President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said on Saturday (Sept. 30) that her aggressive trade policy -- an important benchmark of her overall economic plan -- is now bearing fruit as evidenced by the strong peso, the upsurge of the stock market, increased direct foreign investment and steady inflation. In her speech read by Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye at the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NFFAA) held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu, Hawaii, the President said that her economic plans, once pushed to its completion, will break the cycle of Filipinos seeking greener pastures abroad as a matter of necessity.
From the beginning of her term, however, petitioner was plagued by a plethora of problems that slowly but surely eroded his popularity.
On October 2, 2006, The University of Santo Tomas defeated the Ateneo de Manila University, 76–74, in overtime, at the deciding third game of the 69th UAAP men's basketball tournament. Their women's counterpart won the Women's championship while the Ateneo juniors team won the Juniors championship.
On October 3, 2006 at Tarlac City, 69-year-old Bishop Alberto Ramento of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), or Philippine Independent Church, and a vocal critic of killings under the Arroyo government, was stabbed 7 times and killed.
Her sharp descent from power started on October 4, 2006. Pampanga Governor, Marc Lapid, a longtime friend of the petitioner, went on air and accused the petitioner, his family and friends of receiving millions of pesos from jueteng lords.
The exposé immediately ignited reactions of rage.
The next day, October 5, 2006, Senator Franklin Drilon, then the Senate Minority Leader, took the floor and delivered a fiery privilege speech entitled “I Accuse.” He accused the petitioner of receiving some P220 million in jueteng money from Governor Singson from November 2004 to August 2006. He also charged that the petitioner took from Governor Singson P70 million on excise tax on cigarettes intended for Ilocos Sur. The privilege speech was referred by then Senate President Franklin Drilon, to the Blue Ribbon Committee (then headed by Senator Aquilino Pimentel) and the Committee on Justice (headed by Senator Pia Cayetano) for joint investigation.
Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando to conduct a study and create a master plan to put in order the densely-populated community in the vicinity of Malacanang. The President issued the directive during her visit this afternoon at Barangay 645 in front of San Miguel Church inside the Malacanang complex wherein she conducted an informal interaction with barangay officials led by Chairman Albasser Sultan. "Gagawa si MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando ng master plan para dito (Bayani Fernando will make a master plan for the area)," the President said.
The House of Representatives did no less. The House Committee on Public Order and Security, then headed by Representative Roilo Golez, decided to investigate the exposé of Governor Singson. On the other hand, Representatives Heherson Alvarez, Ernesto Herrera and Nanette Castelo-Daza spearheaded the move to impeach the President.
The clearing of billboards destroyed by Typhoon "Milenyo" being undertaken jointly by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Under Administrative Order (AO) 160, which the President signed on Oct. 4 in the aftermath of the "Milenyo" calamity, the DPWH has been directed to determine which billboards "pose imminent danger to life, health, safety and property of the general public and to abate and dismantle the same."
Calls for the resignation of the president filled the air.
On October 10, Mayor Jose Catindig, Jr. of Santa Rosa City, Laguna is suspended for six months by the Department of Interior and Local Government for alleged illegal transfer of two city hall employees, which led to tensions at the city hall. This comes after the suspension of Peewee Trinidad of Pasay City.
On October 11, Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal B. Rosales issued a pastoral statement in behalf of the Presbyteral Council of the Archdiocese of Manila, asking President Macapagal-Arroyo to step down from the presidency as she had lost the moral authority to govern.
Two days later, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines joined the cry for the resignation of President Macapagal-Arroyo.
On October 17, former President Corazon Aquino also demanded that Macapagal-Arroyo take the “supreme self-sacrifice” of resignation. Former President Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada also joined the chorus.
Early on, Vice-President Manuel "Noli" de Castro, Jr. resigned as Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Services and later asked for Macapagal-Arroyo’s resignation. However, Macapagal-Arroyo strenuously held on to her office and refused to resign.
The heat was on. On November 1, four (4) senior economic advisers, members of the Council of Senior Economic Advisers, resigned. They were Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, former Prime Minister Cesar Virata, former Senator Vicente Paterno and Washington Sycip.
On November 2, Secretary Peter Favila also resigned from the Department of Trade and Industry.
On November 3, Senate President Manny Villar, and House Speaker Jose de Venecia, together with some 47 representatives defected from the ruling coalition, Lapian ng Masang Pilipino.
"The Presidency is not good for you. It is a temptation for you, an occasion of sin. Resignation will be good for your soul," Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales told President Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday in a scathing speech that drew cheers, howls and thunderous chants of "Gloria resign!" from tens of thousands gathered at the Edsa Shrine in Mandaluyong. In his most stinging rebuke of the President yet, the vocal archbishop took potshot after potshot at Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo, making an attack by former President Corazon Aquino, who spoke afterward, seem tame by comparison.
THE EFFORTS of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration to produce a show of force for yesterday’s ecumenical prayer rally proved to be hugely successful, with over a million people thronging the vicinity of the Rizal Park. Chief Supt. Avelino Razon, director of the Western Police District and who took charge of security and order, estimated the crowd at 1.2 million at about 5:15 p.m. Agence France Presse said the people numbered more than a million.
President Macapagal-Arroyo led the nation today in congratulating Filipino Ronato Alcano for winning the 2006 World Pool Championship, saying his victory "serves as an inspiration" for all "to work hard in achieving our dreams for the greater good of the nation."
In her statement before convening a roundtable discussion in Malacañang this morning, the President said Alcano’s victory "not only showcases the Pinoy’s mastery of the game, but the fact that we never run out of champions of excellence in all fields." "I salute Ronnie Alcano for making the Filipino people proud once again by dominating the World Pool Championship," the President said.
"This victory serves as an inspiration for our athletes who will compete in the forthcoming Asian Games in Qatar, and for the younger generations to work hard in achieving our dreams for the greater good of the nation," she added. Alcano, the last Filipino standing in the tournament, outclassed Germany’s Ralf Souquet, 17-11, in the final match held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila last night.
The month of November ended with a big bang. In a tumultuous session on November 13, House Speaker Jose C. de Venecia, Jr. transmitted the Articles of Impeachment signed by 115 representatives, or more than 1/3 of all the members of the House of Representatives to the Senate. This caused political convulsions in both houses of Congress. Senator Manuel B. Villar, Jr. was replaced by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile as Senate President. Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. was unseated by Representative Prospero C. Nograles.
On November 19, she congratulated Filipino boxing idol Manny Pacquiao following his third round knockout victory today over Mexican Erik Morales in their third face-off in the ring in Las Vegas, Nevada. "My heart beats with extreme joy with another victory for the Philippines. It was a battle well fought and we congratulate both fighters for their courage and grit. We all gathered around in our homes and places of work, in the streets and farms to pray for Manny," the President said in a statement she issued in Hanoi where she attended the 14th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting.
On November 20, the Senate formally opened the impeachment trial of Macapagal-Arroyo. Twenty-one (21) senators took their oath as judges with Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno, presiding.
