wigberto Tañada and Cebu Rep. Clavel Martinez.
For their part, the private prosecutors said they refused to "dignify and legitimize a patently farcical and tragically doomed proceedings with our continued participation, no matter how inconsequential our role may be in this historic ritual."
Aides and staff of the prosecution panel packed up to vacate a room assigned to them at the Senate hall, indicating that the prosecutors have no intention of coming back to the trial.
Gonzales said their continued participation in the trial, dubbed as the trial of the century, was already pointless because they no longer believed in the credibility of the process.
Reacting to the Speaker’s statement, Apostol said the House leadership cannot reject their irrevocable resignation. "There is no more option for us, because if we go back there, they would just trifle with our case," he said.
He said their decision was definite.
"There is no justice in that impeachment body. So our presence there would only legitimize the act of injustice."
The lawmaker said he is willing to go to jail for their decision, as long as Mrs. Arroyo is ousted.
Locsin argued that the House leadership has no choice but to accept their resignation.
Locsin earlier branded the Senate vote on the second envelope as a "shameless act of acquittal (for Mrs. Arroyo)."
Sen. John Osmeña said if the House will not act on the resignation before Congress goes on recess next month, the impeachment case must be refiled by the next Congress not earlier than October this year.
Osmeña pointed out that an impeachment case could be filed only once a year. Since the current case was initiated in October last year, the next could be filed only in October yet.
"That could be more troublesome for the President, especially if the opposition would get the majority. The impeachment article could be amended so that those questioned in the current hearing like the testimony of Clarissa Ocampo and the second envelope could become acceptable," Osmeña said.
However, the indefinite suspension of the trial was seen as an acquittal for the President, who was being tried for alleged bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution.
Voting 24-23, the senators, sitting as judges in the impeachment trial, ruled out the opening of a second envelope surrendered to the tribunal by the Equitable-PCI Bank which Arroyo claimed contained documents showing that Mrs. Arroyo held P3.3 billion in a secret account under the false name "Jose Velarde."
The Senate’s decision, viewed by the prosecution and its supporters as "suppression of evidence," precipitated an outpouring of protests and indignation nationwide, as well as a beating of the Philippine stock exchange.
SC keeps hands off impeachment trial
The Supreme Court (SC) turned down an appeal by a private lawyer for the tribunal to render its opinion on how the Senate could resolve the controversy on the two-thirds vote to reach a conviction of the President.
It was the fourth time that the High Court tossed out petitions relating to the impeachment process, saying exclusive and original jurisdiction over such matters belonged to the trial courts.
The latest petition was filed by San Beda law professor Jose Sundiang.
Debates on the issue raged as some quarters contended that two-thirds should be computed at 48, the original number of senators.
At present, there are only 48 senators sitting as judges in the trial.
Former Senator Robert Barbers died in office in 2005, Noli de Castro was elected vice president in the 2004 elections, while Robert Ace Barbers, a member of the opposition bloc, is recuperating from throat surgery in the United States and has yet to take his oath as impeachment trial judge.
Meanwhile, de Castro batted for the termination of the trial, saying the Senate has deprived the whole nation of a chance of knowing the truth behind the President’s alleged hidden wealth.
"No one should be afraid of the truth, so why were they afraid?" de Castro said in a speech before officials and members of the Financial Executives Institution of the Philippines at Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City.
de Castro said the mass gathering at EDSA following the Senate vote was historic and spontaneous. She noted that the unity and heroism manifested by the people in February 1986 was being repeated.
He called for a "moral revolution" at the top by going back to the values which sustained the previous generation.
"I call on the President to cease and desist from pitting Filipinos against Filipinos. Should violence erupt because of the President’s militant stand, the bloodshed will be on his very doorstep," de Castro said.
Former Speaker Jose de Venecia expressed disappointment over the Senate decision. "I was really hoping the senators would vote with us and see the truth," de Venecia said in a speech before the Philippine Bar Association.
"We gave it our best shot...we were almost there, and I think we blew it," de Venecia said.
JPE pushes for snap elections
In another development, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, one of the senators who voted against the opening of the second envelope, reiterated his call for the holding of snap elections to determine Mrs. Arroyo’s fate as a leader.
He said if the political opposition could not accept a "not guilty" verdict, the issue must be submitted to the people.
Enrile has filed a resolution seeking the conduct of snap elections.
His son, Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile, also filed a similar resolution at the House.
Meanwhile, Sen. Gregorio Honasan, who led a series of coup attempts against former President Corazon Aquino, warned the opposition that the rightist Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa and the Guardian will resist any attempt to grab power by force.
Honasan asserted that the impeachment process is the only legitimate way to oust the President.
He belittled a statement by former National Security Adviser Jose Almonte who has said RAM was poised to strike Honasan off its roster.
"I speak for RAM and the Guardian and it is our collective stand that we will not participate in any attempt to topple the government," Honasan said. — With reports from Liberty Dones, Jose Aravilla, Perseus Echeminada, Pia Lee-Brago, Non Alquitran, Aurea Calica, Marvin Sy, Sandy Araneta, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Marichu Villanueva.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/18/89465/impeachment-trial-hangs
2 Tacurong bombers todas sa bakbakan
CAMP AGUINALDO — Duguang bumulagta ang dalawang kalalakihang sangkot sa madugong pambobomba sa Tacurong City makaraang makipagbarilan sa tropa ng militar sa Barangay San Jose, President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat kamakalawa ng hapon.
Kasalukuyan pang bineberipika ang pagkikilanlan ng mga napatay na terorista na itinuro ng mga testigo na pangunahing nasa likod ng pambobomba noong Disyembre 2006 na ikinamatay ng dalawang sibilyan habang pito pa naman ang nasugatan.
Sa ulat ni Army Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Tolentino, dakong alas-2:20 ng hapon nang makasagupa ng mga elemento ng Task Force Talakludong sa pamumuno ni Col. Restituto Aguilar at Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion (IB) ni Lt. Col. Paul Atel ang mga suspek.
Nabatid na nakatanggap ng impormasyon ang militar hinggil sa presensya ng mga suspek na kinukubra ang perang nakotong sa ilang negosyante sa lugar nang maabutan ng militar.
Agad namang tumalilis ang mga suspek, subali’t hinabol ng mga sundalo na nauwi sa mainitang bakbakan na tumagal ng ilang minuto hanggang sa mapatay ang dalawa na pinaniniwalaang kaalyado ng Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist.
Narekober sa pinangyarihan ng sagupaan ang dalawang baril at isang kulay asul na motorsiklo na gamit ng mga suspek sa modus operandi. (Joy Cantos)
https://www.philstar.com/probinsiya/2007/01/18/380547/2-tacurong-bombers-todas-sa-bakbakan
Kasalukuyan pang bineberipika ang pagkikilanlan ng mga napatay na terorista na itinuro ng mga testigo na pangunahing nasa likod ng pambobomba noong Disyembre 2006 na ikinamatay ng dalawang sibilyan habang pito pa naman ang nasugatan.
Sa ulat ni Army Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Tolentino, dakong alas-2:20 ng hapon nang makasagupa ng mga elemento ng Task Force Talakludong sa pamumuno ni Col. Restituto Aguilar at Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion (IB) ni Lt. Col. Paul Atel ang mga suspek.
Nabatid na nakatanggap ng impormasyon ang militar hinggil sa presensya ng mga suspek na kinukubra ang perang nakotong sa ilang negosyante sa lugar nang maabutan ng militar.
