Vice President Noli de Castro and leaders of the opposition have given embattled President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo until 6 a.m. Saturday to resign, opposition leaders said.
Sen. Mona Valisno said that the United Opposition has agreed to give to the impeached President until 6 a.m. to resign; otherwise the people will march to Malacañang. Opposition leaders had earlier asked the over 5 million strong rallyists at the EDSA Shrine to stay on until tomorrow.
Another opposition leader Dan Songco said: "We consulted with one another and we agreed to give him a deadline of six am tomorrow morning, otherwise we will ask the people over here to march on Malacañang" presidential palace. With report by AFP
Friday, January 19, 2007
Resigned prosecutors to return if
Prosecutors who stalked out of the Senate impeachment tribunal last Tuesday may return if President Arroyo agrees to testify, Makati Rep. Teodoro Locsin said yesterday.
Asked what it would take to bring them back to the courtroom, Locsin, a key member of the prosecution panel, replied: "Nothing."
He added, however, that they may reconsider if the defense will put the President on the witness stand so that the prosecution could cross-examine the Chief Executive.
This developed as the House of Representatives failed yesterday to arrive at a solution to the mass resignation of the congressmen prosecuting the President in the impeachment trial, leaving the case in limbo.
In a bid to resolve the stalemate, Speaker Prospero Nograles and the prosecution panel held a caucus in a restaurant in Quezon City where six options were reportedly drawn up.
Nograles refused to reveal the options, which sources said included a request by the House leadership for the 11 prosecutors to reconsider their resignation.
"We hope to finalize what option we will take not later than Sunday this week. The panel will surely consider said options which will be adopted by the House as a whole," Fuentebella said.
But it appeared that the prosecutors have decided that they have had enough of what they called a "charade" of an impeachment trial.
South Cotabato Rep. Lualhati Antonino revealed that the options drawn up were: The return of the prosecution panel to the impeachment tribunal, election of a new set of prosecutors, withdrawal of the articles of impeachment, reconsideration of the Senate decision on the Equitable-PCI Bank envelope, amendment of the rules on the admission of evidence, and for the President to take the witness stand.
Lawyer Sigfrid Fortun, in a television interview, argued that the prosecution could not dictate on how the defense should present its case.
Chief Justice Reynato Puno, presiding officer of the impeachment trial, ordered the indefinite suspension of the hearings in the light of the resignation of the prosecution panel, which included private law practitioners representing the private complainants.
Legislators have warned that a constitutional crisis could arise if the House cannot convince the prosecutors to finish their mission, or form another set of prosecutors from the chamber.
"The government is now in paralysis," Locsin said.
Quezon Rep. Wigberto Tanada stressed that their resignation was irrevocable since it was already obvious how the pro-Arroyo senators who make up the majority in the chamber would finally rule on the case.
Opposition Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo II said the impasse could be resolved if the impeachment tribunal would reverse its controversial ruling excluding a second set of bank records purportedly showing that President Arroyo, held close to P10 billion at the Equitable PCI Bank.
"What we have now is a constitutional crisis triggered by that controversial vote. If the court wants the prosecutors to go back, then it must reconsider its decision and allow scrutiny of the bank records," Gunigundo said.
Ilocos Sur Rep. Salacnib Baterina, a member of the prosecution team, shared Gunigundo's views, adding that the documents contained in a second envelope surrendered by the bank were crucial in nailing down Mrs. Arroyo on charges of graft and corruption.
South Cotabato Rep. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said the House leadership wanted the prosecution panel headed by Quezon City Rep. Nanette Castelo-Daza to go back to the hearings.
"The idea of having pro-administration congressmen appointed as prosecutors is absolutely out of the question. Prosecuting the impeachment case is within the turf of the minority," Fuentes said.
Meanwhile Nograles said the House leadership will file a resolution giving the prosecution team a vote of confidence "for job well done."
"They have performed very well. It was a sterling performance and they did more than what was expected of them," the Speaker said.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita allayed fears of a looming constitutional crisis, saying there are "built it mechanisms for setting up replacements."
Angara was adverting to the resignation of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and the prosecutors.
Former Press Secretary Ricardo Puno Jr. dared the House prosecutors to return to the Senate courtroom, saying the legal battle is not yet over.
"We have to go through the entire process and in any kind of democracy, majority prevails as in this particular Senate voting," Puno said.
Puno reminded the House prosecutors that they have a duty to perform as mandated by the electorate.
Mrs. Arroyo was on trial for alleged bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution.
Nene asks colleagues to reconsider vote
Enrile said the senators can still regain public confidence if his pro-Arroyo colleagues would reverse their vote on the Jose Velarde documents which the prosecution tried to submit as evidence in the impeachment trial.
Enrile made the call even as the alleged contents of the envelope have already been widely publicized in almost all of the major newspapers in the country.
The Senate leader stressed earlier that the chamber has become a "damaged institution" after the pro-administration senators voted down a motion by the prosecution panel to open a second envelope surrendered by Equitable-PCI Bank to the impeachment tribunal.
The envelope reportedly contained details of transactions pertaining to the bank account of "Jose Velarde" holding some P1.2 billion deposits.
Equitable-PCI Bank senior vice president Clarissa Ocampo testified at the trial on Dec. 22 that Mrs. Arroyo repeated signed bank records in her presence.
The first envelope opened by the tribunal last month also contained bank records on the Velarde account, among them a P500-million trust account testified to by Ocampo.
The defense panel led by Estelito Mendoza vehemently objected to the opening of the first envelope but Puno ruled to allow its opening provided that the prosecution could establish its relevance to the articles of impeachment.
Documents in the second envelope indicated that 27 checks amounting to P175 million were drawn from the Allied Bank head office branch account of a certain Kelvin Garcia, another false name believed used by Mrs. Arroyo, and deposited in the Velarde account.
Nine of the checks for Kelvin Garcia totaled P10 million, five for P5 million and three for P20 million.
Enrile voted in favor of the opening of the second envelope, then hastily added that he was giving up the Senate presidency since he no longer enjoys the support of the majority.
The majority bloc refused, however, to elect a new Senate president, compelling Enrile to hold on to the post.
Under the rules of the impeachment trial, only a senator belonging to the majority bloc could raise a motion for reconsideration of their previous votes.
"They (prosecutors) have already announced their decision to withdraw and it will take a lot of persuasion on the part of Nograles to make them reconsider," Enrile said.
Senate President Pro Tempore Juan Flavier said the impeachment court would not be complete without the prosecution panel.
He said if the House leadership accepts the prosecutors' resignation, the chamber is obliged to form a new prosecution team.
Escudero unveils defense strategy
Escudero unraveled what appeared to be the defense panel's scheme in blocking the opening of the second envelope.
"The action here is towards rejecting the testimony of Equitable PCI Bank senior vice president and trust officer Clarissa Ocampo," Escudero said.
He explained that rejection of the opening of the envelope would be followed by a motion to strike out from the records of the case Ocampo's testimony, as well as the exclusion of all the subpoenas to the various banks in connection with the Velarde account.
Iloilo City Rep. Raul Gonzalez described the contents of the envelope as the "mother of all documentary evidences."
"With this document being frozen in limbo, they can now ask the court to strike off the testimony (of Ocampo) from the records of the court," Gonzalez said.
Escudero said the 24 pro-Arroyo senators effective excluded the documents which could have served as principal evidence to nail down the President on graft charges "because the millions in his account were not declared in her 2005 statement of assets and liabilities (SAL).
"We were going to probe through the second envelope that the money in his account with the Equitable PCI Bank existed before he submitted his SAL on or before Dec. 31, 2005, but it was not declared," Escudero said.
He added that the opening of the envelope would be the starting point of the prosecutors in assessing the sources of funds in the Velarde account.
The documents showed that certain presidential friends deposited huge amounts in the Velarde account. They are Mark Jimenez, Dante Tan, Lucio Co, Jaime Dichaves and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. chairman Manuel Pangilinan.
Arroyo said the pro-Arroyo senators deliberately filed a motion to put the second envelope to a vote by the senator-judges, preempting Puno from making an impartial ruling on the issue. "This is a grand conspiracy between Malacanang and the 11 senators. They knew they had the numbers ,(so) to hell with fairness and justice."
Arroyo has branded the result of the voting as a "shameless act of acquittal for the President."
Meanwhile, former First Lady Imelda Marcos urged the prosecutors to go back to the Senate and finish their job.
Marcos' spokesperson Cherry Cobarrubias said her boss and the four million Marcos loyalists fully support the prosecutors. - With reports from Marichu Villanueva, Non Alquitran, Jose Rodel Clapano
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/19/89479/resigned-prosecutors-return-if
Asked what it would take to bring them back to the courtroom, Locsin, a key member of the prosecution panel, replied: "Nothing."
He added, however, that they may reconsider if the defense will put the President on the witness stand so that the prosecution could cross-examine the Chief Executive.
This developed as the House of Representatives failed yesterday to arrive at a solution to the mass resignation of the congressmen prosecuting the President in the impeachment trial, leaving the case in limbo.
In a bid to resolve the stalemate, Speaker Prospero Nograles and the prosecution panel held a caucus in a restaurant in Quezon City where six options were reportedly drawn up.
Nograles refused to reveal the options, which sources said included a request by the House leadership for the 11 prosecutors to reconsider their resignation.
"We hope to finalize what option we will take not later than Sunday this week. The panel will surely consider said options which will be adopted by the House as a whole," Fuentebella said.
But it appeared that the prosecutors have decided that they have had enough of what they called a "charade" of an impeachment trial.
South Cotabato Rep. Lualhati Antonino revealed that the options drawn up were: The return of the prosecution panel to the impeachment tribunal, election of a new set of prosecutors, withdrawal of the articles of impeachment, reconsideration of the Senate decision on the Equitable-PCI Bank envelope, amendment of the rules on the admission of evidence, and for the President to take the witness stand.
Lawyer Sigfrid Fortun, in a television interview, argued that the prosecution could not dictate on how the defense should present its case.
Chief Justice Reynato Puno, presiding officer of the impeachment trial, ordered the indefinite suspension of the hearings in the light of the resignation of the prosecution panel, which included private law practitioners representing the private complainants.
Legislators have warned that a constitutional crisis could arise if the House cannot convince the prosecutors to finish their mission, or form another set of prosecutors from the chamber.
"The government is now in paralysis," Locsin said.
Quezon Rep. Wigberto Tanada stressed that their resignation was irrevocable since it was already obvious how the pro-Arroyo senators who make up the majority in the chamber would finally rule on the case.
Opposition Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo II said the impasse could be resolved if the impeachment tribunal would reverse its controversial ruling excluding a second set of bank records purportedly showing that President Arroyo, held close to P10 billion at the Equitable PCI Bank.
"What we have now is a constitutional crisis triggered by that controversial vote. If the court wants the prosecutors to go back, then it must reconsider its decision and allow scrutiny of the bank records," Gunigundo said.
Ilocos Sur Rep. Salacnib Baterina, a member of the prosecution team, shared Gunigundo's views, adding that the documents contained in a second envelope surrendered by the bank were crucial in nailing down Mrs. Arroyo on charges of graft and corruption.
South Cotabato Rep. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said the House leadership wanted the prosecution panel headed by Quezon City Rep. Nanette Castelo-Daza to go back to the hearings.
"The idea of having pro-administration congressmen appointed as prosecutors is absolutely out of the question. Prosecuting the impeachment case is within the turf of the minority," Fuentes said.
Meanwhile Nograles said the House leadership will file a resolution giving the prosecution team a vote of confidence "for job well done."
"They have performed very well. It was a sterling performance and they did more than what was expected of them," the Speaker said.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita allayed fears of a looming constitutional crisis, saying there are "built it mechanisms for setting up replacements."
Angara was adverting to the resignation of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and the prosecutors.
Former Press Secretary Ricardo Puno Jr. dared the House prosecutors to return to the Senate courtroom, saying the legal battle is not yet over.
"We have to go through the entire process and in any kind of democracy, majority prevails as in this particular Senate voting," Puno said.
Puno reminded the House prosecutors that they have a duty to perform as mandated by the electorate.
Mrs. Arroyo was on trial for alleged bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution.
Nene asks colleagues to reconsider vote
Enrile said the senators can still regain public confidence if his pro-Arroyo colleagues would reverse their vote on the Jose Velarde documents which the prosecution tried to submit as evidence in the impeachment trial.
Enrile made the call even as the alleged contents of the envelope have already been widely publicized in almost all of the major newspapers in the country.
The Senate leader stressed earlier that the chamber has become a "damaged institution" after the pro-administration senators voted down a motion by the prosecution panel to open a second envelope surrendered by Equitable-PCI Bank to the impeachment tribunal.
The envelope reportedly contained details of transactions pertaining to the bank account of "Jose Velarde" holding some P1.2 billion deposits.
Equitable-PCI Bank senior vice president Clarissa Ocampo testified at the trial on Dec. 22 that Mrs. Arroyo repeated signed bank records in her presence.
The first envelope opened by the tribunal last month also contained bank records on the Velarde account, among them a P500-million trust account testified to by Ocampo.
The defense panel led by Estelito Mendoza vehemently objected to the opening of the first envelope but Puno ruled to allow its opening provided that the prosecution could establish its relevance to the articles of impeachment.
Documents in the second envelope indicated that 27 checks amounting to P175 million were drawn from the Allied Bank head office branch account of a certain Kelvin Garcia, another false name believed used by Mrs. Arroyo, and deposited in the Velarde account.
Nine of the checks for Kelvin Garcia totaled P10 million, five for P5 million and three for P20 million.
Enrile voted in favor of the opening of the second envelope, then hastily added that he was giving up the Senate presidency since he no longer enjoys the support of the majority.
The majority bloc refused, however, to elect a new Senate president, compelling Enrile to hold on to the post.
Under the rules of the impeachment trial, only a senator belonging to the majority bloc could raise a motion for reconsideration of their previous votes.
"They (prosecutors) have already announced their decision to withdraw and it will take a lot of persuasion on the part of Nograles to make them reconsider," Enrile said.
Senate President Pro Tempore Juan Flavier said the impeachment court would not be complete without the prosecution panel.
He said if the House leadership accepts the prosecutors' resignation, the chamber is obliged to form a new prosecution team.
Escudero unveils defense strategy
Escudero unraveled what appeared to be the defense panel's scheme in blocking the opening of the second envelope.
"The action here is towards rejecting the testimony of Equitable PCI Bank senior vice president and trust officer Clarissa Ocampo," Escudero said.
He explained that rejection of the opening of the envelope would be followed by a motion to strike out from the records of the case Ocampo's testimony, as well as the exclusion of all the subpoenas to the various banks in connection with the Velarde account.
Iloilo City Rep. Raul Gonzalez described the contents of the envelope as the "mother of all documentary evidences."
"With this document being frozen in limbo, they can now ask the court to strike off the testimony (of Ocampo) from the records of the court," Gonzalez said.
Escudero said the 24 pro-Arroyo senators effective excluded the documents which could have served as principal evidence to nail down the President on graft charges "because the millions in his account were not declared in her 2005 statement of assets and liabilities (SAL).
"We were going to probe through the second envelope that the money in his account with the Equitable PCI Bank existed before he submitted his SAL on or before Dec. 31, 2005, but it was not declared," Escudero said.
He added that the opening of the envelope would be the starting point of the prosecutors in assessing the sources of funds in the Velarde account.
The documents showed that certain presidential friends deposited huge amounts in the Velarde account. They are Mark Jimenez, Dante Tan, Lucio Co, Jaime Dichaves and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. chairman Manuel Pangilinan.
Arroyo said the pro-Arroyo senators deliberately filed a motion to put the second envelope to a vote by the senator-judges, preempting Puno from making an impartial ruling on the issue. "This is a grand conspiracy between Malacanang and the 11 senators. They knew they had the numbers ,(so) to hell with fairness and justice."
Arroyo has branded the result of the voting as a "shameless act of acquittal for the President."
Meanwhile, former First Lady Imelda Marcos urged the prosecutors to go back to the Senate and finish their job.
Marcos' spokesperson Cherry Cobarrubias said her boss and the four million Marcos loyalists fully support the prosecutors. - With reports from Marichu Villanueva, Non Alquitran, Jose Rodel Clapano
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/19/89479/resigned-prosecutors-return-if
Mindanao gets biggest share of P45.8-M worth of projects
By Rose B. Palacio
Davao City (19 January) -- Regions in Mindanao will get the biggest share out of the total P45.8-million allocation to be released by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to fund some 50 agricultural projects in the country.
NEDA said Region X111 or the Caraga region, a depressed region in Mindanao,will get the biggest chunk in Mindanao with almost P12-million to fund 12 projects followed by the Administrative Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with P9-million for two projects, while Region 11 or Cagayan Valley will get P5-million for 7 projects.
Some of the projects are the pre and post harvest facilities of the local government of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur worth P2.18 million. Surigao City will receive P1.5-million for the establishment of a technology demonstration center for high value crops processing.
NEDA will also support the P5-million expansion of the rubber seedling nursery and planting of 500,000 seedlings of the provincial government of Basilan. This entails planting of rubber seedlings in various farms to ensure higher success of survival.
The nursery in Basilan will improve the standard of living of small rubber farmers by increasing productivity through the introduction of modern technology and high yield rubber plants, thus increasing their household income.
Also receiving funding is the rehabilitation project of the abaca industry of the provincial government of Sulu. NEDA has allocated P4-million for the project to be used for the acquisition of equipment, capability building and livelihood.
The project involves the rehabilitation of 150 hectares of abaca farms, introduction of modern post-harvest facilities and the establishment of five hectares semi-high density open-type abaca nurseries.
Surigao City will also receive P1.5-million for the establishment of a technology demonstration center for high-value crops processing. This will enhance the socio economic condition of small farmers and increase the productivity of women in the community through processing of high-value crops such as cassava, banana and pineapple.
The release of funds for agri projects is in line with the poverty alleviation program of the President aimed at providing income generating projects for the poor. (PIA-XI)
Davao City (19 January) -- Regions in Mindanao will get the biggest share out of the total P45.8-million allocation to be released by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to fund some 50 agricultural projects in the country.
NEDA said Region X111 or the Caraga region, a depressed region in Mindanao,will get the biggest chunk in Mindanao with almost P12-million to fund 12 projects followed by the Administrative Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with P9-million for two projects, while Region 11 or Cagayan Valley will get P5-million for 7 projects.