As part of her government’s efforts to push the country as one of the top medical tourism destinations, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo formally launched today the Philippines’ first-ever Medical Tourism Congress, Exposition and Grand Launch (MTCEGL) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. The President, fresh from her successful trip to Vietnam where she attended the 14th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ meeting, has always been a staunch supporter of the Philippine Medical Tourism Program (PMTP), saying the Philippines has got what it takes to cash in on the $3 million-a-year global health care market.
The two-day MTCEGL brings to fore the program that hopes to inform and educate the public about the PMTP, specifically its opportunities, potentials, challenges and importance for the economy. It also aims to encourage medical institutions to apply for accreditation from international agencies such as the Joint Commission International so that they can be accorded the "Gintong Sigla" seal of the PMTP that entails incentives for the institution.
Upon her arrival at the PICC Plenary Hall, the President was welcomed by Philippine Public Private Partnership Chairman Ambassador Cesar Bautista, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Trade and Industry Secretary and Presidential Committee on Health and Wellness Chairman Peter Favila, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Chairperson Lilia de Lima, Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) Chairman Edgardo Aglipay and Tourism Assistant Secretary Cynthia Carreon.
The President was then treated to an audio-visual presentation launching "Paradise Philippines" as the country brand for PMTP. After the presentation, the President was presented with the symbol of Paradise Philippines in the form of the Waling-waling orchid flower by Bautista. He was assisted by Duque, Favila, Aglipay, De Lima and Carreon.
After the brief ceremonies, the President proceeded to a building adjacent to the PICC where she viewed an exhibit of the various participating sponsors and members. "Medical tourism is one of the solid niches for the Philippines," the President recently said at her roundtable discussion in Malacanang with Socioeconomic Secretary Romulo Neri and National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Chief Domingo Panganiban.
Soliven died at age 77 in Tokyo, Japan on November 24. He suffered a fatal acute and pulmonary cardiac arrest at the Narita airport. He was officially pronounced dead at 11:26 AM (Tokyo Time) 24 November 2006, at the Narita Red Cross Hospital. The confirmation was brought about by consul Gina Jamoralin of the Philippine embassy in Japan. He died doing what he loved: being a journalist. He wrote his last article hours before his death regarding the rise of a more-assertive prime minister, Shinzo Abe. Bookie Soliven, son of second eldest brother, Willie, may have been the last person Max texted before he died. Max replied to Bookie’s invitation to watch a Warner Brothers movie premiere replying, “Thank you for your invite. I will be back from Tokyo on the 27th. Love, Uncle Max.”
The political temperature rose despite the cold December.
ORGANIZERS and participants of today’s planned "Jericho March" at the Senate grounds are not backing down despite a police warning that it would not be allowed. "We will assert our rights. It is the citizens’ right to ensure the integrity of the impeachment process," said Danilo Songco, a convenor of the Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kompil) II.
Members of militant groups held a vigil last night outside the Malate Church in Manila, vowing to defy the police warning that only 1,000 pro- and anti-Arroyo demonstrators would be allowed to enter the Senate grounds. "We will not allow ourselves to be driven too far, or our numbers to be lessened by dispersal," said Crispin Beltran, chair of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU). "The police are overreacting, and to say that they will mobilize some 1,000 police and soldiers to guard the (area) is overkill," he said.
Beltran said the KMU and other groups under the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan would not be cowed by any show of force by the Philippine National Police. "It’s obvious that the government is afraid that the Senate building will be swamped by people equal to the numbers in the last two-day protest actions in Manila," he said. "What are they afraid of?"
Senate sergeant-at-arms Leonardo Lopez yesterday said the Jericho March would be allowed, but not "in its totality." Organizers are expecting a total of 250,000 to take part in the march aimed at helping the senator-jurors arrive at the "truth" in President Arroyo’s impeachment trial.
On December 7, the impeachment trial started. the battle royale was fought by some of the marquee names in the legal profession. Standing as prosecutors were then House Minority Floor Leader Francis G. Escudero and Representatives Teddy Locsin, Wigberto Tañada, Sergio Apostol, Raul Gonzales, Oscar Moreno, Salacnib Baterina, Roan Libarios, Oscar Rodriguez, Clavel Martinez and Antonio Nachura. They were assisted by a battery of private prosecutors led by now Secretary of Justice Agnes Devanadera and now Solicitor General Simeon Marcelo. Serving as defense counsel were former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, former Solicitor General and Secretary of Justice Raul Gonzalez, former City Fiscal of Manila Jose Flamiano, former Deputy Speaker of the House Raul Daza, Atty. Siegfried Fortun and his brother, Atty. Raymund Fortun. The day to day trial was covered by live TV and during its course enjoyed the highest viewing rating. Its high and low points were the constant conversational piece of the chattering classes. The dramatic point of the December hearings was the testimony of Clarissa Ocampo, senior vice president of Equitable-PCI Bank. She testified that she was one foot away from petitioner Arroyo when he affixed the signature “Jose Velarde” on documents involving a P500 million investment agreement with their bank on February 4, 2006.
She cited today the electronics industry for playing a major role in improving the Philippines’ economic outlook, aside from boosting the government’s job generation program. The President sounded out the commendation in her speech at the opening ceremonies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Electronics Business Opportunities Exhibition and Conference (AE-BOEC) at the Rizal Ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City this morning.
First Gentleman Mike Arroyo was not, although he was scheduled to hear Mass and to say a prayer for the First Family in the afternoon.
PARTICIPANTS of the "Jericho March," numbering 80,000 strong, could have gotten their dramatic message across had they not been blocked by police barricades on orders of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. The barricades had been installed at the Manila Film Center close to a kilometer away from the Senate. The marchers, led by former President Corazon Aquino and Vice President Noli de Castro, were forced to march to the Senate in batches of 500.
For five minutes, the Jericho marchers held a noise barrage and blew on rams’ horns. They also recited special petitions for the senators to "see the truth."
Heated negotiations then ensued when Lina insisted that the marchers be allowed to go around the Senate and exit at the back. Police blocked their way and directed them to the parking lot.
When Aglipay saw a space in the barricade that would allow at least three people to pass through, he collared a policeman and dragged him to the space. The policeman was stunned.
At 4 p.m., former housing chief Karina Constantino David demanded from police negotiators why they were not being allowed to get past the barricade. She was given the cold shoulder.
David and her husband, University of the Philippines professor Randy David, were with a group waiting at the Film Center. "Only one percent of the 80,000 people were held up here," Randy David said. "If we were allowed to join the first two waves, by this time the Jericho March would have been over."
But around 5 p.m., even before the last of the batches of the Jericho marchers were allowed in front of the Senate, the police let in the rest of the pro-Estrada group. This group occupied the Senate grounds, making the last of the 5,000 marchers belonging to Bayan and KMU wait up to 7 p.m. at the Film Center.
The Bayan-KMU delegation decided to proceed to the Penguin Cafe in Malate, where an anti-Arroyo concert will be held. Most of the marchers stayed at the adjacent lot of the El Shaddai grounds to hold a vigil. A Mass is to be celebrated at dawn today.
The President and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe inaugurated today the third generation (3G) trains of the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) that will mark a new phase in the government's program to provide fast, safe and efficient transportation in Metro Manila. The 3G trains will boost the carrying capacity and efficiency of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and help decongest traffic in Metro Manila. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting this morning in Malacanang after which they motored to the LRTA Operations Control Center on Aurora Blvd. in Pasay City.