Agad namang tumalilis ang mga suspek, subali’t hinabol ng mga sundalo na nauwi sa mainitang bakbakan na tumagal ng ilang minuto hanggang sa mapatay ang dalawa na pinaniniwalaang kaalyado ng Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist.
Narekober sa pinangyarihan ng sagupaan ang dalawang baril at isang kulay asul na motorsiklo na gamit ng mga suspek sa modus operandi. (Joy Cantos)
https://www.philstar.com/probinsiya/2007/01/18/380547/2-tacurong-bombers-todas-sa-bakbakan
Pagbaligtad ng witness sa Bersamin killing minaliit ng QCPD
Minaliit lamang ng Quezon City Police District (QCPD) ang ginawang pagbaligtad ng lone witness na si Rufino Panday sa pamamaslang kay Abra Rep. Luis Bersamin, Jr.
Ayon kay QCPD director Sr. Supt. Magtanggol Gatdula imposible ang sinasabi ni Panday na pinahirapan siya upang aminin ang kanyang pagkakasangkot sa P5 milyon pagpatay kay Bersamin.
Bunsod nito, sinabi ni Gatdula na pinag-aaralan nila ang pagsasampa ng kasong perjury matapos nitong bawiin ang kanyang naunang testimonya.
Idinagdag pa ni Gatdula na kay Panday din nanggaling ang impormasyon tungkol sa motorsiklo, ang pangalang Freddie Dupo at ang nag-drive sa get away vehicle matapos ang pamamaslang kay Abra Congressman Luis Bersamin noong Disyembre sa Mt. Carmel Church.
Una nang sinabi ni Panday na tinakot siya ni Sr. Supt. Franklin Mabanag, hepe ng QCPD-Criminal Investigation Division upang umamin sa krimen.
Lumilitaw sa report ng Criminal Investigation and Detection Group na posibleng si Abra Governor Vicente Valera ang nasa likod ng pagbawi ni Panday sa kanyang testimonya.
Nabatid naman kay CIDG chief, Director Edgardo Doromal na kinukumpirma pa nila ang impormasyong kanilang natanggap na nag-withdraw ng P5 million ang asawa ni Valera para sa naturang kaso. (Doris Franche)
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/18/380549/pagbaligtad-ng-witness-sa-bersamin-killing-minaliit-ng-qcpd
Ayon kay QCPD director Sr. Supt. Magtanggol Gatdula imposible ang sinasabi ni Panday na pinahirapan siya upang aminin ang kanyang pagkakasangkot sa P5 milyon pagpatay kay Bersamin.
Bunsod nito, sinabi ni Gatdula na pinag-aaralan nila ang pagsasampa ng kasong perjury matapos nitong bawiin ang kanyang naunang testimonya.
Idinagdag pa ni Gatdula na kay Panday din nanggaling ang impormasyon tungkol sa motorsiklo, ang pangalang Freddie Dupo at ang nag-drive sa get away vehicle matapos ang pamamaslang kay Abra Congressman Luis Bersamin noong Disyembre sa Mt. Carmel Church.
Una nang sinabi ni Panday na tinakot siya ni Sr. Supt. Franklin Mabanag, hepe ng QCPD-Criminal Investigation Division upang umamin sa krimen.
Lumilitaw sa report ng Criminal Investigation and Detection Group na posibleng si Abra Governor Vicente Valera ang nasa likod ng pagbawi ni Panday sa kanyang testimonya.
Nabatid naman kay CIDG chief, Director Edgardo Doromal na kinukumpirma pa nila ang impormasyong kanilang natanggap na nag-withdraw ng P5 million ang asawa ni Valera para sa naturang kaso. (Doris Franche)
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/18/380549/pagbaligtad-ng-witness-sa-bersamin-killing-minaliit-ng-qcpd
QC honors first 10 business taxpayers in ’07
Eight property lessors, a softdrinks distributor and a retailer of electronic parts and supplies were honored by the Quezon City government for being the first QC business taxpayers this year.
Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. awarded certificates of recognition early this month to the 10 business owners for paying their taxes early and for being the first to renew their business permits and licenses, in ceremonies held at the QC Hall Bulwagang Amoranto.
Honored were Veronica Rustia, Elisa Batungbacal, Encarnacion Claudio, Angelica Soto, Sylvia Almazan, Anna Juanillo, Anita Lim, Marina Mallare, Feliciano Aguillar and Oliver Oliveros.
During the awarding ceremonies, the mayor cited the city’s taxpayers for their continuing support to the city’s growth and progress. The mayor was joined by Business Permits and Licensing Office chief Pacifico Maghacot in honoring this year’s first 10 business taxpayers in the city.
According to the BPLO, more than 50,000 taxpayers will be renewing their business permits and licenses this year.
Renewal of business permits requires the submission of the original and photocopies of the 2006 business permit, tax bill, 2007 official receipt, barangay clearance, Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC), location clearance and other documents.
Business taxes serve as the city’s major income source.
City Treasurer Dr. Victor Endriga reported that as of Dec. 31, his office has already collected about P3.014 billion in business taxes, which is P381.46 million more than what was collected during the same period last year.
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/18/380489/qc-honors-first-10-business-taxpayers-14607
Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. awarded certificates of recognition early this month to the 10 business owners for paying their taxes early and for being the first to renew their business permits and licenses, in ceremonies held at the QC Hall Bulwagang Amoranto.
Honored were Veronica Rustia, Elisa Batungbacal, Encarnacion Claudio, Angelica Soto, Sylvia Almazan, Anna Juanillo, Anita Lim, Marina Mallare, Feliciano Aguillar and Oliver Oliveros.
During the awarding ceremonies, the mayor cited the city’s taxpayers for their continuing support to the city’s growth and progress. The mayor was joined by Business Permits and Licensing Office chief Pacifico Maghacot in honoring this year’s first 10 business taxpayers in the city.
According to the BPLO, more than 50,000 taxpayers will be renewing their business permits and licenses this year.
Renewal of business permits requires the submission of the original and photocopies of the 2006 business permit, tax bill, 2007 official receipt, barangay clearance, Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC), location clearance and other documents.
Business taxes serve as the city’s major income source.
City Treasurer Dr. Victor Endriga reported that as of Dec. 31, his office has already collected about P3.014 billion in business taxes, which is P381.46 million more than what was collected during the same period last year.
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/18/380489/qc-honors-first-10-business-taxpayers-14607
Mag-ina kinadena ng adik na ama
BULACAN – Nagising sa mahabang bangungot ang mag-inang ikinadena sa loob ng kubeta ng adik na ama matapos na masagip ng mga tauhan ng Provincial Social Welfare Office sa bayan ng Norzagaray, Bulacan kahapon.
Ang mga biktimang nasa pangangalaga ngayon ng nasabing ahensya ay nakilalang sina Maura Compuesto, 55 at anak na si Heidelyn, 35, may asawa at kapwa naninirahan sa Barangay San Mateo ng bayang nabanggit.
Base sa ulat ni Rowena Tiongson, hepe ng PSWDO, natuklasan ng mga kapitbahay ang insidente matapos na hindi lumabas ng kanilang bahay ang mag-ina sa loob ng pitong araw.
"Nagtataka yung mga kapitbahay nila dahil halos pitong araw nang hindi nakikitang lumalabas ng bahay ang mag-ina," pahayag ni Tiongson.