Some of the projects are the pre and post harvest facilities of the local government of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur worth P2.18 million. Surigao City will receive P1.5-million for the establishment of a technology demonstration center for high value crops processing.
NEDA will also support the P5-million expansion of the rubber seedling nursery and planting of 500,000 seedlings of the provincial government of Basilan. This entails planting of rubber seedlings in various farms to ensure higher success of survival.
The nursery in Basilan will improve the standard of living of small rubber farmers by increasing productivity through the introduction of modern technology and high yield rubber plants, thus increasing their household income.
Also receiving funding is the rehabilitation project of the abaca industry of the provincial government of Sulu. NEDA has allocated P4-million for the project to be used for the acquisition of equipment, capability building and livelihood.
The project involves the rehabilitation of 150 hectares of abaca farms, introduction of modern post-harvest facilities and the establishment of five hectares semi-high density open-type abaca nurseries.
Surigao City will also receive P1.5-million for the establishment of a technology demonstration center for high-value crops processing. This will enhance the socio economic condition of small farmers and increase the productivity of women in the community through processing of high-value crops such as cassava, banana and pineapple.
The release of funds for agri projects is in line with the poverty alleviation program of the President aimed at providing income generating projects for the poor. (PIA-XI)
PGMA: ASEAN leaders welcome steady progress with Vientiane Action Program
Cebu Philippines (19 January) -- Aside from displaying anew their concerted efforts to crush all forms of terrorism, Southeast Asian leaders have welcomed ASEAN`s steady progress in the implementation of the Vientiane Action Program (VAP) to hasten the region's quest for a zone of peace and security.
In her report as chairperson of the 12th ASEAN Summit, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo outlined the agreements reached by the leaders of the 10 ASESN member countries during their summit Saturday at the Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.
Under the VAP signed in Vientiane, Laos on Nov. 29, 2004 during the 10th Summit, ASEAN has agreed to work towards shared prosperity and destiny in an integrated. peaceful and caring ASEAN community.
According to the President, the leaders also agreed to pursue the comprehensive integration of ASEAN towards the realization of an open, dynamic and resilient ASEAN community by 2020.
The leaders, the President said, made an unequivocal stand against all forms of terrorism and called on law enforcement authorities of the member countries to strengthen cooperation in this regard.
We welcome the steady progress made in implementing ASEAN Security Community (ASC) and related activities through the VAP and the ASC Plan of Action, including the convening of the First ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting as advances in the work of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN-China joint Working Group on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South Chine Sea.
The ASEAN, a fast emerging regional economic bloc with over 560 million people is composed of Brunei Darrusalam, Cambodia, Indonesia Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The adoption of counter measures would enable ASEAN countries to combat terror groups particularly the Jemaah Islamiyah and the Abu Sayyaf both with links to the dreaded Al Qaeda Group of Bin Laden.
ASEAN counter terrorism strategy would make it easier for member countries to prosecute and extradite terror suspects. (PIA XI)
In her report as chairperson of the 12th ASEAN Summit, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo outlined the agreements reached by the leaders of the 10 ASESN member countries during their summit Saturday at the Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.
Under the VAP signed in Vientiane, Laos on Nov. 29, 2004 during the 10th Summit, ASEAN has agreed to work towards shared prosperity and destiny in an integrated. peaceful and caring ASEAN community.
According to the President, the leaders also agreed to pursue the comprehensive integration of ASEAN towards the realization of an open, dynamic and resilient ASEAN community by 2020.
The leaders, the President said, made an unequivocal stand against all forms of terrorism and called on law enforcement authorities of the member countries to strengthen cooperation in this regard.
We welcome the steady progress made in implementing ASEAN Security Community (ASC) and related activities through the VAP and the ASC Plan of Action, including the convening of the First ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting as advances in the work of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN-China joint Working Group on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South Chine Sea.
The ASEAN, a fast emerging regional economic bloc with over 560 million people is composed of Brunei Darrusalam, Cambodia, Indonesia Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The adoption of counter measures would enable ASEAN countries to combat terror groups particularly the Jemaah Islamiyah and the Abu Sayyaf both with links to the dreaded Al Qaeda Group of Bin Laden.
ASEAN counter terrorism strategy would make it easier for member countries to prosecute and extradite terror suspects. (PIA XI)
GMA URGED TO APPOINT OPPOSITION NOMINEE NOT A GARCILLANO-TYPE PERSONALITY
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Nene Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban) today batted anew for the appointment of an opposition nominee to the 7th and last remaining slot in the Commission on Elections to allay public apprehension that the May national and local polls may be marred by rampant cheating.
Pimentel also warned Malacañang against appointing a 7th election commissioner who falls short of the basic criteria of integrity, independence and non-partisanship in the wake of fears that the Palace may be grooming somebody to step into the dubious role.
He emphasized that the last vacant Comelec post should be filled soonest so that the appointment can be submitted, reviewed and confirmed by the Commission on Appointments before Congress adjourns for the election break.
Pimentel said the appointment of an opposition nominee will make a big difference in terms of helping restore public confidence in the Comelec which has been badly eroded by its mishandling of the 2004 presidential race and the scandalous P1.3 billion poll automation project.
He said this is an option that the Palace should seriously consider in the face of the overwhelming public sentiment for a revamp of the Comelec and the obstinate refusal of Chairman Benjamin Abalos to heed the demand for his resignation.
We know that the Comelec is not supposed to be a partisan body. But since it has been acting in a very partisan manner, we thought that perhaps as a compromise way of dealing with the situation, the oppositions proposal for its nominee to sit in the Comelec should be granted, Pimentel said.
He called on Mrs. Arroyo to emulate the magnanimous act of the late President Ferdinand Macros who, in response to the recommendation of the political opposition, the Catholic Church and other sectors, appointed its nominee Ramon Felipe as Comelec Commissioner prior to the election for members of the Batasang Pambansa in 1984.
Pimentel articulated the demand of the united opposition for a revamp of the Comelec through the resignation or removal of three remaining Comelec members Chairman Abalos and Commissioner Resurreccion Borra and Florentino Tuason who were involved in the anomalous election automation deal with MegaPacific consortium.
Those three remaining members of the old Comelec probably have to be eased out. They should resign so that new appointments can be made.
He said the opposition has no objection to the three Comelec commissioners appointed after the 2004 polls Romeo Brawner, Rene Sarmiento and Nicodemo Ferrer staying put since we have not seen them committing anything wrong.
Pimentel also warned Malacañang against appointing a 7th election commissioner who falls short of the basic criteria of integrity, independence and non-partisanship in the wake of fears that the Palace may be grooming somebody to step into the dubious role.
He emphasized that the last vacant Comelec post should be filled soonest so that the appointment can be submitted, reviewed and confirmed by the Commission on Appointments before Congress adjourns for the election break.
Pimentel said the appointment of an opposition nominee will make a big difference in terms of helping restore public confidence in the Comelec which has been badly eroded by its mishandling of the 2004 presidential race and the scandalous P1.3 billion poll automation project.
He said this is an option that the Palace should seriously consider in the face of the overwhelming public sentiment for a revamp of the Comelec and the obstinate refusal of Chairman Benjamin Abalos to heed the demand for his resignation.
We know that the Comelec is not supposed to be a partisan body. But since it has been acting in a very partisan manner, we thought that perhaps as a compromise way of dealing with the situation, the oppositions proposal for its nominee to sit in the Comelec should be granted, Pimentel said.
He called on Mrs. Arroyo to emulate the magnanimous act of the late President Ferdinand Macros who, in response to the recommendation of the political opposition, the Catholic Church and other sectors, appointed its nominee Ramon Felipe as Comelec Commissioner prior to the election for members of the Batasang Pambansa in 1984.
Pimentel articulated the demand of the united opposition for a revamp of the Comelec through the resignation or removal of three remaining Comelec members Chairman Abalos and Commissioner Resurreccion Borra and Florentino Tuason who were involved in the anomalous election automation deal with MegaPacific consortium.
Those three remaining members of the old Comelec probably have to be eased out. They should resign so that new appointments can be made.
He said the opposition has no objection to the three Comelec commissioners appointed after the 2004 polls Romeo Brawner, Rene Sarmiento and Nicodemo Ferrer staying put since we have not seen them committing anything wrong.
SENATORIAL BETS SPURNING INCUMBENT PRESIDENT AND COURTING OUSTED PRESIDENT UNPRECEDENTED IN RP
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Nene Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban) today said the difficulty being encountered by the administration in forming a winnable and credible 12-man senatorial slate reflects the continuing public distrust for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo due to doubts over the legitimacy of her rule and the unresolved controversies that have rocked the government since she came to power.
Pimentel said it is quite embarrassing for the Palace that even senators whom it considers its allies and who won through the Presidents help have spurned her overtures to join the administration ticket but instead prefer to join forces with the opposition.
This, he said, is not only a big slap on Malacañang but also indicates that something is terribly wrong with the Arroyo administration.
In contrast, Pimentel observed that senatorial aspirants of diverse political persuasions have been trekking to Tanay, Rizal to court the endorsement of former President Joseph Estrada for their candidacies.
In my long life in politics, this is a phenomenon that I am witnessing happening in the country for the first time. It is the fact that here is a former president, who is behind bars technically speaking, who is being deluged with people seeking his blessing, he said.
And here is an incumbent president who could not even seem to complete a senatorial slate at this point. So you can see here a big disparity in the appreciation of the people regarding this matter.
Normally, he said there should be a mad scramble for senatorial slots of the administration camp specially in a mid-term election like the forthcoming one, because it has the resources or logistics to provide for its candidates and to make them win.
Pimentel said the excessive number of aspirants jostling to be included in the senatorial ticket has caused a king-sized headache for the united opposition, the major pillars of which are Partido ng Masang Pilipino, PDP-Laban and a faction of the Nationalist Peoples Coalition.
However, he expressed the hope the united opposition will be able to put up a strong senatorial lineup without causing a split in its ranks.
Pimentel said that while the emergence of a so-called third force with its own senatorial team is theoretically possible, the history of third force in senatorial elections in the country has been very dismal.
Pimentel said it is quite embarrassing for the Palace that even senators whom it considers its allies and who won through the Presidents help have spurned her overtures to join the administration ticket but instead prefer to join forces with the opposition.
This, he said, is not only a big slap on Malacañang but also indicates that something is terribly wrong with the Arroyo administration.
In contrast, Pimentel observed that senatorial aspirants of diverse political persuasions have been trekking to Tanay, Rizal to court the endorsement of former President Joseph Estrada for their candidacies.
In my long life in politics, this is a phenomenon that I am witnessing happening in the country for the first time. It is the fact that here is a former president, who is behind bars technically speaking, who is being deluged with people seeking his blessing, he said.
And here is an incumbent president who could not even seem to complete a senatorial slate at this point. So you can see here a big disparity in the appreciation of the people regarding this matter.
Normally, he said there should be a mad scramble for senatorial slots of the administration camp specially in a mid-term election like the forthcoming one, because it has the resources or logistics to provide for its candidates and to make them win.
Pimentel said the excessive number of aspirants jostling to be included in the senatorial ticket has caused a king-sized headache for the united opposition, the major pillars of which are Partido ng Masang Pilipino, PDP-Laban and a faction of the Nationalist Peoples Coalition.
However, he expressed the hope the united opposition will be able to put up a strong senatorial lineup without causing a split in its ranks.
Pimentel said that while the emergence of a so-called third force with its own senatorial team is theoretically possible, the history of third force in senatorial elections in the country has been very dismal.
A PIVOTAL TIME FOR THE PHILIPPINES
It is an honor to join the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines in its first meeting in the New Year. And I welcome the opportunity to take part in this discussion of current developments and challenges in our country.
We meet at a pivotal and hopeful time for the Philippines. We Filipinos have come through a year of challenge and difficulty. The economy is experiencing a period of resurgence and what seems to be a good run. Politically, the government has weathered challenges to its authority and stability. International credit-rating agencies have given the country a vote of confidence. And there is a prevalent sense of optimism in the air something we have not known since the eve of the 1997 financial crisis.
Considering how long weve hoped for a change in national fortunes, it might be easy for some to join the chorus of optimism. But we would be doing ourselves and our country a disservice if we dont look at the national situation thoughtfully and objectively. Precisely because we seem to be on a roll, this is the time to ask how we can sustain this period of economic resurgence in our country, including providing specific recommendations on how to do so.
Continued success is not a given. Hopeful times like this have come and gone before in our country. Again and again at critical turns in our history we have known surges of vitality in our national life, only to see them followed by decline and even crisis.
The last thing we want is to ride this cycle of boom-and-bust again.
The Political Dimension
Curiously, there are those who believe that our best course now is for politics to just get out of the way, and let private enterprise do its thing. Some even say that holding elections this May could spook the economy and send it into a tailspin.
Because of our perpetually quibbling politicians and sometimes murderous politics, the idea of a political respite may sound appealing. But it is a mirage. As already seen, the very idea of canceling the elections this year proposed by Cha-Cha advocates became a lightning rod for citizen protest, causing the administration to relent. Its kindred idea of ousting the Senate and going unicameral has gained no traction in public opinion.
The hard reality is that politics and governance are crucial to sustaining our economic momentum. There is no way forward outside of democratic politics and sound public policy and administration.
When administration allies of President Arroyo fended off impeachment moves against her and then faced down a coup attempt last year, fears of political instability in the country receded. When this was followed by purposive legislative and executive action to wrestle down the fiscal deficit particularly in passing the expanded VAT and improving government revenues international confidence was renewed in our capability for sound economic management. These developments combined with soaring OFW remittances, high tourist arrivals and export receipts bring us where we are now.
The same convergence of economic and political concerns will sustain our economic momentum. I see three key political challenges that are critical at this time.
The first challenge is holding free, credible, and speedy elections in May and commencing the process of automating the conduct of elections and other electoral reforms.
The second is affirming the rule of law in the country, and all that it connotes of public order, national security, effective judiciary and transparent laws and regulations.
Third and finally, we need effective executive-legislative collaboration in taking down long-standing roadblocks to economic modernization like the poor state of infrastructure and social services in the country.
Each of these is a test of Philippine political credibility. As with Don Quixotes windmill, we will soar or sink depending on how successfully we meet them.
Importance of May Elections
The May elections have taken on exceptional importance, not only because electoral results will have grave repercussions in policymaking, but because they are now seen at home and abroad as a test of our capability to hold credible elections.
It is a sad thing to say about the oldest democracy in Asia, but we are back to kindergarten school in elections management. By a combination of both tradition and opportunism, we have failed to adopt modern technologies in our electoral system and processes. Each political exercise has become more farcical than the last.
To foreign correspondents, who have covered elections in other countries, it is totally mystifying why we have kilometric ballots, why voters must painstakingly write down every name they vote for, and why it takes weeks, even months, to proclaim election winners. It is what Winston Churchill called a riddle wrapped in a mystery [within or] inside an enigma.
This dubious tradition is compounded by recent developments that raise some uncertainty about the coming balloting. The rash of suspensions of local officials by order of the Ombudsman, are unsettling and raise questions about their timing. Why is this happening now when the election season is at hand? The inclusion of one or two pro-administration officials does not dispel worries about an orchestrated effort to curry advantage for administration bets. We condemn the excessive and unjustifiable use of force by the police in Iloilo against Gov. Neil Tupaz.
Similarly, the closure this week of Newsbreak, a newsmagazine highly critical of the administration, raise worries about the narrowing circle of press freedom in the country. Many have cause to be skeptical
The great controversy over the 2004 presidential election has served as a national wake-up call to fully reform our electoral system. Reform will not come easy, however. After two years of preparing for this political exercise, we still have no comprehensive program for reform and modernization of the system. People will still have to stand vigil over the process. Speedy canvassing is still years away.
But this coming May, there is hope at least that we will take the first and vital step toward real electoral reform the automation of our election system.
By overwhelming vote, both houses of Congress have passed election law amendments that authorize the Commission on Elections to use an automated election system in order to ensure transparency, credibility, fairness, speedy, and accuracy in our elections.
The amended Act is now with the President for her signature. We are confident that she will give it her approval because not only did she certify this bill to Congress, but also added automated election as part of her 10-point agenda.
The significant provisions of the amended law are:
1. For the 2007 elections, full automation of the election system in two provinces and two highly urbanized cities each in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. An appropriation of P2.6 billion for this is authorized under the law.
2. Full automation nationwide in the 2010 national and local elections. By initiating the system in the 2007 elections, we can make needed adjustments and changes in technology and organization for a nationwide automation of the vote.
3. Other features of this bill include speedy electronic transmission of results in real time or within the hour and the voter verifiable paper audit trail.
One act of Congress, of course, will not transform our electoral system and our Commission on Elections into a haven of suffrage. The important thing, however, is that the reform process will start once the President signs this into law. And we will not stop until we truly have in place an election system that works. This is my commitment as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes and Laws and principal author and sponsor of the automated election bill.
The Commission on Elections has no business saying that it can no longer implement the law in time for the May elections. This is plain and simple shirking of responsibility. We have brought to Manila one of the election machines necessary for the pilot effort. Five hundred to a thousand machines can be brought in within weeks if we act with dispatch.
The point to remember is that we are starting here a paradigm shift in elections management in our country. Postpone this reform yet again, and we will have yet again a messy balloting in the 2010 national and local elections.
Those who have championed this law at the Senate, in the House and in civic forums across the country submit that what matters in the May elections is not so much who wins in the balloting the Administration or the Opposition. What matters is that we are able to hold free, credible, and speedy elections.
If we meet the test, we all win. Fail it, and we all lose. And that includes the countrys economic momentum.
Rule of Law
The second challenge we must meet is maintaining and ensuring the rule of law in our country. Specifically, this simply means that the government is subject to law; the Constitution is the criterion of validity; the Judiciary is independent; individual rights are guaranteed; and citizens welfare is promoted.
Rule of law is a hot-button issue now because the country is facing questions about:
The recent wave of killings of journalists, judges, activists, and politicians that overall disfigure public order and civility in the country;
The continuing communist insurgency and Muslim rebellion in the country that result in the governments presence in certain areas of the country being marginalized;
The effectiveness of our courts and the justice system in meting out justice and resolving conflict; and
The framework of laws and regulations that circumscribe business in the country, resulting in the lowering of the Philippines standing in international competitiveness surveys conducted by, among others, the World Bank.