Upon their arrival at the LRTA compound, the President and the visiting Japanese leader cut the ribbon, signaling the formal operation of the 48 fully air-conditioned and ultra-modern light rail vehicles. They then boarded a train for the test run from the LRTA Compound in Pasay to the LRT Quirino Station in Malate, Manila. The new set of 12 four-car LRVs will augment LRTA's existing 63 first generation and 28 second generation LRVs.
After the testimony of Ocampo, the impeachment trial was adjourned in the spirit of Christmas.
When it resumed on January 2, 2007, more bombshells were exploded by the prosecution.
In her first working day of the year, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo inaugurated today Phase 1 of the Casecnan Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project (CMIPP) that will irrigate almost 27,000 hectares of farmlands here and in Victoria town in neighboring Tarlac province, and benefit 15,000 farmers. Phase 1 includes irrigation canals and other structures of the Lateral-A headgate in Barangay Magtanggol here that will irrigate an initial 10,000 hectares of farmlands in this city stretching to Guimba town. The President arrived here at 10:45 a.m. with First Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo and Presidential Assistant Renato Diaz from Nueva Vizcaya where she also inaugurated the Baguio-Aritao road improvement project. The Baguio-Aritao road project will greatly reduce the travel time between Baguio City and the famous Banaue Rice Terraces.
Among those who welcomed the President were a big group of local residents and officials led by Nueva Ecija Governor Tomas Joson III, 2nd District Representative Eleuterio Violago, Vice Governor Mariano Cristino Joson and Munoz Mayor Nestor Alvarez. Also present were Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and National Irrigation Administrator Arturo Lomibao.
Speaking atop a hand tractor, the President said the irrigation project would spur economic activities and development in the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle composed of Regions 1, 2, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and the northern part of Region 3. "Ito ay isang malaking super region project natin, itong irrigation component ng Casecnan Dam," she said.
The President said the next phase of the project is the construction of an irrigation canal that would open an additional 16,000 hectares of farmlands from Guimba all the way to Victoria, Tarlac. Aside from its irrigation component, the CMIPP project includes the construction of some 600 kilometers of road dikes-cum farm-to-market roads, and the repair and rehabilitation of damaged irrigation structures serving about 55,000 hectares.
At 1:46 p.m. Defense, prosecution panels take their places at the Senate tribunal. The 13th day of the Arroyo impeachment trial -- Case 001-2006 of the Senate impeachment court, the first impeachment case against a Philippine President and the first in Asia -- is scheduled to start today at 2 p.m. Manila time. Chief Justice and impeachment court presiding judge Reynato S. Puno bangs the gavel to signify start of trial. Choir sings the national anthem and The Lord's Prayer in Pilipino. Senator-judges, members of the impeachment court and witnesses at the gallery bow their heads in prayer. Presiding judge Davide asks people to remain standing after The Lord's Prayer, calls on Senator-judge Robert Jaworski for the invocation. Senator-judge Jaworski reads from prepared invocation, asks the Lord to help reform those who are filled with envy, inequality, violence and greed. He prays for the repose of the souls of the casualties of the Dec. 30 bombing. Secretary General Lutgardo Barbo conducts roll call. 18 Senator-judges present, Davide declares quorum. Barbo reads specifics of Impeachment Case 001-2000. Defense and prosecution declare appearance, same counsels for both sides.
2 p.m. Presiding Judge Puno makes statement. Refers to Dec. 24, 2006 issue of Philippine Star, which quotes Senator-judge Roco as saying that Davide must have been dizzy when he said that the burden of proof to link the P500-million account of Jose Velarde is on the shoulders of the prosecution. Davide clarifies that the prosecution has yet to file a motion for reconsideration regarding the burden of proof issue. ``It must be stressed that when the presiding officer announced the ruling, none of the Senator-judges took the floor to challenge the ruling,'' Davide says. ``It is thus unfortunate that the senators took another forum (the newspaper) to challenge the ruling.'' Davide says that grievances should be taken up with the court. "To do otherwise would suggest bias and discredit the court. The court cannot afford to wait till Jan. 5 for the clarification (from the prosecution). The presiding officer now rules that the challenge against the motion to clarify ruling of the presiding officer (as Roco was quoted in the newspaper) is not factual. Presiding officer Davide states that ``the burden of proof never shifts,'' and insists that the burden of proof is still with the prosecution. Presiding Judge Davide goes back to the stenographic records. “It is the duty of the prosecution to go forward with the evidence,'' Presiding Judge Davide states, ruling that the burden of proof is with the prosecution. Davide clarifies that ill-gotten wealth and properties being alleged by prosecution have not yet been proven to be factual, only presumptions. Davide says the property should be acquired during the official's incumbency, that the amount of the property is not proportional to his salary or income from legitimately acquired property. "How can anyone then claim,'' Davide asks ``that the presumption under Section 2 of RA1379 is proven when Mrs. Clarissa Ocampo has not yet finished her testimony, and only the basis of the presumption has been presented by the prosecution?” “The motion for clarification is therefore denied for lack of merit," Presiding Judge Davide rules. Senator-judge Roco takes the floor. He denies that he said what were written in the Philippine Star's Dec. 24, 2006 issue. ``That headline is not my responsibility,'' Roco says. ``I actually said those words in Tagalog.” Roco says he does not know how the Philippine Star's headline writer came up with the word ``dizzy.'' He says the only thing he said which came close to this was ``baka nagkakalituhan tayo.” Senator-judge Roco concurs with the ruling, but insists that the words written in the Philippine Star are not his and that he should not be held accountable for them. Roco rests. Senator-judge Miriam Defensor-Santiago takes the floor. Refers to a Supreme Court ruling on ill-gotten properties.
2:31 p.m. Senator-Judge Santiago rests. Senator-Judge Pia Cayetano is recognized. Cayetano takes the floor, says that he was never interviewed by newspapers during the Christmas season (Davide earlier mentioned Cayetano as one of the people interviewed by Philippine Star along with Roco). Cayetano rests. Chair recognizes Senate Minority Floor Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. Senator-judge Pimentel, Jr. takes the floor. Makes observation on Puno ruling. Guingona rests. Senator-Judge Serge Osmeña is recognized. Osmeña asks the chair how anyone could prove that the P500 million is ill-gotten. Davide says the prosecution promised to do just that. "Leave that to the prosecution,'' Presiding-judge Davide tells Osmeña about the burden of proving that the P500 million is ill-gotten. Osmeña rests. Senator-judge Rodolfo Biazon is recognized. He takes the floor, concurs with Davide's ruling. Majority Floor Leader Francisco Tatad asks that the term "legalistic gobbledygook'' as stated by Biazon be stricken off the record. Biazon disagrees, saying that the term is not vulgar, and that the vulgar words of some of the witnesses were allowed to be placed in the record. Biazon insists that ``gobbledygook'' remain on record. Davide rules that it will be allowed to remain on record. Biazon rests. Senator-judge Sotto is recognized, concurs with the ruling. Senator-judge Juan Ponce Enrile is recognized. Asks that the motion by Tatad to strike out the term ``legalistic gobbledygook'' should be decided by votation.