Agad naman nakipag-ugnayan ang ilang kapitbahay ng pamilya Compuesto sa kinauukulan kaya inatasan ni Tiongson ang kanyang mga tauhan upang kumpirmahin ang rekalmo.
Tinungo ng mga awtoridad ang bahay ng pamilya Compuesto at nadiskubre nila ang mag-ina sa loob ng kubeta na kapwa nakakadena.
Inaresto naman ng pulisya ang suspek na si Felix Campuesto, 66, asawa ni Maura na madalas silang ikadena sa kubeta kapag ito ay umaalis ng bahay.
Malaki ang paniniwala ng pulisya na lulong sa ipinagbabawal na gamot ang suspek dahil namumula ang mga mata nito habang sumasailalim sa interogasyon. (Dino Balabo At Boy Cruz)
https://www.philstar.com/probinsiya/2007/01/18/380538/mag-ina-kinadena-ng-adik-na-ama
Ang mga biktimang nasa pangangalaga ngayon ng nasabing ahensya ay nakilalang sina Maura Compuesto, 55 at anak na si Heidelyn, 35, may asawa at kapwa naninirahan sa Barangay San Mateo ng bayang nabanggit.
Base sa ulat ni Rowena Tiongson, hepe ng PSWDO, natuklasan ng mga kapitbahay ang insidente matapos na hindi lumabas ng kanilang bahay ang mag-ina sa loob ng pitong araw.
"Nagtataka yung mga kapitbahay nila dahil halos pitong araw nang hindi nakikitang lumalabas ng bahay ang mag-ina," pahayag ni Tiongson.
Agad naman nakipag-ugnayan ang ilang kapitbahay ng pamilya Compuesto sa kinauukulan kaya inatasan ni Tiongson ang kanyang mga tauhan upang kumpirmahin ang rekalmo.
Tinungo ng mga awtoridad ang bahay ng pamilya Compuesto at nadiskubre nila ang mag-ina sa loob ng kubeta na kapwa nakakadena.
Inaresto naman ng pulisya ang suspek na si Felix Campuesto, 66, asawa ni Maura na madalas silang ikadena sa kubeta kapag ito ay umaalis ng bahay.
Malaki ang paniniwala ng pulisya na lulong sa ipinagbabawal na gamot ang suspek dahil namumula ang mga mata nito habang sumasailalim sa interogasyon. (Dino Balabo At Boy Cruz)
https://www.philstar.com/probinsiya/2007/01/18/380538/mag-ina-kinadena-ng-adik-na-ama
5 karnaper arestado sa Laguna
CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna — Limang kalalakihan na pinaniniwalaang miyembro ng sindikato na sumisikwat ng mga sasakyan ang bumagsak sa kamay ng mga awtoridad sa isinagawang entrapment operation ng Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) -Region 4 sa bayan ng Cabuyao kamakalawa.
Kinilala ni P/Supt. James Brillantes, hepe ng RSOG, ang mga suspek na sina Alfred Alinsunurin, 31, ng Barangay San Cristobal; Ferdinand Flavian, 32, ng Barangay Uwisan; Rey Angelo Ignacio, 51, ng Barangay Lawa; Noel Hapa, 25, ng Barangay Bugtong at Rolly Andaluz, 28, na kapwa naninirahan sa Cabuyao, Laguna.
Ang mga suspek ay miyembro ng Hagibis Group na may modus operandi sa buong Laguna at karatig lalawigan.
Ayon sa report, nagpanggap ang mga tauhan ng RSOG sa pangunguna ni PO3 Peter Pablico na bibili ng isang karnap na motorsiklo sa grupo nang masakote ang mga suspek bandang alas-3:30 ng hapon sa Villa Palao Subdivision, Barangay Banlik, Cabuyao.
Narekober sa mga suspek ang dalawang motorsiklo na Honda Wave habang tinutugis pa rin ng mga awtoridad ang ‘di pa pinangalanang financier ng grupo.
Pansamantalang nakapiit ang mga suspek sa RSOG detention cell habang inihahanda ang kasong isasampa laban sa mga ito. (Arnell Ozaeta at Ed Amoroso)
https://www.philstar.com/probinsiya/2007/01/18/380553/5-karnaper-arestado-sa-laguna
Kinilala ni P/Supt. James Brillantes, hepe ng RSOG, ang mga suspek na sina Alfred Alinsunurin, 31, ng Barangay San Cristobal; Ferdinand Flavian, 32, ng Barangay Uwisan; Rey Angelo Ignacio, 51, ng Barangay Lawa; Noel Hapa, 25, ng Barangay Bugtong at Rolly Andaluz, 28, na kapwa naninirahan sa Cabuyao, Laguna.
Ang mga suspek ay miyembro ng Hagibis Group na may modus operandi sa buong Laguna at karatig lalawigan.
Ayon sa report, nagpanggap ang mga tauhan ng RSOG sa pangunguna ni PO3 Peter Pablico na bibili ng isang karnap na motorsiklo sa grupo nang masakote ang mga suspek bandang alas-3:30 ng hapon sa Villa Palao Subdivision, Barangay Banlik, Cabuyao.
Narekober sa mga suspek ang dalawang motorsiklo na Honda Wave habang tinutugis pa rin ng mga awtoridad ang ‘di pa pinangalanang financier ng grupo.
Pansamantalang nakapiit ang mga suspek sa RSOG detention cell habang inihahanda ang kasong isasampa laban sa mga ito. (Arnell Ozaeta at Ed Amoroso)
https://www.philstar.com/probinsiya/2007/01/18/380553/5-karnaper-arestado-sa-laguna
Valenzuela fires destroy properties worth P5.5 M
An estimated P5.5 million worth of properties went up in smoke when two industrial fires broke out in Valenzuela City Tuesday.
Chief Inspector Agapito Nacario, Valenzuela City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief, said the first incident occurred at around 1 p.m. at the building of the Super Tex Enterprises, a furniture manufacturing company at 205 Maysan Road in Barangay Maysan.
Nacario said the blaze started at the production area of Super Tex Enterprises and spread rapidly due to the highly combustible materials and chemicals inside the building.
The fire reached the fifth alarm and also destroyed two adjoining manufacturing companies – Pacific Powder Foam and Pluvial Enterprises.
Firefighters put out the fire at about 2:26 p.m. Aileen Versales, 31, an employee of one of the companies, sustained a laceration in the left elbow.
Inspector Enrico Caco, the local BFP’s intelligence and investigation unit chief, said that damage was pegged at P5 million.
At about 10:31 p.m., another fire razed the JITC Plastic Products located at 184 Interior st., Barangay Karuhatan.
Nacario said the fire broke out inside the company’s stockroom but firemen were able to contain the blaze within the firm’s compound.
Firefighters placed the blaze under control at about 11:20 p.m. and declared it out 10 minutes later.
No one was reported hurt in the incident but the company incurred damage amounting to around P500,000.
Valenzuela City arson investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fires as of press time yesterday.
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/18/380478/valenzuela-fires-destroy-properties-worth-p55-m
Chief Inspector Agapito Nacario, Valenzuela City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief, said the first incident occurred at around 1 p.m. at the building of the Super Tex Enterprises, a furniture manufacturing company at 205 Maysan Road in Barangay Maysan.
Nacario said the blaze started at the production area of Super Tex Enterprises and spread rapidly due to the highly combustible materials and chemicals inside the building.
