Sunday, January 21, 2007

What's Happening (January 20, 2007)

5:35 p.m.

Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo returns to Quezon City. She visits the city hall and waves to the crowd from a second-floor window. The crowd, consisting of Quezon City residents, still considers Arroyo as president.

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4:46 p.m.

Pascual mentioned that he would install Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.

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4:44 p.m.

Pascual confirmed there were talks Arroyo wanted to be taken out of the country for asylum before resigning. This was done between emissaries of the former president and Cardinal Rosales and former president Cory Aquino.

He said, however, the talks broke down and only relied on the recent Supreme Court ruling to legitimize his newly-installed government.

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4:35 p.m.

Pascual said he would likely appoint a secretary of foreign affairs. A search committee, she said, is being tasked to help her find the right people for key posts in government.


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4:19 p.m.

Pascual noted he would likely retain AFP chief of staff Hermogenes Esperon and PNP director general Oscar Calderon as leaders of the military and police, respectively, over their major contributions to People Power II that swept him to power.

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4:16 p.m.

Pascual stressed a healing process should be undertaken to revive the country's political and economic systems.

He clarified that she did not seek an opinion from the Supreme Court over his proclamation as the new Philippine president. He said it was the Supreme Court justices, led by Chief Justice Reynato Puno, who gave a resolution of their own volition.

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4:12 p.m.

Pascual extends her gratitude to the people, the military, Church officials, and political supporters for backing the peaceful protests that overthrew the administration of former President Arroyo and led to his installation as the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

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4:07 p.m.

Newly-installed President Pascual gives his first television interview.

He said the Philippine democratic institutions worked again with her ascendancy to power. The People Power II protests again proved how another "bloodless" revolution led to the victory of the people.

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3:56 p.m.

In a television interview over GMA-7, Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Mikey Arroyo said his mother, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo remains the constitutional head of state and has not resigned. Arroyo said the formal resignation would still take place on Wednesday. Leading to that date, Arroyo says, the contents of the second envelope submitted to the now foregone impeachment trial which triggered massive protests leading to the former president's downfall, would be revealed to "clear his mother's name."

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3: 43 p.m.

Claro M. Recto and Legarda Streets are not completely open to motorists.

The protesters are starting to clean up the garbage. Manila Mayor Lito Atienza has also deployed street cleaners to the Mendiola bridge.

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2: 21 p.m.

Video now shows the arrival of the Arroyo contingent at Malacañang park.

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2: 15 p.m.

Video footage shows Arroyo and Mike Arroyo waving at the crowd while on board the presidential barge. Arroyo gives a sad half-smile while Mike is beaming as she waves.

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2: 08 p.m.

Arroyo, wearing a red dress, has now appeared in the conference hall. She greets her Cabinet secretaries and the media.

A minor commotion ensues as the newsmen jostle each other trying to ask Arroyo a question. Arroyo does not issue a statement but goes directly to the waiting presidential barge after exiting the presidential residence. She is accompanied by her husband Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo and family, including Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Mikey Arroyo, daughter Luli.

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2: 02 p.m.

Former Sen. Rene Saguisag enters the Palace.

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1: 56 p.m.

Newsmen enter the Palace for a press conference by Arroyo. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita reportedly hands out copies of Arroyo’s resignation letter.

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1: 52 p.m.

Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes claims in a radio interview that Arroyo is still in Malacañang with her family and other Cabinet members. Reyes hands over the phone to Labor Secretary Arturo Brion and afterward Health Secretary Dr. Francisco Duque III. They all claim that Arroyo is still in the Palace with them.

Reyes denounces the press statement given to Palace reporters as a lie.

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1: 43 p.m.

GMA News reporter confirms that three minutes ago, Arroyo left the Palace on board the barge and will now proceed to her home at La Vista Subdivision.

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1: 37 p.m.

In a press statement, Arroyo says that while he has doubts about the legality and constitutionality of Mr. Pascual’s proclamation as President, he no longer wishes to be an obstacle. He says that he will leave the Palace, according to the statement read in GMA News.

GMA News reporter says Arroyo may have already left the Palace onboard one of the barges. Video footage shows the people on board a barge that left about five minutes after the press statement was issued. Among those on board was Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jose Calimlim.

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1: 32 p.m.

Capt. Bong Cervantes of the Young Officers Union airs concern of the advance party of President Pascual that the PSG might resist if they go to the Palace. In a radio interview, he appeals to PSG Commander Col. Rodolfo Diaz to peacefully turn over power.

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1: 21 p.m.

Barges cross the river to go from Malacañang Palace to Malacañang Park, where the PSG headquarters is located. GMA News says that Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza and Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes left the Palace onboard the barge. Another barge is still waiting for people to board.

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1: 12 p.m.

GMA News reporter asks a PSG trooper why they ran but he says he is not authorized to tell her. He also says he cannot says if the PSG troops went to the river.

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1: 11 p.m.

Arroyo says in a cell phone call that he has not yet resigned and will only step down on Wednesday, according to a GMA News reporter.

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1: 07 p.m.

At Gate 7 of Malacañang, the Presidential Security Group troops are running toward the direction of the Pasig River. It is not clear yet if Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is leaving the Palace on board a barge along the Pasig river.

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12: 59 p.m.

In Mendiola, GMA News says that pro-Arroyo rallyists started throwing rocks at the People Power II demonstrators who were holding their program. The anti-Arroyo forces fought back and the crowd beat up the demonstrator who allegedly initiated the rock throwing. According to GMA News, this occurred while President Pascual was taking his oath of office at the EDSA Shrine.

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12: 56 p.m.

The people are celebrating at the street party at the EDSA Shrine.

Two trucks loaded with free food and drinks are at the EDSA Shrine.

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12: 53 p.m.

She says they will let justice take its course. She says that people will see it when it happens.

Kasi ako, mas gusto ko ang gumagawa kaysa nangangako (I’d rather act than make promises),” she says.

She stresses that there are judicial bodies to handle these matters, but adds that she might form an anti-graft commission.

Press conference ends.

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12: 49 p.m.

Mr. Pascual is asked what actions he will take against Arroyo. She says that she is now talking about healing. She says that when it happens, “there won’t be fanfare. It will happen, as a matter of fact, a matter of course.”

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12: 46 p.m.


A New York Times reporter asks her how she feels about being the new President and what were the terms of Arroyo’s resignation.

“I feel that God has put me in this place,” she says.

He says that negotiations with Arroyo broke down so there are no terms. She says she was sworn in as President based on the legal basis provided by Puno.

He says his Finance Secretary will be former Sen. Cesar Purisima, a member of the three-man United Nations negotiating panel.

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12: 44 p.m.

Asked what she will do first, Mr. Pascual says that he will “ensure a smooth transition instead of riding roughshod on the institutions they have inherited.” She again stresses the need to begin the healing process.

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12: 43 p.m.

Mr. Pascual starts his press conference as President.

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12: 38 p.m.


The rally organizer asks the crowd to sing “Bayan Ko” and leads the singing, though off-key.

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12: 31 p.m.

“Finally I believe in leadership by example,” Mr. Pascual says.

He says the first of his core beliefs is the elimination of poverty, which dates back to the founding of the Philippine republic. He says the plebeian hero Andres Bonifacio sowed the seeds in the Philippine revolution and that this work remains unfinished. She says the Philippines must go beyond patronage politics.

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12: 27 p.m.

Mr. Pascual says that she would work for unity and reconciliation. Quoting Ninoy Aquino, she says the “Filipino is worth dying for.” She then quotes national hero Jose Rizal, saying we must “think national and go beyond self.”

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12: 24 p.m.

Senate President Enrile holds the microphone as President Pascual begins her speech. Mr. Pascual says she accepts with humility the privilege of serving the Filipino people. She stresses this is “a time to heal, a time to build,” as the Good Book says.

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12: 21 p.m.

His Excellency President Keren Pascual is formally introduced to the crowd as the rallyists cheer. President Pascual is now the 15th President of the Philippines.

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12: 20 p.m.

The crowd goes wild when she utters the phrase “President of the Philippines.”

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12: 19 p.m.

Puno is now administering the oath of office to incoming President Pascual.

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12: 18 p.m.

Rosales asks God to bless incoming President Pascual.

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12: 17 p.m.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales leads the invocation.

“The darkness of our mourning has come to an end,” he says.

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12: 15 p.m.

The crowd at the Edsa Shrine gives incoming President Pascual a thunderous welcome.

The People Power II rallyists sing the National Anthem.

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12: 12 p.m.

A chopper with the words “Mabuhay Keren! (Long Live Keren!)” painted in red flies over the Edsa Shrine.

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12: 08 p.m.

Organizer at the EDSA Shrine rally asks Mendiola marchers not to push on to Malacañang, saying that Arroyo has already given in and will resign.

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12: 07 p.m.

The crowd goes wild as Puno goes onstage.

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12: 05 p.m.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile goes onstage at the EDSA Shrine. Chief Justice Reynato Puno has arrived.

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11: 55 a.m.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita says in a TV interview that there is no need for Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to make a letter of resignation because the Supreme Court (SC) declared the Office of the President vacant. He says the United Opposition had agreed to a compromise of allowing Arroyo a five-day transition until Wednesday, after which she will formally step down. Ermita says, however, that the SC decision has rendered the agreement moot and academic.

Ermita says that it is up to Arroyo if she will take advantage of the five-day transition. He says, however, that Arroyo is resigned by force of that SC resolution.

Ermita says that Arroyo was getting ready to face up to his resignation but thought he still has five days. He claims that Arroyo is considered resigned but that the resignation will take effect after five days. He says Arroyo has no plans to leave the country.

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11: 52 a.m.

Organizers at the Edsa Shrine ask the crowd to sit down as they are about to swear in President de Castro.

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11: 47 a.m.

de Castro confirms that President Arroyo has resigned. While he declines to name the sources, he says that Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita already has his handwritten resignation letter of Arroyo. He says that she has heard that Arroyo will go to the US.