2:45 p.m. Senator-judge Roco takes the floor, says that he is not personally insulted by the term “legalistic gobbledygook.'' "Sometimes this even increases attorney's fees,'' Roco says. Roco asks that Biazon's term be allowed to go on record. Senator-judge Mar Roxas takes the floor, says she concurs with Davide's ruling and never doubted his wisdom. Prosecutor-Rep. Joker Arroyo takes the floor, says that they abide by the ruling, and that the prosecution never asked for a motion for reconsideration but instead filed a motion for clarification. Arroyo says prosecution will prove that the P500 million is ill-gotten. Defense cousel Estelito Mendoza takes the floor, says that they maintain that the evidence presented through witness Clarissa Ocampo is immaterial and irrelevant. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile reminds the court that cellular phones will not be allowed in the gallery, and that such will be confiscated. Senate Majority Floor Leader Tatad declares that court is now on trial proper. Presiding judge Davide reads record for request to issue subpoena ducestecum and subpoena ad testificandum for new documents and witnesses. Prosecutor Arroyo says the direct examination of witness Clarissa Ocampo will be "very short, but it will depend on whether or not the defense will declare many objections.'' Arroyo also says that Manuel Curato will corroborate Ocampo's testimony. Senator-judge Enrile takes the floor, asks if Senator-judges could ask witness questions. Davide says they are entitled to this but court should wait after defense cross examines the witness. Defense counsel Mendoza asks Arroyo if by saying the direct examination will be ``brief'' Arroyo means less than 30 minutes. Arroyo answers in the affirmative, but reminds Mendoza that this will depend on whether or not they object to each question thrown to Ocampo.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has appointed former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director and Cavite Governor Epimaco A. Velasco as acting member of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA). Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita announced the appointment of Velasco and four others to various government posts during his weekly press conference this morning at Malacañang’s New Executive Building. Ermita said the other appointees were: Manuel Eduardo T. Zapanta as Executive Director IV (Assistant Secretary), Office of External Affairs, Office of the Political Adviser; Elberto E. Emphasis, member, Board of Directors of the Poro Point Management Corporation; Oliver B. Butalid, member of the Board of Directors and president of the Natural Resources Mining Development Corp., Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); and Nestor Mangio, member and chairman, Board of Directors of the Clark International Airport Corporation of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).
NO ATTEMPT of a cover-up? Two Equitable PCI Bank officials yesterday took exception to news reports that the bank had participated in an attempt to hide President Arroyo’s alleged ownership of a P500-million trust account under the name of Jose Pidal.
Clarissa G. Ocampo, the bank’s senior vice president and trust officer, said the planned transfer of the P500-million trust account to presidential friend and businessman Jaime Dichaves was legal and "a routine business transaction." Georgo L. Go, former Equitable PCI Bank chair, made the same claim in a separate press statement. Ocampo said she didn’t know what the motive of Dichaves was when he asked Go, who was the bank chair then, that the trust account be transferred to his name last Dec. 13. But Ocampo and Go did not explain in their press statements why the documents effecting the transfer of the trust account to Dichaves were to be antedated to Feb. 4, 2000.
In her testimony last Dec. 22, Ocampo testified that it was on Feb. 4, 2006 when she saw the President affix the signature "Jose Velarde" on several bank documents related to the P500-million trust account. House prosecutors in the Senate impeachment trial are using the Equitable PCI Bank account as evidence that Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo committed graft and corruption by acquiring ill-gotten wealth to fund a lavish lifestyle for himself and his mistresses.
"The fact that the bank did not consummate the transaction because of lack of legal requirements proves that the bank did not participate in any cover-up," Ocampo said in a press statement. When she resumed her testimony at the Senate impeachment trial on Tuesday, Ocampo said Go directed her last month to prepare the documents transferring the account to Dichaves. Ocampo said Dichaves signed the documents on Dec. 13 at the office of defense lawyer Estelito Mendoza.
But Dichaves never submitted the letter-authority from the owner of the trust account to the bank’s trust department, Ocampo said. Hence, the transfer fell through. "I cannot speak for Mr. Dichaves as to his motives . . . (but) Equitable PCI Bank did not and will never participate in any cover-up and we will never allow anything that is not legal," Ocampo said in her statement. There was no explanation, however, why the documents that Dichaves signed on Dec. 13 were antedated to Feb. 4, 2000. Ocampo testified last Dec. 22 that she saw the President affix the signature "Jose Velarde" on several bank documents related to the P500-million trust account.
Manuel Curato, Equitable PCI Bank legal counsel, corroborated her testimony on Tuesday. Curato said he was also present when the signing took place in Malacañang on Feb. 4, 2000. Dichaves, however, wrote the Senate court last Dec. 18 to claim that he owned the P142-million check with the signature of "Jose Velarde" and the separate Equitable PCI Bank account from which it was drawn. The check, which prosecutors also planned to use as evidence against the President, allegedly funded the purchase of the so-called "Boracay mansion" that was once occupied by one of the President’s mistresses. According to prosecutors, the P500-million trust account and the P142-million check both originated from the President’s P1.2-billion savings and current account with Equitable PCI Bank.
It’s all systems go for the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu City on Jan. 11-15, Malacañang said today. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said at his weekly conference in Malacañang this morning that all preparations for the Summit were already in place. "All preparations, all systems are go," Ermita said, adding that only minor finishing touches in the preparation of the Summit venues such as landscaping, have yet to be completed. He added, however, that ASEAN organizers see no hitches in the preparation of the Summit venues.
Ermita said that all aspects of the forthcoming ASEAN Summit, ranging from security matters to weather conditions during the high-level gathering, were discussed during the National Security Council (NSC)-Cabinet group meeting on Tuesday. He assured that the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Anti-Terrorism Task Force (ATTF) were fully prepared to ensure the safety of the leaders of the participating countries, members of the various delegations, other Philippine visitors and the general public. The threat of terrorism is always present, Summit or no Summit, but the government agencies like the PNP, AFP and the ATTF are ready and prepared to counter any threat to disrupt the Summit, he said.
After fiscal reforms, government life-saving schemes such as health insurance through the Philhealth cards and half-priced medicines are among the top 10 programs of the administration that are working for the poor. These were among the highlights of the roundtable discussion on poverty alleviation presided no less by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacanang this morning
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III told the President that latest surveys show that 45 percent of Filipinos agree that prices of medicines have considerably gone down since the government implemented the Botika ng Barangay program compared to the 11 percent of previous polls. The Botika ng Barangay offers medicines at half the cost, forcing the pharmaceutical industry to sell low-cost brands and saving consumers an estimated P1.4 billion.
Duque said the low-cost medicines are 35 to 40 percent cheaper and available in nearly 10,000 outlets nationwide. "Very good. That is a big help to the people and a success story for the administration" the President said by way of congratulating the Health Secretary for the implementation of the program.
The President also commended the health insurance scheme such as the Philhealth card for having benefited 21 million indigent Filipinos, up from 1.5 million in 2000. She noted that health insurance has removed the nightmare of every Filipino family such as a life threatening illness or injury and lack of money to pay for the treatment.