We do not have the time here to discuss all these problems in detail. I will just raise two points.
First, I believe our historic inability to bring closure to many outstanding cases does not inspire much confidence in the rule of law in our land.
Twenty years after the downfall of Ferdinand Marcos and his family, our government is still litigating cases pertaining to his alleged ill-gotten wealth and spending precious money on the PCGG.
Five years after his fall from power and being hailed to court on plunder charges, former President Joseph Estrada is still under trial.
The list goes on. The more important the case, it seems the harder it is for us to end them.
This underscores a larger failing: the tendency of debates and contentions go on ad nauseum.
The problem is of surpassing importance to our future as a nation. We cannot meet the challenges of the future if we are still rerunning the arguments of the past; thus, the need for closure.
Secondly, our laws and regulations governing business in our country need review. When we are not over-regulated, we are inequitably regulated. And we have a habit of changing policies.
Law and policy governing the economy have to be enduring and sustaining. We cannot stimulate investments and encourage trade with policies that lurch and change frequently. Weak and unstable states lack this kind of continuity. Strong and stable states provide investors time horizons for planning their projects.
The danger of sudden lurches in policy is well illustrated in Thailands recent change of the rules on foreign investments that spooked the stock exchanges and FDI decisions there.
On the other hand, the assurance of policy continuity and stability is shown by the experience of China and Vietnam. They have attracted foreign investments because their policies are firm and hospitable to investments. This is the underlying reason why nations like them are doing better in attracting FDIs than capitalist countries like the Philippines.
Executive-Legislative Collaboration
Finally, I believe we can sustain our current economic momentum if there is more effective Executive-Legislative collaboration.
The danger of gridlock and incessant executive-legislative bickering is the kryptonite of the presidential system of government. Yet there is no good reason why the nation should be at the mercy of such infirmity.
With greater Executive-Legislative collaboration, I believe we can address more effectively the major obstacles to accelerated economic growth and modernization. These are:
The modernization of infrastructure in the country;
The improvement of education;
The improvement of public services; and
Eradicating graft in government.
When Congress and the Executive collaborate, we can see how beneficial it can be to the nation. The passage of the sin tax law, the EVAT law, and the biofuels act are just examples of this.
When they are bickering as in the distressing failure to pass a national budget for some years now the nation is held hostage. The economy starves.
In the last few weeks of session, we are all hopeful that there will be a breakthrough in passing the national budget for 2007. If the rumored agreement proves firm, we will now have the wherewithal to aim for higher growth this year, including pouring vital funds into infrastructure development and social services.
In infrastructure, we need a serious and comprehensive long-term program for infrastructure development commensurate to the demands of a modern economy. Without modern airports, seaports, communications, power and other vital infrastructures of a modern economy, the gains of the day are only fleeting.
This is more than just a problem of money. It is a problem of commitment. The long-delayed opening of the new Manila international airport vividly illustrates all that has been wrong in infrastructure development in our country.
Ironically, we have today many opportunities that could spell huge dividends if our infrastructure were only better. We can double our tourism arrivals if we had the rooms, the airports, flights and the facilities to host them. Tourism is a great industry that provides jobs to a lot of our people. That is why I have introduced the tourism bill in the Senate to declare a national policy for tourism so we can maximize the gains of this industry. We could also spur greater growth in agriculture, industry and services if our infrastructure were up to speed. The 3-2-1 Luzon Global Corridor bill which I have also introduced in the Senate seeks to integrate and optimize effectively and efficiently the 3 airports in Subic, Clark, and Manila, 2 seaports in Subic and Manila, and 1 connecting highway or railway to encourage trade and investments and create business and job opportunities in the area. We could do many more things that could rival our high-growth neighbors if only we had made the necessary investments in infrastructure, like in an adequate and efficient national railway system, in earlier years.
But its no use regretting the past. Our huge infrastructure gap a glaring hole in national competitiveness -- must be filled by the decisive and energetic action of government today.
In education, we face a similar problem. Our needs are always way ahead of our capabilities. Every year, we face a shortage of classrooms and teachers. And we have to worry about the quality of education in our private and public school system. Educational flaws stem from poor curriculum, inadequate teacher training and low investment in education.
Yet it is in this area where we can be most competitive in the world. As our work force has become more vital to the global economy, so the challenge of educating our young become more imperative and urgent.
Congress and the Executive should agree that education is the best economic policy of all. Our strategy should not be to compete as a low-wage, sweatshop economy. Rather, it is to harness our greatest asset -- our people, their great potential, their intrepidity and their industry so they can find their future not only in foreign shores, but also in their native Filipinas.
As we develop this asset, we succeed as a nation.
In the new global economy, the more you learn, the more you earn.
We talk a lot about eradicating poverty in our country, but the fact is there sis only way of ending it by our growing out of poverty.
We can do this by harnessing our greatest asset -- our people, their great potential, their intrepidity and industry. As we develop this asset, we succeed as a nation.
In the new global economy, the more you learn, the more you earn.
Political Credibility
All these actions require decisive action in the political sphere. Economists and political scientists warn that its not enough for governments to survive. To be effective, they must be politically credible. There is a direct correlation between political credibility and economic development.
Nation-building, says Francis Fukuyama, is no longer the primary challenge to developing countries. It is state-building creating effective institutions for governance and development. Good institutions enable government to break the cycle of poverty and make economic modernization happen.
What we have often lacked unfortunately is the capacity to focus on problems, and never to relent until they are solved. We get distracted from tasks by new trials and tribulations. And we often lack the moral stamina for sustained effort, though we never tire of moralizing.
We stand today before unparalleled opportunities to accelerate the modernization of our economy and our country. We will succeed to the extent that we have the political will, the economic know-how and the moral stamina to meet the challenge.
Thank you.
We meet at a pivotal and hopeful time for the Philippines. We Filipinos have come through a year of challenge and difficulty. The economy is experiencing a period of resurgence and what seems to be a good run. Politically, the government has weathered challenges to its authority and stability. International credit-rating agencies have given the country a vote of confidence. And there is a prevalent sense of optimism in the air something we have not known since the eve of the 1997 financial crisis.
Considering how long weve hoped for a change in national fortunes, it might be easy for some to join the chorus of optimism. But we would be doing ourselves and our country a disservice if we dont look at the national situation thoughtfully and objectively. Precisely because we seem to be on a roll, this is the time to ask how we can sustain this period of economic resurgence in our country, including providing specific recommendations on how to do so.
Continued success is not a given. Hopeful times like this have come and gone before in our country. Again and again at critical turns in our history we have known surges of vitality in our national life, only to see them followed by decline and even crisis.
The last thing we want is to ride this cycle of boom-and-bust again.
The Political Dimension
Curiously, there are those who believe that our best course now is for politics to just get out of the way, and let private enterprise do its thing. Some even say that holding elections this May could spook the economy and send it into a tailspin.
Because of our perpetually quibbling politicians and sometimes murderous politics, the idea of a political respite may sound appealing. But it is a mirage. As already seen, the very idea of canceling the elections this year proposed by Cha-Cha advocates became a lightning rod for citizen protest, causing the administration to relent. Its kindred idea of ousting the Senate and going unicameral has gained no traction in public opinion.
The hard reality is that politics and governance are crucial to sustaining our economic momentum. There is no way forward outside of democratic politics and sound public policy and administration.
When administration allies of President Arroyo fended off impeachment moves against her and then faced down a coup attempt last year, fears of political instability in the country receded. When this was followed by purposive legislative and executive action to wrestle down the fiscal deficit particularly in passing the expanded VAT and improving government revenues international confidence was renewed in our capability for sound economic management. These developments combined with soaring OFW remittances, high tourist arrivals and export receipts bring us where we are now.
The same convergence of economic and political concerns will sustain our economic momentum. I see three key political challenges that are critical at this time.
The first challenge is holding free, credible, and speedy elections in May and commencing the process of automating the conduct of elections and other electoral reforms.
The second is affirming the rule of law in the country, and all that it connotes of public order, national security, effective judiciary and transparent laws and regulations.
Third and finally, we need effective executive-legislative collaboration in taking down long-standing roadblocks to economic modernization like the poor state of infrastructure and social services in the country.
Each of these is a test of Philippine political credibility. As with Don Quixotes windmill, we will soar or sink depending on how successfully we meet them.
Importance of May Elections
The May elections have taken on exceptional importance, not only because electoral results will have grave repercussions in policymaking, but because they are now seen at home and abroad as a test of our capability to hold credible elections.
It is a sad thing to say about the oldest democracy in Asia, but we are back to kindergarten school in elections management. By a combination of both tradition and opportunism, we have failed to adopt modern technologies in our electoral system and processes. Each political exercise has become more farcical than the last.
To foreign correspondents, who have covered elections in other countries, it is totally mystifying why we have kilometric ballots, why voters must painstakingly write down every name they vote for, and why it takes weeks, even months, to proclaim election winners. It is what Winston Churchill called a riddle wrapped in a mystery [within or] inside an enigma.
This dubious tradition is compounded by recent developments that raise some uncertainty about the coming balloting. The rash of suspensions of local officials by order of the Ombudsman, are unsettling and raise questions about their timing. Why is this happening now when the election season is at hand? The inclusion of one or two pro-administration officials does not dispel worries about an orchestrated effort to curry advantage for administration bets. We condemn the excessive and unjustifiable use of force by the police in Iloilo against Gov. Neil Tupaz.
Similarly, the closure this week of Newsbreak, a newsmagazine highly critical of the administration, raise worries about the narrowing circle of press freedom in the country. Many have cause to be skeptical
The great controversy over the 2004 presidential election has served as a national wake-up call to fully reform our electoral system. Reform will not come easy, however. After two years of preparing for this political exercise, we still have no comprehensive program for reform and modernization of the system. People will still have to stand vigil over the process. Speedy canvassing is still years away.
But this coming May, there is hope at least that we will take the first and vital step toward real electoral reform the automation of our election system.
By overwhelming vote, both houses of Congress have passed election law amendments that authorize the Commission on Elections to use an automated election system in order to ensure transparency, credibility, fairness, speedy, and accuracy in our elections.
The amended Act is now with the President for her signature. We are confident that she will give it her approval because not only did she certify this bill to Congress, but also added automated election as part of her 10-point agenda.
The significant provisions of the amended law are:
1. For the 2007 elections, full automation of the election system in two provinces and two highly urbanized cities each in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. An appropriation of P2.6 billion for this is authorized under the law.
2. Full automation nationwide in the 2010 national and local elections. By initiating the system in the 2007 elections, we can make needed adjustments and changes in technology and organization for a nationwide automation of the vote.
3. Other features of this bill include speedy electronic transmission of results in real time or within the hour and the voter verifiable paper audit trail.
One act of Congress, of course, will not transform our electoral system and our Commission on Elections into a haven of suffrage. The important thing, however, is that the reform process will start once the President signs this into law. And we will not stop until we truly have in place an election system that works. This is my commitment as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes and Laws and principal author and sponsor of the automated election bill.
The Commission on Elections has no business saying that it can no longer implement the law in time for the May elections. This is plain and simple shirking of responsibility. We have brought to Manila one of the election machines necessary for the pilot effort. Five hundred to a thousand machines can be brought in within weeks if we act with dispatch.
The point to remember is that we are starting here a paradigm shift in elections management in our country. Postpone this reform yet again, and we will have yet again a messy balloting in the 2010 national and local elections.
Those who have championed this law at the Senate, in the House and in civic forums across the country submit that what matters in the May elections is not so much who wins in the balloting the Administration or the Opposition. What matters is that we are able to hold free, credible, and speedy elections.
If we meet the test, we all win. Fail it, and we all lose. And that includes the countrys economic momentum.
Rule of Law
The second challenge we must meet is maintaining and ensuring the rule of law in our country. Specifically, this simply means that the government is subject to law; the Constitution is the criterion of validity; the Judiciary is independent; individual rights are guaranteed; and citizens welfare is promoted.
Rule of law is a hot-button issue now because the country is facing questions about:
The recent wave of killings of journalists, judges, activists, and politicians that overall disfigure public order and civility in the country;
The continuing communist insurgency and Muslim rebellion in the country that result in the governments presence in certain areas of the country being marginalized;
The effectiveness of our courts and the justice system in meting out justice and resolving conflict; and
The framework of laws and regulations that circumscribe business in the country, resulting in the lowering of the Philippines standing in international competitiveness surveys conducted by, among others, the World Bank.
We do not have the time here to discuss all these problems in detail. I will just raise two points.
First, I believe our historic inability to bring closure to many outstanding cases does not inspire much confidence in the rule of law in our land.
Twenty years after the downfall of Ferdinand Marcos and his family, our government is still litigating cases pertaining to his alleged ill-gotten wealth and spending precious money on the PCGG.
Five years after his fall from power and being hailed to court on plunder charges, former President Joseph Estrada is still under trial.
The list goes on. The more important the case, it seems the harder it is for us to end them.
This underscores a larger failing: the tendency of debates and contentions go on ad nauseum.
The problem is of surpassing importance to our future as a nation. We cannot meet the challenges of the future if we are still rerunning the arguments of the past; thus, the need for closure.
Secondly, our laws and regulations governing business in our country need review. When we are not over-regulated, we are inequitably regulated. And we have a habit of changing policies.
Law and policy governing the economy have to be enduring and sustaining. We cannot stimulate investments and encourage trade with policies that lurch and change frequently. Weak and unstable states lack this kind of continuity. Strong and stable states provide investors time horizons for planning their projects.
The danger of sudden lurches in policy is well illustrated in Thailands recent change of the rules on foreign investments that spooked the stock exchanges and FDI decisions there.
On the other hand, the assurance of policy continuity and stability is shown by the experience of China and Vietnam. They have attracted foreign investments because their policies are firm and hospitable to investments. This is the underlying reason why nations like them are doing better in attracting FDIs than capitalist countries like the Philippines.
Executive-Legislative Collaboration
Finally, I believe we can sustain our current economic momentum if there is more effective Executive-Legislative collaboration.
The danger of gridlock and incessant executive-legislative bickering is the kryptonite of the presidential system of government. Yet there is no good reason why the nation should be at the mercy of such infirmity.
With greater Executive-Legislative collaboration, I believe we can address more effectively the major obstacles to accelerated economic growth and modernization. These are:
The modernization of infrastructure in the country;
The improvement of education;
The improvement of public services; and
Eradicating graft in government.
When Congress and the Executive collaborate, we can see how beneficial it can be to the nation. The passage of the sin tax law, the EVAT law, and the biofuels act are just examples of this.
When they are bickering as in the distressing failure to pass a national budget for some years now the nation is held hostage. The economy starves.
In the last few weeks of session, we are all hopeful that there will be a breakthrough in passing the national budget for 2007. If the rumored agreement proves firm, we will now have the wherewithal to aim for higher growth this year, including pouring vital funds into infrastructure development and social services.
In infrastructure, we need a serious and comprehensive long-term program for infrastructure development commensurate to the demands of a modern economy. Without modern airports, seaports, communications, power and other vital infrastructures of a modern economy, the gains of the day are only fleeting.
This is more than just a problem of money. It is a problem of commitment. The long-delayed opening of the new Manila international airport vividly illustrates all that has been wrong in infrastructure development in our country.
Ironically, we have today many opportunities that could spell huge dividends if our infrastructure were only better. We can double our tourism arrivals if we had the rooms, the airports, flights and the facilities to host them. Tourism is a great industry that provides jobs to a lot of our people. That is why I have introduced the tourism bill in the Senate to declare a national policy for tourism so we can maximize the gains of this industry. We could also spur greater growth in agriculture, industry and services if our infrastructure were up to speed. The 3-2-1 Luzon Global Corridor bill which I have also introduced in the Senate seeks to integrate and optimize effectively and efficiently the 3 airports in Subic, Clark, and Manila, 2 seaports in Subic and Manila, and 1 connecting highway or railway to encourage trade and investments and create business and job opportunities in the area. We could do many more things that could rival our high-growth neighbors if only we had made the necessary investments in infrastructure, like in an adequate and efficient national railway system, in earlier years.
But its no use regretting the past. Our huge infrastructure gap a glaring hole in national competitiveness -- must be filled by the decisive and energetic action of government today.
In education, we face a similar problem. Our needs are always way ahead of our capabilities. Every year, we face a shortage of classrooms and teachers. And we have to worry about the quality of education in our private and public school system. Educational flaws stem from poor curriculum, inadequate teacher training and low investment in education.
Yet it is in this area where we can be most competitive in the world. As our work force has become more vital to the global economy, so the challenge of educating our young become more imperative and urgent.
Congress and the Executive should agree that education is the best economic policy of all. Our strategy should not be to compete as a low-wage, sweatshop economy. Rather, it is to harness our greatest asset -- our people, their great potential, their intrepidity and their industry so they can find their future not only in foreign shores, but also in their native Filipinas.
As we develop this asset, we succeed as a nation.
In the new global economy, the more you learn, the more you earn.
We talk a lot about eradicating poverty in our country, but the fact is there sis only way of ending it by our growing out of poverty.
We can do this by harnessing our greatest asset -- our people, their great potential, their intrepidity and industry. As we develop this asset, we succeed as a nation.
In the new global economy, the more you learn, the more you earn.
Political Credibility
All these actions require decisive action in the political sphere. Economists and political scientists warn that its not enough for governments to survive. To be effective, they must be politically credible. There is a direct correlation between political credibility and economic development.
Nation-building, says Francis Fukuyama, is no longer the primary challenge to developing countries. It is state-building creating effective institutions for governance and development. Good institutions enable government to break the cycle of poverty and make economic modernization happen.
What we have often lacked unfortunately is the capacity to focus on problems, and never to relent until they are solved. We get distracted from tasks by new trials and tribulations. And we often lack the moral stamina for sustained effort, though we never tire of moralizing.
We stand today before unparalleled opportunities to accelerate the modernization of our economy and our country. We will succeed to the extent that we have the political will, the economic know-how and the moral stamina to meet the challenge.
Thank you.
ROXAS URGES LEGAL COMMUNITY TO BACK BILL TO LOWER COST OF MEDICINES
Senator Mar Roxas, also known as Mr. Palengke, called on the legal community to back a pending bill that seeks to lower the costs of medicines in the country through amendments to the Intellectual Property Code.