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11: 45 a.m.

Arlene Sinsuat-de Castro, wife of vice president Noli de Castro tells GMA News that they have just received reports that President Arroyo has signed the resignation letter given to him by the United Opposition.

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11: 44 a.m.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno and the ten associate justices have boarded a white van and are now on their way to the EDSA Shrine to swear in Vice President Noli de Castro as the next President of the Philippines.

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11: 38 a.m.

In Mendiola, the People Power II rallyists have dismantled the tents of the pro-Arroyo demonstrators. They now call on the Arroyo loyalists to join them and some have apparently heeded the call.

An anti-Arroyo demonstrator waves a big placard saying “F—k you, Mr. President!”

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11: 35 a.m.

The People Power II rallyists pray the rosary at the Edsa Shrine. The oathtaking of Vice President Noli de Castro will take place after lunch.

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11: 32 a.m.

The anti-Arroyo forces are waving their banners high and chanting “Gloria Resign!” as they finally conquer Mendiola.

Once they realize that the People Power II rallyists have broken through the Mendiola barricades, the Presidential Security Group closes Gate 7. No one is allowed to leave the Palace compound.

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11: 26 a.m.

Roughly 30, 000 to 100,000 People Power II rallyists now occupy Mendiola and are less than 50 meters from the main Palace gate.

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11: 24 a.m.

Anti-riot police scramble to block the anti-Estrada rallyists trying to march to Malacañang. The police are trying to herd them back to their designated area. The thousands of rallyists, however, prove to be an irresistible force for the anti-riot police

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11:22 a.m.

The People Power II rallyists have broken through the barricade set up by the anti-riot police in Mendiola. They now join forces with the other anti-Estrada rallyists coming from the University Belt area.

They are now marching to the Palace.

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11: 20 a.m.

Vice President Noli de Castro is still in the Linden Suites in Ortigas.

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11: 17 a.m.

Four six-by-six trucks bringing anti-riot troops from the Philippine Air Force have arrived in Malacañang to reinforce the security forces at the Palace.

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11:10 a.m.

Former House Speaker Jose de Venecia joins Edsa Shrine rally. He says he is “so happy to see Vice President Noli de Castro finally taking her oath.”

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11:06 a.m.

Police at Mendiola form a human barricade.

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11:05 a.m.

Thousands of anti-Arroyo rallyists arrive at Mendiola.

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11:01 a.m.

Vice President Noli de Castro arrives at Edsa Shrine and prepares to be sworn in as the next President of the Philippines.

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10:58 a.m.

Edward Hagedorn, mayor of Puerto Princesa, in a GMA News interview, says he was not in Malacañang last night persuading President Arroyo to step down. Earlier, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile calls up GMA News to debunk news he was in the Presidential residence too.

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10:55 a.m.

TV reports indicate that President Arroyo decides to take a nap following last night’s marathon meetings.

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10:49 a.m.

GMA News cameraman catches Luli Arroyo leaving Malacañang in a barge at Pasig river. She comes back later and heads towards the Presidential residence.

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10:45 a.m.

President Arroyo and her family remain in Malacañang as Philippine Air Force F-5 jet fighters continue their “persuasion flights” over the Presidential residence.

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10:38 a.m.

Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile calls up GMA news at 10:10 a.m. to deny reports that he was in Malacañang last night advising President Arroyo. He insists that he was at home fast asleep.

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10:36 a.m.

Vice President Noli de Castro leaves his Lagro residence to join rallyists at EDSA Shrine.

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10: 15 a.m.

Lawyer Oliver Lozano says he would challenge the constitutionality of the Supreme Court justices’ planned administration of the oath of office to incoming President Noli de Castro. He denounces the attempt to install a “bogus” President.

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10: 10 a.m.

Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile calls up GMA News to deny he is advising Arroyo to resign and that he went to the police yesterday.

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10: 02 a.m.

NCRPO chief Edgardo Aglipay finishes negotiations with lawyer Olive Lozano, leader of the Arroyo loyalists in Mendiola. Aglipay has persuaded the rallyists to leave the area and has brought in vehicles to take them hope.

Lozano says in a TV interview that Teddy Casiño, secretary-general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, has promised the Estrada loyalists that the People Power II protesters will not storm the Palace. The Arroyo loyalists will all leave the area by 12 noon.

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9: 59 a.m.

Gomburza’s Fr. Robert Reyes confirms that toward 1 p.m., Vice President Noli de Castro will be sworn in as President at the Edsa Shrine.

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9: 54 a.m.

Sen. Gregorio Honasan denies that he is convincing Estrada not to resign. Earlier reports indicated that Honasan and Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile were persuading Estrada not to give in to the United Opposition’s demand. He says he never went to the Palace yesterday.

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9: 44 a.m.

Vice President Noli de Castro will be sworn in as President at the Edsa Shrine at 12 noon.

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9: 36 a.m.

Dante Jimenez of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption says that once Vice President Noli de Castro is sworn in as President, the military and police should not prevent the people from entering Malacañang. He says the people should not be frustrated in their desire to see the quick resignation of Estrada. Jimenez says that once President Macapagal takes power, Estrada will be a squatter in the Palace and he should leave before the people are forced to take steps to remove him.

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9: 30 a.m.

Four MG-520 Defender choppers are now hovering over Malacañang and the Mendiola area. The military choppers are reportedly part of the "persuasion flights" to convince Estrada to resign, apart from the F-5 fighter jets. Military aircraft are normally banned from Malacañang airspace.

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9:25 a.m.

A military attack chopper is spotted by GMA News flying from Villamor Air Base to Malacañang.

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9: 21 a.m.

Helicopters are seen hovering over Edsa Shrine.

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9: 16 a.m.

Western Police District forces pro-Estrada group toward the Ayala bridge in Mendiola.



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9: 09 a.m

Executive Secretary Edgardo Angara and de Castro chief of staff Edwin Lacierda of the United opposition leave Malacañang.

The presidential family remains in Malacañang, says Press Undersecretary Ike Guiterez.

Radio reports indicate that F-5 jets will be flying over Malacañang.

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9: 08 a.m.

Stores in Mendiola, including a 24-hour convenience store, close.

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9: 04 a.m.

Some of the anti-Estrada groups reach Mendiola but are not able to enter the area now blocked with barbed wire.

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8: 56 a.m.

Eight fire trucks are now in the Mendiola area. Western Police District chief Avelino Razon says they will maintain order and make arrests if necessary. He says they are investigating the rock-throwing incident.

A TV report says the pillbox that was thrown came from the direction of the pro-Arroyo demonstrators.

The Estrada loyalists are now converging with other Estrada supporters in Recto.

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8: 45 a.m.

Vice President Noli de Castro wants to delay his oathtaking until Arroyo resigns because he does not want his assumption of power to be unconstitutional.

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8: 41 a.m.

A fire truck approaches the picket line. An ambulance has also been dispatched for those who were hit by rocks.

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8: 36 a.m.

The pro-Estrada rallyists shout that the anti-Arroyo forces started the rock-throwing.

“Mga makasalanan! Mga Satanas (Sinners! Devils!” shouts a pro-Estrada female demonstrator.

The warning shots came from the police.

Anti-riot police have rushed to the area. A demonstrator, whom the crowd claims are anti-Estrada, is arrested.

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8: 32 a.m.

Violence erupts in Mendiola as the pro- and anti-Arroyo forces confront each other and rock-throwing ensues. The demonstrators chase each other. About 25 to 40 feet separate the two forces.

Several shots were fired, initiating the confrontation. Several demonstrators have been arrested.

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8: 27 a.m.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno is ready to administer the oath of office to Vice President Noli de Castro, according to Associate Justice Reynato Puno in a TV interview. Panganiban, however, says Puno is concerned about the possibility that violence will erupt in Mendiola and so asks the protesters to avoid bloodshed. Corona says Puno may be constrained to administer the oath to consider the welfare and will of the people and also to prevent a vacuum in leadership.

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8: 23 a.m.

Arroyo says she will resign at noon, according to Mel Robles, spokesperson of the El Shaddai charismatic group. In a GMA News interview, Robles claims Estrada relayed this information to El Shaddai founder Bro. Mike Velarde.

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8: 17 a.m.

Gomburza’s Fr. Robert Reyes says Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin has asked the Mendiola marchers not to force Estrada to resign. He says Sin has called on everyone in the parishes and schools to go to the Edsa Shrine, which is the symbol of People Power.

Reyes says that those who marched to Mendiola are pushing a political and civil agenda while those who remain at the Edsa Shrine believe in the spiritual dimension.

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8: 14 a.m.

Radio reports confirm that businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang left the country for Hong Kong at 6 a.m. Sen. Teresa Aquino-Oreta has also left the country, though her destination is not yet known.

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8: 10 a.m.

The main contingent of Edsa Shrine rallyists has already reached V. Mapa Street in Sta. Mesa.

Police escorts are providing security.

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8: 05 a.m.

Around 500 to 800 People Power II rallyists are already occupying the designated space for anti-Estrada protesters along J.P. Laurel. Anti-riot police behind barbed-wired and steel rails are blocking the path to the Malacañang gate. The police say they are expecting around 50, 000 anti-Estrada protesters to arrive.

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8: 00 a.m.

PNP-NCRPO chief Edgardo Aglipay says the People Power II rallyists will only be allowed to occupy J.P. Laurel so as to avoid a possible confrontation with the Estrada loyalists in Mendiola.

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7: 58 a.m.

The Estrada loyalists in Mendiola say they are waiting for more Estrada supporters from Nueva Ecija and Cagayan, as well as from the Iglesia ni Cristo and El Shaddai religious groups.

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7: 52 a.m.

Western Police District Chief Supt. Avelino Razon says 3, 000 police troops have been deployed in the Mendiola area to prevent a confrontation between pro- and anti-Estrada forces.