Other topics discussed during the same occasion included the administration’s microfinance and self-employment and livelihood programs. Also present at the roundtable discussion were Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Esperanza Cabral, National Anti-poverty Commission Chief Convenor Domingo Panganiban, Edgar Generoso, president of the People’s Credit and Finance Corporation and Nelia Gonzaga, a resident of Batasan Hills in Quezon City who is one of the beneficiaries of DSWD’s Self-Employment Kaunlaran program.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo visited today Manila’s Barangay 830, Zone 90 District VI near the Presidential Security Group (PSG) compound in Nagtahan across the Pasig River from Malacañang to discuss with residents and barangay officials their request for various government livelihood and development assistance to the area. The President’s visit coincided with the opening of a jobs fair in the area, and the inauguration of a Tindahan Natin convenience store and a Botika ng Bayan or barangay drugstore.
The President was met by barangay officials led by barangay chairman Eusebio Barrientos and barangay kagawad Danilo Casas and Girlie Agas. Also present during the meeting were Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando and representatives of various government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Food Authority (NFA), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The President discussed with Barrientos the request of the barangay residents that the land where their houses are located be awarded to them, the opening of the U-turn slot under the Nagtahan bridge to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and the construction of a playground inside the PSG compound for dependents of PSG members. Barrientos said that the President assured him that a Presidential Proclamation was forthcoming on the award of the land to the residents while the playground project and the opening of the U-turn slot would be discussed with the PSG chief, Col. Romeo Prestoza.
President Arroyo also inaugurated the barangay’s Tindahan Natin and Botika ng Bayan drugstore. Both outlets offer items at prices lower than those of similar goods sold by retail stores. The Tindahan Natin sells basic goods such as rice, noodles, sugar and coffee, while the Botika ng Bayan offers quality medicines at prices markedly lower than private drugstores. The President also awarded 140 TESDA Scholarships to deserving students in the barangay.
Among the companies that participated in the mini-jobs fair were Triple C Employment Services, Grand Maintenance Services and the Loannet Office. The participating firms are looking for qualified applicants to fill vacancies for telemarketers, maids, drivers, secretaries and caregivers.
GEORGE L. Go, former Equitable PCI Bank chair, yesterday said he feared for his safety and the future of the bank after it became embroiled in the Senate impeachment trial of President Macapagal-Arroyo. In an interview with Reuters at an undisclosed place in Manila, Go said he had been in hiding for about a month now and admitted there had been a run on the bank "to some degree." In a statement to the Inquirer, however, Go clarified that only about P3.2 billion had been withdrawn from the bank by depositors since the impeachment trial began last month – not P32 billion as reported by Reuters.
"Equitable PCI Bank is solid and stable enough, and we are all confident that it will weather the storm," Go, who resigned as the bank’s chair last month, said in his statement. Even so, he told Reuters that the bank is "not over the hump." "It will not recover overnight," said Go, whose family controls a 30-percent stake in the bank, the third largest in the country. He admitted that he had lost a lot of friends, but did not say if one of them was President Macapagal-Arroyo.
Wilfrido Vergara, Equitable PCI Bank president, confirmed the bank had lost only about P3.2 billion in deposits. But Vergara added he didn’t think Go was in hiding. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco also said Equitable PCI Bank did not seem to be in trouble. "So far, they have managed . . . I guess they have been using their secondary reserves," Tetangco said.
"They have not come to us for liquidity assistance but we are prepared to help if requested," he added. At the same time, however, Buenaventura denied rumors that the central bank was pressuring Equitable PCI Bank to stop assisting the prosecution at the trial.
FIRST Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo received two checks totaling P8.4 million from Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson in 1999. The money, according to the prosecutors in the impeachment trial of President Macapagal-Arroyo, was not reflected in the joint statement of assets and liabilities that she and President Macapagal-Arroyo had declared. The prosecutors submitted photocopies of documents on the undeclared income of the First Lady.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vowed today to complete the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) by 2010, saying that in contrast to previous years the government is now in a financial position to pursue the program to its logical conclusion. In her message at the Joint Department of National Defense (DND)-AFP New Year’s Call 2007 at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City this morning, the President said the government has generated enough savings to implement much-needed development projects.
A part of these savings will be spent in the continuing effort to build up the AFP capabilities and further upgrade its ability to protect the country from external aggression while maintaining internal peace and order. "We were able to save enough funds for the delivery of enhanced basic services and infrastructure, including the AFP Modernization Program…it may have been implemented late due to the lack of funds but now we have enough funds," the President said in Filipino dialect.
She recalled that while the AFP Modernization Program was passed by Congress when she was still senator in 1995, it could not be fully implemented because of the perennial lack of funds. But the funding constraints have been overcome, she added. "We were able to successfully implement economic reforms that resulted to the country’s growing economy, partly because of the role you played in maintaining peace and security," she said.
The President conducted a Pre-Procurement Conference for the first P10 billion allotted for the modernization program after the New Year’s Call 2007 event.
ON THE basis of a document found in a captured rebel camp, the Philippine National Police yesterday pinned the Bloody Saturday bombings in Metro Manila on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Police officials recommended the filing of multiple murder charges against seven MILF members, including chair Hashim Salamat, and vice chairs Ghadzali Jaafar, Al-Haj Murad and Aleem Aziz Mimbantas.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed assurance today that the political noise that goes with the mid-term elections would not be a threat to sustaining the economic gains her administration has achieved. In her brief message during the inauguration this morning of the P745.5-million Domalandan Bridge linking Dagupan City and Lingayen to the western part of Pangasinan, the President said her economic team is determined to work harder to meet the government’s macro economic targets for 2007.
"We’re off to a good start. We’re confident 2007 will be the year it all comes together. More Filipinos are converging their talents and energies in moving the economy through greater heights. Even as we face the usual political noise attendant to mid-term elections, that won’t threaten at all the established growth curve of the economy," the President said.
"Our team is resolved in sustaining our macro and micro targets. We are bent on reducing the number of families living below poverty line without being hampered by the political season," she added.
She marked the celebration of the feast of the Epiphany today with the distribution of various Christmas gift packages to a number of urban poor families in Pasay City this afternoon.
"WE are sorry for the inconvenience." Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon made the apology yesterday at a press conference as he announced the release of 14 of 18 suspects arrested Thursday in the Muslim community of Barangay Culiat in Quezon City. Task Force Mindanao later reported that 20 had been arrested, adding that 16 were freed yesterday afternoon and that the rest were expected to be released later at night.
The released men and their lawyers said a simple sorry was not enough to make up for their ordeal in detention, and indicated that they may take legal action against the military. "We will not accept their apology. We were abducted even when we had nothing to do with the bombings," said an angry Frederick Punzalan, one of those released.
But Esperon denied that the arrests had anything to do with the Bloody Saturday bomb attacks on Dec. 30 that killed at least 18 (22 by one count) and injured more than 100 others. He said that the raid on a house shared by the suspects was merely part of the military’s campaign against the illegal possession of firearms.
IMPEACHED President Macapagal-Arroyo wants to leave a "legacy" of clean and automated elections, and he wants to start in May. Tough for the President, but lack of time and legal and financial issues are getting in the way of the bidding for the Automated Counting and Consolidation of Results System (Accors).