The senator issued this call in his speech before the Philippine Bar Association during its regular fellowship luncheon at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City the other day. Also attending the luncheon were the officers and members of the Association, led by Victor P. Lazatin, President; Bienvenido Somera, Jr., First Vice President; Jose Feria Jr., Second Vice President; Arturo del Rosario, Third Vice President; Rodolfo Gamboa, Vice President for Administration & Finance; Manuel Barcelona III, Treasurer; and Vida M. Panganiban-Alindogan, Secretary.
In response, the PBA commended Roxas and expressed support to his bill, describing his efforts in promoting the Filipino nations health and physical well-being as noble.
The senator from Capiz, principal author of S. B. 2263, has been invited by the Association as its guest to discuss the landmark bill. Apart from highlighting the features of the bill, Roxas laid down the premise for the urgent need to amend the IPC so as to free the government to pursue measures that would lower the cost of medicines.
Congress will be in session for only three weeks. We need our peoples support for a bipartisan effort to pass this bill before we adjourn. Unless we pass SB 2263 and HB 6035 in three weeks, then we will be back to square one when a new Congress resumes in July, the senator explained.
Roxas, who is not a lawyer, said he is glad the PBA is interested in his proposal, noting that as practitioners of the law, they took the oath to defend and protect the people against all forms of injustice.
As a senator, so have I. It is patently unjust that our people are being made to pay 18 times more for quality medicines compared to the peoples of India and Canada . The passage of this law will help our people live long and healthy lives.
SB 2263 is co-authored by Senator Pia Cayetano. It has been certified as urgent by the Office of the President and is currently in the period of amendments in the Senate and due for sponsorship in the House of Representatives.
Under this bill, the country will adopt the doctrine of international exhaustion of intellectual property rights, from the present domestic exhaustion principle currently applied.
Under this doctrine, once a product has been introduced anywhere in the world by the patent owner, anyone may buy and import the same for resale without risk of patent infringement. This amendment will allow parallel importation of medicines so that anyone, whether a trader or an individual, can shop elsewhere for medicines with cheaper prices but of the same, if not higher, quality.
Further, the bill adopts the early working doctrine, the process by which generic companies are allowed to experiment and test for regulatory approval of generic versions of a drug or medicine before its patent expires. This will allow generic producers to get ready earlier so that they can start the production and sale of a generic drug shortly after its patent expires.
Roxass bill likewise removes the requirement for government to undergo the long and tedious compulsory licensing process so that government may avail of the medicine for public health reasons in a timely manner.
He emphasized that once enacted into law, this measure will lead to greater competition as it will loosen the monopolistic or oligopolistic power that multinational drug companies have long enjoyedand even abusedin the country.
The PBA, established on April 8, 1891 as the Colegio de Abogado de Filipinas, has been in the forefront of the peoples fight for the rule of law, and has in the past stood as vanguard of freedom, democracy, and liberty. It prides itself of having as members the likes of Apolinario Mabini, Felipe Calderon, Chief Justice Cayetano Arellano, Justice J. B. L. Reyes, Lorenzo Tanada, Claro M. Recto, Jovito Salonga, and many other eminent jurists and lawyers.
The senator issued this call in his speech before the Philippine Bar Association during its regular fellowship luncheon at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City the other day. Also attending the luncheon were the officers and members of the Association, led by Victor P. Lazatin, President; Bienvenido Somera, Jr., First Vice President; Jose Feria Jr., Second Vice President; Arturo del Rosario, Third Vice President; Rodolfo Gamboa, Vice President for Administration & Finance; Manuel Barcelona III, Treasurer; and Vida M. Panganiban-Alindogan, Secretary.
In response, the PBA commended Roxas and expressed support to his bill, describing his efforts in promoting the Filipino nations health and physical well-being as noble.
The senator from Capiz, principal author of S. B. 2263, has been invited by the Association as its guest to discuss the landmark bill. Apart from highlighting the features of the bill, Roxas laid down the premise for the urgent need to amend the IPC so as to free the government to pursue measures that would lower the cost of medicines.
Congress will be in session for only three weeks. We need our peoples support for a bipartisan effort to pass this bill before we adjourn. Unless we pass SB 2263 and HB 6035 in three weeks, then we will be back to square one when a new Congress resumes in July, the senator explained.
Roxas, who is not a lawyer, said he is glad the PBA is interested in his proposal, noting that as practitioners of the law, they took the oath to defend and protect the people against all forms of injustice.
As a senator, so have I. It is patently unjust that our people are being made to pay 18 times more for quality medicines compared to the peoples of India and Canada . The passage of this law will help our people live long and healthy lives.
SB 2263 is co-authored by Senator Pia Cayetano. It has been certified as urgent by the Office of the President and is currently in the period of amendments in the Senate and due for sponsorship in the House of Representatives.
Under this bill, the country will adopt the doctrine of international exhaustion of intellectual property rights, from the present domestic exhaustion principle currently applied.
Under this doctrine, once a product has been introduced anywhere in the world by the patent owner, anyone may buy and import the same for resale without risk of patent infringement. This amendment will allow parallel importation of medicines so that anyone, whether a trader or an individual, can shop elsewhere for medicines with cheaper prices but of the same, if not higher, quality.
Further, the bill adopts the early working doctrine, the process by which generic companies are allowed to experiment and test for regulatory approval of generic versions of a drug or medicine before its patent expires. This will allow generic producers to get ready earlier so that they can start the production and sale of a generic drug shortly after its patent expires.
Roxass bill likewise removes the requirement for government to undergo the long and tedious compulsory licensing process so that government may avail of the medicine for public health reasons in a timely manner.
He emphasized that once enacted into law, this measure will lead to greater competition as it will loosen the monopolistic or oligopolistic power that multinational drug companies have long enjoyedand even abusedin the country.
The PBA, established on April 8, 1891 as the Colegio de Abogado de Filipinas, has been in the forefront of the peoples fight for the rule of law, and has in the past stood as vanguard of freedom, democracy, and liberty. It prides itself of having as members the likes of Apolinario Mabini, Felipe Calderon, Chief Justice Cayetano Arellano, Justice J. B. L. Reyes, Lorenzo Tanada, Claro M. Recto, Jovito Salonga, and many other eminent jurists and lawyers.
NEDA deputy chief resigns over trial fiasco
A senior economic planner of the government resigned yesterday amid growing outrage over President Arroyo’s virtual acquittal by the Senate impeachment court.
The Senate voted to suppress potentially damaging evidence against President Arroyo in the impeachment trial Tuesday.
Ruperto Alonzo, deputy secretary general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), tendered his resignation effective Jan. 22 after serving for two years.
NEDA Director General Romulo Neri said Alonzo’s staff walked out briefly in sympathy after he resigned.
"I respect his choice. He is an honorable, honest and competent person," Medalla said.
He noted that Alonzo had indicated his plans of quitting four weeks ago, but recent events "accelerated" it. He stressed that he will not follow suit.
"I am not resigning with him. Whether I like it or not, my resignation will have an impact and I don’t want to cause more uncertainty in the market. We have to think of the good of the country," he said.
Despite repeated attempts, The STAR failed to get a comment from Alonzo who is widely believed to be returning to teaching at the University of the Philippines economics department where he used to work.
Meanwhile, 22 of the 25 commissioners of the EDSA People Power Commission also resigned yesterday, citing lack of confidence in the Chief Executive.
In a press conference, Vicky Gachitorena, one of those who resigned, said they have officially joined the call for the President to step down.
"We urged President Arroyo to consider resignation for having lost the moral ascendancy to unite a nation roiled by division and threatened by economic collapse," Gachitorena said, reading from the resignation letter signed by all 22 commissioners.
The EDSA People Power Commission was created by President Joseph Estrada in 1998 shortly after his election. Its task is to coordinate the annual celebration of the peaceful revolt that toppled the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.
Gachitorena added that as an initial move to force Mrs. Arroyo to resign, they would urge the boycott of so-called "crony products" or those being manufactured by known cronies of the President.
"We will boycott Lucio Tan’s cigarettes and beer and Danding Cojuangco’s San Miguel," she said. "President Arroyo should resign if he doesn’t want to be ousted in a shameful way."
STAR columnist Nena Benigno, who is one of the commissioners who quit, said the present situation is more serious compared to that of 1986. And he warned that another people power revolution would be more costly this time.
"The situation is more serious. The people power is an avalanche and a historic force. Our economy is going to bleed. If the peso rate to the dollar goes up to 60, this country will go to the dogs. She has to resign," he said. – Des Ferriols, Jose Rodel Clapano, Non Alquitran
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/19/89476/neda-deputy-chief-resigns-over-trial-fiasco
The Senate voted to suppress potentially damaging evidence against President Arroyo in the impeachment trial Tuesday.
Ruperto Alonzo, deputy secretary general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), tendered his resignation effective Jan. 22 after serving for two years.
NEDA Director General Romulo Neri said Alonzo’s staff walked out briefly in sympathy after he resigned.
"I respect his choice. He is an honorable, honest and competent person," Medalla said.
He noted that Alonzo had indicated his plans of quitting four weeks ago, but recent events "accelerated" it. He stressed that he will not follow suit.
"I am not resigning with him. Whether I like it or not, my resignation will have an impact and I don’t want to cause more uncertainty in the market. We have to think of the good of the country," he said.
Despite repeated attempts, The STAR failed to get a comment from Alonzo who is widely believed to be returning to teaching at the University of the Philippines economics department where he used to work.
Meanwhile, 22 of the 25 commissioners of the EDSA People Power Commission also resigned yesterday, citing lack of confidence in the Chief Executive.
In a press conference, Vicky Gachitorena, one of those who resigned, said they have officially joined the call for the President to step down.
"We urged President Arroyo to consider resignation for having lost the moral ascendancy to unite a nation roiled by division and threatened by economic collapse," Gachitorena said, reading from the resignation letter signed by all 22 commissioners.
The EDSA People Power Commission was created by President Joseph Estrada in 1998 shortly after his election. Its task is to coordinate the annual celebration of the peaceful revolt that toppled the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.
Gachitorena added that as an initial move to force Mrs. Arroyo to resign, they would urge the boycott of so-called "crony products" or those being manufactured by known cronies of the President.
"We will boycott Lucio Tan’s cigarettes and beer and Danding Cojuangco’s San Miguel," she said. "President Arroyo should resign if he doesn’t want to be ousted in a shameful way."
STAR columnist Nena Benigno, who is one of the commissioners who quit, said the present situation is more serious compared to that of 1986. And he warned that another people power revolution would be more costly this time.
"The situation is more serious. The people power is an avalanche and a historic force. Our economy is going to bleed. If the peso rate to the dollar goes up to 60, this country will go to the dogs. She has to resign," he said. – Des Ferriols, Jose Rodel Clapano, Non Alquitran
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/19/89476/neda-deputy-chief-resigns-over-trial-fiasco
Economy to improve if Arroyo resigns, says Valisno
The economy will improve the moment President Arroyo resigns, Sen. Mona Valisno predicted yesterday.
"If the President resigns on Monday, the stock market will increase by at least 50 percent, if not 100 percent, and the peso will settle at P49 to the dollar which may be its actual value in the market right now," Roco said in his weekly press conference.
He said the economy is not at a landstill as it has been going down. He expressed fears that it could even equal the economic crisis in 1983 when former Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino was assassinated.
It noted that the peso made a deep plunge after the Senate voted against opening the second envelope on the Jose Velarde account with the Equitable PCI Bank.
Valisno said that with the vote, the people concluded that the President could not longer be removed and confidence in the economy went down further.
"That is what they are saying — the bankers, the businessmen, the brokers. Imagine, brokers in the stock exchange walked out, classes were suspended," he added.
He said all of this boils down to the presence of a good leader and confidence. He expressed confidence that with a good leader, confidence would be restored and the country’s economy would bounce back.
"It will begin the rebuilding of confidence not because people will become better but because a new beginning is always good for business as long as we can assure stability," Valisno explained.
He lamented that the political crisis has now divided the nation.
"The Bible says that when the sisters and brothers are against each other, when the father is against son, when the mother is against daughter, when husbands are against wives, then there must be a cleansing — and the leadership must cleanse itself," Valisno said.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2001/01/19/96794/economy-improve-if-estrada-resigns-says-roco
"If the President resigns on Monday, the stock market will increase by at least 50 percent, if not 100 percent, and the peso will settle at P49 to the dollar which may be its actual value in the market right now," Roco said in his weekly press conference.
He said the economy is not at a landstill as it has been going down. He expressed fears that it could even equal the economic crisis in 1983 when former Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino was assassinated.
It noted that the peso made a deep plunge after the Senate voted against opening the second envelope on the Jose Velarde account with the Equitable PCI Bank.
Valisno said that with the vote, the people concluded that the President could not longer be removed and confidence in the economy went down further.
"That is what they are saying — the bankers, the businessmen, the brokers. Imagine, brokers in the stock exchange walked out, classes were suspended," he added.
He said all of this boils down to the presence of a good leader and confidence. He expressed confidence that with a good leader, confidence would be restored and the country’s economy would bounce back.
"It will begin the rebuilding of confidence not because people will become better but because a new beginning is always good for business as long as we can assure stability," Valisno explained.
He lamented that the political crisis has now divided the nation.
"The Bible says that when the sisters and brothers are against each other, when the father is against son, when the mother is against daughter, when husbands are against wives, then there must be a cleansing — and the leadership must cleanse itself," Valisno said.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2001/01/19/96794/economy-improve-if-estrada-resigns-says-roco
Buayan’s grandest of C. Mindanao enthronements
COTABATO CITY — The revival of sultanates in Central Mindanao has been giving credence to the long-time assertions by Moro communities that even before the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century, their "nation" had existed and that recognition is essential for the region to have lasting peace.
In Central Mindanao alone, there have been more than a dozen enthronements of datus and sultans in the past 12 months, apart from the revival of the sultanates of Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga-Sibugay.
The grandest of these enthronements was the one held in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat last Dec. 10, where Moro religious and political leaders witnessed the assumption of Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Mangudadatu as Rajah Buayan sa Buayan, and his retinue, Cotabato Mayor Muslimin Sema, as Datu sa Buayan, and Datu Faisal Randy Karon, as Watamama Silongan.
Karon was natural resources secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao when Nur Misuari was regional governor.
The Buayan royal principality, whose realm encompasses the raya (upstream) area of what is now Maguindanao, and the surroundings of the South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos (Socsargen) area, dates back to the time of Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan, an Arab-Malay preacher from Johore, now a region in Malaysia, who arrived at the Bucana district here in the 14th century to spread Islam.
Kabunsuan was said to be a prince from Johore, who was forced to relocate to Mindanao, then known as Mandanawi Darusallam, meaning "abode of peace in Mindanao," to escape persecution by Dutch invaders.
Members of the Buayan royalty were known for their bravery, having fought the Spaniards, the Americans and, during World War II, the Japanese.
There is, in fact, a newly created town in Maguindanao named Rajah Buayan, whose mayor, Datu Yacob Ampatuan, belongs to clans that, for centuries, have been nurturing the political realm of the Buayan sultanate.
Sema and Mangudadatu, during their assumption last Dec. 10 to the highest and second highest positions of the sultanate, both expressed optimism they could influence the Moro sectors in Central Mindanao to support the peace process.
Mangudadatu is a member of the government’s peace panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), while Sema, secretary general of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), is involved in various peace-building projects aimed at complementing the peace talks.
The founder of the MILF, Egyptian-trained preacher Hashim Salamat, was himself a scion of the Buayan royalty.
"Our focus, in the meantime, is how to help ensure peaceful local and national elections in our respective communities in May," Sema said.
Since 90 percent of local officials in Central Mindanao belong to the Moro royalty, Sema said politicians can take advantage of the forthcoming elections to show how Muslims value the sanctity of electoral exercises as a "community enterprise," where the rich and poor are of "equal footing."
Sema is a 16th-generation descendant of the Buayan royalty.
Mangudadatu, on the other hand, is keen on using his being Rajah Buayan sa Buayan in reconciling feuding Muslim families within his political realm, in support of the Mindanao peace process.
"It’s an honor and pride to be named Rajah Buayan sa Buayan. I promise to live up to the expectations of the people who installed me to this post," he said.
Mangudadatu, now on his last term as Sultan Kudarat governor, took over from Datu Namla Dalandag Dalgan, who retired as rajah due to old age.
Mangudadatu said he is convinced that only with the "full support" of the cross-section of Mindanao, the Muslims and Christians alike, that the government-MILF talks can succeed.
Peace talks between the government and the MILF began on Jan. 7, 1997, but gained momentum only about three years ago with the help of Malaysia as "third party mediator." — John Unson
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2007/01/19/380649/buayan146s-grandest-c-mindanao-enthronements
In Central Mindanao alone, there have been more than a dozen enthronements of datus and sultans in the past 12 months, apart from the revival of the sultanates of Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga-Sibugay.
The grandest of these enthronements was the one held in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat last Dec. 10, where Moro religious and political leaders witnessed the assumption of Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Mangudadatu as Rajah Buayan sa Buayan, and his retinue, Cotabato Mayor Muslimin Sema, as Datu sa Buayan, and Datu Faisal Randy Karon, as Watamama Silongan.
Karon was natural resources secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao when Nur Misuari was regional governor.
The Buayan royal principality, whose realm encompasses the raya (upstream) area of what is now Maguindanao, and the surroundings of the South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos (Socsargen) area, dates back to the time of Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan, an Arab-Malay preacher from Johore, now a region in Malaysia, who arrived at the Bucana district here in the 14th century to spread Islam.
Kabunsuan was said to be a prince from Johore, who was forced to relocate to Mindanao, then known as Mandanawi Darusallam, meaning "abode of peace in Mindanao," to escape persecution by Dutch invaders.
Members of the Buayan royalty were known for their bravery, having fought the Spaniards, the Americans and, during World War II, the Japanese.
There is, in fact, a newly created town in Maguindanao named Rajah Buayan, whose mayor, Datu Yacob Ampatuan, belongs to clans that, for centuries, have been nurturing the political realm of the Buayan sultanate.
Sema and Mangudadatu, during their assumption last Dec. 10 to the highest and second highest positions of the sultanate, both expressed optimism they could influence the Moro sectors in Central Mindanao to support the peace process.
Mangudadatu is a member of the government’s peace panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), while Sema, secretary general of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), is involved in various peace-building projects aimed at complementing the peace talks.
The founder of the MILF, Egyptian-trained preacher Hashim Salamat, was himself a scion of the Buayan royalty.