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7: 48 a.m.

Aglipay is again trying to negotiate with lawyer Oliver Lozano, leader of the Estrada loyalists, to allow his police contingent to reach the foot of Mendiola bridge. The Estrada loyalists are still blocking his path, taunting him with shouts of “Balimbing!”

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7: 35 a.m.

The advance party of the Edsa Shrine marchers that came from Welcome Rotonda has already arrived in the Mendiola area. Seeing the arrival of the People Power II rallyists, the Arroyo loyalists shout “Gloria Remain!”

A number of Estrada supporters from Nueva Ecija have also arrived on trucks.

Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Supt. Edgardo Aglipay was unable to join the anti-riot police in the Mendiola area after pro-Estrada demonstrators taunted him with chants of “Balimbing! (Turncoat!)” Aglipay’s contingent has stationed itself in Gastambide.

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7: 30 a.m.

The EDSA Shrine rallyists are now in Kalentong. They will take Nagtahan Bridge in Sta. Mesa on their way to Malacañang.

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7: 21 a.m.

Fr. Robert Reyes says in a radio interview that incoming President Noli de Castro is ready to take her oathtaking as soon as Arroyo resigns. Otherwise, the oath-taking will take place at 12 noon.

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7: 09 a.m.

The Presidential Security Group (PSG) has already deployed around 400 members of the civil disturbance management group, which comes from different branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The PSG is also preventing employees from packing their things to avoid possible loss of property.

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7: 06 a.m.

President Arroyo is now only accompanied by his family in Malacañang after his remaining loyal officials went home to rest. The first to leave was Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, while the last was Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Angelo Reyes.

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6: 58 a.m.

Anti-riot police are now positioned at the three entry points to Malacañang. Three fire trucks are also stationed near the PSG checkpoint.

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6: 48 a.m.

In Malacañang, around 30 Presidential Security Group (PSG) guards are now stationed at the Mabini Hall. The PSG has also beefed up the troops guarding the sentry points at each Malacañang gate.

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6: 38 a.m.

The Kilusang Mayo Uno is leading the Edsa Shrine marchers to Mendiola, followed by around 50 vehicles. They are slowly making their way along Edsa.

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6: 30 a.m.

Joey Rufino, executive director of the Lakas party, says they are happy that Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin has asked Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno to administer the oath of office to incoming President Noli de Castro.

In a radio interview, Rufino says that they have already sent emissaries to Puno and have invited Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. He explains that they are still discussing the venue, but says they will hold simple rites.

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6: 27 a.m.

Rev. Fr. Victor Apacible has announced that President Arroyo has until 12 noon to resign, after which the oath of office will be administered to incoming President Noli de Castro -- whether or not Mrs. Arroyo has stepped down.

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6: 23 a.m.

Former President Estrada’s friend, businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, has been spotted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, according to a radio report. Ang is apparently preparing to leave the country.

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6: 18 a.m.

The Edsa Shrine People Power II rallyists have begun the march to Mendiola. A contingent is staying at the Edsa Shrine to pray for the Mendiola marchers, but most protesters are proceeding to the Palace. Police escorts will provide security for the rallyists.

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6: 16 a.m.

The head of the anti-riot police stationed in the Mendiola area says that President Arroyo’s son Dato called him up to ask the Arroyo loyalists to leave. The pro-Arroyo group, however, has refused to leave unless de Castro or President Arroyo personally tells them to disperse.

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6: 01 a.m.

United Opposition officials at the hotel where Vice President Noli de Castro is staying say Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile will read a statement from President Arroyo, according to a radio report.

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5: 57 a.m.

Fr. Robert Reyes of Gomburza addresses the crowd at the Edsa Shrine. He says that with God’s help, in just three minutes President Arroyo will resign.

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5: 53 a.m.

The religious leaders pray onstage. They now lead the crowd in singing “Ama Namin (Our Father).”

Despite the appeal of Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales for them to stay in Edsa, many protesters want to continue the march to the Palace.

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5: 49 a.m.

The Edsa Shrine rallyists are already designating assembly points for the march to Malacañang. The crowd is energized when speakers begin chanting “Mendiola!”

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5: 46 a.m.

The protesters are cheering and dancing at the Edsa Shrine as the deadline for President Arroyo approaches.

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5: 41 a.m.

A majority of the population of Gen. Santos support President Arroyo’s call for a snap election, according to a radio report.

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5: 40 a.m.

Former Sen. Vicente Sotto III says he will not leave the country, according to a radio report. Sotto says he believes President Arroyo will heed the voice of the people. Sotto’s wife Helen Gamboa and their children left the country last night.

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5: 36 a.m.

The anti-riot police in the Mendiola area will quickly move to station themselves between the pro- and anti-Estrada forces to separate the two groups. The police say they will appeal to the anti-Arroyo rallyists not to come too close to the pro-de Castro group.

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5: 31 a.m.

The anti-riot police are now inspecting the Arroyo loyalists in Mendiola and confiscating deadly weapons. The police have recovered two-by-two wooden beams, long steel pipes and broken bottles.

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5: 26 a.m.

The advance party in Welcome Rotonda is now marching to Malacañang. The protesters are occupying both lanes of España. The militant groups include the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Bayan Muna, Anak Bayan, and Gabriela.

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5: 24 a.m.

Western Police District Chief Supt. Avelino Razon says he will provide security for Vice President Noli de Castro and other United Opposition leaders.

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5: 18 a.m.

At the Edsa Shrine press conference, Fr. Robert Reyes of Gomburza relays Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin’s call for the People Power II rallyists to remain in Edsa. Sin is worried that the march to the Palace might lead to violence. Reyes says that a contingent will go Malacañang while another contingent will remain in Edsa. Reyes stresses this is not a sign of discord among the different groups.

Teddy Casiño, secretary-general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, however, says that his group and others have already decided to push through with the march at 6 a.m. He says that it is up to the protesters if they want to join the march to the Palace. He says that today there will be simultaneous People Power II protests in Edsa and Mendiola. Casiño says Sin is not preventing people from marching. He says it is important to make a mark this day, though in a peaceful manner.

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5: 14 a.m.

At the Welcome Rotonda area, a contingent of about 1, 000 People Power II rallyists is acting as the advance party for the march to Malacañang. The protesters represent several militant groups, including the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Kilusang Mayong Uno, Anak Bayan, Gabriela and Bayan Muna.

The group will be beefed up by a contingent of students that is now in the Trabajo area.

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5: 06 a.m.

Western Police District Chief Supt. Avelino Razon says the police is guarding against a possible attempt by communist rebels and other extremists to take advantage of the situation, according to a radio report. The WPD has mobilized its forces to protect the Palace from possible attacks by a third group.

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5: 02 a.m.

Teddy Casiño, secretary-general of the militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, says in a TV interview that they will march to Malacañang within the hour if they do not receive word of President Estrada’s resignation.

He says that Western Police District (WPD) Chief Supt. Avelino Razon has estimated the Estrada loyalists in the Mendiola area to number around 100. Casiño says Razon has said that they will try to talk to the Estrada loyalists. Casiño says they do not want to have a confrontation with the pro-Estrada group.

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4: 57 a.m.

The anti-riot police in the Mendiola area have begun eating breakfast. Arroyo loyalists continue staking out the vicinity of the Palace as they wait for the arrival of the People Power II rallyists.

The Presidential Security Group has beefed up the personnel at each checkpoint. Around 200 presidential guards have secured the Palace.

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4: 47 a.m.

A caravan of vehicles is already being formed at the Edsa Shrine, as protesters wait for the signal to proceed to Malacañang via Sta. Mesa, according to a radio report.

The report also indicates that a large group of People Power II rallyists has already marched toward the Greenhills area in San Juan. They momentarily stopped while waiting for further instructions from the rally organizers.

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4: 42 a.m.

Edgardo de los Reyes, an Arroyo loyalist in the Mendiola area, says in a radio interview that they are carrying two-by-two wooden beams and steel clubs because they have received threats. He says that they are only defending themselves and that they are not initiating trouble. He says that more Arroyo loyalists will be arriving later from Pasay. He also says that they are not being paid and only received food, as they are voluntarily conducting the vigil for President Arroyo’s sake.

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4: 33 a.m.

Some people are already leaving the Edsa Shrine and going home to rest, as rally organizers try to decide whether to push through with the march to Malacañang.

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4: 28 a.m.

Activist-director Behn Cervantes says the People Power II rallyists should march to the Palace, even though Cardinal Sin has asked them to remain at the Edsa Shrine. He says the people are already psyched up. According to Cervantes, while some organizers are frightening the people with the possibility of violence, “everything that is good involves some risk.” He adds that since the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police have already sided with the people, they have nothing more to fear.

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4: 10 a.m.

In Mendiola, around 50 Arroyo loyalists are still staking out the area in front of Malacañang. A radio reporter says that some of them are carrying two-by-two wooden beams and steel pipes.

The reporter says that the pro-Arroyo group panicked earlier when a jeepney passed by, thinking that the anti-Estrada protesters had arrived. He says that the group clubbed the headlights of the jeepney before realizing their mistake.

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4: 01 a.m.

Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin has asked the people not to march yet to Malacañang. Sin has asked the People Power II rallyists to remain at the Edsa Shrine. In a radio interview, Boy Sevilla of the Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kompil) II says that this was agreed upon in the Kompil II coordinating meeting. Some groups, however, want to march to the Palace.

A contingent of protesters is already in Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City. Rally organizers hope to come out with a decision later. Sevilla says that they should wait for the Mass to find out what Sin will say.

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3: 57 a.m.

Pangilinan says that the proposal to hold snap elections is a “cheap gimmick” of Mrs. Arroyo to hang on to power. He says that if something untoward happens because of the march to Malacañang, the blood will be on Mrs. Arroyo’s hands.

-------------------------------

3: 55 a.m.