Ermita also revealed that starting Jan. 9 some officials and delegates from ASEAN member-nations would be arriving in the country, particularly in Cebu. He said that the ASEAN senior ministers will meet on Jan.10 while the ASEAN foreign ministers will arrive the next day for the foreign ministerial meeting. The ASEAN Leaders Summit, he said, will be held on Jan. 12-15.
Soliven was buried in
Libingan Ng Mga Bayani on January 10. Soliven was posthumously awarded the Order of Lakandula (rank of Grand Officer) by President Macapagal Arroyo. She also hailed Max Soliven as an “icon of freedom” saying that free press wouldn’t have been the way it was without him.
On January 11, Atty. Edgardo Espiritu who served as petitioner’s Secretary of Finance took the witness stand. He alleged that the petitioner jointly owned BW Resources Corporation with Mr. Dante Tan who was facing charges of insider trading.
"The sun always shines whenever President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo visits Cebu." This oft-repeated quote comes from Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who says the President always brings good tidings, including good weather, whenever she visits Cebu. Cebu hosts this year’s summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The week of the summit opened under a nasty weather spawned by an intertropical convergence zone. But it stopped raining starting Thursday to the relief of summit organizers and the Cebuanos who view the events with unconcealed pride.
On January 13, Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have resolved to enhance the regional bloc’s standing as an "effective driving force" in facing the challenges and opportunities in the region and its peoples. In her report as chairperson of the 12th ASEAN Summit after the conclusion of their meetings Saturday, the President said that the leaders have stressed that the ASEAN community that they are building "shall be a community of peoples caring for and sharing their human, natural and cultural resources and strengths for their common good and mutual benefit." President Macapagal-Arroyo thanked today the leaders of the Asia-Pacific region for attending the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and the related summits, which the Philippines successfully hosted here from Jan. 10 to 15.
The President hailed last night the two-day official visit to the Philippines of Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao as another milestone to the golden age partnership between the Philippines and China. The President made the remarks as she and Premier Wen witnessed the signing in Malacañang of several agreements that would further broaden economic and trade cooperation and other aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries.
Wen arrived in Manila Monday afternoon from Cebu where he attended the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related meetings hosted by the Philippine government. China is one of the dialogue partners of the 10-member ASEAN. Upon arrival at the Palace grounds at 6:20 p.m. yesterday, Wen was officially welcomed by President Arroyo and other top Philippine government officials. After the arrival honors, the two leaders held a 20-minute meeting at Malacañang’s Music Room. This was followed by an expanded bilateral meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room.
The President and Premier Wen first witnessed the signing of the Framework Agreement on Expanding and Deepening Bilateral Economic and Trade Cooperation between the Philippines and China during simple rites at Malacañang’s Reception Hall. The agreement provides the framework to further strengthen economic and trade cooperation as well as to promote two-way investment in the next 10 years between the Philippines and China. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Romulo Neri, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Thomas G. Aquino and Vice Minister Liao Xiaoqi of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) signed the document. The second agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Philippines and China was signed by Neri and Liao. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and Liao signed the third document on a framework agreement on the provision of concessional loan by China to the Philippines.
The fourth document is the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on expanding and deepening agriculture and fisheries cooperation between the two countries. It was signed by Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and Vice Minister Yin Chengjie of the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture. Another MOA between the Department of Agriculture and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) of China in the field of sanitary and phytosanitary measure was signed by Secretary Yap and Minister Li Changjiang of the Chinese General Inspection. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the AQSIQ of China signed a MOA on cooperation on industrial products safety. An agreement on the Protection of Cultural Heritage was signed by National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Ambeth Ocampo and State Administration of Cultural Heritage of China Director General Shan Jixiang.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the loan agreements on the utilization of US$500 million Preferential Buyer’s Credit between the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Export and Import Bank of China, and the loan agreement on the provision of US$500 million Preferential Buyer’s Credit Loan for the Northrail Project Phase 1, Section 2, were signed by Finance Secretary Margarito Teves and Li Ruogu, governor of the Export-Import Bank of China. Two contract agreements to upgrade and rehabilitate the existing North and South Luzon Railway Projects were also signed during the visit of the Chinese prime minister. The first contract agreement is between North Luzon Railways Corporation and China National Machinery Industry Corporation for the Northrail Project Phase 1, Section 2. It was signed by Jose L. Cortes Jr., president of Northrail, and Ren Hongbin of China National Machinery and Industrial Corporation. The Engineering Procurement and Construction Contract for the Rehabilitation and Upgrading of the Philippine Mainline of the South Luzon Railway Project Phase 1, Section 1, was signed by Jose Ma. Sarasola, general manager of the Philippine National Railways (PNR), and Jiang Xinsheng, president of China National Technical Import and Export Corporation.
Then came the fateful day of January 16, when by a vote of 11-10 the senator-judges ruled against the opening of the second envelop which allegedly contained evidence showing that the President held P3.3 billion in a secret bank account under the name “Jose Pidal.” The public and private prosecutors walked out in protest of the ruling. In disgust, Senator Enrile resigned as Senate President.
The ruling made at 10:00 p.m. was met by a spontaneous outburst of anger that hit the streets of the metropolis. By midnight, thousands had assembled at the EDSA Shrine and speeches full of sulphur were delivered against the petitioner and the eleven (11) senators.
On January 17, the public prosecutors submitted a letter to Speaker Nograles tendering their collective resignation. They also filed their Manifestation of Withdrawal of Appearance with the impeachment tribunal. Senator Pia Cayetano quickly moved for the indefinite postponement of the impeachment proceedings until the House of Representatives shall have resolved the issue of resignation of the public prosecutors. Chief Justice Puno granted the motion.
THE 24TH day of the Arroyo impeachment trial began over an hour-and-a-half late, following the announcement of the 11-man House prosecution panel that they would withdraw from the case. Presiding officer Chief Justice Reynato Puno read the formal letter from the public prosecutors. Senator-judge Sonia Roco then moved for the adjournment of the trial. When Puno informed the court that the House of Representatives had not yet sent its formal communication, Senator-judge Piua Cayetano made an amended motion to adjourn the trial until such time as the House resolves the matter. Defense counsel Raul Daza pleaded with court to give a definite date for the continuance, but Roco raised a point of order and shouted that Daza was not a member of the court. After Daza was rebuked, the amended motion was approved. The trial is adjourned indefinitely.
Ambassador Roy Cimatu, chief of the Presidential Middle East Preparedness Committee (PMEPC), will fly to Lebanon this week to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos who maybe caught in a sectarian conflict of violence there. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos announced today during the weekly press briefing presided by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita in Malacañang this afternoon. Cimatu, according to Conejos, will assess the situation in Lebanon and make sure that the existing plans are upgraded to respond to any type of contingency and emergency scenarios. He said that since the end of the conventional conflict in July, the government, especially the PMEPC, continued monitoring the political and security situation in Lebanon. Last week, Conejos said, the PMEPC briefed Vice President Noli de Castro, the head of the Lebanon Task Force. Together, they decided to upgrade the contingency plans of the task force "to ensure that we are able to address all types of threats." "Right now Lebanon is facing a situation where a sectarian conflict is a possibility. So we are also looking at this type of threat, not just external but internal disorder," Conejos explained.