"Our focus, in the meantime, is how to help ensure peaceful local and national elections in our respective communities in May," Sema said.
Since 90 percent of local officials in Central Mindanao belong to the Moro royalty, Sema said politicians can take advantage of the forthcoming elections to show how Muslims value the sanctity of electoral exercises as a "community enterprise," where the rich and poor are of "equal footing."
Sema is a 16th-generation descendant of the Buayan royalty.
Mangudadatu, on the other hand, is keen on using his being Rajah Buayan sa Buayan in reconciling feuding Muslim families within his political realm, in support of the Mindanao peace process.
"It’s an honor and pride to be named Rajah Buayan sa Buayan. I promise to live up to the expectations of the people who installed me to this post," he said.
Mangudadatu, now on his last term as Sultan Kudarat governor, took over from Datu Namla Dalandag Dalgan, who retired as rajah due to old age.
Mangudadatu said he is convinced that only with the "full support" of the cross-section of Mindanao, the Muslims and Christians alike, that the government-MILF talks can succeed.
Peace talks between the government and the MILF began on Jan. 7, 1997, but gained momentum only about three years ago with the help of Malaysia as "third party mediator." — John Unson
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2007/01/19/380649/buayan146s-grandest-c-mindanao-enthronements
Police, Muslim leaders hold dialogue over raid
Police authorities and Muslim leaders in Minglanilla town yesterday held a dialogue following a complaint by a Muslim elder who was the subject of a raid by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group last week.
Operatives from the CIDG led by Chief Inspector Rex Derilo met with Ustadz Najib Rasul and other Muslim leaders in the town at the sala of Regional Trial Court Branch 9 Judge Geraldine Faith Econg to clear things out.
Econg had issued the search warrant to the CIDG personnel on the alleged stash of firearms and explosives hidden at the house of Rasul. But the raid last Friday dawn turned out to be negative because not a single gun or explosive was found inside Rasul's house.
Rasul complained that he was treated like a criminal by the CIDG operatives who poked M16 rifles at him.
When interviewed by reporters yesterday, Derilo said he had talked to Rasul on the purpose of the raid, but did not give further details citing national security concerns.
"I assure him (Rasul) that we will conduct an investigation on our personnel who were involved in the operation. If we found out that there were infractions on the procedure of the operation, we will file charges against them," Derilo said.
The police official, however, said Rasul never made mention of possible filing of charges against the CIDG.
Last week, regional police director Chief Supt. Silverio Alarcio, Jr. apologized to Rasul and explained the police side over the raid.
The general said the manner of the operation could be attributed to the nature of the information they received on suspected terrorists staying at the house of Rasul.
Rasul, who owns a house in Lipata, Minglanilla, was one of the two subjects of the search warrant. The other was not around during the raid, Sr. Supt. Jorge Corpuz earlier said.
The dialogue between the police and Muslim leaders reportedly ended in handshakes and hugs. - Edwin Ian Melecio/LPM
https://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2007/01/19/380796/police-muslim-leaders-hold-dialogue-over-raid
Operatives from the CIDG led by Chief Inspector Rex Derilo met with Ustadz Najib Rasul and other Muslim leaders in the town at the sala of Regional Trial Court Branch 9 Judge Geraldine Faith Econg to clear things out.
Econg had issued the search warrant to the CIDG personnel on the alleged stash of firearms and explosives hidden at the house of Rasul. But the raid last Friday dawn turned out to be negative because not a single gun or explosive was found inside Rasul's house.
Rasul complained that he was treated like a criminal by the CIDG operatives who poked M16 rifles at him.
When interviewed by reporters yesterday, Derilo said he had talked to Rasul on the purpose of the raid, but did not give further details citing national security concerns.
"I assure him (Rasul) that we will conduct an investigation on our personnel who were involved in the operation. If we found out that there were infractions on the procedure of the operation, we will file charges against them," Derilo said.
The police official, however, said Rasul never made mention of possible filing of charges against the CIDG.
Last week, regional police director Chief Supt. Silverio Alarcio, Jr. apologized to Rasul and explained the police side over the raid.
The general said the manner of the operation could be attributed to the nature of the information they received on suspected terrorists staying at the house of Rasul.
Rasul, who owns a house in Lipata, Minglanilla, was one of the two subjects of the search warrant. The other was not around during the raid, Sr. Supt. Jorge Corpuz earlier said.
The dialogue between the police and Muslim leaders reportedly ended in handshakes and hugs. - Edwin Ian Melecio/LPM
https://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2007/01/19/380796/police-muslim-leaders-hold-dialogue-over-raid
3,000 jobs at new Quezon City mall soon
Some 3,000 job vacancies in the soon-to-be-opened Ayala Mall at North EDSA will be made available to Quezon City residents at a job fair to be sponsored by the city government this week.
Dubbed "Careers at TriNoma," the job fair will be participated in by major retailers with and restaurants opening at the first Ayala Mall north of Manila. The mall, which is scheduled to open on the second quarter of this year, is located at QC’s North Triangle area.
The activity, which will be hosted by the city’s Public Employment and Services department, will be held on Jan. 19 and 20 (Friday and Saturday) at the QC Hall covered walk from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Among those participating in the scheduled job fair are the Bench Group, Robinson’s Retail Group, Bayo, Giordano, Store Specialist Inc., Automatic Center, Time Zone, Mercury Drug, Gerry’s Grill Bar and Restaurant, Kamiseta, California Pizza, among others.
Meanwhile, Ignacio Santos Diaz, head of the Public Employment and Services, has also invited different government agencies that will provide pre-employment services to jobseekers, including SSS/Philhealth numbers, police clearances, community tax certificates and NBI clearances.
Interested jobseekers are advised to bring their resumes, school records and credentials and other pre-employment documents.
Another job fair has been scheduled on Jan. 22 (Monday) at the Barangay Pag-asa covered court. Retailers of major shopping brands and restaurants at the soon-to-be opened mall will be there to accept job applications. — Perseus Echeminada
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/19/380673/3000-jobs-new-quezon-city-mall-soon
Dubbed "Careers at TriNoma," the job fair will be participated in by major retailers with and restaurants opening at the first Ayala Mall north of Manila. The mall, which is scheduled to open on the second quarter of this year, is located at QC’s North Triangle area.
The activity, which will be hosted by the city’s Public Employment and Services department, will be held on Jan. 19 and 20 (Friday and Saturday) at the QC Hall covered walk from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Among those participating in the scheduled job fair are the Bench Group, Robinson’s Retail Group, Bayo, Giordano, Store Specialist Inc., Automatic Center, Time Zone, Mercury Drug, Gerry’s Grill Bar and Restaurant, Kamiseta, California Pizza, among others.
Meanwhile, Ignacio Santos Diaz, head of the Public Employment and Services, has also invited different government agencies that will provide pre-employment services to jobseekers, including SSS/Philhealth numbers, police clearances, community tax certificates and NBI clearances.
Interested jobseekers are advised to bring their resumes, school records and credentials and other pre-employment documents.
Another job fair has been scheduled on Jan. 22 (Monday) at the Barangay Pag-asa covered court. Retailers of major shopping brands and restaurants at the soon-to-be opened mall will be there to accept job applications. — Perseus Echeminada
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/19/380673/3000-jobs-new-quezon-city-mall-soon
‘Tuloy ang laban ko!’ – Peewee
Kahit binawalang kumandidato sa darating na halalan, matapang na inihayag ni Pasay Mayor Peewee Trinidad na itutuloy niya ang laban kasabay ang pagsasabing takot na takot ang kanyang mga kalaban sa pulitika kaya’t pinatatanggal siya sa puwesto.
Pinatibay pa ang pangakong ito ni Trinidad matapos sabihin kahapon ni Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos, sa isang interview na pwede pa itong maghain ng kanyang kandidatura dahil hindi pa "final and executory" ang desisyon ng Ombudsman.
Ayon kay Trinidad, hindi birong sabwatan ang naganap sa pagitan ng kanyang mga kalaban sa pulitika sa Pasay at ng mga kaalyado nito sa kasalukuyang administrasyon.
"Hindi lamang ito "political harassment" kung hindi ito ay isang "grand conspiracy" upang patahimikin ang isang naglilingkurang public servant," pahayag nito.
Sinabi pa ng butihing alkalde na malinaw sa naglabasang survey partikular na ang ginawa ng Social Weather Station (SWS) noong Oktubre hanggang Disyembre na halos nilampaso niya ang kanyang pinakamalapit na kalaban dahil lamang siya rito ng halos 20 porsiyento.
Kaugnay ng desisyon ng Ombudsman, naghain naman si Trinidad ng "motion for reconsideration" upang hilingin dito na baligtarin ang kanilang naunang desisyon.
"Lack of due process at halatang minadali ang desisyon dahil ang pinagbasehan lamang nilang desisyon ay ang affidavit ng mag-asawang konsehal na Cuneta na hindi man lamang sila nabigyan ng kopya at pagkakataong sumagot," ani Trinidad.
Sinabi pa ng alkalde, na isang "secret investigation" ang naganap sa kasong administratibo na inihain sa kanya kung saan siya ginawaran ng parusang pagbabawal tumakbo sa anumang posisyon sa gobyerno.
Sinabi nito na hindi siya nasabihan ng anumang hearing na naganap.
Tahasan din sinabi ni Trinidad na tinakot ng kanyang mga kalaban sa pulitika sina konsehal Tonya at asawa nitong si Boy Cuneta na bubuhayin ang mga naka-pending nilang asunto sa ilang hukuman sa Pasay kapag hindi nila diniin ang alkalde.
Nilinaw rin ng alkalde na wala siyang ginawang iregularidad sa "bidding" ng basura sa lungsod kaya’t taas noo pa rin siyang humaharap sa kanyang mga kababayan. (Lordeth Bonilla/Mario D. Basco)
https://www.philstar.com/bansa/2007/01/19/380757/145tuloy-ang-laban-ko146-150-peewee
Pinatibay pa ang pangakong ito ni Trinidad matapos sabihin kahapon ni Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos, sa isang interview na pwede pa itong maghain ng kanyang kandidatura dahil hindi pa "final and executory" ang desisyon ng Ombudsman.
Ayon kay Trinidad, hindi birong sabwatan ang naganap sa pagitan ng kanyang mga kalaban sa pulitika sa Pasay at ng mga kaalyado nito sa kasalukuyang administrasyon.
"Hindi lamang ito "political harassment" kung hindi ito ay isang "grand conspiracy" upang patahimikin ang isang naglilingkurang public servant," pahayag nito.
Sinabi pa ng butihing alkalde na malinaw sa naglabasang survey partikular na ang ginawa ng Social Weather Station (SWS) noong Oktubre hanggang Disyembre na halos nilampaso niya ang kanyang pinakamalapit na kalaban dahil lamang siya rito ng halos 20 porsiyento.
Kaugnay ng desisyon ng Ombudsman, naghain naman si Trinidad ng "motion for reconsideration" upang hilingin dito na baligtarin ang kanilang naunang desisyon.
"Lack of due process at halatang minadali ang desisyon dahil ang pinagbasehan lamang nilang desisyon ay ang affidavit ng mag-asawang konsehal na Cuneta na hindi man lamang sila nabigyan ng kopya at pagkakataong sumagot," ani Trinidad.
Sinabi pa ng alkalde, na isang "secret investigation" ang naganap sa kasong administratibo na inihain sa kanya kung saan siya ginawaran ng parusang pagbabawal tumakbo sa anumang posisyon sa gobyerno.
Sinabi nito na hindi siya nasabihan ng anumang hearing na naganap.
Tahasan din sinabi ni Trinidad na tinakot ng kanyang mga kalaban sa pulitika sina konsehal Tonya at asawa nitong si Boy Cuneta na bubuhayin ang mga naka-pending nilang asunto sa ilang hukuman sa Pasay kapag hindi nila diniin ang alkalde.
Nilinaw rin ng alkalde na wala siyang ginawang iregularidad sa "bidding" ng basura sa lungsod kaya’t taas noo pa rin siyang humaharap sa kanyang mga kababayan. (Lordeth Bonilla/Mario D. Basco)
https://www.philstar.com/bansa/2007/01/19/380757/145tuloy-ang-laban-ko146-150-peewee
Philtrust extends offer for PBCom to end-Jan
Philtrust Bank of newspaper magnate Emilio Yap has extended its offer to acquire the remaining 41.74-percent stake in Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCom) until the end of the month.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), Philtrust corporate secretary Martin B. Isidro said the bank will extend its tender offer for the balance of PBCom until Jan. 31. An earlier offer started last Jan. 2 and expired on Jan. 17.
Philtrust has offered to acquire the majority stake of roughly 67-percent owned by the three major shareholders of PBCom, represented by the Luy, Nubla and Chung families.
The takeover bid was met with consent by the Nubla and Chung groups accounting for 58.26 percent of the total common shares of PBCom valued at around P2.16 billion.
The Philtrust offer, however, hit a snag when the Luy group, which owns the single biggest block in PBCom, turned down the offer.
Last Tuesday, the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) said it has the option to call for a public auction for the 67-percent block in PBCom if the Philtrust takeover fails.
PDIC acting president Michael A. Osmeña also urged both banks to finalize or end the takeover bid by the end of January, noting that the continued stalemate between the majority stakeholders will be disadvantageous to the bank and the banking industry.
"We have the option to sell the 67-percent block in a public auction for transparency and equal opportunity to interested bidders," he added.
The PDIC official admitted that at this point the sale of the majority stake of PBCom "is now a matter between the shareholders and the buyers."
He said the sale could not be consumated since PBCom is required by a 2004 financial assistance package with the PDIC that a sale should involve the divestment of the majority stakeholders. The package was necessary to save the bank from liquidity problems it encountered in 2004.
The financial assistance deal, amounting to a total of P7.64 billion, stipulated that the bank’s major shareholders would have to divest their holdings on PBCom as a block, or at least 67 percent, in favor of a third party investor within five years.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2007/01/19/380655/philtrust-extends-offer-pbcom-end-jan
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), Philtrust corporate secretary Martin B. Isidro said the bank will extend its tender offer for the balance of PBCom until Jan. 31. An earlier offer started last Jan. 2 and expired on Jan. 17.
Philtrust has offered to acquire the majority stake of roughly 67-percent owned by the three major shareholders of PBCom, represented by the Luy, Nubla and Chung families.
The takeover bid was met with consent by the Nubla and Chung groups accounting for 58.26 percent of the total common shares of PBCom valued at around P2.16 billion.
The Philtrust offer, however, hit a snag when the Luy group, which owns the single biggest block in PBCom, turned down the offer.
Last Tuesday, the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) said it has the option to call for a public auction for the 67-percent block in PBCom if the Philtrust takeover fails.
PDIC acting president Michael A. Osmeña also urged both banks to finalize or end the takeover bid by the end of January, noting that the continued stalemate between the majority stakeholders will be disadvantageous to the bank and the banking industry.
"We have the option to sell the 67-percent block in a public auction for transparency and equal opportunity to interested bidders," he added.
The PDIC official admitted that at this point the sale of the majority stake of PBCom "is now a matter between the shareholders and the buyers."
He said the sale could not be consumated since PBCom is required by a 2004 financial assistance package with the PDIC that a sale should involve the divestment of the majority stakeholders. The package was necessary to save the bank from liquidity problems it encountered in 2004.
The financial assistance deal, amounting to a total of P7.64 billion, stipulated that the bank’s major shareholders would have to divest their holdings on PBCom as a block, or at least 67 percent, in favor of a third party investor within five years.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2007/01/19/380655/philtrust-extends-offer-pbcom-end-jan
Suspension ng local officials, wala sa timing – Mayor SB
Maging ang mga kaalyadong mayor ni Pangulong Arroyo ay umalma dahil sa serye ng sibakan at suspension, at ang mala-giyerang paglusob ng mga pulis sa kapitolyo ng Iloilo para puwersahin at sapilitang paalisin si Gov. Niel Tupas, Sr.
Ayon kay Quezon City Mayor Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte, wala sa timing at hindi napapanahon ang sunud-sunod na suspension order laban sa mga lokal na opisyal ng pamahalaan.
Ayon kay Belmonte, kahit na sinasabing legal ang pagpapatupad sa suspension order sa mga local executives, maaari naman itong daanin sa maayos na paraan, usapan at diplomasya.
Bunsod nito, sinabi ni Belmonte na para maiwasan ang anumang kaguluhan sa mga ganitong sitwasyon, magkakaroon ng isang pulong ang Metro Manila Mayors League dahil sa umano’y nakababahalang nagaganap na suspension order ng DILG sa mga local executives.
Bubuo anya ng mga kaukulang panlunas ang liga para maiwasan ang anumang mga kaguluhan kaugnay ng naturang hakbang. (Angie dela Cruz)
https://www.philstar.com/bansa/2007/01/19/380758/suspension-ng-local-officials-wala-sa-timing-150-mayor-sb
Ayon kay Quezon City Mayor Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte, wala sa timing at hindi napapanahon ang sunud-sunod na suspension order laban sa mga lokal na opisyal ng pamahalaan.
Ayon kay Belmonte, kahit na sinasabing legal ang pagpapatupad sa suspension order sa mga local executives, maaari naman itong daanin sa maayos na paraan, usapan at diplomasya.
Bunsod nito, sinabi ni Belmonte na para maiwasan ang anumang kaguluhan sa mga ganitong sitwasyon, magkakaroon ng isang pulong ang Metro Manila Mayors League dahil sa umano’y nakababahalang nagaganap na suspension order ng DILG sa mga local executives.
Bubuo anya ng mga kaukulang panlunas ang liga para maiwasan ang anumang mga kaguluhan kaugnay ng naturang hakbang. (Angie dela Cruz)
https://www.philstar.com/bansa/2007/01/19/380758/suspension-ng-local-officials-wala-sa-timing-150-mayor-sb
The StarStruck challenge: Stiffer and tougher
As the number of finalists in the fourth edition of GMA 7’s StarStruck The Next Level gets smaller, the competition becomes stiffer and the challenges tougher.
However, success comes to those who dare and act. That’s why even if the contestants commonly say "it’s not easy" (the battery of tests), all are eager to battle it out to achieve their dream of becoming the next young stars.
An acting stint with some members of the Bakekang cast, a test in convincing people to vote for them, doing their own makeup and a trial in power dressing were some of the challenges the survivors went through in the previous episodes.