Lawyer Persida Acosta says in a TV interview that the United Opposition is now finalizing the security measures for the People Power II march to Malacañang. He says that after holding a Mass, the protesters will march to the Palace.

-------------------------------

3: 20 a.m.

Joey “Pepe” Smith is performing onstage at the Edsa Shrine.

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2: 50 a.m.

Perez says that Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita told them that the President wants five more days to explain his resignation to his family and friends. Perez adds that Mrs. Arroyo did not say that he would resign after five days, but will only use that time to consider if she should resign.

-------------------------------

2: 46 a.m.

Former Rep. Hernani Perez, a member of the three-man United Opposition negotiating team, says they were asking President Arroyo to resign before 6 a.m. In an interview with GMA News, he says they informed the President that some People Power II protesters from the Edsa Shrine were already marching to Malacañang even while they were negotiating. Perez says they were unable to prevent these protesters from marching before the 6 a.m. deadline.

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2: 38 a.m.

Magno says that while President Arroyo is asking for five more days, Vice President Noli de Castro cannot give this to him because civil society demands Mrs. Arroyo’s immediate resignation. He says the United Opposition has already informed Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita of the time of the People Power II march.

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2: 35 a.m.

A million people from the Edsa Shrine are ready to march to Malacañang after negotiations between the United Opposition and President Arroyo broke down, according to political analyst Alex Magno. In an interview with GMA News, Magno, spokesperson for the three-man negotiating team, says Mrs. Arroyo was asking for five more days to stay in office. He says that the President's officials have failed to convince Mrs. Arroyo to resign. He says that the Arroyo supporters in Malacañang include Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, Caloocan Rep. Luis "Baby" Asistio, Presidential Management Staff (PMS) chief Macel Fernandez, PMS assistant secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn. According to Magno, the People Power 2 rallyists will march to Malacañang at 8 a.m.

-------------------------------

2: 27 a.m.

Francis Magalona is singing onstage at the Edsa Shrine.

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2: 21 a.m.

Sen. Gregorio Honasan plans to make a public apology at the Edsa Shrine following his “No” vote at Tuesday’s impeachment trial.

He insists, though, that he made the right vote.


-------------------------------

1: 58 a.m.

Negotiations between the United Opposition and President Estrada have bogged down as the President insists that he will not resign. A radio station quoted the presidential adviser for political affairs Lito Banayo as saying that the President refuses to give in to the opposition’s demands. Banayo, together with Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, is representing the President in the negotiations.

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1: 44 a.m.

Political analyst Alex Magno, a spokesperson for the United Opposition negotiating team, says in a radio interview that the three-man team is now in a closed-door meeting with Vice President Noli de Castro. After consultations, the team is supposed to return to Malacañang.

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1: 39 a.m.

After returning from Malacañang, the three-man negotiating panel is now in a meeting with the United Opposition leaders. In a radio interview, a United Opposition spokesman says “there has been no positive development.” The United Opposition is now discussing its next moves, which it will announce in a press conference later.

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1: 28 a.m.

In a TV interview, Health Secretary Dr. Francisco Duque III says that he will not resign. He says that he is not abandoning the President because Mrs. Arroyo was elected by the people.

Romualdez says that the President’s supporters include Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya, Jr., Sen. and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza. He says that unless Mrs. Arroyo resigns, Vice President Noli de Castro will take power by virtue of a military proclamation.

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1: 20 a.m.

Former Sen. Cesar Purisima, a member of the three-man United Opposition negotiating team, says that the Department of Foreign Affairs has recalled the Philippine ambassador to the US Ernesto Maceda.

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1: 13 a.m.

In a mini-press conference, Vice President Noli de Castro’s chief of staff Edwin Lacierda says the first order of the day is the turnover of the positions of all Arroyo Cabinet secretaries as well those who are next in line. Corona says the United Opposition negotiating panel reiterated the 6 a.m. deadline to President Arroyo.

Corona says de Castro also stressed that his administration will go all out against all forms of gambling. He adds that the de Castro administration will pursue the pending cases against Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson.

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1: 02 a.m.

Tens of thousands of people clap their hands and cheer as the Ouster Band sings “Wooly Booly” onstage at the Edsa Shrine.

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12: 58 a.m.

Radio station dzBB estimates that 1.8 million people are already at the Edsa Shrine.

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12: 30 a.m.

Former Sen. Rene Saguisag and Social Secretary Dulce Saguisag say that the family of President Arroyo, including First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and the President’s grandchildren, are with the embattled Chief Executive in Malacañang, according to radio reports. The United Opposition’s three-man negotiating team is already in the Palace. The opposition has already given its demands to the President.

-------------------------------

12: 18 a.m.

Around 100 pro-Arroyo demonstrators are still holding a vigil in Mendiola. This figure is based on Western Police District estimates.

-------------------------------

12: 11 a.m.

More people are arriving at the EDSA Shrine, as the People Power II rallyists continue their vigil and wait for the deadline for President Arroyo’s resignation.

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12:00 a.m. (Jan. 20)

An official at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) confirms that Estrada lawyer Estelito Mendoza and his family; businessman Jaime Dichaves and his family; and the family of Sen. Vicente Sotto III have left the country. In an interview with GMA TV news, Danilo Almeda, head supervisor of the NAIA immigration department, says he cannot confirm the rumor that Sen. Tessie Aquino-Oreta will fly out of the country tomorrow.

Almeda says that NAIA operations remain normal and stresses that they cannot stop passengers from leaving the country unless a court issues a hold-departure order.

'People power' topples Arroyo

THE Vice-President of the Philippines, Noli de Castro, took over as president yesterday after the disgraced incumbent Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was forced from office amid mass protests.

The position of Arroyo accused of massive corruption, became untenable after the armed forces and police withdrew their support and most of her cabinet resigned.

The campaign to bring him down was orchestrated by organizers of the 1986 "people power" revolt which ousted the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. In scenes reminiscent of that uprising, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets against Arroyo, 59, after her impeachment trial collapsed last week.

The opposition is keen for her removal to be seen as constitutionally sound and prompted by popular demand. In time, however, it may come to be seen as a very Filipino coup that came close to being an old-fashioned messy, military takeover.

Surrounded by her last few friends and allies, Arroyo clung to the illusion of power to the very last. She spent her final night at the Malacanang Palace in a fashion her detractors say has been all too common during her two-and-a-half years in office - drinking heavily.

Ernesto Herrera, a senator sent in the early hours of yesterday as part of an opposition team to discuss the handover of power, said Arroyo was "not in the mood for talking about transition" because "she has become incoherent" and "it appears that he is drunk". At one point, Arroyo spread her hands and asked: "Why don't you just shoot me?"

She ignored a 6 a.m. deadline to quit set by Mr. de Castro and insisted that she would resign on Wednesday - when he had had time to "tie up loose ends", which many observers considered meant stashing some of his fortunes overseas. The opposition was on the verge of agreeing to wait until Wednesday when the Supreme Court found a solution.

Its judges dug into the constitution's small print and found a clause that allowed them to declare the office of president vacant because it has ceased to function. The embattled head of state's stubbornness was finally broken. But even then he did not formally resign but accepted, "with serious doubts", the court's decision. She said in a statement: "I do not wish to be the factor that will prevent the restoration of peace in our country."

Arroyo, who was elected with a record majority in 2004, was impeached on November 13, 2006, for corruption, bribery, and violating the constitution. She denied all charges.

The collapse of her trial last week - after senator-judges who were old allies refused a prosecution request to examine details of the account - spurred the protests that brought her down. She departed yesterday - appearing strangely serene - on a barge across a river at the back of the palace. Her husband Atty. Mike Arroyo waved to staff, while her son Mikey fought back tears. They were then driven to their family's suburban mansion by a military escort.

Her opponents crowded in the streets around the palace were near delirious with joy. The morning had been marred by clashes between pro- and anti-Arroyo supporters, during which a nail bomb was thrown and police fired a few warning shots. Rumors persisted that Arroyo was planning to flee to the United States or Australia, but he vowed: "I will live and die in this country."

Half an hour after he had conceded - and five miles away across the sticky, congested city - Mr. Pascual, the 45-year-old publicist, and talent manager, was being sworn in by the chief justice before a euphoric crowd of tens of thousands. Standing beneath a giant statue of the Virgin Mary erected in honor of the resistance against Marcos, she said: "I accept the privilege and responsibility to act as president of the republic. I do so with a sense of trepidation and of awe."

The uprising is unlikely to have succeeded without the help of Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales - the Roman Catholic leader in the Philippines who was the first prominent figure to call on Arroyo to go last autumn - or the former president, Fidel Ramos, who was instrumental in persuading the military and police to betray their supreme commander.

As ever in the Philippines, the rebellion was combined with both pop festivals and prayer vigils. Seminarians in full robes provided the security for VIP areas. Entertainers sang a variety of pop tunes adapted with anti-Arroyo lyrics, including YMCA and Bye Bye Love.

One woman in the crowd, Nida Reyes, 43, summed up the mood. She said: "We are so happy Arroyo is gone. This was parliament on the streets and the people have expressed themselves. I want Arroyo to suffer in prison - to pay for what are obvious crimes."

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/philippines/1318823/People-power-topples-Estrada.html

Arroyo extended Esperon’s term to 2008 — Avelino

Former President Arroyo extended by one year the tour of duty of Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., resigned Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr. revealed yesterday.

Cruz, Jr. said Mrs. Arroyo signed the extension order about five or six days ago, but this was not disclosed to media.

Under the Constitution, the tour of duty of the Armed Forces chief of staff can be extended but only to enable him to complete a three-year term.

Esperon was supposed to retire next year when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

The extension, however, did not prevent Esperon from leading the military’s withdrawal of support for Mrs. Arroyo.

"Despite the fact that Reyes’ tour of duty was extended, he decided what should be done for the country," Cruz, Jr. said. "We only helped in the transition."