The fire reached the fifth alarm and also destroyed two adjoining manufacturing companies – Pacific Powder Foam and Pluvial Enterprises.
Firefighters put out the fire at about 2:26 p.m. Aileen Versales, 31, an employee of one of the companies, sustained a laceration in the left elbow.
Inspector Enrico Caco, the local BFP’s intelligence and investigation unit chief, said that damage was pegged at P5 million.
At about 10:31 p.m., another fire razed the JITC Plastic Products located at 184 Interior st., Barangay Karuhatan.
Nacario said the fire broke out inside the company’s stockroom but firemen were able to contain the blaze within the firm’s compound.
Firefighters placed the blaze under control at about 11:20 p.m. and declared it out 10 minutes later.
No one was reported hurt in the incident but the company incurred damage amounting to around P500,000.
Valenzuela City arson investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fires as of press time yesterday.
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/18/380478/valenzuela-fires-destroy-properties-worth-p55-m
Sanchez appeals to DILG: Extend 48-hour deadline
BATANGAS CITY — Suspended Batangas Gov. Armand Sanchez asked the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday to give him another 24 hours or until tomorrow afternoon to come up with a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Court of Appeals.
"We are willing to step down but we are appealing to the DILG to give us some time in acquiring a TRO," lawyer Ronaldo Geron, the provincial administrator, told The STAR.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno earlier had given Sanchez and other local executives defying the Ombudsman’s suspension or dismissal orders until this afternoon to vacate their offices.
Asked if Sanchez would vacate the Capitol in case he fails to secure a TRO by tomorrow afternoon, Geron said, "Yes, we will. With or without the TRO we will leave the Capitol, pero sana they could give us until Friday afternoon."
Geron said Sanchez, through his legal counsel, filed a petition for a TRO with the Court of Appeals yesterday, a day after receiving a copy of his six-month suspension order from lawyer Roberto Abejero, DILG-Region 4 director.
In his petition, Sanchez also asked the appellate court to nullify his suspension over alleged anomalies in a P350-million computerization project.
Vice Governor Richard Recto, which filed the graft complaint, has been installed as acting governor.
Sanchez has questioned the timeliness of the suspension order, which he noted was signed last Sept. 26 yet but was served only last Tuesday, a day after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ban took effect.
Geron said they decided not to raise an appeal with the Ombudsman due to lack of time.
A STAR source said Sanchez’s petition will be heard by CA Justice Regalado Maambong and Associate Justices Rosemarie Carandang and Celia Librea-Llagoco.
Sanchez argued that his preventive suspension violated the Omnibus Election Code, which bans any suspension of government workers during the start of election period.
He also claimed that his suspension was illegal since the complaint against him was only administrative, not criminal in nature, adding that the Ombudsman has no authority to suspend him based on the Ombudsman Act of 1989.
Puno earlier said the DILG would strictly adhere to the 48-hour deadline imposed on the defiant local executives.
Puno has instructed police to use force — but observe maximum tolerance — in clearing provincial and municipal halls being forcibly occupied by the dismissed or suspended officials and their followers after the deadline expires.
Sanchez’s supporters continued to stay within the Capitol compound, whose gates had been padlocked and blocked with buses, dump trucks and container vans. — With Ed Amoroso
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2007/01/18/380482/sanchez-appeals-dilg-extend-48-hour-deadline
"We are willing to step down but we are appealing to the DILG to give us some time in acquiring a TRO," lawyer Ronaldo Geron, the provincial administrator, told The STAR.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno earlier had given Sanchez and other local executives defying the Ombudsman’s suspension or dismissal orders until this afternoon to vacate their offices.
Asked if Sanchez would vacate the Capitol in case he fails to secure a TRO by tomorrow afternoon, Geron said, "Yes, we will. With or without the TRO we will leave the Capitol, pero sana they could give us until Friday afternoon."
Geron said Sanchez, through his legal counsel, filed a petition for a TRO with the Court of Appeals yesterday, a day after receiving a copy of his six-month suspension order from lawyer Roberto Abejero, DILG-Region 4 director.
In his petition, Sanchez also asked the appellate court to nullify his suspension over alleged anomalies in a P350-million computerization project.
Vice Governor Richard Recto, which filed the graft complaint, has been installed as acting governor.
Sanchez has questioned the timeliness of the suspension order, which he noted was signed last Sept. 26 yet but was served only last Tuesday, a day after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ban took effect.
Geron said they decided not to raise an appeal with the Ombudsman due to lack of time.
A STAR source said Sanchez’s petition will be heard by CA Justice Regalado Maambong and Associate Justices Rosemarie Carandang and Celia Librea-Llagoco.
Sanchez argued that his preventive suspension violated the Omnibus Election Code, which bans any suspension of government workers during the start of election period.
He also claimed that his suspension was illegal since the complaint against him was only administrative, not criminal in nature, adding that the Ombudsman has no authority to suspend him based on the Ombudsman Act of 1989.
Puno earlier said the DILG would strictly adhere to the 48-hour deadline imposed on the defiant local executives.
Puno has instructed police to use force — but observe maximum tolerance — in clearing provincial and municipal halls being forcibly occupied by the dismissed or suspended officials and their followers after the deadline expires.
Sanchez’s supporters continued to stay within the Capitol compound, whose gates had been padlocked and blocked with buses, dump trucks and container vans. — With Ed Amoroso
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2007/01/18/380482/sanchez-appeals-dilg-extend-48-hour-deadline
Murder or homicide?
As always, Metro Manila is abuzz with all these speculations about the high profile killing of Rafael de las Alas, former Batangas governor Tony Leviste’s longtime aide who was shot several times. The trajectory indicates he was killed while sitting down, and as usual there’s a lot of talk going around town especially in the business community about whether it was a murder, homicide or self defense as the former governor claims.
Apparently there was an argument over commissions from the sale of real estate properties — which was not a very big amount — which De las Alas wanted to get, but the former governor reportedly wanted to pay it piece meal.
All of these speculations of course stem from the fact that this involves a high profile person, being the former husband of Senator Loren Legarda. But they’ve been separated for over two years now. Tony Leviste has been known to be controversial in many issues especially those involving land grabbing cases in Batangas. In fact, when he was applying to be a member of the Manila Polo Club, one member opposed, effectively turning down his application.
In fairness to the victim’s family and the former governor, the investigators must come out with the real facts. There should be no whitewash. Otherwise, people will continue to question this high profile case with the never-ending speculation like a suspense drama movie — "Whodunnit, and why?"
* * *
STAR is not for sale
Since STAR publisher Max Soliven passed away, there’s been a lot of speculation going around town that The STAR was for sale. One story that went around was that container terminal czar Ricky Razon was buying The STAR for P2 billion. But this was immediately doused off by STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte who said that, first of all, The STAR is not for sale and secondly, he’s never heard from Ricky Razon.
This was confirmed by Ricky Razon himself when I talked to him, who said that he never made such an offer. Except that he qualified it by saying that he did make an offer to "Uncle Max" a long time ago to be a passive investor.
All these rumors are obviously circulating because The STAR has now become the number one newspaper in the Philippines, and obviously, being number one — it is a target of speculators and people trying to sow intrigue. This paper’s circulation is at its highest today — continuing to be popular here and abroad with an all time high of advertising revenues. The paper’s online edition via philstar.com is also getting millions of hits everyday and online readers have repeatedly commented about how easy and reader friendly the format is.