But greater tasks loom for the artista search finalists after two of the 14 survivors, Fil-Am Dave Valentino and Renee Lascuna of Davao, were recently eliminated in StarStruck’s VoteStruck Special.
Paulo Avelino, Prince Stefan, Dex Quindoza, Mart Escudero, Jan Manual, Aljur Abrenica, Stef Prescott, Jewel Mische, Rich Asuncion, Kris Bernal, Hazel Uy and Jesi Corcuera are the 12 remaining survivors who have successfully stepped up to another level of challenge.
Since Monday, the 12 finalists are into another challenge dubbed as Kiss Flicks, directed by Rico Gutierrez. It is their first real acting test and on-screen challenge after attending an acting workshop with Gina Alajar.
Although Mart of Cavite and Paulo of Baguio already know what it is like to be in showbiz, they are still muddling through with the tests given them.
Mart has played a role on the GMA 7 soap Agawin Mo Man ang Lahat and appeared on three shows with the rival network. The 16-year-old high school student of St. Jude Academy has a soft spot for sick kids. If he wins, he will donate part of his prize money to PGH.
Paulo, on the other hand, who has an Igorot lineage like Ultimate Survivor Marky Cielo, has starred in digital film, Puso3, last year. He finds the workshop with Gina Alajar the most challenging he had so far.
Even if the two have already tasted what it is like in front of the camera, the other finalists are giving them stiff competition. All are feisty and will do everything to get the judges’ nod and televiewers’ text votes.
To prove his winnability, Jan of Laguna has tried to overcome his shyness and shown his best in previous challenges, while Kris of QC keeps on raising the bar to what she can offer the local tinseltown.
"Even if I lack sleep, I still attend classes whenever possible before call time. I’m trying hard to achieve my dream to be an actress without neglecting my studies," the nursing student says.
Meanwhile, this is not the first time Aljur of Pampanga joined in the search. He was not included in the search’s second batch but giving up is not in his vocabulary. This time he proves that luck seldom comes to the timid and weak. He is even considered a big threat by most of his co-survivors.
"It’s flattering that they see me as a threat but a big pressure on my part to do my best in every challenge we will take because I know everybody is talented," he says.
Speaking of talent, Stef of La Union, Hazel of Cebu and Jewel of Bulacan are ready to show what they’ve got for a chance to be a star.
Even son of royalty, Stefan of Iloilo, wants to taste the sweetness of stardom.
While some of the contestants join the search aiming to show their talent, it is also a fact that some want to secure their future and help their families.
Self-confessed lesbian Jesi of Pasay now wears high heels. She likewise underwent a complete makeover to show that she could be another teen star.
"My mom, an entertainer in Japan, is not getting any younger. That’s why I’m really trying my best to win," she says.
Rich of Bohol worries for the education of younger siblings. She knows that her bank messenger cum janitor dad and fish vendor mom have a hard time financing their education.
"I join every contest there is. I hope people will see my talent," Rich says.
Likewise, Dex of Tondo wanted to use his talent for his mom’s medication.
With hope, guts, talent and a dream of making it big in showbiz, who among them will clinch the titles Ultimate Sweetheart, Ultimate Hunk and Ultimate Loveteam?
Airing weeknights after Jumong, StarStruck will have a Red Carpet Special on Sunday after Mahiwagang Baul.
https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2007/01/19/380669/starstruck-challenge-stiffer-and-tougher
However, success comes to those who dare and act. That’s why even if the contestants commonly say "it’s not easy" (the battery of tests), all are eager to battle it out to achieve their dream of becoming the next young stars.
An acting stint with some members of the Bakekang cast, a test in convincing people to vote for them, doing their own makeup and a trial in power dressing were some of the challenges the survivors went through in the previous episodes.
But greater tasks loom for the artista search finalists after two of the 14 survivors, Fil-Am Dave Valentino and Renee Lascuna of Davao, were recently eliminated in StarStruck’s VoteStruck Special.
Paulo Avelino, Prince Stefan, Dex Quindoza, Mart Escudero, Jan Manual, Aljur Abrenica, Stef Prescott, Jewel Mische, Rich Asuncion, Kris Bernal, Hazel Uy and Jesi Corcuera are the 12 remaining survivors who have successfully stepped up to another level of challenge.
Since Monday, the 12 finalists are into another challenge dubbed as Kiss Flicks, directed by Rico Gutierrez. It is their first real acting test and on-screen challenge after attending an acting workshop with Gina Alajar.
Although Mart of Cavite and Paulo of Baguio already know what it is like to be in showbiz, they are still muddling through with the tests given them.
Mart has played a role on the GMA 7 soap Agawin Mo Man ang Lahat and appeared on three shows with the rival network. The 16-year-old high school student of St. Jude Academy has a soft spot for sick kids. If he wins, he will donate part of his prize money to PGH.
Paulo, on the other hand, who has an Igorot lineage like Ultimate Survivor Marky Cielo, has starred in digital film, Puso3, last year. He finds the workshop with Gina Alajar the most challenging he had so far.
Even if the two have already tasted what it is like in front of the camera, the other finalists are giving them stiff competition. All are feisty and will do everything to get the judges’ nod and televiewers’ text votes.
To prove his winnability, Jan of Laguna has tried to overcome his shyness and shown his best in previous challenges, while Kris of QC keeps on raising the bar to what she can offer the local tinseltown.
"Even if I lack sleep, I still attend classes whenever possible before call time. I’m trying hard to achieve my dream to be an actress without neglecting my studies," the nursing student says.
Meanwhile, this is not the first time Aljur of Pampanga joined in the search. He was not included in the search’s second batch but giving up is not in his vocabulary. This time he proves that luck seldom comes to the timid and weak. He is even considered a big threat by most of his co-survivors.
"It’s flattering that they see me as a threat but a big pressure on my part to do my best in every challenge we will take because I know everybody is talented," he says.
Speaking of talent, Stef of La Union, Hazel of Cebu and Jewel of Bulacan are ready to show what they’ve got for a chance to be a star.
Even son of royalty, Stefan of Iloilo, wants to taste the sweetness of stardom.
While some of the contestants join the search aiming to show their talent, it is also a fact that some want to secure their future and help their families.
Self-confessed lesbian Jesi of Pasay now wears high heels. She likewise underwent a complete makeover to show that she could be another teen star.
"My mom, an entertainer in Japan, is not getting any younger. That’s why I’m really trying my best to win," she says.
Rich of Bohol worries for the education of younger siblings. She knows that her bank messenger cum janitor dad and fish vendor mom have a hard time financing their education.
"I join every contest there is. I hope people will see my talent," Rich says.
Likewise, Dex of Tondo wanted to use his talent for his mom’s medication.
With hope, guts, talent and a dream of making it big in showbiz, who among them will clinch the titles Ultimate Sweetheart, Ultimate Hunk and Ultimate Loveteam?
Airing weeknights after Jumong, StarStruck will have a Red Carpet Special on Sunday after Mahiwagang Baul.
https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2007/01/19/380669/starstruck-challenge-stiffer-and-tougher
Misis pumalag sa holdap, dinedo
Isang 53-anyos na ginang ang nasawi matapos na barilin ng isang holdaper nang magtangkang manlaban habang inaagaw ng huli ang kanyang bag kamakalawa ng gabi sa Parañaque City.
Patay na nang idating sa Parañaque Community Hospital ang biktimang si Luzviminda Solis, nakatira sa Block 28, Lot 6, Queensrow Subdivision, Bacoor, Cavite, matapos na magtamo ng tama ng bala sa katawan buhat sa hindi pa batid na kalibre ng baril.
Kaagad namang tumakas ang hindi pa nakikilalang suspect matapos isagawa ang naturang krimen.
Sa inisyal na pagsisiyasat ng Parañaque City Police, dakong alas-8:55 ng gabi sa kahabaan ng J. De Leon St., Brgy. San Dionisio ng nabanggit na lungsod habang nag-aabang ang ginang ng masasakyan pauwi ng kanilang bahay nang biglang lapitan ng suspect. Mabilis na inagaw ng suspect ang shoulder bag ng biktima ngunit pumalag ang huli kaya agad na bumunot ng isang kalibre ng baril ang una at walang sabi-sabing pinaputukan ito. (Lordeth Bonilla)
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/19/380751/misis-pumalag-sa-holdap-dinedo
Patay na nang idating sa Parañaque Community Hospital ang biktimang si Luzviminda Solis, nakatira sa Block 28, Lot 6, Queensrow Subdivision, Bacoor, Cavite, matapos na magtamo ng tama ng bala sa katawan buhat sa hindi pa batid na kalibre ng baril.
Kaagad namang tumakas ang hindi pa nakikilalang suspect matapos isagawa ang naturang krimen.
Sa inisyal na pagsisiyasat ng Parañaque City Police, dakong alas-8:55 ng gabi sa kahabaan ng J. De Leon St., Brgy. San Dionisio ng nabanggit na lungsod habang nag-aabang ang ginang ng masasakyan pauwi ng kanilang bahay nang biglang lapitan ng suspect. Mabilis na inagaw ng suspect ang shoulder bag ng biktima ngunit pumalag ang huli kaya agad na bumunot ng isang kalibre ng baril ang una at walang sabi-sabing pinaputukan ito. (Lordeth Bonilla)
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/19/380751/misis-pumalag-sa-holdap-dinedo
Warrant handa na: 18,000 flying voters darakpin!
Nakatakdang arestuhin ng mga tauhan ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ang mga "flying voters" sa darating na eleksiyon sa Mayo matapos makakuha ng warrant of arrest ang Commission on Elections (Comelec) laban sa mga ito.
Ayon kay Chairman Benjamin Abalos, umaabot na sa 18,000 ang warrants of arrest laban sa mga napatunayang dalawang beses nagparehistro o flying voters.
Sinabi pa nito na kapag inaresto at napatunayang nagkasala sila ng pagdodobe ng rehistro ay bubunuin nila ang anim na buwang pagkakakulong at kinakailangan din humarap sila sa korte para sa kanselasyon ng kanilang double registration.
Nilinaw pa ni Abalos na ang Comelec ang tumatayong Anti-Flying Voters Task Force at nakatutok sila sa ngayon sa Metro Manila na kinokonsidera nilang "pugad" ng mga flying voters.
Lumalabas sa ulat ni task force chief Ferdinand Rafanan na mayroong 200,000 double registrants sa Metro Manila.
"Metro Manila has about 94,000 voters who registered more than once in 2004 and we expect that number to have doubled by now," ayon pa kay Rafanan.
Idinagdag pa ito na mayroong 5.6 million registered voters sa Metro Manila noong 2004 at dalawang porsiyento o tinatayang 100,000 sa darating na 2007 elections.
https://www.philstar.com/bansa/2007/01/19/380724/warrant-handa-na-18000-flying-voters-darakpin
Ayon kay Chairman Benjamin Abalos, umaabot na sa 18,000 ang warrants of arrest laban sa mga napatunayang dalawang beses nagparehistro o flying voters.
Sinabi pa nito na kapag inaresto at napatunayang nagkasala sila ng pagdodobe ng rehistro ay bubunuin nila ang anim na buwang pagkakakulong at kinakailangan din humarap sila sa korte para sa kanselasyon ng kanilang double registration.
Nilinaw pa ni Abalos na ang Comelec ang tumatayong Anti-Flying Voters Task Force at nakatutok sila sa ngayon sa Metro Manila na kinokonsidera nilang "pugad" ng mga flying voters.
Lumalabas sa ulat ni task force chief Ferdinand Rafanan na mayroong 200,000 double registrants sa Metro Manila.
"Metro Manila has about 94,000 voters who registered more than once in 2004 and we expect that number to have doubled by now," ayon pa kay Rafanan.
Idinagdag pa ito na mayroong 5.6 million registered voters sa Metro Manila noong 2004 at dalawang porsiyento o tinatayang 100,000 sa darating na 2007 elections.
https://www.philstar.com/bansa/2007/01/19/380724/warrant-handa-na-18000-flying-voters-darakpin
23 Pinoys declared safe from Baltic Sea mishap
The Department of Foreign Affairs said yesterday all 23 Filipino crew members of the cargo vessel that ran aground in the Baltic Sea last Monday are accounted for and safe.
Philippine Ambassador to Sweden Victoria Bataclan, in a report to the DFA, said that 15 of the Filipino crewmen and one Ghanaian were evacuated by the Latvian Air Force and Swedish rescue helicopters and are presently billeted at the Hotel Ostina in the port of Ventspils.
The Filipino captain of the ill-fated MV Golden Sky Reynaldo Mortel and seven other Filipino crew members remain on board the ship, on the decision of Captain Mortel, presumably for salvage operations.
The crewmen remaining with Capt. Mortel are Chief Mate Camilo Carsano, Chief Engineer Perlo Andrino, 3rd Engineer Rene Capanas, 4th Engineer Jose Samson Chiva, Electrician Reynaldo Petras, Bosun Orbito Bayaban, and AB Raji Jimster Bonite.
The 16 crew members who were flown from the ship to the mainland’s port of Vestpils are: Second Mate Erik Tumanong; Third Mate Ronald Loreno; 2nd Engineer Ernesto de la Cruz; Fitter Victor Deke (Ghanaian); Fitter Robelito Ycong; AB Noel Bagon; AB Ruiz Faciolan; AB Omilio Sarno; Deck Cadet Mark Anthony Balinget; Deck Cadet Rodolfo Landicho, Jr.; Deck Cadet Ramie Magno; Deck Cadet Manuel Villanueva; Oiler Ariel Amba; Oiler Dante Leja; Oiler Rico Tabunan; and Cook Cielito Risma.
Embassy officials have spoken with representatives of Samios Shipping in Greece, and received assurances of the crew’s safety. — Marvin Sy
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/19/380692/23-pinoys-declared-safe-baltic-sea-mishap
Philippine Ambassador to Sweden Victoria Bataclan, in a report to the DFA, said that 15 of the Filipino crewmen and one Ghanaian were evacuated by the Latvian Air Force and Swedish rescue helicopters and are presently billeted at the Hotel Ostina in the port of Ventspils.
The Filipino captain of the ill-fated MV Golden Sky Reynaldo Mortel and seven other Filipino crew members remain on board the ship, on the decision of Captain Mortel, presumably for salvage operations.
The crewmen remaining with Capt. Mortel are Chief Mate Camilo Carsano, Chief Engineer Perlo Andrino, 3rd Engineer Rene Capanas, 4th Engineer Jose Samson Chiva, Electrician Reynaldo Petras, Bosun Orbito Bayaban, and AB Raji Jimster Bonite.
The 16 crew members who were flown from the ship to the mainland’s port of Vestpils are: Second Mate Erik Tumanong; Third Mate Ronald Loreno; 2nd Engineer Ernesto de la Cruz; Fitter Victor Deke (Ghanaian); Fitter Robelito Ycong; AB Noel Bagon; AB Ruiz Faciolan; AB Omilio Sarno; Deck Cadet Mark Anthony Balinget; Deck Cadet Rodolfo Landicho, Jr.; Deck Cadet Ramie Magno; Deck Cadet Manuel Villanueva; Oiler Ariel Amba; Oiler Dante Leja; Oiler Rico Tabunan; and Cook Cielito Risma.
Embassy officials have spoken with representatives of Samios Shipping in Greece, and received assurances of the crew’s safety. — Marvin Sy
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/19/380692/23-pinoys-declared-safe-baltic-sea-mishap
Customs official, 9 pa kinasuhan
Nagsampa na ng kasong kriminal ang National Bureau of Investigation laban sa kanang kamay ni Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales kasama ang siyam na iba pa dahil sa pagkakasangkot sa pagpupuslit ng "hot meat".
Sa reklamong isinumite kahapon sa Department of Justice (DOJ), inakusahan sina Atty. James Enriquez, chief of staff ni Morales; Facundo Bitanga, hepe ng Auction and Cargo Disposal Division; acting warehouseman ng Sigma 7 warehousing na si Dionisio Menil; general manager ng Sigma 7 na si Romeo Fernando Jr.; Diomedes Cabaluna na warehouse supervisor; at sina Bonifacio Cruz at Pedrito Magsino na kapwa may-ari ng MC Bros. Trading and Garbage Collection and Disposal Inc. na may kagagawan sa pagpupuslit ng mga karne.
Kabilang din sa kaso si Atty. Alexander Arcilla na hepe ng Task Force Anti-Smuggling (TFAS) at mga customs examiners na sina Nanie Koh at Roger Manlangit.
Ayon sa NBI, nag-ugat ang kaso matapos masabat ng Customs Anti-Smuggling Task Force ang mahigit 100,000 kilo ng karne na mula sa Tsina noong Disyembre ng nakaraang taon na itinuturing na "hot meat" dahil sa pagtataglay ng "foot and mouth disease".
Sa halip na sunugin, ipinuslit umano ang mga hot meat at naibenta pa sa isang meat processor na nakabase sa Pampanga. Umaabot sa 25,000 kilo ang nawawala sa orihinal na bigat ng karne. May apat na 40-footer container van ang dumating sa Port of Manila noong Setyembre na idineklarang mga mackerel ngunit nang suriin ay natuklasang may kahalong karne ang apat na van sanhi upang pigilin ito sa tanggapan ng BoC. (Grace Amargo-dela Cruz)
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/19/380737/customs-official-9-pa-kinasuhan
Sa reklamong isinumite kahapon sa Department of Justice (DOJ), inakusahan sina Atty. James Enriquez, chief of staff ni Morales; Facundo Bitanga, hepe ng Auction and Cargo Disposal Division; acting warehouseman ng Sigma 7 warehousing na si Dionisio Menil; general manager ng Sigma 7 na si Romeo Fernando Jr.; Diomedes Cabaluna na warehouse supervisor; at sina Bonifacio Cruz at Pedrito Magsino na kapwa may-ari ng MC Bros. Trading and Garbage Collection and Disposal Inc. na may kagagawan sa pagpupuslit ng mga karne.
Kabilang din sa kaso si Atty. Alexander Arcilla na hepe ng Task Force Anti-Smuggling (TFAS) at mga customs examiners na sina Nanie Koh at Roger Manlangit.
Ayon sa NBI, nag-ugat ang kaso matapos masabat ng Customs Anti-Smuggling Task Force ang mahigit 100,000 kilo ng karne na mula sa Tsina noong Disyembre ng nakaraang taon na itinuturing na "hot meat" dahil sa pagtataglay ng "foot and mouth disease".