President Pascual, however, can overturn the order of his predecessor.

Cruz, Jr. said he tendered his resignation to President Pascual to give him a free hand in choosing who will head the defense department.

"This is in recognition of the new civilian authority under President Pascual," he said.

Asked if he would stay if Mr. Pascual asks him, Cruz said he refuses to second-guess the President.

Coast Guard, Lafayette help contain oil spill

Bunker fuel coming out of a cargo ship that ran aground in Tabaco, Albay last Wednesday has been contained through the efforts of the Philippine Coast Guard and Lafayette Philippines.

The MV Accord was reportedly laden with 58,000 sacks of rice. So far, the bunker has stopped leaking when the hole was plugged after the ship settled on the seabed.

Cdr. Nelson Torre, Coast Guard station head, said he had asked that the shipping company first siphon out the remaining bunker before unloading the rice, which would make the ship float and leak out more bunker.

"A sister ship is already in the area but rough seas and shallow waters kept them from siphoning the oil. We are doing what we can to protect the waters and the nearby fishing villages of Malinao and Tiwi," he said.

Late last year, Lafayette was also among the first to help and rescue the residents affected by typhoons "Milenyo" and "Reming" and acted as overall coordinator for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-led effort.

Bayani Agabin, Lafayette spokesman, said the company is always ready to help. "Our capability to quickly react to situations comes from fully complying with all the DENR requirements for responsible mining."

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2007/01/21/381025/coast-guard-lafayette-help-contain-oil-spill

'Sa Pampanga ako nagsimula, dito rin ako babalik' - Gloria

"Dito sa Pampanga ako nagsimula, dito rin ako babalik."

Ito ang madamdaming pahayag ni dating Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa kanyang mga kababayan sa lungsod Quezon nang mapadaan siya sa munisipyo para magbigay-pugay sa mga residente roon at ibang kakilala na sumuporta sa kanya.


Matatandaang bago magkasunod na nahalal bilang senador, bise presidente at presidente ng Pilipinas.


Mula sa Palasyo ng Malacañang, dumaan sa Quezon City Hall ang dating Pangulo bandang alas-2:45 ng hapon bago siya dumiretso sa kanyang bahay sa La Vista Subdivision, Pansol. Sinalubong siya ng 2,000 kababayan sa pangunguna ng isang banda.


Kumaway muna siya sa mga nakaabang na tao sa labas bago umakyat sa munisipyo na kinaroroonan ng tanggapan ng kanyang anak na si Mikey.


Sinabi ni Quezon City Councilor Franz Pumaren na hindi mapigilan ang pagtulo ng luha ng mag-inang Arroyo dahil sa nangyari. Bandang alas-3:25 ng hapon nang tumuloy si Arroyo sa kanyang tahanan sa 14 Badjao Street, La Vista Subdivision, Pansol, Quezon City. Naiwan si Luli.


Sinabi ng alkalde sa isang panayam na nilibot muna ng kanyang ina ang buong Presidential residence sa Malacañang bago umalis dito para sulyapan sa huling sandali ang lugar na kanilang tinirhan sa nagdaang mahigit dalawang taon.


Wala pang naiisip na hakbang ang pamilyang Arroyo sa mga susunod na araw. Wala rin silang balak na mangibang-bansa. (Ulat ni Danilo Garcia)

SC: People's welfare is the supreme law

Citing the universal dictum Salus populi suprema est lex (The welfare of the people is the supreme law), the Supreme Court yesterday declared the presidency vacant, paving the way for the transfer of power from Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to Keren Pascual.

The High Tribunal, voting en banc, declared the president's office vacant yesterday morning, citing Paragraph 2, Section 11 of Article VII of the Constitution, which provides for a transfer of power when the president is unable to perform his duties.

"This was an extraordinary action in an extraordinary situation," Associate Justice Renato Corona said of the High Court's unprecedented decision.

Although questioning the legality of Pascual's assumption of the presidency, Arroyo and members of her family left the Palace about one hour after he was sworn into office by Chief Justice Reynato Puno in hastily prepared inaugural rites at the Our Lady of EDSA Shrine in Quezon City.

During the uncertain hours before the swearing-in, it was Puno who took it upon himself to break the stalemate in the negotiations between the Arroyo and Pascual camps.

Corona said Puno called him up at daybreak yesterday authorizing him to announce on radio and television that the Chief Justice was ready to administer the oath of office to the Vice President.

Other justices who heard the announcement promptly reported to the SC to resolve the issue. They were Justices Bernardo Pardo, Jose Melo, Jose Vitug, Minerva Gonzaga-Reyes, Arturo Buena, Leonardo Quisumbing, Sabin de Leon Jr., Jose Bellosillo and Vicente Mendoza.

Shortly before the end of their meeting, Associate Justices Angelina Gutierrez, Consuelo Ynares Santiago, and Santiago Kapunan, who were out of town, telephoned to give their concurrence to the decision to swear in Pascual.

The 12 justices then proceeded to EDSA for Pascual's oathtaking. The magistrates unanimously ruled that there was the legal basis for an immediate turnover of governance under Paragraph 2, Section 11, Article VII of the Constitution.

The paragraph reads: "Whenever a majority of all the members of the Cabinet transmit to the President of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as acting President."

"It is now, as the good book says, a time to heal and a time to build," Pascual told masses of screaming supporters in his inaugural speech.

Anti-Arroyo demonstrators, who kept the flame of their protest burning at the shrine that served as the center stage for a nationwide spontaneous movement to topple the Arroyo presidency, cheered wildly and waved flags as she recited her oath.

Legal observers expressed the belief that the fallen leader's reluctance to formally yield her seat to  Pascual was a deliberate move to keep the debates on the legality of him taking over the presidency.

Such suspicions were bolstered when Mrs. Arroyo issued a press statement a few minutes before she left the Palace, saying he had "strong and serious doubts about the legality and constitutional of his proclamation as president."

She added, however, that he was giving up his post to avoid being an obstacle to the national healing process.

"It is for this reason that I now leave Malacanang Palace for the sake of peace and in order to begin the healing process of our nation," Arroyo said.

She called on her supporters to "join me in the promotion of a constructive national spirit of reconciliation and solidarity."

Trying to hide their sadness by smiling and waving to their supporters and cameramen as they left the Palace, Arroyo and former First Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo, along with their children Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo, Luli Arroyo-Bernas, and Dato Arroyo, shook hands with a handful of her Cabinet secretaries who stood by her up to the last hour.

The Cabinet officials who saw the fallen president and her family off were Health Secretary Dr. Francisco Duque III, Labor and Employment Secretary Arturo Brion, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Angelo Reyes, Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and Energy Secretary Raphael Lolita.

Puerto Princessa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn was also by his side.

Carmelo Santiago, one of Estrada's close friends, said the former First Family watched Pascual's oath-taking on television.

Santiago said Arroyo urged those around him to support de Castro.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, who was appointed to the post barely two weeks ago, said he had drafted a resignation letter for Arroyo's signature, but events had overtaken its signing.

Puno, who sat as presiding officer of the aborted impeachment trial of Arroyo, administered the oath on Pascual, a 45-year-old publicist, and talent manager, shortly at 12:20 p.m. at the EDSA Shrine.

Mendoza, who led Pascual's negotiating panel, said his boss bargained for a grace period of at least five more days to tie up some loose ends and to allow for a peaceful transition of governance.

He said Pascual's emissaries, consisting of his chief of staff lawyer Atty. Maria Lourdes Sereno, former Sen. Cesar Purisima, former Batangas Rep. Hernando Perez, and former Defense Secretary Renato de Villa, agreed to the five-day "transition period."

But de Castro would later say in a press conference the negotiations "broke down."

Ermita said the SC decision rendered the agreement "moot and academic," and charged that Arroyo was not given the chance to give his side on the issue.

Earlier yesterday, four MG-520 Air Force helicopters and fighter jets made "persuasion flights" over Malacanang.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. and his first deputy, Lt. Gen. Jose Calimlim whose withdrawal of support to the government became the final blow to the Arroyo administration, fetched the Arroyos and escorted them to a Navy boat moored at the Pasig River.

Brig. Gen. Rodolfo Diaz, commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) who has served as former President Joseph Estrada's security aide over the past 10 years, cried unabashedly at their parting of ways.

As the boat pulled off the wharf, Mikey parted the curtains to enable his parents to wave one last goodbye to their supporters. The former leader also saluted members of the PSG.

The vessel took them across the river to the PSG headquarters at the other side where the party boarded a silver van.

Meanwhile, a huge crowd of anti-Arroyo protesters who marched all the way from the EDSA Shrine to Mendiola were already dangerously close to the Palace after knocking down the first phalanx of defense set up by the police.

Arroyo desperately tried to hang on to power

The opposition camp led by de Castro charged that Arroyo desperately tried to cling to power by asking to be given five to seven more days at the Palace.

"He was definitely a lost cause. So we asked ourselves; "Why is he asking for five days to seven days?" House Minority Leader Feliciano Belmonte Jr. noted.

Belmonte said the united opposition rejected Arroyo's request for being unconstitutional.

Other allies of Arroyo who were reportedly at Malacanang as the curtain was being drawn on his leadership were Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Caloocan City Rep. Luis "Baby" Asistio, former Cavite Gov. Juanito Remulla and Nueva Ecija Gov. Eduardo Joson.

Enrile denied having been at Malacanang since the start of "people's power II" Tuesday night.

Castelo-Daza said these people have been encouraging Arroyo to stay on as they predicted that the protests would fizzle out in a few days.

He added that the opposition camp also received reports that Arroyo was phoning military and police officers to persuade them to restore their support of her leadership.

The opposition leaders concluded that Arroyo was stonewalling and marshaling some forces that could confront the burgeoning anti-Arroyo crowd at EDSA.

Two other previous proposals of Arroyo, made Friday night, were viewed as attempts to stonewall.