The UN Secretary-General's message was conveyed through Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo when the two officials met at the UN Headquarters in New York last Wednesday (Jan. 17) where Romulo briefed Ban on the results of the ASEAN and East Asia Summit meetings hosted by the Philippines, being this year's ASEAN chair. "We had a very good meeting. Our meeting started off with the Secretary-General conveying his congratulations for the 'profound and meaningful success' of the Cebu Summit meetings," Romulo said. Romulo added that the UN official noted that the success and meaningful outcomes of the meetings were a direct result of the strong direction and leadership of President Arroyo.
President Macapagal-Arroyo said today that 2007 will be a "boom year" for the Philippine economy, marked with improved revenue collections and important infrastructure programs aimed at enticing more investment opportunities. In her speech keynoting the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) induction ceremonies held at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila in Makati City this afternoon, the President pointed out that the "social payback" of this rosy economic outlook will directly benefit the Filipino people. "The Philippines reaps high marks in terms of fiscal freedom, trade freedom and freedom from government. We are going past the restrictive hurdles in the economy," the President said. "And we have set 2007 as the boom year for the economy," she added.
7:04 p.m. Camps Aguinaldo and Crame remain calm as protesters continue to march along Edsa on their way to the Edsa Shrine. The Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership assures that "everything is under control." The PNP said it would ensure the safety of both pro- and anti-Macapagal-Arroyo protesters. After meeting with members of the Economic Coordinating Council and Cabinet secretaries at the Palace, President Macapagal-Arroyo is now talking to local government officials. According to Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, the Palace is monitoring the situation in the streets. He says that the Philippine National Police is on top of the situation. Toledo adds that the Palace respects the right of the protesters to express their opinion. Bunye, however, says that while it is true that many people are going to Edsa, this is a small number compared to the country’s total population. Protesters are still massing at both lanes of Edsa to converge at the Edsa Shrine at the corner of Ortigas and Edsa. From San Juan, demonstrators are now walking along Ortigas Avenue to attend the prayer vigil. Teddy Casiño, secretary-general of militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, says that the protest activities will continue and that the demonstrators will not leave until President Macapagal-Arroyo resigns.
8:36 p.m. At the Edsa Shrine rally, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary-general Teddy Casiño says their goal is to encourage more people to attend the rallies tonight. He says that the military and police are just waiting for more people to show their opposition to President Macapagal-Arroyo. Casiño says that military and police personnel are ready to withdraw their support from Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo once the public shows its resolve in calling for her ouster. In his speech before the Edsa Shrine People Power rallyists, Cavite Gov. Ayong Maliksi calls on President Macapagal-Arroyo to resign. Maliksi parts ways with Sen. Ramon Revilla, Jr. who was among the 11 senator-judges who voted against the opening of the second sealed Equitable PCI Bank envelope.
8:49 p.m. Pro-Macapagal-Arroyo rallyists are also holding their own vigil at Mendiola bridge. Senator Jinggoy Estrada and action stars Rudy Fernandez and Philip Salvador are among the celebrities at the Mendiola rally. The younger Estrada expresses sadness upon learning Cavite Gov. Erineo Maliksi’s decision to withdraw his support from his godfather, President Arroyo. Arroyo, however, says he respects Revilla’s decision. Around 30 gay protesters between 10 to 15 years old are performing an Ati-Atihan dance near the Corinthian Gardens gate along Edsa, as part of the festivities at the Edsa Shrine People Power rally.
9:05 p.m. Some vehicles are still trying to get through blocked portions of Mendiola, which pro-Macapagal-Arroyo demonstrators have closed off to traffic. Actor Richard Gomez is reportedly attending the pro-Arroyo Mendiola vigil. "Spice Boy” Bukidnon Rep. Miguel Zubiri, who is now at the Edsa Shrine prayer vigil, says he believes the crowd there is bigger than the Nov. 4 rally. He rejoices over the participation of thousands of people and the fiesta atmosphere, saying that the Filipino people have had enough of President Macapagal-Arroyo. In the Cubao area, commuters are finding it difficult to get a ride because of the lack of passenger vehicles. At C-5 from Julia Vargas to Katipunan, vehicles are now experiencing bumper-to-bumper traffic.
9:30 p.m. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reports that in the Ortigas area, the northbound Edsa lane is experiencing heavy traffic but only until Shaw Boulevard. Meanwhile, going south, one lane of Edsa is passable using the service road, while the southbound Edsa-Ortigas flyover is completely passable. Based on estimates by the Philippine National Police, the MMDA reports that the Edsa Shrine crowd reached 20, 000 as of 7: 30 to 8 p.m., but says that more people are joining. The southbound lane of Edsa in the Ortigas area is now completely closed to traffic. The sudden turnout of protesters coming from Mandaluyong and Makati has forced traffic authorities to close the southbound lanes.
10:36 p.m. At the Edsa Shrine rally, the Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino II (Kompil II) says that it will take time to force the ouster of President Arroyo, who has shown himself to be shameless. Percival Chavez of Kompil II’s coordinating committee says that the demonstrators are prepared for the long haul. He says that the prayer rallies and festivities will continue along Edsa, and that these sustained activities will help shape the minds of the Filipino people. He says that the demonstrators understand that it is not enough to conduct rallies, explaining that they will launch other protest activities such as nationwide strikes. He adds that there is a proposal to boycott banks identified with the President’s cronies, citing the Lucio Tan-controlled Philippine National Bank and Allied Bank. People are still flocking to Mendiola, where supporters of President Macapagal-Arroyo are conducting their own prayer vigil. Comedian Leo Martinez, better known for his Congressman Manik Manaog character, entertains the People Power demonstrators at the Edsa Shrine. Up to this late hour, protesters still fill the Edsa-Ortigas flyover. In a GMA-7 TV news interview at the Edsa Shrine rally, retired Gen. Fortunato Abat, a former defense secretary, reiterates that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) still looks up to the retired AFP officers and seeks their advice. He says it is a matter of time before the military withdraws its support from President Macapagal-Arroyo. Entertainer Gary Valenciano is now singing on stage at the Edsa Shrine rally.
11:06 p.m. TV station estimates the crowd gathered at the Edsa-Ortigas intersection now numbers 100,000. At the Mendiola pro-Macapagal-Arroyo rally, Macapagal-Arroyo son Dato says that the President will overcome this test. He stresses that the people are voluntarily attending the pro-Macapagal-Arroyo rally. According to Macapagal-Arroyo, only the elitists and the middle class are attending the anti-Macapagal-Arroyo rallies. He says that the President’s critics are only spreading lies and that the truth will come out in the end. One of the Edsa Shrine rally organizers, singer Danny Javier of the Apo Hiking Society, says that while People Power in 1986 sought to win back the country’s democracy, People Power 2001 seeks to restore the Filipino’s dignity. He says President Macapagal-Arroyo’s shamelessness is degrading the Filipino nation. At C5, the northbound lane from Makati City going to Quezon City is now almost completely empty – in stark contrast to the heavy traffic earlier.
The protesters vowed to stay at the Edsa Shrine "rain or shine" until they ‘‘reclaim power" from the President. Cries of "Gloria resign!" and "
Patalsikin si (Oust) Gloria!" rang out constantly at the rally site.