But, in Spanish, they say "tiene razon" — and in this case, there’s every reason to believe that Ricky Razon could very well afford to buy a number one newspaper because he is reportedly awash with cash. Ricky has been traveling all over the world, expanding his business rapidly. He’s been dubbed the "Baltic King" on account of ICTSI’s operations in the Baltic Container Terminal in Poland, and his latest venture is in Madagascar.
* * *
The proud Cebuano
Our fellow STAR columnist Bobit Avila must be on cloud nine. Cebu has become the center of attention over the past week — with the success of the ASEAN summit. Certainly, credit goes to the Cebuanos, GMA and of course our friend, Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo for the preparations made. It was an absolute success, making all of us proud of this international event.
The only comment from people that I talked to which they said didn’t go quite well were the polo barongs. There were many people who told us that everyone seemed to be dressed the same — aides, security people and delegates — giving people a hard time identifying who’s who. The barongs for the heads of state should have been given a more elegant and elaborate embroidery to distinguish them from the security, the staff and other delegates.
* * *
Feedback: Let the bidding begin!
In reaction to our Jan.16 item ("Changing the rules midstream"), Speaker Joe de Venecia called me the other night to tell me that he has nothing to do with the bidding delays for the privatization of TransCo. While JDV admits that he is the number one marketing salesman of this country in China for investments – for which we give him full credit – he vehemently denied causing the postponement of the Transco biddings. He said he will never do anything to delay a project that is vital to the progress of this country. Since that’s the case — let the bidding begin!
* * *
Email: babe_tcb@yahoo.com
https://www.philstar.com/business/2007/01/18/380523/murder-or-homicide
Apparently there was an argument over commissions from the sale of real estate properties — which was not a very big amount — which De las Alas wanted to get, but the former governor reportedly wanted to pay it piece meal.
All of these speculations of course stem from the fact that this involves a high profile person, being the former husband of Senator Loren Legarda. But they’ve been separated for over two years now. Tony Leviste has been known to be controversial in many issues especially those involving land grabbing cases in Batangas. In fact, when he was applying to be a member of the Manila Polo Club, one member opposed, effectively turning down his application.
In fairness to the victim’s family and the former governor, the investigators must come out with the real facts. There should be no whitewash. Otherwise, people will continue to question this high profile case with the never-ending speculation like a suspense drama movie — "Whodunnit, and why?"
* * *
STAR is not for sale
Since STAR publisher Max Soliven passed away, there’s been a lot of speculation going around town that The STAR was for sale. One story that went around was that container terminal czar Ricky Razon was buying The STAR for P2 billion. But this was immediately doused off by STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte who said that, first of all, The STAR is not for sale and secondly, he’s never heard from Ricky Razon.
This was confirmed by Ricky Razon himself when I talked to him, who said that he never made such an offer. Except that he qualified it by saying that he did make an offer to "Uncle Max" a long time ago to be a passive investor.
All these rumors are obviously circulating because The STAR has now become the number one newspaper in the Philippines, and obviously, being number one — it is a target of speculators and people trying to sow intrigue. This paper’s circulation is at its highest today — continuing to be popular here and abroad with an all time high of advertising revenues. The paper’s online edition via philstar.com is also getting millions of hits everyday and online readers have repeatedly commented about how easy and reader friendly the format is.
But, in Spanish, they say "tiene razon" — and in this case, there’s every reason to believe that Ricky Razon could very well afford to buy a number one newspaper because he is reportedly awash with cash. Ricky has been traveling all over the world, expanding his business rapidly. He’s been dubbed the "Baltic King" on account of ICTSI’s operations in the Baltic Container Terminal in Poland, and his latest venture is in Madagascar.
* * *
The proud Cebuano
Our fellow STAR columnist Bobit Avila must be on cloud nine. Cebu has become the center of attention over the past week — with the success of the ASEAN summit. Certainly, credit goes to the Cebuanos, GMA and of course our friend, Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo for the preparations made. It was an absolute success, making all of us proud of this international event.
The only comment from people that I talked to which they said didn’t go quite well were the polo barongs. There were many people who told us that everyone seemed to be dressed the same — aides, security people and delegates — giving people a hard time identifying who’s who. The barongs for the heads of state should have been given a more elegant and elaborate embroidery to distinguish them from the security, the staff and other delegates.
* * *
Feedback: Let the bidding begin!
In reaction to our Jan.16 item ("Changing the rules midstream"), Speaker Joe de Venecia called me the other night to tell me that he has nothing to do with the bidding delays for the privatization of TransCo. While JDV admits that he is the number one marketing salesman of this country in China for investments – for which we give him full credit – he vehemently denied causing the postponement of the Transco biddings. He said he will never do anything to delay a project that is vital to the progress of this country. Since that’s the case — let the bidding begin!
* * *
Email: babe_tcb@yahoo.com
https://www.philstar.com/business/2007/01/18/380523/murder-or-homicide
People Power 2: Hatol kay Gloria tuloy sa lansangan
Sa lansangan na matutuloy ang paghahatol kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo makaraang mabigo ang maraming mamamayan sa Senado na tumangging tanggapin ang isang ebidensya laban sa kanya.
Tinayang nagsimula sa 5,000 ang bilang ng mga anti-Arroyo na nagtipon-tipon sa EDSA Shrine sa Ortigas Center, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Ugong Norte, Quezon City at umakyat ito sa mahigit 120,000 hanggang kahapon ng hapon na pinaniniwalaang hudyat ng pangalawang people power movement na kahalintulad ng naganap noong Pebrero 1986 na nagpabagsak sa diktadurang rehimen ni dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos. Kabilang sa mga unang nagtungo sa dambana sina dating Pangulong Corazon Aquino, Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales at Vice President Noli de Castro.
Makaraang matalo ang 24 senador na nais buksan ang envelope at magbitiw sa tungkulin si Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, nagkaroon ng misa ang mga anti-Arroyo sa EDSA Shrine at nagkaroon ng noise barrage sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Metro Manila.
Kinondena nila ang umano’y moro-morong paglilitis ng Senado sa kasong impeachment laban sa Pangulo. Nagsikip ang trapiko sa Epifanio delos Santos Avenue na dahilan para tanging ang Metro Rail Transit ang sasakyang inasahan ng mga pasahero para makadaan sa EDSA.
Bandang alas-2:30 ng hapon kahapon nang dumating sa EDSA Shrine si dating Pangulong Fidel Ramos na naglakad lang mula sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport makaraang dumating siya rito mula sa Hong Kong.
Hinimok ni Ramos ang sambayanang Pilipino na makiisa sa pagtitipon sa EDSA Shrine bilang bahagi ng people power revolution part 2.
Sinabi ni Ramos na nasa kamay na ng sambayanan ang paghuhusga kay Arroyo matapos magbitiw ang mga prosecutors at tumanggi ang 11 senador-hukom na buksan ang pangalawang envelope ng Velarde account.
"Ang taumbayan ang dapat humatol kay Arroyo dahil ang impeachment court laban sa Pangulo ay nasa kamay na ngayon ng sambayanan at naririto sila ngayong nagkakaisa sa EDSA para hilingin kay Arroyo na maagang magbitiw sa puwesto," sabi pa ni Ramos.
Inaasahan ng Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino at ng Gloria Resign Movement na magpapatuloy ang pagdagsa ng mga tao hanggang araw na ito para sama-samang hilingin ang pagbibitiw ng Pangulo.