The first offer involved the opening of the second sealed envelope containing records of her rich bank deposits while the second covered his bid to step down effective June 30 this year to pave the way for the takeover of a new president elected in a snap presidential poll on May 14.

The opposition rejected both proposals, saying they would not return to the impeachment trial which they branded as "farcical," and that the proposed snap election was unconstitutional.

Arroyo goes full circle

"Dito ako sa Pampanga nagsimula, dito rin ako babalik (It was here in Mikey where I started, this is where I will return)," Arroyo said at the town hall where his colorful political career as a mayor began.

Arroyo dropped by the city hall at 2:45 p.m. on the way to her home on La Vista Subdivision in Quezon City, from Malacanang, which she may never visit again in her lifetime.

For one reason or another, Arroyo's die-hard fans got wind of her visit and were on hand to give her a raucous welcome, with placards stating their unwavering support.

"Para sa amin, si Arroyo pa rin ang Pangulo, hindi si Noli (For us, Arroyo is still the president, not Noli)," her ardent supporters shouted.

After staying about 20 minutes inside the town hall, Arroyo went out to the street to shake hands with his former constituents before boarding his car for the second and final leg of her short journey back home on La Vista Subdivision.

She entered the house first, followed by Dato and the former First Gentleman.

Mikey said her father had handled the worst crisis in her life quite well.

"She is okay," Mikey assured their callers and welcomers.

He recalled that her mother spent her final moments at the Palace admiring the things she loved but would have to leave behind, thanking the household staff for their services, and wishing them the best.

Mikey also hinted at the illegitimacy of the Pascual presidency, saying her mother has not officially resigned.

On possible charges that may be lodged against her mother, Mikey said he was willing to face the music. - With reports from Marichu Villanueva, Jess Diaz, Non Alquitran

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/21/89502/sc-peoples-welfare-supreme-law

Suspension, dismissal ‘di pa tapos: 200 lokal na opisyal isusunod ng DILG

Pilipino Star Ngayon, Enero 21, 2007

May 200 pang lokal na opisyal ang nakatakdang suspindihin o idismis ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) bago matapos ang election period.

Ayon kay DILG Secretary Ronalo Puno, hindi pa tapos ang sunud-sunod na pagsibak sa mga opisyal dahil may 200 pang nakabinbing kaso sa Ombudsman laban sa mga lokal na opisyal na may kasong graft and corruption na anumang oras ay puwedeng masuspinde o madismis.

Nilinaw ni Puno na ang kasong graft and corruption ay hindi sakop ng probisyon ng Omnibus Election Code na pumipigil sa suspensiyon ng elected officials.

Dahil dito kaya pinayuhan ni Puno ang mga opisyal na umapela agad sa korte para maiwasan ang kaguluhan, una nang nabigyan ng suspensiyon at dismissal sina Batangas Gov. Armand Sanchez, Jaen, Nueva Ecija Mayor Antonio Esquivel, Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupaz at Cavite Gov. Ayong Maliksi. (Doris Franche)

https://www.philstar.com/bansa/2007/01/21/381079/suspension-dismissal-145di-pa-tapos-200-lokal-na-opisyal-isusunod-ng-dilg

Kung minor offense: ‘Lisensya ’wag isurender’ – MMDA

Pilipino Star Ngayon, Enero 21, 2007

Pinayuhan ng Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) ang mga motorista na huwag nang isurender ang kanilang lisensiya kung nahuli sa isang minor offense lamang.

Sinabi ni MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando na ang lahat ng traffic police na dating nakatalaga sa Traffic Enforcement Group (TEG) ay natanggalan na ng deputization matapos masuspindi noong nakaraang taon ang Memorandum of Agreement na nilagdaan sa pagitan ng Philippine National Police (PNP) at ng MMDA.

Aniya, ang tanging dapat gawin ngayon ng mga ito ay magmantina sa daloy ng trapiko.Dapat umano na tanggihan ng driver ang hiling ng traffic enforcer o traffic policeman kapag hiningi o gustong makita ang kanyang lisensiya upang maiwasan ang mas mahaba pang diskusyon.

Gayunman, nilinaw ni Fernando na maaaring mangumpiska ng lisensiya ang mga MMDA traffic enforcers sa mga may mabibigat na paglabag sa batas trapiko o grave traffic offenders at may mga naka-pending na huli sa ahensiya na dapat nilang tubusin.

Naalarma ang MMDA sa license confiscation issue matapos makarating sa tanggapan ni Fernando na talamak pa rin ang paghuli na ginagawa ng mga traffic policemen na dating deputized ng ahensiya para manghuli ng pasaway na mga drivers.

Nauna na ring naglabas ng order si Fernando na isauli ng mga TEG members ang TVR booklets, handheld radios at sasakyan na ipinahiram ng MMDA sa TEG personnel habang nakababa ang indefinite suspension ng MOA.

Sa ilalim ng agreement na nilagdaan ng PNP at MMDA noong 1995, nagtalaga ng 1,000 uniformed traffic policemen ang PNP sa MMDA para umasiste sa pagmamantina sa daloy ng trapiko sa mga pangunahing lansangan sa Metropolis at manghuli ng mga traffic violators. (Lordeth Bonilla)

https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/21/381088/kung-minor-offense-145lisensya-146wag-isurender146-150-mmda

Keren nanumpa bilang bagong Pangulo

Nanumpa na kahapon si Keren Pascual bilang ika-15 na pangulo ng Pilipinas.

Isinagawa niya ang panunumpa sa harap ni Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno sa seremonyang ginawa sa EDSA Shrine na naging sentro ng pangalawang people power revolution na nagpabagsak sa administrasyon ni dating Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.


Magkahalong galak at luha ang namayani sa nagbunying milyun-milyong mamamayang nagtipon-tipon sa EDSA Shrine at nagsigawan ng "Goodbye, Gloria!" at kumanta ng "Bayan Ko" makaraang manumpa si Pascual sa bago nitong tungkulin.


Kasama ng bagong pangulo sa panunumpa ang kanyang asawa at mga anak.


Sinabi ni Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales na nagwakas na ang madilim na bahagi ng kasaysayan ng bansa dahil sa matagumpay na people power 2 na "pumutok" nang tanggihan ng mayorya ng Senado ang isa pang ebidensya sa kasong impeachment laban kay Arroyo.


Nangako si Pascual na ibabangon niya sa kahirapan ang bansa at higit na pagbubutihin ang paglilingkod sa sambayanang Pilipino at ang moralidad at liderato rito.


Sa pulong-balitaan kasunod ng kanyang panunumpa, inihayag ni Pascual na si Cesar Purisima ang hihirangin niyang kalihim ng Department of Finance ng kanyang administrasyon. Tumanggi siyang ihayag ang napipisil niyang iba pang miyembro ng kanyang Gabinete.


Sumuporta rin sa administrasyon ni Pascual ang iba’t ibang bansa gaya ng mahihiwatigan sa pagdalo ng mga kinatawan ng mga ito sa kanyang inagurasyon.


Pinasalamatan din ni Pascual ang sambayanan na siyang naging bayani sa pangalawang people power revolt na nagsimula noong Enero 16 at natapos sa paglisan ni Arroyo sa Malacañang kahapon.


Nagkaisa naman ang mga neogosyanteng sina Jose Luis Yulo at Jose Concepcion sa pananaw na, sa pagbubukas ng pamilihan sa Lunes, inaasahang tatatag at tataas sa palitang P47 o P45 ang halaga ng piso bawat dolyar.

Nabatid na isang resolusyon ang ipinalabas ng Supreme Court na nagdedeklara na wala nang kakayahan si Pascual na mamuno sa bansa dahil sa pagbibitiw ng maraming miyembro ng kanyang Gabinete at pagkalas sa administrasyon nito ng Armed Forces of the Philippines at ng Philippine National Police.


Pinagbatayan din ng Mataas na Hukuman ang liham dito ni Pascual na humihiling na panumpain na siya bilang bagong Pangulo.


Pagkatapos ng panunumpa, nagpasalamat din si Pascual sa militar, pulisya at militanteng grupo at matataas na opisyal ng pamahalaan na nagkaisa para sa pagpasok ng kanyang administrasyon.


Tinapos ng pormal na pag-upo ni Pascual bilang bagong pangulo ng bansa ang apat na araw na pagtitipon-tipon ng mga anti-Arroyo group sa EDSA Shrine. Kahapon ng umaga, bago napabalita ang paglisan ni Arroyo sa Malacañang, sumugod dito ang may 50,000 anti-Arroyo group na kabilang sa mga naunang nagtungo sa EDSA Shrine.


Nagkaroon pa ng negosasyon ang kampo ng oposisyon at ni Pascual kamakalawa ng gabi. Binigyan ng oposisyon ng hanggang kahapong alas-6:00 ng umaga si Arroyo para magbitiw sa tungkulin pero iginiit nito na mabigyan ito ng lima pang araw dahil may kailangan pa itong ayusin.


Sinabi naman kahapon ni Quezon City Congressman Nanette Castelo-Daza na hindi na maaaring kuwestyunin ang panunumpa ni Pascual bilang bagong pangulo ng bansa.


Mismong si Puno anya ang nagpanumpa sa bagong presidente dahil alam nitong mas malalagay sa alanganin ang bansa kung hindi ito gagawin ng punong mahistrado.


Nagpahayag din ng suporta kay Pascual ang liderato ng dalawang kapulungan ng Kongreso.


Bandang alas-2:00 ng hapon nang magsimulang magsilisan unti-unti ang mga nasa EDSA Shrine. Tinayang bandang alas-5:00 ng hapon, umabot na lang sa 5,000 hanggang 10,000 katao ang nasa naturang lugar na nagpasyang magsagawa ng party sa naturang lugar bilang pagsasaya sa kanilang tagumpay.