Sa halip na sunugin, ipinuslit umano ang mga hot meat at naibenta pa sa isang meat processor na nakabase sa Pampanga. Umaabot sa 25,000 kilo ang nawawala sa orihinal na bigat ng karne. May apat na 40-footer container van ang dumating sa Port of Manila noong Setyembre na idineklarang mga mackerel ngunit nang suriin ay natuklasang may kahalong karne ang apat na van sanhi upang pigilin ito sa tanggapan ng BoC. (Grace Amargo-dela Cruz)
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/19/380737/customs-official-9-pa-kinasuhan
2 ‘bata’ ni Boratong timbog sa droga
Arestado ang isang tulak na umano’y katiwala ng operator ng sinalakay na shabu tiangge at isa pang kasama nito sa isinagawang buy-bust operation ng pulisya kamakalawa ng gabi sa Pasig City.
Kinilala ni Sr. Supt. Francisco Uyami Jr., hepe ng Pasig Police ang suspect na si Roberto Halgado, 47, alyas Tebo, kung saan nadiskubre sa pag-iingat nito ang isang logbook kung saan nakasulat ang pangalan ng mga police officials na umano’y mga protektor ng nasabing sindikato ng droga.
"May mga pangalan ng police generals at colonels sa notebook pero wala tayong katibayan na sila ay kanilang protektor," pahayag ni Uyami.
Dahil dito, nagsasagawa na ng masusing imbestigasyon ang Pasig police kung talagang may partisipasyon ang mga opisyal ng pulis na nakalagay sa nasabing logbook habang hindi muna niya ito pinangalanan para hindi masira ang imbestigasyon kung ito ay tumatanggap ng payola sa nahuling umano’y shabu tiangge operator na si Amin Imam Boratong na kasalukuyang nakapiit sa National Bureau of Investigation.
Ayon kay Uyami, nagsagawa ng ilang ulit na shabu test-buy operation ang kanyang mga tauhan kay Halgado at isa pa nitong kasama na si Misaris Antonio, 48, na siyang nagbebenta ng shabu sa Brgy. Malinao nang ito ay nagpositibo ay agad na inihanda ang buy-bust. (Edwin Balasa)
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/19/380738/2-145bata146-ni-boratong-timbog-sa-droga/amp/
Kinilala ni Sr. Supt. Francisco Uyami Jr., hepe ng Pasig Police ang suspect na si Roberto Halgado, 47, alyas Tebo, kung saan nadiskubre sa pag-iingat nito ang isang logbook kung saan nakasulat ang pangalan ng mga police officials na umano’y mga protektor ng nasabing sindikato ng droga.
"May mga pangalan ng police generals at colonels sa notebook pero wala tayong katibayan na sila ay kanilang protektor," pahayag ni Uyami.
Dahil dito, nagsasagawa na ng masusing imbestigasyon ang Pasig police kung talagang may partisipasyon ang mga opisyal ng pulis na nakalagay sa nasabing logbook habang hindi muna niya ito pinangalanan para hindi masira ang imbestigasyon kung ito ay tumatanggap ng payola sa nahuling umano’y shabu tiangge operator na si Amin Imam Boratong na kasalukuyang nakapiit sa National Bureau of Investigation.
Ayon kay Uyami, nagsagawa ng ilang ulit na shabu test-buy operation ang kanyang mga tauhan kay Halgado at isa pa nitong kasama na si Misaris Antonio, 48, na siyang nagbebenta ng shabu sa Brgy. Malinao nang ito ay nagpositibo ay agad na inihanda ang buy-bust. (Edwin Balasa)
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/19/380738/2-145bata146-ni-boratong-timbog-sa-droga/amp/
Marines vs Sayyaf: 13 patay
CAMP AGUINALDO – Sampung terorista na miyembro ng Abu Sayyaf Group at tatlong kawal ng Philippine Marines ang iniulat na napaslang matapos na muling magpanagupa ang magkabilang panig sa mabundok na bahagi ng Patikul, Sulu kahapon.
Dalawang araw matapos na ma-neutralisa ng military si Abu Sayyaf terror group leader at self-proclaimed spokesman Jainal Antel Sali, alyas "Abu Solaiman" na may $5-milyong reward (P275,000,000).
Ayon kay Marine Spokesman Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan, noong gabi ng Miyerkules ay idineploy ng Philippine Marines ang mga elemento ng Special Operations Platoon ng 9th Marine Battalion (IB) sa magubat na bahagi ng Barangay Timpook ng nasabing bayan.
Bandang alas-12 ng tanghali kahapon ay nasabat ng mga sundalo ang mga teroristang Abu Sayyaf sa pamumuno ni Radullan Sahiron, alyas Commander Putol sa bisinidad ng Sitio Biti na sakop ng Barangay Timpook na nagresulta sa umaatikabong putukan na tumagal ng ilang oras.
Nang mapawi ang usok ay narekober sa lugar ang bangkay ng sampung terorista at mga armas kung saan ay tatlo rin sa panig ng militar ang nalagas na pansamantalang ‘di tinukoy ang mga pangalan dahilan kailangan pang impormahan ang kanilang pamilya.
Sa kasalukuyan inaalam pa ang pagkakakilanlan ng mga napaslang na Abu Sayyaf at kung kabilang dito si Sahiron.
Magugunita na noong Agosto 1, ay inilunsad ng AFP ang Oplan Ultimatum para durugin ang nalalabing puwersa ng mga terorista at JI terrorist na nagkukuta sa Western Mindanao partikular na sa Sulu.
https://www.philstar.com/probinsiya/2007/01/19/380729/marines-vs-sayyaf-13-patay
Dalawang araw matapos na ma-neutralisa ng military si Abu Sayyaf terror group leader at self-proclaimed spokesman Jainal Antel Sali, alyas "Abu Solaiman" na may $5-milyong reward (P275,000,000).
Ayon kay Marine Spokesman Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan, noong gabi ng Miyerkules ay idineploy ng Philippine Marines ang mga elemento ng Special Operations Platoon ng 9th Marine Battalion (IB) sa magubat na bahagi ng Barangay Timpook ng nasabing bayan.
Bandang alas-12 ng tanghali kahapon ay nasabat ng mga sundalo ang mga teroristang Abu Sayyaf sa pamumuno ni Radullan Sahiron, alyas Commander Putol sa bisinidad ng Sitio Biti na sakop ng Barangay Timpook na nagresulta sa umaatikabong putukan na tumagal ng ilang oras.
Nang mapawi ang usok ay narekober sa lugar ang bangkay ng sampung terorista at mga armas kung saan ay tatlo rin sa panig ng militar ang nalagas na pansamantalang ‘di tinukoy ang mga pangalan dahilan kailangan pang impormahan ang kanilang pamilya.
Sa kasalukuyan inaalam pa ang pagkakakilanlan ng mga napaslang na Abu Sayyaf at kung kabilang dito si Sahiron.
Magugunita na noong Agosto 1, ay inilunsad ng AFP ang Oplan Ultimatum para durugin ang nalalabing puwersa ng mga terorista at JI terrorist na nagkukuta sa Western Mindanao partikular na sa Sulu.
https://www.philstar.com/probinsiya/2007/01/19/380729/marines-vs-sayyaf-13-patay
GMA includes military, police in PAGC jurisdiction
President Arroyo has included the military and the police among the government officials that can be investigated by the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC).
Mrs. Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 531-B, further expanding the investigative jurisdiction of the PAGC to improve the moral standards of government as a major thrust of the Arroyo administration.
But the Chief Executive, also serving as concurrent defense secretary, said the PAGC may investigate only some members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on a case-to-case basis.
The cases were not identified and will be made the subject of PAGC investigation upon the discretion of the President.
The President said the government will continue its hunt against the corrupt without letup.
She said she would cleanse the ranks of the military and the police and ensure that the welfare of the soldiers and law enforcers will be prioritized.
Under EO 12, which was signed in 2001, the PAGC only has jurisdiction over all presidential appointees occupying the position of assistant regional director or higher, otherwise classified as Salary Grade 26 or higher under the Compensation and Classification Act of 1989.
Mrs. Arroyo signed EO 531 to strengthen the commission as it runs after corrupt government officials and private individuals who are involved in graft and corruption cases.
In her order, the President expanded the powers of the commission to include "other public officers and employees and private persons in conspiracy or connivance with covered presidential appointees."
Private individuals can be investigated if they connived with government officials in violating the following laws: the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the unlawful acquisitions of property by a public employee and the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees, among others.
The President, however, amended EO 531 again as EO 531-A gave the Office of the Executive Secretary the power to "review and overrule" the PAGC’s findings.
The PAGC said it resolved 92 cases last year, 61 of which had non-punitive recommendations and most of which were dismissed due to the absence of substantial evidence to warrant a strong position as regards committed wrongdoing of the public servants concerned.
Only 30 cases entailed punitive actions and 15 were affirmed by the Office of the President.
During the first 15 days of the month, the PAGC said it endorsed five cases to the Office of the President, two of which called for the dismissal of two high-ranking officials, one for suspension and two that carried non-punitive recommendations.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/19/380680/gma-includes-military-police-pagc-jurisdiction
Mrs. Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 531-B, further expanding the investigative jurisdiction of the PAGC to improve the moral standards of government as a major thrust of the Arroyo administration.
But the Chief Executive, also serving as concurrent defense secretary, said the PAGC may investigate only some members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on a case-to-case basis.
The cases were not identified and will be made the subject of PAGC investigation upon the discretion of the President.
The President said the government will continue its hunt against the corrupt without letup.
She said she would cleanse the ranks of the military and the police and ensure that the welfare of the soldiers and law enforcers will be prioritized.
Under EO 12, which was signed in 2001, the PAGC only has jurisdiction over all presidential appointees occupying the position of assistant regional director or higher, otherwise classified as Salary Grade 26 or higher under the Compensation and Classification Act of 1989.
Mrs. Arroyo signed EO 531 to strengthen the commission as it runs after corrupt government officials and private individuals who are involved in graft and corruption cases.
In her order, the President expanded the powers of the commission to include "other public officers and employees and private persons in conspiracy or connivance with covered presidential appointees."
Private individuals can be investigated if they connived with government officials in violating the following laws: the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the unlawful acquisitions of property by a public employee and the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees, among others.
The President, however, amended EO 531 again as EO 531-A gave the Office of the Executive Secretary the power to "review and overrule" the PAGC’s findings.
The PAGC said it resolved 92 cases last year, 61 of which had non-punitive recommendations and most of which were dismissed due to the absence of substantial evidence to warrant a strong position as regards committed wrongdoing of the public servants concerned.
Only 30 cases entailed punitive actions and 15 were affirmed by the Office of the President.
During the first 15 days of the month, the PAGC said it endorsed five cases to the Office of the President, two of which called for the dismissal of two high-ranking officials, one for suspension and two that carried non-punitive recommendations.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/19/380680/gma-includes-military-police-pagc-jurisdiction
6 todas sa landslide
CAMP AGUINALDO — Anim-katao ang iniulat na nasawi matapos na matabunan ng putik at bato ang kanilang tahanan sa hangganan ng bulubunduking bahagi ng Barangay Balobo at Maasin sa Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, ayon sa ulat kahapon.
Kabilang sa mga biktima na namatay ay kinilalang si Faustino Pungcol, habang inaalam pa ang pangalan ng iba pa sa mga sinawimpalad sa trahedya.
Ayon sa imbestigasyon, bandang alas-8 ng gabi nang biglang dumagundong at kasunod nito ay gumuho ang bundok na tumabon sa mga kabahayang nasa ibaba nito na ikinasawi ng mga biktima.
Napag-alamang aabot naman sa P140 milyon ang kailangang pondo ng DPWH para sa rehabilitasyon ng mga nasirang kalsada at tulay sa nasabing rehiyon.
Samantala, naapektuhan naman ang 266 barangay sa buong rehiyon dahil sa patuloy na buhos ng ulan simula pa noong Enero 2.
Naitala naman sa kabuuang 211,869-katao (47,766 pamilya) ang naapektuhan ng kalamidad. (Joy Cantos)
https://www.philstar.com/probinsiya/2007/01/19/380741/6-todas-sa-landslide
Kabilang sa mga biktima na namatay ay kinilalang si Faustino Pungcol, habang inaalam pa ang pangalan ng iba pa sa mga sinawimpalad sa trahedya.
Ayon sa imbestigasyon, bandang alas-8 ng gabi nang biglang dumagundong at kasunod nito ay gumuho ang bundok na tumabon sa mga kabahayang nasa ibaba nito na ikinasawi ng mga biktima.
Napag-alamang aabot naman sa P140 milyon ang kailangang pondo ng DPWH para sa rehabilitasyon ng mga nasirang kalsada at tulay sa nasabing rehiyon.
Samantala, naapektuhan naman ang 266 barangay sa buong rehiyon dahil sa patuloy na buhos ng ulan simula pa noong Enero 2.
Naitala naman sa kabuuang 211,869-katao (47,766 pamilya) ang naapektuhan ng kalamidad. (Joy Cantos)
https://www.philstar.com/probinsiya/2007/01/19/380741/6-todas-sa-landslide
Tsinoy nalugi sa negosyo, nag-suicide
Dahil sa umano’y unti-unting pagkalugi sa negosyo, sa pang-apat na tangkang pagpapatiwakal ay natuluyan ang isang 50-anyos na negosyanteng Tsinoy matapos matagpuan ang bangkay nito sa isang stock room kahapon ng umaga sa Makati City.
Matigas na ang katawan ng biktima na si Alberto Chua habang nakabitin gamit ang isang nylon cord nang matagpuan sa loob ng stock room ng Golden Hills Lumber and Hardware sa may #495 J.P. Rizal St., Brgy. Olympia ng nasabing lungsod.
Sa inisyal na imbestigasyon ni SP01 Lewilie Cristobal, ng Homicide Section ng Makati Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) dakong alas-7:00 ng umaga nang matagpuan ng kanyang mga kaanak ang biktima na nakatali ang leeg at nakabitin sa kisame.
Unti-unting pagkalugi sa negosyo ang isa sa anggulong iniimbestigahan ngayon ng pulisya na naging dahilan umano ng pagpapatiwakal ng biktima. Nabatid na tatlong beses na umanong nagtangkang magpakamatay si Chua, sa unang pagtatangka lumulon ito ng watusi, sa pangalawa at pangatlo ay nagtangka naman itong magbigti. (Lordeth Bonilla)
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/19/380754/tsinoy-nalugi-sa-negosyo-nag-suicide
Matigas na ang katawan ng biktima na si Alberto Chua habang nakabitin gamit ang isang nylon cord nang matagpuan sa loob ng stock room ng Golden Hills Lumber and Hardware sa may #495 J.P. Rizal St., Brgy. Olympia ng nasabing lungsod.
Sa inisyal na imbestigasyon ni SP01 Lewilie Cristobal, ng Homicide Section ng Makati Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) dakong alas-7:00 ng umaga nang matagpuan ng kanyang mga kaanak ang biktima na nakatali ang leeg at nakabitin sa kisame.
Unti-unting pagkalugi sa negosyo ang isa sa anggulong iniimbestigahan ngayon ng pulisya na naging dahilan umano ng pagpapatiwakal ng biktima. Nabatid na tatlong beses na umanong nagtangkang magpakamatay si Chua, sa unang pagtatangka lumulon ito ng watusi, sa pangalawa at pangatlo ay nagtangka naman itong magbigti. (Lordeth Bonilla)
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/19/380754/tsinoy-nalugi-sa-negosyo-nag-suicide
Monstrous Manila traffic jam
Traffic in Manila was tied up yesterday due to Manila Mayor Lito Atienza’s last "state-of-the-city" address at Rajah Sulaiman Park along scenic Roxas Boulevard, where he announced that he is fielding his son as the Liberal Party’s (LP) mayoralty candidate in the upcoming midterm elections in May.
Atienza’s second son, Arnold "Ali" Atienza heads the city government’s Inner-City Development program and is President Arroyo’s adviser on sports.
The closure of Roxas Boulevard for yesterday’s rally — which featured boxing champ Manny Pacquiao — tied up traffic mostly in the Malate district as vehicles were backed up for several kilometers in many directions.
Intersections were clogged bumper-to-bumper as motorists tried to find a way through. Many complained that the city government gave no traffic advisory the day before.
Police Senior Superintendent Elmer Jamias, of the Manila District Traffic Enforcement Office, said both lanes of Roxas Boulevard from Pedro Gil Street to Quirino Avenue were closed from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. yesterday.
"I have already deployed about 80 percent of our traffic personnel and we are getting support from the Manila Police District (MPD) to ensure an easy flow of traffic. But it just so happened that since it is a Thursday, a regular working day, we didn’t expect a volume of vehicles," said Jamias.
Senior Police Officer 3 Jose Cundangan partly attributed the jam to stubborn motorists who ignored detour signs.
As a result of the road closures, commuters were forced to walk to their destinations.
Atienza, who is ending his third and final term as mayor this year, is confident his son will win despite his youth.
"After holding consultations with various sectors in the youth, non-government organizations, barangay leaders, women, parishes (it showed that) there is unanimity. Ali will run for city mayor of Manila," the elder Atienza told thousands of supporters.
Atienza had initially eyed his eldest son, Kim, to be his successor. But the younger Atienza abandoned hopes of becoming mayor and instead started making his mark as a weatherman in a television station.
As for Ali’s running mate, they are still choosing from three possible contenders namely Deputy Mayor Don Bagatsing, Sixth District Councilor Greco Belgica and First District Congressman Ernesto "Banzai" Nieva.
But among the three possible vice mayoralty candidates, Bagatsing has the edge because he already had experienced campaigning citywide as Mayor Atienza’s running mate during the 2004 elections.
However, they would also consider the fact that his uncle Amado is reported to be interested to run for congressman under another political party. "In politics, families have to be united," the local chief executive said.
Bagatsing was Mayor Atienza’s running mate but lost to Vice Mayor Danilo Lacuna, who is also seeking the city’s premier post.
"The qualifications that I am looking for in all our candidates is that they should be totally committed to urban development plan of ‘Buhayin ang Maynila’ program," the elder Atienza said.
One of the biggest problems that Ali might face in this year’s election is his young age. At 34, political pundits speculate that his capability would be questioned on the campaign trail.