Nagsara naman ang dalawang exit at entrance gate ng himpilan ng Philippine Air Force sa Villamor Air Base sa Pasay City dahil sa ulat na papasok dito si Ramos at hikayatin ang mga sundalo na sumama sa rally sa EDSA.
Nanawagan naman si de Castro kay Arroyo na huwag pag-awayin sa isa’t isa ang mga Pilipino dahil kung magkakaroon ng karahasan, dadanak ang dugo sa pintuan nito.
Binatikos ng Sanlakas ang 11 senador na tumangging buksan ang envelope. Sinabi ng kanilang tagapagsalitang si Archie Guevarra na bumaba ang paghanga nila kay Sen. Tessie Oreta dahil sa nakakahiya umanong pagtawa nito at pagkagalak sa pagkapanalo ng mga pro-Arroyo senators.
Kabilang din sa nagdagsaan sa EDSA Shrine ang iba’t ibang sektor mula sa ilang lalawigan tulad sa Zambales at Cavite. Nanawagan din ang Pro-Gay Philippines sa mga bakla at tomboy na lumahok sa pangalawang EDSA revolution.
Nanawagan naman si Fr. Lito Jopson, media director ng Archdiocese of Manila, sa mamamayan na iboykot ang mga banko ng mga cronies ni dating pangulong Joseph Estrada tulad ng Allied Bank ni Lucio Tan, United Coconut Planters Bank ni Danding Cojuangco at ang Philippine National Bank.
Sinabi naman ni Rosales na wala nang silbi ang pagpapatuloy ng paglilitis ng impeachment court dahil parang inabsuwelto na ng nakakaraming maka-administrasyong senador ang Pangulo sa pamamagitan ng pagtanggi sa ebidensya.
Sumama rin sa rally sa EDSA Shrine ang mga senador na bumoto para sa pagbubukas ng envelope tulad nina Franklin Drilon, Pia Cayetano, Mar Roxas, Miriam Santiago, Bong Revilla at Dr. Mona Valisno.
Sa pagsisimula ng protesta kamakalawa ng gabi laban sa ginawa ng Senado, kumalat din ang mga text message na kumokondena sa mga senador na tumutol sa pagbukas ng envelope tulad nina Tessie Oreta, Kit Tatad, Nikki Coseteng, Jinggoy Estrada, Robert Jaworski, John Osmeña, Jamby Madrigal at Alfredo Lim. Nanawagan ang mga texter na huwag iboto sa susunod na halalan ang mga ito.
Nanawagan naman ang Caucus of Lawyers for Gloria’s Abrupt Resignation kay Chief Justice Reynato Puno na magbitiw bilang presiding officer ng impeachment court para hindi siya magamit ng mga pro-Arroyo senators sa pagpapawalang-sala sa Pangulo.
Pero tiniyak ni Puno na hindi siya magbibitiw dahil nakabatay sa Konstitusyon ang kanyang panunungkulan sa naturang puwesto.
Tiniyak ng liderato ng Armed Forces of the Philippines at ng Philippine National Police na hindi makikilahok ang mga sundalo at pulis sa pangalawang people power revolution. (Ulat nina Rudy Andal, Butch Quejada, Rose Tamayo, Danilo Garcia, Angie dela Cruz, Andi Garcia, Grace Amargo at Omar Acosta)
https://www.philstar.com/bansa/2001/01/18/125731/people-power-2-hatol-kay-erap-tuloy-sa-lansangan
Tinayang nagsimula sa 5,000 ang bilang ng mga anti-Arroyo na nagtipon-tipon sa EDSA Shrine sa Ortigas Center, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Ugong Norte, Quezon City at umakyat ito sa mahigit 120,000 hanggang kahapon ng hapon na pinaniniwalaang hudyat ng pangalawang people power movement na kahalintulad ng naganap noong Pebrero 1986 na nagpabagsak sa diktadurang rehimen ni dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos. Kabilang sa mga unang nagtungo sa dambana sina dating Pangulong Corazon Aquino, Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales at Vice President Noli de Castro.
Makaraang matalo ang 24 senador na nais buksan ang envelope at magbitiw sa tungkulin si Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, nagkaroon ng misa ang mga anti-Arroyo sa EDSA Shrine at nagkaroon ng noise barrage sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Metro Manila.
Kinondena nila ang umano’y moro-morong paglilitis ng Senado sa kasong impeachment laban sa Pangulo. Nagsikip ang trapiko sa Epifanio delos Santos Avenue na dahilan para tanging ang Metro Rail Transit ang sasakyang inasahan ng mga pasahero para makadaan sa EDSA.
Bandang alas-2:30 ng hapon kahapon nang dumating sa EDSA Shrine si dating Pangulong Fidel Ramos na naglakad lang mula sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport makaraang dumating siya rito mula sa Hong Kong.
Hinimok ni Ramos ang sambayanang Pilipino na makiisa sa pagtitipon sa EDSA Shrine bilang bahagi ng people power revolution part 2.
Sinabi ni Ramos na nasa kamay na ng sambayanan ang paghuhusga kay Arroyo matapos magbitiw ang mga prosecutors at tumanggi ang 11 senador-hukom na buksan ang pangalawang envelope ng Velarde account.
"Ang taumbayan ang dapat humatol kay Arroyo dahil ang impeachment court laban sa Pangulo ay nasa kamay na ngayon ng sambayanan at naririto sila ngayong nagkakaisa sa EDSA para hilingin kay Arroyo na maagang magbitiw sa puwesto," sabi pa ni Ramos.
Inaasahan ng Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino at ng Gloria Resign Movement na magpapatuloy ang pagdagsa ng mga tao hanggang araw na ito para sama-samang hilingin ang pagbibitiw ng Pangulo.
Nagsara naman ang dalawang exit at entrance gate ng himpilan ng Philippine Air Force sa Villamor Air Base sa Pasay City dahil sa ulat na papasok dito si Ramos at hikayatin ang mga sundalo na sumama sa rally sa EDSA.
Nanawagan naman si de Castro kay Arroyo na huwag pag-awayin sa isa’t isa ang mga Pilipino dahil kung magkakaroon ng karahasan, dadanak ang dugo sa pintuan nito.
Binatikos ng Sanlakas ang 11 senador na tumangging buksan ang envelope. Sinabi ng kanilang tagapagsalitang si Archie Guevarra na bumaba ang paghanga nila kay Sen. Tessie Oreta dahil sa nakakahiya umanong pagtawa nito at pagkagalak sa pagkapanalo ng mga pro-Arroyo senators.
Kabilang din sa nagdagsaan sa EDSA Shrine ang iba’t ibang sektor mula sa ilang lalawigan tulad sa Zambales at Cavite. Nanawagan din ang Pro-Gay Philippines sa mga bakla at tomboy na lumahok sa pangalawang EDSA revolution.
Nanawagan naman si Fr. Lito Jopson, media director ng Archdiocese of Manila, sa mamamayan na iboykot ang mga banko ng mga cronies ni dating pangulong Joseph Estrada tulad ng Allied Bank ni Lucio Tan, United Coconut Planters Bank ni Danding Cojuangco at ang Philippine National Bank.
Sinabi naman ni Rosales na wala nang silbi ang pagpapatuloy ng paglilitis ng impeachment court dahil parang inabsuwelto na ng nakakaraming maka-administrasyong senador ang Pangulo sa pamamagitan ng pagtanggi sa ebidensya.