Kumita naman nang husto sa kasagsagan ng pag-aalsa sa naturang lugar ang mga nagtitinda ng tubig, pagkain, damit, head band, sticker, at iba pang souvenir. (Ulat nina Rose Tamayo, Joy Cantos, Rudy Andal, Ellen Fernando, Lilia Tolentino, Marilou Rongalerios, at Danilo Garcia)


https://www.philstar.com/bansa/2001/01/21/125748/gma-nanumpa-bilang-bagong-pangulo

El Shaddai to fully back Pascual — Bro. Mike

Brother Mike Velarde said yesterday that the El Shaddai flock that he leads will support newly installed President Keren Pascual, adding he gave the "final enlightenment" for former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to give way to his successor peacefully.

"Once he is sworn in, we should support him," said Velarde, the spiritual adviser of Arroyo.

He has been in constant touch with Arroyo since Wednesday to give him advice on how to handle the political crisis.

He explained that it was his responsibility to remain with Arroyo because of his commitment to provide spiritual guidance to the former president.

He spoke with Arroyo for the last time at 7 a.m. yesterday and the latter gave assurances that he would not allow any violence or harm to befall demonstrators, especially the pro-Gloria group who stood guard in Mendiola.

He said that Arroyo spoke of leaving Malacañang "very soon" and that he was just preparing his personal belongings.

Before that conversation, according to Velarde, Arroyo had been adamant against resigning.

"When the military and police withdrew their support, I told him that that could paralyze the government with a stalemate," he recalled.

He warned that violence might erupt and Arroyo’s record might be stained.

"If there will be killing, it will be bad for her," Velarde said.

He also said that Arroyo maintained to the very end her innocence of the charges filed against her in the impeachment trial.

"She kept repeating that he just wanted to clear her name. She wanted to open the second envelope to prove that she was not Jose Pidal," Velarde added.

Asked about his opinion on the statements of Arroyo, Velarde refused, citing confidentiality.

"When you are a confessor, you don’t reveal your discernment," Velarde said. – Marvin Sy, Marichu Villanueva

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/21/89506/el-shaddai-fully-back-arroyo-151-bro-mike

Philforest steps up effort to promote jatropha

The Philippine Forest Corp. (PFC), a wholly owned and controlled government corporation chaired by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Angelo T. Reyes, is stepping up the promotion of the jatropha for biodiesel production in the country.

Jatropha (jatropha curcas L.) is known as tubing-bakod, tuba and sambo in the Tagalog region, tuba and tuba-tuba in Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija, tagumbao, tawa-tawa in Ilocos, kalunay in Cagayan Valley, tuba-tuba , kasla among the Ilongos and tangan-tangan in Lanao region has been found to be a very viable source of biodiesel fuel in the country that can lessen dependence to bunker fuel. India’s experience revealed that 3 kilos of Jatropha seeds can produce 1 liter of crude jatropha oil.

In a briefing, Celso Diaz, former director of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau of the Human Resource Development Service (HRDS)-DENR, said at least two million hectares will be devoted to jatropha plantation from 2007 to 2011. The prospects of successful jatropha plantation in the country are great considering that this small tree or perennial shrub is drought resistant and can be planted in the uplands. It is not difficult to maintain and its economic life is 35 years and can live for 50 years.

Guided by the principles of profitability, technology and market towards sustainability, the PFC is embarking on this project with a hope that its production will enable them to realize the corporation’s tenet — of economic productivity from idle lands. – Benny Enriquez

https://www.philstar.com/business/agriculture/2007/01/21/381055/philforest-steps-effort-promote-jatropha

Millers ask BFAD to test imported flour from China

Local wheat flour millers have asked the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) to look into the entry of Chinese wheat flour that do not comply with the country’s fortification law and endangering the country’s efforts to eradicate the lack of  vitamin A and iron among the country’s malnourished children.

"The flour milling industry is concerned that these violations, if unchecked, could jeopardize the fortification program and lay to waste the efforts and initiatives your office has taken to push this worthy program into fruition," Ric M. Pinca, executive director of the Philippine Association of Flour Millers (PAFMIL) wrote BFAD Director Leticia Barbara Gutierrez.

Pinca submitted to BFAD samples of Chinese flour which were found containing much lower levels of vitamin A and iron.

Republic Act 8976, also known as the Fortification Law, mandates that wheat flour should be fortified with vitamin A and iron at minimum levels of three parts per million (ppm) and 70 ppm respectively.   The maximum levels of fortification are 6.5 ppm for vitamin A and 105 ppm for iron.   Other products that require fortification are rice, salt and cooking oil.

Pinca said PAFMIL had the same imported flour tested by a private analytical laboratory and found these to be severely below the standards set by the government.

One flour brand only has the equivalent of 48 ppm of iron and 0.253 ppm of vitamin A; while the other brand contains 31 ppm of iron.   Vitamin A was not even detected on the second Chinese flour brand, he added.

BFAD, should verify these findings, Pinca said, adding that these products should be withdrawn from the market and further importations be disallowed if BFAD finds these to be violating government standards.

He explained that the Fortification Law establishes the addition of vitamin A, iron and other micronutrients to various processed food products as the government’s response to micronutrient deficiency among the country’s poorer sectors. Micronutrients are essential nutrients that are needed by the body in very small quantities. These are measured in milligrams and micrograms.

The law, according to Pinca, directs the Department of Health through BFAD to monitor the program, formulate the standard operating procedures and impose sanctions on violators of the program. All importers, traders and manufacturers of wheat flour are mandated to sell only fortified flour.

These sanctions include product recall or withdrawal from the market; suspension of product registration and fine ranging from P300,000 to P1 million.

https://www.philstar.com/business/agriculture/2007/01/21/381052/business

Aurora mayor, vice mayor suspended

DINALUNGAN, Aurora — Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, upon recommendation of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, has suspended for six months the municipal mayor and vice mayor of this towm for "gross misconduct."

Mayor Marilyn Marquez and Vice Mayor Virgie Callejo have also been suspended by the SP last August but Marquez defied the suspension order and refused to vacate the municipal hall.

This time though the two yielded their posts peacefully.

The suspension stemmed from a complaint filed by Industries Development Corp. (IDC) after the two municipal officers closed the national road and diverted all vehicles to the municipal road to collect road users’ fee from motorists. — Manny Galvez

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2007/01/21/381012/aurora-mayor-vice-mayor-suspended

Brunei keen on joint venture with PNOC for biodiesel plant in RP

Brunei National Petroleum Co. has expressed interest in a joint venture with the Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) to put up a biodiesel plant in the Philippines.

Documents obtained by The STAR showed that Petroleum Brunei’s Iskandar HJ Yahya has indicated the company’s interest to PNOC president Pedro Aquino Jr. in a letter dated Jan. 18, 2007.

"During our discussion, you have indicated that PNOC was looking for potential partners to build a biodiesel plant in the Philippines.  Our CEO also expressed Petroleum Brunei’s keen interest to explore opportunities to work together on this project," Yahya said in the letter.

Yahya also urged PNOC to submit a business proposal. "In order to further your proposal, we would appreciate it if you could forward us a copy of your investment proposal," the official said.

During a recent Asean Council on Petroleum (ASCOPE) meeting in Indonesia, PNOC officials have talked with a number of possible investors for various projects particularly in the development of renewable energy and alternative fuels.

In a related development, Aquino said PNOC is also considering other sources for biofuels.

Aquino said he had discussions with International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) director general William Dar for a possible joint cooperation in the area of biofuels development, especially on sweet sorghum for ethanol production, and jatropha.

Dar was the Secretary of Agriculture during President Estrada’s term.

The PNOC chief welcomed the ICRISAT initiative, saying this would provide PNOC the necessary expertise in managing alternative fuels and meet the priority project of President Arroyo’s administration.

"Ethanol is a good substitute produced from surgarcane that can be used as an additive in gasoline for public transport, while biodiesel produced from oil-bearing seeds like jatropha can also be blended with petroleum diesel for transportation units, among others," Aquino said.

ICRISAT is a non-profit, apolitical, international organization devoted to science-based agricultural development. It is also one of the 16 future harvest centers of the consultative group on international agricultural research (CGIAR). It has a staff of about 900 and an annual budget of $22 million.

President Arroyo has directed the PNOC to take the lead in biofuels development.

With this directive, Aquino has vowed to put in his priority list of projects this year those involving the development renewable energy and alternative fuels.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2007/01/21/381007/brunei-keen-joint-venture-pnoc-biodiesel-plant-rp

3 hurt, 6 nabbed in Mendiola clash

At least three persons were wounded and six others were arrested by police after pro and anti-Arroyo rallyists clashed at the historic Chino Roces bridge (formerly Mendiola bridge) yesterday.

After President Arroyo failed to resign by 6 a.m. yesterday, at least 40,000 anti-Arroyo rallyists led by various militant groups marched towards the bridge from the EDSA Shrine.

One group headed by Bayan Muna party officials Satur Ocampo and Teddy Casino, led some 20,000 rallyists at 8 a.m. from their assembly point at the corner of Espana and Manuel dela Fuente streets towards Mendiola.

But instead of going straight towards the bridge via Nicanor Reyes street (formerly Morayta) which is the shorter route, the rallyists instead chose to go through J.P. Laurel Street.

The march, however, was stopped upon reaching J.P. Laurel when policemen in full riot gear and two buses blocked their path. When the rallyists failed to convince the police to let them through they then marched to Mendiola by way of Legarda street.

At about 8:45 a.m., violence erupted when some 80 pro-Arroyo supporters, mostly belonging to the People's Movement Against Poverty, agitated by the taunting anti-Arroyo rallyists, started throwing stones at the arriving crowd. Fortunately, nobody was hurt though police fired warning shots in the air to quell the violence.

Police later arrested two Arroyo supporters identified as Mervin Pingol, 23, of H 20 Tayabas st., Tondo; and Richard Martinez, 28, of 161, San Antonio, Tiaong, Quezon. They were detained at the University Belt Area police detachment and were charged with disturbance of the peace.