But his father and mentor said he believed that youth might be his son’s advantage. The elder Atienza further challenged opposing candidates to present their programs of government "and let us compete in an intelligent manner".
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/19/380629/monstrous-manila-traffic-jam
Atienza’s second son, Arnold "Ali" Atienza heads the city government’s Inner-City Development program and is President Arroyo’s adviser on sports.
The closure of Roxas Boulevard for yesterday’s rally — which featured boxing champ Manny Pacquiao — tied up traffic mostly in the Malate district as vehicles were backed up for several kilometers in many directions.
Intersections were clogged bumper-to-bumper as motorists tried to find a way through. Many complained that the city government gave no traffic advisory the day before.
Police Senior Superintendent Elmer Jamias, of the Manila District Traffic Enforcement Office, said both lanes of Roxas Boulevard from Pedro Gil Street to Quirino Avenue were closed from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. yesterday.
"I have already deployed about 80 percent of our traffic personnel and we are getting support from the Manila Police District (MPD) to ensure an easy flow of traffic. But it just so happened that since it is a Thursday, a regular working day, we didn’t expect a volume of vehicles," said Jamias.
Senior Police Officer 3 Jose Cundangan partly attributed the jam to stubborn motorists who ignored detour signs.
As a result of the road closures, commuters were forced to walk to their destinations.
Atienza, who is ending his third and final term as mayor this year, is confident his son will win despite his youth.
"After holding consultations with various sectors in the youth, non-government organizations, barangay leaders, women, parishes (it showed that) there is unanimity. Ali will run for city mayor of Manila," the elder Atienza told thousands of supporters.
Atienza had initially eyed his eldest son, Kim, to be his successor. But the younger Atienza abandoned hopes of becoming mayor and instead started making his mark as a weatherman in a television station.
As for Ali’s running mate, they are still choosing from three possible contenders namely Deputy Mayor Don Bagatsing, Sixth District Councilor Greco Belgica and First District Congressman Ernesto "Banzai" Nieva.
But among the three possible vice mayoralty candidates, Bagatsing has the edge because he already had experienced campaigning citywide as Mayor Atienza’s running mate during the 2004 elections.
However, they would also consider the fact that his uncle Amado is reported to be interested to run for congressman under another political party. "In politics, families have to be united," the local chief executive said.
Bagatsing was Mayor Atienza’s running mate but lost to Vice Mayor Danilo Lacuna, who is also seeking the city’s premier post.
"The qualifications that I am looking for in all our candidates is that they should be totally committed to urban development plan of ‘Buhayin ang Maynila’ program," the elder Atienza said.
One of the biggest problems that Ali might face in this year’s election is his young age. At 34, political pundits speculate that his capability would be questioned on the campaign trail.
But his father and mentor said he believed that youth might be his son’s advantage. The elder Atienza further challenged opposing candidates to present their programs of government "and let us compete in an intelligent manner".
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/19/380629/monstrous-manila-traffic-jam
Bata wants to don nat’l colors anew in SEAG
Given another chance, pool legend Efren "Bata" Reyes said he would represent the country in international competitions again.
Reyes, who carried the cudgels for the Filipinos in past Southeast Asian Games, said he’s willing to lead the country’s bid again in the biennial meet set this December in Bangkok, Thailand.
"It’s always an honor to play for flag and country, I would gladly take it if given another chance," said Reyes in Filipino.
The pool legend said he would have loved to play for RP in the 2006 Doha Asian Games but an earlier commitment to play in an IPT tournament, where he’s the defending champion, prevented him from joining the Asiad qualifiers.
"I really wanted to play in the Asian Games but I had a contract back then so I couldn’t play," said Reyes.
The amiable Reyes left the country Thursday for a one-week exhibition tournament in Singapore and would be back next week for a commitment to join in another exhibition event, this time against the local celebrities Jan. 24 in San Juan.
From there, Reyes, the 1999 World Pool champion, would be joining a big group of RP cue artists in the 2007 8-ball Championships set in Dubai, UAE next month.
Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Reyes’ buddy, also said he would make himself available for the Bangkok Games.
"Who would want to miss an opportunity like that?" said Bustamante, gold medalist in the 2002 Busan Asian Games.
Like Reyes, Bustamante also begged off from the Doha Games because of a previous commitment.
But Antonio "Gaga" Gabica proved he was up to the task, winning the 9-ball gold medal and a silver in the 8-ball competitions. Jeff de Luna also took the 9-ball silver.
"There are a lot of talented billiards players like us out there, it’s a matter of giving them the chance to shine," said Reyes.
https://www.philstar.com/sports/2007/01/19/380651/bata-wants-don-nat146l-colors-anew-seag
Reyes, who carried the cudgels for the Filipinos in past Southeast Asian Games, said he’s willing to lead the country’s bid again in the biennial meet set this December in Bangkok, Thailand.
"It’s always an honor to play for flag and country, I would gladly take it if given another chance," said Reyes in Filipino.
The pool legend said he would have loved to play for RP in the 2006 Doha Asian Games but an earlier commitment to play in an IPT tournament, where he’s the defending champion, prevented him from joining the Asiad qualifiers.
"I really wanted to play in the Asian Games but I had a contract back then so I couldn’t play," said Reyes.
The amiable Reyes left the country Thursday for a one-week exhibition tournament in Singapore and would be back next week for a commitment to join in another exhibition event, this time against the local celebrities Jan. 24 in San Juan.
From there, Reyes, the 1999 World Pool champion, would be joining a big group of RP cue artists in the 2007 8-ball Championships set in Dubai, UAE next month.
Francisco "Django" Bustamante, Reyes’ buddy, also said he would make himself available for the Bangkok Games.
"Who would want to miss an opportunity like that?" said Bustamante, gold medalist in the 2002 Busan Asian Games.
Like Reyes, Bustamante also begged off from the Doha Games because of a previous commitment.
But Antonio "Gaga" Gabica proved he was up to the task, winning the 9-ball gold medal and a silver in the 8-ball competitions. Jeff de Luna also took the 9-ball silver.
"There are a lot of talented billiards players like us out there, it’s a matter of giving them the chance to shine," said Reyes.
https://www.philstar.com/sports/2007/01/19/380651/bata-wants-don-nat146l-colors-anew-seag
Caloocan City police chief relieved
Chief Superintendent Pedro Tango, Northern Police District (NPD) chief, officially sacked the Caloocan City police chief yesterday, four days into the election period, with the installation of a new officer-in-charge in brief ceremonies at the city police headquarters.
Unceremoniously relieved after only nine months in his post, Senior Superintendent Geronimo Reside was replaced by Superintendent William Macavinta, a former provincial police of Aklan in Western Visayas, as officer-in-charge.
While the official line for Reside’s sudden relief was for some vague plans of higher headquarters to promote him, the former police chief claimed he was "utterly clueless" and was, in fact, genuinely surprised about the "lightning strike."
"For what reason (I was relieved), I don’t know," said Reside, claiming that the order from Tango was antedated. Tango said Reside’s relief was effective Jan. 12 yet.
Reside told The STAR he only learned about the order last Tuesday. He said he received the faxed order from Tango at around 4:30 p.m. and began packing his things shortly after. Reside said he is on floating status in the office of the NPD director.
At around 8:30 a.m. yesterday shortly before Tango and Macavinta arrived at the police station for the installation rites, a sullen-looking Reside left the police headquarters alone in his car.
Local political observers said Reside’s sacking appeared to be a move to get around the election ban on transfers or dismissal or any movement of government personnel during the election period.
Tango denied it had something to do with politics. He also said it had nothing to do with allegations Reside was yanked out because of a spate of crimes in Caloocan.
"Maybe there are other plans for him to occupy a higher position," Tango told The STAR. He added that many of Reside’s former classmates in the Philippine Military Academy are already occupying positions that required officers with the rank of chief, the equivalent of a one-star general in the military. Reside is yet to receive his first star.
Tango also denied any further plans to remove other chiefs of police in the northern Metro Manila or Camanava area, which comprises Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela.
Amid accusations of weak leadership and failing to curb rising crime in his area of responsibility, Reside said that was nothing new. "That’s just an excuse to hide the true reason. And I’m used to it. That’s how it is in the police."
Reside, however, emphasized that he has no ill feelings. "I don’t want any trouble. I was given the order. I accepted. (Tango) said there will be no turnover ceremonies, so I left before they came."
Macavinta, for his part, said he has no problems with Reside and assumed the former’s post simply because he has to follow orders. — With Pete Laude
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/19/380644/caloocan-city-police-chief-relieved
Unceremoniously relieved after only nine months in his post, Senior Superintendent Geronimo Reside was replaced by Superintendent William Macavinta, a former provincial police of Aklan in Western Visayas, as officer-in-charge.
While the official line for Reside’s sudden relief was for some vague plans of higher headquarters to promote him, the former police chief claimed he was "utterly clueless" and was, in fact, genuinely surprised about the "lightning strike."
"For what reason (I was relieved), I don’t know," said Reside, claiming that the order from Tango was antedated. Tango said Reside’s relief was effective Jan. 12 yet.
Reside told The STAR he only learned about the order last Tuesday. He said he received the faxed order from Tango at around 4:30 p.m. and began packing his things shortly after. Reside said he is on floating status in the office of the NPD director.
At around 8:30 a.m. yesterday shortly before Tango and Macavinta arrived at the police station for the installation rites, a sullen-looking Reside left the police headquarters alone in his car.
Local political observers said Reside’s sacking appeared to be a move to get around the election ban on transfers or dismissal or any movement of government personnel during the election period.
Tango denied it had something to do with politics. He also said it had nothing to do with allegations Reside was yanked out because of a spate of crimes in Caloocan.
"Maybe there are other plans for him to occupy a higher position," Tango told The STAR. He added that many of Reside’s former classmates in the Philippine Military Academy are already occupying positions that required officers with the rank of chief, the equivalent of a one-star general in the military. Reside is yet to receive his first star.
Tango also denied any further plans to remove other chiefs of police in the northern Metro Manila or Camanava area, which comprises Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela.
Amid accusations of weak leadership and failing to curb rising crime in his area of responsibility, Reside said that was nothing new. "That’s just an excuse to hide the true reason. And I’m used to it. That’s how it is in the police."
Reside, however, emphasized that he has no ill feelings. "I don’t want any trouble. I was given the order. I accepted. (Tango) said there will be no turnover ceremonies, so I left before they came."
Macavinta, for his part, said he has no problems with Reside and assumed the former’s post simply because he has to follow orders. — With Pete Laude
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/19/380644/caloocan-city-police-chief-relieved
2 dead, 10 hospitalized in ferry gas poisoning
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Two port laborers and 10 others were hospitalized yesterday after apparently inhaling noxious fumes from a ferry’s cargo hold, authorities said.
Police said the victims got down to the cargo compartment of KC Beatries when it docked here at about 7 a.m. upon its arrival from Jolo, Sulu.
Mayor Celso Lobregat said the victims were rushed to the nearby Brent Hospital, but two of them later died due to severe gas poisoning.
Lobregat said the victims were promptly rescued by their companions who also fell ill after inhaling the noxious gases emitted by dessicated copra and seaweeds in the cargo hold.
Dionicio Villaflores, one of the victims, said he saw his companions fell one by one below the lower cargo deck of the vessel.
"I attempted to rescue them but I also felt dizzy and crawled up from the deck to avoid suffocation because of the strong odor emitted by the copra and seaweeds," he recalled.
He said some of the victims had been trapped in the enclosed cargo deck for about 15 minutes before they were rescued.
Authorities said port laborers have been told to allow enclosed cargo decks to ventilate first, thus releasing the gases trapped inside, before they get inside and haul off their contents.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2007/01/19/380678/2-dead-10-hospitalized-ferry-gas-poisoning
Police said the victims got down to the cargo compartment of KC Beatries when it docked here at about 7 a.m. upon its arrival from Jolo, Sulu.
Mayor Celso Lobregat said the victims were rushed to the nearby Brent Hospital, but two of them later died due to severe gas poisoning.
Lobregat said the victims were promptly rescued by their companions who also fell ill after inhaling the noxious gases emitted by dessicated copra and seaweeds in the cargo hold.
Dionicio Villaflores, one of the victims, said he saw his companions fell one by one below the lower cargo deck of the vessel.
"I attempted to rescue them but I also felt dizzy and crawled up from the deck to avoid suffocation because of the strong odor emitted by the copra and seaweeds," he recalled.
He said some of the victims had been trapped in the enclosed cargo deck for about 15 minutes before they were rescued.
Authorities said port laborers have been told to allow enclosed cargo decks to ventilate first, thus releasing the gases trapped inside, before they get inside and haul off their contents.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2007/01/19/380678/2-dead-10-hospitalized-ferry-gas-poisoning
Oscar: Most painful decision of my life
"This is the hardest and most painful decision in my entire life."
This was how Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Calderon described his breakaway from President Arroyo yesterday.
Calderon told a press conference he telephoned Mrs. Arroyo before he formally announced his decision before television cameras, along with his officers at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
"I bade him goodbye and informed him about my defection," he said. "He wanted to see me one day to talk about all the things that caused all these events."
Calderon was reportedly forced to part ways with Mrs. Arroyo after an hour of negotiations with Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr.
Right after news of the defection of Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon and his major service commanders, Razon, Jr. took over Calderon's office.
"We therefore officially declare our withdrawal of support from the commander-in-chief, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo," Calderon said.
He, however, assured the public that the PNP will continue to serve and protect the interest of the people and maintain peace and order as mandated by law.
A bloody standoff was reportedly averted when Calderon conceded to his colleagues' advice to withdraw his support from Mrs. Arroyo.
"The PNP under my leadership is supporting the popular demand of the people and in order to maintain the integrity of the PNP institution," Calderon said.
Calderon was reportedly forced to withdraw support from Mrs. Arroyo after police officials occupied his office at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
The takeover of Calderon's office and those of his allies, Deputy Director Generals Oscar Albayalde and Ronald dela Rosa, was reportedly carried out while Calderon was meeting with Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, and Gen. Jake Malajacan outside Camp Crame.
At around noon, policemen from Southern Tagalog and Camp Crame stormed the headquarters of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force. The policemen were led by Superintendents Marcelo Garbo, Francisco Cristobal, Edgardo de Leon, Danilo Maligalig, Danilo Siongco, and Chief Inspector Ely Cruz.
Without firing a shot, the policemen easily occupied the PAOCTF offices. They were supposed to take into custody Senior Superintendent Michael Ray Aquino, the task force's operations chief.
Aquino was reportedly targeted because of his alleged role in the relief and transfer of numerous policemen to assignments in far-flung areas.
Heavily armed policemen from Southern Tagalog were reportedly smuggled inside Camp Crame before the offices of Lacson and the PAOCTF were occupied yesterday.
Two companies of Special Action Force policemen, who were assigned to defend Camp Crame from attackers, were caught off guard by the intruders.
They later shifted loyalties after the headquarters support battalion under the command of Deputy Director General Nestorio Gualberto joined the attackers.
Metro Manila policemen also took part in the occupation of Camp Crame yesterday.
Metro Manila police commander Director Avelino Razon, Jr. talked with the directors of the five metro police districts before carrying out the collective decision of withdrawing their support from Mrs. Arroyo.
Razon, Jr. said their decision to withdraw allegiance to the Chief Executive was a spontaneous reaction and that they are willing to face the consequences.
"We are here to support the people," he said at a press conference with the five district directors yesterday.
Aglipay urged Lacson to support the people's demand for Mrs. Arroyo's resignation. With reports from Pia Lee-Brago, Non Alquitran, and Liberty Dones
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/20/89419/ping-most-painful-decision-my-life
This was how Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Calderon described his breakaway from President Arroyo yesterday.
Calderon told a press conference he telephoned Mrs. Arroyo before he formally announced his decision before television cameras, along with his officers at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
"I bade him goodbye and informed him about my defection," he said. "He wanted to see me one day to talk about all the things that caused all these events."
Calderon was reportedly forced to part ways with Mrs. Arroyo after an hour of negotiations with Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr.
Right after news of the defection of Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon and his major service commanders, Razon, Jr. took over Calderon's office.
"We therefore officially declare our withdrawal of support from the commander-in-chief, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo," Calderon said.
He, however, assured the public that the PNP will continue to serve and protect the interest of the people and maintain peace and order as mandated by law.
A bloody standoff was reportedly averted when Calderon conceded to his colleagues' advice to withdraw his support from Mrs. Arroyo.
"The PNP under my leadership is supporting the popular demand of the people and in order to maintain the integrity of the PNP institution," Calderon said.
Calderon was reportedly forced to withdraw support from Mrs. Arroyo after police officials occupied his office at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
The takeover of Calderon's office and those of his allies, Deputy Director Generals Oscar Albayalde and Ronald dela Rosa, was reportedly carried out while Calderon was meeting with Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, and Gen. Jake Malajacan outside Camp Crame.
At around noon, policemen from Southern Tagalog and Camp Crame stormed the headquarters of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force. The policemen were led by Superintendents Marcelo Garbo, Francisco Cristobal, Edgardo de Leon, Danilo Maligalig, Danilo Siongco, and Chief Inspector Ely Cruz.
Without firing a shot, the policemen easily occupied the PAOCTF offices. They were supposed to take into custody Senior Superintendent Michael Ray Aquino, the task force's operations chief.
Aquino was reportedly targeted because of his alleged role in the relief and transfer of numerous policemen to assignments in far-flung areas.
Heavily armed policemen from Southern Tagalog were reportedly smuggled inside Camp Crame before the offices of Lacson and the PAOCTF were occupied yesterday.
Two companies of Special Action Force policemen, who were assigned to defend Camp Crame from attackers, were caught off guard by the intruders.
They later shifted loyalties after the headquarters support battalion under the command of Deputy Director General Nestorio Gualberto joined the attackers.
Metro Manila policemen also took part in the occupation of Camp Crame yesterday.
Metro Manila police commander Director Avelino Razon, Jr. talked with the directors of the five metro police districts before carrying out the collective decision of withdrawing their support from Mrs. Arroyo.
Razon, Jr. said their decision to withdraw allegiance to the Chief Executive was a spontaneous reaction and that they are willing to face the consequences.
"We are here to support the people," he said at a press conference with the five district directors yesterday.
Aglipay urged Lacson to support the people's demand for Mrs. Arroyo's resignation. With reports from Pia Lee-Brago, Non Alquitran, and Liberty Dones
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/20/89419/ping-most-painful-decision-my-life
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