Sumama rin sa rally sa EDSA Shrine ang mga senador na bumoto para sa pagbubukas ng envelope tulad nina Franklin Drilon, Pia Cayetano, Mar Roxas, Miriam Santiago, Bong Revilla at Dr. Mona Valisno.
Sa pagsisimula ng protesta kamakalawa ng gabi laban sa ginawa ng Senado, kumalat din ang mga text message na kumokondena sa mga senador na tumutol sa pagbukas ng envelope tulad nina Tessie Oreta, Kit Tatad, Nikki Coseteng, Jinggoy Estrada, Robert Jaworski, John Osmeña, Jamby Madrigal at Alfredo Lim. Nanawagan ang mga texter na huwag iboto sa susunod na halalan ang mga ito.
Nanawagan naman ang Caucus of Lawyers for Gloria’s Abrupt Resignation kay Chief Justice Reynato Puno na magbitiw bilang presiding officer ng impeachment court para hindi siya magamit ng mga pro-Arroyo senators sa pagpapawalang-sala sa Pangulo.
Pero tiniyak ni Puno na hindi siya magbibitiw dahil nakabatay sa Konstitusyon ang kanyang panunungkulan sa naturang puwesto.
Tiniyak ng liderato ng Armed Forces of the Philippines at ng Philippine National Police na hindi makikilahok ang mga sundalo at pulis sa pangalawang people power revolution. (Ulat nina Rudy Andal, Butch Quejada, Rose Tamayo, Danilo Garcia, Angie dela Cruz, Andi Garcia, Grace Amargo at Omar Acosta)
https://www.philstar.com/bansa/2001/01/18/125731/people-power-2-hatol-kay-erap-tuloy-sa-lansangan
San Fernando hi-way accident kills woman
A 53-year-old woman was killed while her husband and three-year-old granddaughter were injured when the Toyota Lite Ace they were riding crashed into a parked truck in sitio Lacaron, barangay Pitalo, San Fernando town Tuesday night.
The fatality was identified as Felisa Salvador while those injured were her husband, Jose, 59, and granddaughter M.J. Comedia. The victims are all residents of Poblacion, Dalaguete town.
San Fernando police chief S/Insp. Antonieto Cuyos yesterday told The Freeman that the Isuzu truck, bearing plate number GAZ-561 and was driven by Constancio Camingaw Bacon of Poblacion, Carcar, was parked beside the road due to a flat tire.
The Toyota Lite Ace, bearing plate number GRK-113, driven by Jose was negotiating along the national highway from Cebu City when the incident happened.
Although Jose tried to evade the truck, the Toyota still hit the truck's left side.
The victims, who sustained injuries in different parts of their bodies, were rushed to South General Hospital in Tuyan, Naga town, but attending physician pronounced Felisa dead on arrival.
Cuyos said Jose suffered only minor injuries and is now in safe condition while his granddaughter sustained a broken leg. - Norvie S. Misa
https://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2007/01/18/380593/san-fernando-hi-way-accident-kills-woman
The fatality was identified as Felisa Salvador while those injured were her husband, Jose, 59, and granddaughter M.J. Comedia. The victims are all residents of Poblacion, Dalaguete town.
San Fernando police chief S/Insp. Antonieto Cuyos yesterday told The Freeman that the Isuzu truck, bearing plate number GAZ-561 and was driven by Constancio Camingaw Bacon of Poblacion, Carcar, was parked beside the road due to a flat tire.
The Toyota Lite Ace, bearing plate number GRK-113, driven by Jose was negotiating along the national highway from Cebu City when the incident happened.
Although Jose tried to evade the truck, the Toyota still hit the truck's left side.
The victims, who sustained injuries in different parts of their bodies, were rushed to South General Hospital in Tuyan, Naga town, but attending physician pronounced Felisa dead on arrival.
Cuyos said Jose suffered only minor injuries and is now in safe condition while his granddaughter sustained a broken leg. - Norvie S. Misa
https://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2007/01/18/380593/san-fernando-hi-way-accident-kills-woman
Two-day anti-poverty summit opens today in Clark
A two-day anti-poverty summit aimed at drawing up plans and strategies to reduce poverty incidence in the Luzon Urban Beltway (LUB), the country’s biggest super region, opens today at the Clark Museum at the Clark Special Economic Zone in Angeles City.
The summit seeks to unify the efforts of various government agencies, basic sectors, private and business organizations and institutions involved in poverty reduction programs and implement a more focused parallel socio-economic program within the LUB starting this year up to 2010.
President Arroyo, who will deliver the keynote address tomorrow, is expected to show the directions of her administration’s poverty alleviation program.
Scheduled to speak today are Secretary Domingo Panganiban, chairman of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and lead convenor, and Secretary Edgardo Pamintuan, head of the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council-Luzon Urban Beltway (SCADC-LUB) and summit chairman.
The LUB, which covers most of Luzon, Metro Manila, the Calabarzon, Mindoro and Marinduque, is the heartland of industry, trade and commerce in the country where 30 percent of the national population and 30 percent of the total labor force reside and work. It contributes the most to the national economy among all super regions.
The implementation and completion of at least 15 mega-projects for the LUB are being coordinated to promote greater development.
These projects, which require P200 billion, will have an impact on reducing poverty and improving the quality of life of the people in the region.
Pamintuan said these projects is being fast-tracked, adding that he is confident the deadlines would be met.
"We have resolved a few problems that somehow snagged some of the projects and we are now moving full steam ahead," he said.
One project delayed by a number of issues, according to Pamintuan, is the P7.35-billion coastal road extension to Bacoor, Cavite.
He said the problems had been resolved and the project construction actually began last Dec. 1. The project will extend the coastal road on reclaimed land from Longoa, Bacoor, to Kawit and Noveleta, spanning 12.3 kilometers.
By November this year, he said the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway will be finished. Also expected to be completed in May next year is the Southern Luzon Expressway.
"The LUB projects are all designed to enhance the investment climate in the region. Industries will come and jobs will be created. The benefits will redound to the well-being of the people," Pamintuan said.
Panganiban said the Arroyo administration’s efforts have brought new hope "to our bid to reduce poverty, expand opportunities and bring about a just and equitable distribution of the national wealth."
"Our economy is at its strongest in recent history with the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growing by about 5.5 percent in 2006," he added.
The summit seeks to inform the public on the thrusts of the government’s poverty-reduction program and economic growth.
It will mark the launching of LUB’s anti-poverty advocacy campaign dubbed as Kayang-kaya Natin. Laban sa Kahirapan.
Today’s speakers are Pamintuan, who will deliver the welcome remarks; Vice President Noli de Castro, alternate chairman of NAPC, who will give the opening remarks; and Panganiban, who will speak on the administration’s accomplishments so far on poverty reduction as well as the future thrusts of the anti-poverty program.
Other speakers are NEDA chief Romulo Neri, who will talk on "National Economic Strategy, Thrusts and Major Programs in Combating Poverty"; Assistant Secretary Danilo Consumido, SCADC-LUB, on "Luzon Urban Beltway: Orchestrating Development Toward Poverty Reduction and Improved Quality of Life"; Assistant Secretary Dolly de Quiros-Castillo, who will discuss the adoption of LUB strategy and thrusts in the poverty-reduction program and on the approval of action plans; and Alexander Cauguiran, SCADC-LUB, who will give the closing remarks.