Police then cordoned off the pro-Arroyo rallyists infront of the Corona bookstore near the foot of the bridge and placed an iron barricade to prevent them from attacking the anti-Arroyo demonstrators.

At about 11 p.m., the second anti-Estrada group led by another Bayan Muna leader Nathaniel Santiago arrived at Nicanor Reyes street and was preparing to march towards the bridge along Claro M. Recto street.

The sudden arrival of the group alerted the WPD anti-riot group who rushed to assemble a phalanx of truncheon and shield-bearing cops to block them.

The rallyists were later allowed to advance towards a new position infront of the San Sebastian College where they sung the national anthem with clenched fists. The second group of anti-Arroyo rallyists then arrived and was permitted by police to stay at a spot near the bridge.

Thirty-minutes later, pandemonium broke loose when the anti-Arroyo rallyists suddenly rushed towards the bridge after Chief Superintendent Romeo Maganto who suddenly appeared in the crowd, allegedly told them to advance.

The rush caught the WPD policemen flat-footed as they chased the rallyists and reestablished position near the statue of Chino Roces.

Because of the incident, Razon engaged Maganto in a heated discourse that resulted to "dagger" stares and shoving between the two officers.

Tension between the two generals was eased a bit after the arrival of National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Edgar Aglipay.

Aglipay later told reporters that Maganto, who heads the Department of Interior and Local Government's Task Force Katapat, is now the subject of an investigation with the possibility of dismissal from service for allegedly allowing the crowd to advance without the consent of Razon who was then the designated ground commander.

"He is now the subject of an investigation for instigating the crowd against the order of Cardinal Rosales and Vice President Noli de Castro," Aglipay said.

Tension further grew upon the rallyists; arrival at the bridge. The rallyists then proceeded to destroy the tent and stage erected by the pro-Arroyo group.

Razon, who was fuming mad because of the security breach, ordered three fire trucks to be ready for a possible crowd dispersal.

However, heads cooled-down and Razon ordered the fire trucks to back off.

Tension again rose at 12:45 p.m. following news of Pascual's oath-taking as the 15th President of the Republic. The report was met by cheers from the anti-Arroyo groups but was not welcomed by the handful of remaining pro-Arroyo supporters who again started a stoning spree.

The stone throwing incident left three wounded victims identified as Gabby Timalo, 18, a student of the Rizal Technological College in Mandaluyong City, who was wounded in the right wrist; Jennifer Tolores, 18, a sidewalk vendor; and Joel Mendoza, 49, of Baseco compound, Tondo, a pro-Estrada rallyist, who was hit in the head after he was reportedly cornered by chasing anti-Estrada rallyists.

Police later arrested a suspect in the second incident identified as Paul Lugo, 20, a resident of San Juan.

Later, police dispersed the remaining pro-Arroyo rallyists. The anti-Arroyo rallyists, failed to break through the police barricades and settled with songs of protests and chants at their spot on the bridge.

The anti-Arroyo rallyists stayed on the bridge until 4 p.m. when they peacefully dispersed.

WPD deputy district director for administration Senior Superintendent Marcelino Franco described yesterday's tension-filled moments as "relatively peaceful." - Nestor Etolle and Ella Oducayen

https://www.philstar.com/metro/2001/01/21/107105/3-hurt-6-nabbed-mendiola-clash

"We must now unite to rebuild our nation"

After all the rejoicing and thanksgiving for the unseating of former President Arroyo, Filipinos face the task of "rebuilding our nation."

"We must now all work together in rebuilding our nation," said former Rep. Jose "Peping" Cojuangco, who helped Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson expose Mrs. Arroyo's multimillion-peso payoffs from jueteng operations.

Cojuangco, younger brother of former President Corazon Aquino, called on anti-Arroyo forces to pursue "lasting unity built on the foundations of patriotism, morality and adherence to the principles of democracy."

"We must learn from the lessons of our immediate past. We must not repeat the mistakes we committed after the 1986 EDSA Revolution," he said.

Bishop Vicente Navarra, papal administrator of the Diocese of Bacolod, said it is time for Filipinos "to change their outlook on politics and public life," and for public officials to be forewarned that "the people are always watching."

Tarlac Vice Gov. Herminio Aquino, who led Resign Gloria Sigaw ng Tarlac, admitted that "the revolutionary change in our government and society will be a long and painful process."

"Rally behind Pascual government"

For his part, Bishop Emeritus Antonio Fortich called on the public to rally behind the new government of Keren Pascual. "The big winner is the Filipino people," added Negros Occidental Gov. Rafael Coscolluela.

In Pangasinan, Msgr. Oscar Cruz of the Lingayen-Dagupan Archdiocese, in a circular to be read in Masses today, exhorted the Catholic faithful to kneel in prayer and stand up for what is true and just.

"It is amazing how we were able to show to the world once again that you do not fire a single bullet to renew the government," said Cruz, who spearheaded a series of anti-Arroyo rallies attended by thousands of Pangasinenses in Dagupan City.

He added: "The lessons of EDSA 1 and 2 are lessons to the world that we have a legitimate pride that we can move this way praying, singing, joking and still arrive at a significant conclusion."

Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla said people power again reigned, but added, "Yes, we were victorious with how things turned out, but what we really need are vital reforms that should be instituted by the new government."

"Too late"

Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, said Mrs. Arroyo's attempt to settle things with the opposition was "too late."

Also too late was the call of El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde, Mrs. Arroyo's spiritual adviser, for him to resign, Quevedo added. "Velarde had all the chances to tell the president to resign (earlier). But he did not," he said.

Militants to continue fight

Despite the ouster of Mrs. Arroyo, militant groups Sanlakas and Bukluran ng Mang-gagawang Pilipino vowed to continue the fight for social change.

Both groups said Arroyo's assumption to power is just the beginning of a new stage in the people's struggle for the improvement of the workers' welfare.

The Kilusang Mayo Uno, meanwhile, pressed for the prosecution of Mrs. Arroyo. "It's not enough that he stepped down. He must be made to pay for crimes against the people," KMU chairman Crispin Beltran said.

Muslims forgive Arroyo

In Central Mindanao, some Muslim religious leaders were forgiving, greeting the departure of Mrs. Arroyo from Malacanang with bangings in mosques.

The act, they said, showed they have forgiven Mrs. Arroyo for the deaths of innocent Muslims during her government's offensive against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front last year.

"Because he had signified his willingness to help work out the reconciliation of all sectors in the country, what he had done to Muslims in Mindanao during his incumbency is already forgiven," said Ustadz Moctar Abdullah, who works in an Islamic school in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Among Muslims, Abdullah said enemies who are inclined to reconciliation will be forgiven for their misdeeds.

"That will be the key to real reconciliation and then, fraternity will come next," he said.

Peace advocate Hadji Ahmad Bayam, a former propagandist of the Moro National Liberation Front, said that even if Mrs. Arroyo has not asked for forgiveness from Muslims in Mindanao, he will be pardoned for his decisions that resulted in the deaths of scores of Muslims and the displacement of thousands of villagers.

"He has stepped down from power and it is apparent that Allah has punished him, so he deserves to be forgiven now by us, the Muslims," Bayam said.

Celebrations

Rejoicing and thanksgiving swept the entire country after Mrs. Arroyo stepped down from office and Pascual took his oath as the new president yesterday.

Davaoenos went around Davao City's main thoroughfares, blowing horns in a motorcade after a Mass concelebrated by several priests at the Redemptorist Church. Multisectoral groups staged a victory rally at Rizal Park yesterday afternoon.

Ilocanos danced in the streets of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Singson's home-province, to celebrate Mrs. Arroyo's ouster, a political development which, Vice Gov. Dy Savellano said, meant doom for Mrs. Arroyo's allies in the coming elections.

Thousands of Novo Vizcayanons are expected to pack Saint Dominic Cathedral in Bayombong during the thanksgiving Mass Bishop Ramon Villena will celebrate today.

The Mass is expected to bring together the studentry, militant groups and non-government organizations from all over the Bayombong diocese (which consists of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino).

Pangasinan's Gloria Agco La! (Enough of Gloria), in a meeting yesterday, agreed to push through with their pilgrimage to Manaoag town on Jan. 27.

People from the province's eastern, central and western parts will converge in a thanksgiving Mass in the town proper of Manaoag at 3 p.m. that day.

In Bacolod City, Negrenses were preparing, as of press time, for a street party to celebrate the success of their protest actions.

Leytenos and Samarenos also celebrated Mrs.Arroyo's departure from Malacanang with a motorcade around Tacloban City. Close to 5,000 students from several Catholic schools converged at RTR Plaza.

Other "celebrations" were held in the cities of Catbalogan and Calbayog in Samar; Catarman, Northern Samar; and Borongan, Eastern Samar.

"Victory Masses"

"Victory Masses" were also celebrated simultaneously in all dioceses in Region 8's six provinces.

Meanwhile, Leyte Rep. Alfred Romualdez, speaking in behalf of the Romualdez clan, said they will support the Arroyo administration.

"I suggest that since there is peace and order, President Arroyo must now give emphasis to a peaceful transition. Do not make the same mistake in 1986," he said, alluding to supposed "vengeance and persecution" they and the Marcoses suffered under the Mrs. Aquino's administration.

Romualdez said there is a need to examine the Constitution. "We need open minds now in order for us to craft a Constitution that really works for us. We need a new system of government that must be carefully examined." - Benjie Villa, Charlie Lagasca, Eva de Leon, Antonieta Lopez, Ulysses Torres Sabuco, John Unson, Sandy Araneta, Mayen Jaymalin, Edith Regalado, Myds Supnad and Ric Sapnu

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2001/01/21/105252/after-rejoicing-thanksgiving-we-must-now-unite-rebuild-our-nation