Workshops will be conducted during the summit and the outputs will be examined for proper and immediate implementation.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2007/01/18/380511/two-day-anti-poverty-summit-opens-today-clark
The summit seeks to unify the efforts of various government agencies, basic sectors, private and business organizations and institutions involved in poverty reduction programs and implement a more focused parallel socio-economic program within the LUB starting this year up to 2010.
President Arroyo, who will deliver the keynote address tomorrow, is expected to show the directions of her administration’s poverty alleviation program.
Scheduled to speak today are Secretary Domingo Panganiban, chairman of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and lead convenor, and Secretary Edgardo Pamintuan, head of the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council-Luzon Urban Beltway (SCADC-LUB) and summit chairman.
The LUB, which covers most of Luzon, Metro Manila, the Calabarzon, Mindoro and Marinduque, is the heartland of industry, trade and commerce in the country where 30 percent of the national population and 30 percent of the total labor force reside and work. It contributes the most to the national economy among all super regions.
The implementation and completion of at least 15 mega-projects for the LUB are being coordinated to promote greater development.
These projects, which require P200 billion, will have an impact on reducing poverty and improving the quality of life of the people in the region.
Pamintuan said these projects is being fast-tracked, adding that he is confident the deadlines would be met.
"We have resolved a few problems that somehow snagged some of the projects and we are now moving full steam ahead," he said.
One project delayed by a number of issues, according to Pamintuan, is the P7.35-billion coastal road extension to Bacoor, Cavite.
He said the problems had been resolved and the project construction actually began last Dec. 1. The project will extend the coastal road on reclaimed land from Longoa, Bacoor, to Kawit and Noveleta, spanning 12.3 kilometers.
By November this year, he said the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway will be finished. Also expected to be completed in May next year is the Southern Luzon Expressway.
"The LUB projects are all designed to enhance the investment climate in the region. Industries will come and jobs will be created. The benefits will redound to the well-being of the people," Pamintuan said.
Panganiban said the Arroyo administration’s efforts have brought new hope "to our bid to reduce poverty, expand opportunities and bring about a just and equitable distribution of the national wealth."
"Our economy is at its strongest in recent history with the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growing by about 5.5 percent in 2006," he added.
The summit seeks to inform the public on the thrusts of the government’s poverty-reduction program and economic growth.
It will mark the launching of LUB’s anti-poverty advocacy campaign dubbed as Kayang-kaya Natin. Laban sa Kahirapan.
Today’s speakers are Pamintuan, who will deliver the welcome remarks; Vice President Noli de Castro, alternate chairman of NAPC, who will give the opening remarks; and Panganiban, who will speak on the administration’s accomplishments so far on poverty reduction as well as the future thrusts of the anti-poverty program.
Other speakers are NEDA chief Romulo Neri, who will talk on "National Economic Strategy, Thrusts and Major Programs in Combating Poverty"; Assistant Secretary Danilo Consumido, SCADC-LUB, on "Luzon Urban Beltway: Orchestrating Development Toward Poverty Reduction and Improved Quality of Life"; Assistant Secretary Dolly de Quiros-Castillo, who will discuss the adoption of LUB strategy and thrusts in the poverty-reduction program and on the approval of action plans; and Alexander Cauguiran, SCADC-LUB, who will give the closing remarks.
Workshops will be conducted during the summit and the outputs will be examined for proper and immediate implementation.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2007/01/18/380511/two-day-anti-poverty-summit-opens-today-clark
Gloria tells protesters: Please stay calm
President Arroyo appealed for calm yesterday as the opposition held noisy demonstrations in Metro Manila and at least three other cities, municipalities and provinces shortly before midnight Tuesday.
The spontaneous protests followed the Senate impeachment court's vote to stop prosecutors from examining bank records they say would prove the Chief Executive acquired ill-gotten wealth during 30 months, 17 days in office.
"Justl like in any important trial - you win some, you lose some," Mrs. Arroyo said in a statement. "Let us pray that we may be spared further violence, injuries and death that have stricken our country in recent times."
Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr. told reporters yesterday the military would remain neutral in the controversy and would not mix in the "political dynamics that may occur."
Several protesters built a bonfire at EDSA and East Avenue in Quezon City before midnight Tuesday and gathered to bash cans, yell and make other noise, as news of the vote hit the streets.
The Chief Executive expressed gratitude over the 24-23 Senate vote to keep prosecutors away from what they said was the most damaging evidence yet against Mrs. Arroyo.
"I thank the good Lord for giving us this initial favorable vote," the President said. "This is the first major vote in the many more major votes to be cast in the impeachment trial."
But economic managers of the administration reported to the President yesterday that the economy is indeed "hurting" over the continuing political upheavals due to the trial.
Finance Secretary Jose Pardo and other members of the Economic Coordinating Council met at Malacanang, during which Central Bank Governor Amado Tetangco, Jr. said that the peso's depreciation was "an overreaction" to recent developments.
Former Solicitor General Estelito Mendoza, a lead counsel for Mrs. Arroyo, argued that the impeachment court should bar access to the bank documents because the account was not specified in the original complaint and is therefore beyond the tribunal's jurisdiction.
Senators who voted to keep the documents secret echoed the defense argument in explaining their decision.
"The articles of impeachment are not an open-ended charge sheet that can be expanded from day to day as new evidence is discovered," Sen. Teresita Aquino-Oreta said.
Ernesto Maceda, presidential spokesman for the impeachment trial, told reporters Mrs. Arroyo was happy to hear that the impeachment court voted 11-10 in his favor. - Marichu Villanueva
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/18/89473/erap-tells-protesters-please-stay-calm
The spontaneous protests followed the Senate impeachment court's vote to stop prosecutors from examining bank records they say would prove the Chief Executive acquired ill-gotten wealth during 30 months, 17 days in office.
"Justl like in any important trial - you win some, you lose some," Mrs. Arroyo said in a statement. "Let us pray that we may be spared further violence, injuries and death that have stricken our country in recent times."
Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr. told reporters yesterday the military would remain neutral in the controversy and would not mix in the "political dynamics that may occur."
Several protesters built a bonfire at EDSA and East Avenue in Quezon City before midnight Tuesday and gathered to bash cans, yell and make other noise, as news of the vote hit the streets.
The Chief Executive expressed gratitude over the 24-23 Senate vote to keep prosecutors away from what they said was the most damaging evidence yet against Mrs. Arroyo.
"I thank the good Lord for giving us this initial favorable vote," the President said. "This is the first major vote in the many more major votes to be cast in the impeachment trial."
But economic managers of the administration reported to the President yesterday that the economy is indeed "hurting" over the continuing political upheavals due to the trial.
Finance Secretary Jose Pardo and other members of the Economic Coordinating Council met at Malacanang, during which Central Bank Governor Amado Tetangco, Jr. said that the peso's depreciation was "an overreaction" to recent developments.
Former Solicitor General Estelito Mendoza, a lead counsel for Mrs. Arroyo, argued that the impeachment court should bar access to the bank documents because the account was not specified in the original complaint and is therefore beyond the tribunal's jurisdiction.
Senators who voted to keep the documents secret echoed the defense argument in explaining their decision.
"The articles of impeachment are not an open-ended charge sheet that can be expanded from day to day as new evidence is discovered," Sen. Teresita Aquino-Oreta said.
Ernesto Maceda, presidential spokesman for the impeachment trial, told reporters Mrs. Arroyo was happy to hear that the impeachment court voted 11-10 in his favor. - Marichu Villanueva
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/18/89473/erap-tells-protesters-please-stay-calm