12:28 a.m. Though some protesters at the Edsa Shrine have started going home, many are opting to stay at the People Power rally. The Edsa-Ortigas intersection remains closed to traffic. A meeting is now ongoing among the leaders of the cause-oriented groups at the Edsa Shrine People Power vigil. Attending the meeting are Teddy Casiño, secretary-general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan; Nathaniel Santiago of Bayan Muna; lawyer Persida Acosta; Apo Hiking Society member Danny Javier of the Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino II; and Laguna Gov. Joey Lina. The rally organizers are discussing the next steps in the sustained protest campaign against President Macapagal-Arroyo. Demonstrators from the youth and student sector gleefully shout and clap their hands as photos of the 11 “Judases” – the 11 senator-judges that voted against the opening of the second sealed Equitable PCI Bank envelope – are presented. Onstage at the Edsa Shrine rally, demonstrators also carry a placard saying “Gloria Baboy (Pig).” Hawkers are also taking advantage of the fiesta atmosphere by selling food and drinks, even as the bars and cafés in Ortigas Center are overflowing with customers. “Gloria Resign” T-shirts, going for P100, are also selling well. Styrofoam containers and empty mineral water bottles now litter the front of the nearby Galleria mall.
At 1:41 a.m. Motorists are now having problems passing through the Edsa-Ortigas flyover going to Cubao in Quezon City. Some demonstrators have started dancing right in the middle of the thoroughfare while vehicles parked on the flyover are forcing motorists to use the leftmost lane. Parked cars are also hampering the movement of vehicles using the Ortigas-San Juan flyover. The Edsa Shrine rally continues with the lighting of fireworks entertaining the remaining crowd. Protesters light up Edsa with fireworks coming from the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency office. Protesters in Cebu City announce they will stage bigger rallies, saying that they will not limit themselves to protest actions in the malls. The Cebu demonstrators say that they will not stop the anti-Macapagal-Arroyo mass actions until the Senate impeachment court opens the second sealed Equitable PCI Bank envelope. Meanwhile, students from Cebu’s Catholic schools say they will also join the anti-Macapagal-Arroyo rallies. Traffic is now flowing more smoothly at the Edsa-Ortigas flyover as the youth demonstrators stop dancing in the middle of the thoroughfare. Rivermaya, Arnel Ignacio, and other anti-Macapagal-Arroyo musicians and entertainers are preparing to perform their intermission numbers at the Edsa Shrine rally. Demonstrators are carrying placards insulting the 11 senator-judges that voted against the opening of the second sealed Equitable PCI Bank envelope. The radio reporter says the placards include: “Santiago Baliw (insane)"; “Tatad Pakialamero (meddler)"; “Osmeña Bading (homosexual)"; “Oreta Kabit (mistress), Balato (cut, kickback), Pokpok (prostitute)"; "Ople Matandang Kalbo (bald old man)"; "Enrile Balimbing (turncoat)"; "Gringo Barumbado (thug)"; “Sotto Pusher”; and “Jaworski Buwakaw (brazen cheat)." The radio reporter says, however, that the insults against Coseteng and Revilla are too obscene to mention on air.
At 2:46 a.m.: A number of protesters are now leaving the Edsa Shrine rally to go home. The rallyists, however, are leaving piles of garbage--mostly paper, plastic and empty mineral water bottles--particularly right in front of the Edsa Shrine. The Ortigas-San Juan flyover is now almost empty, though a huge crowd remains at the Edsa-Ortigas flyover to watch the festivities. 9 a.m. North- and south-bound traffic is flowing smoothly on Edsa despite the usual rush-hour traffic expected on this major thoroughfare, as motorists take alternate routes expecting a jam near Ortigas Avenue at the Edsa Shrine where the so-called People Power of 2007 is expected to continue. A program is still ongoing at the Edsa Shrine, and organizers promise more bands and performers to join people gathered there in an indignation rally over the blockage of the presentation of a second envelope containing evidence regarding the Jose Pidal account. Vehicles can be seen parked along Edsa, while traffic enforcers are liberally situated throughout the area in an attempt to ease traffic flow later when more people converge in the area.
The President urged today the 117 city mayors nationwide to remain focused on national development as the country prepares to meet the challenges posed by the highly-invigorated ASEAN and East Asia communities. In her message at the 1st League of Cities National Convention at the Manila Hotel this morning, the President also promised the city mayors that she would remain their partner for development, security and good governance.
"Let us remain focused on the tasks at hand. I shall continue to wait upon your leadership to serve the people," she said, adding that the cities "have become a force to reckon with" in national development as the concept of the super region relies much on the best of local leadership and resources. "Your cities are the hubs whose spokes extend along all points of the compass, to other cities and hubs of prosperity in the region," the President said.
She said the country's economy, which is now on an extended bull run as seen in higher-than-ever overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) remittances, a very strong peso, bullish stock market, low inflation rate, stable interest rates and increasing investments, could be sustained with support from "hardworking and dedicated city mayors."
The President also said that as a result of the economic reform measures implemented by her administration, the budget for social services now is higher than for debt services for the first time in many years. "We have championed a social agenda that weaves into the spirit of one caring and sharing community that is given a tangible share in the 2007 budget," the President stressed as she urged the city mayors to be her partners in the delivery of enhanced social services to the Filipino people.
At 10:47 a.m. Kompil, Sanlakas, Bayan, KMU, and other militant groups hold a press conference this morning to call for "economic action" to press for the resignation of the President Arroyo. This would be part of its grand civil disobedience campaign that primarily urges Filipinos to stop paying taxes and participate in work stoppages.
Movie star Nora Aunor reportedly intends to withdraw her support for President Macapagal-Arroyo, a radio report said. The report quoted an official of the Bayan Muna party Crispin Beltran as saying that Aunor, a long-time friend of the President, will announce her decision in a press conference today. Aunor formally withdraws her support for longtime friend President Arroyo, revealing new information about the President in a press conference this morning. Wearing an Gloria resign T-shirt, Aunor said Arroyo "beat her up like a punching bag" in one incident. 12:30 p.m. A con-celebrated mass of members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines is ongoing with thousands of protesters again converging in front of the EDSA Shrine. Key figures in the opposition, including resigned prosecutors in the impeachment trial, are expected to join the rally today. Also expected are movie stars Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor, who announced her breakaway from longtime friend President Arroyo in a press conference this morning.
President Macapagal-Arroyo said today the all-out war waged by the government against terrorism has again paid off with the death of another senior Abu Sayyaf leader in an encounter with government troops last Monday in Talipao,Sulu. In his message at the 1st National Convention of the League of Cities of the Philippines held at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel, the President commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines for killing Abu Solaiman, the Abu Sayyaf leader tagged by the military as the mastermind behind several high-profile terror attacks such as the Dos Palmas kidnapping in Palawan in 2001 and the Super Ferry bombing off Corregidor island in 2004. "The relentless pressure we have applied in the field is taking its toll and we will keep it up until all the terrorists and their clandestine cells are accounted for," the President said.
The President said the AFP’s latest feat marks another "milestone" in the fight against terrorism, which "caps with glory" the ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism which was signed by the leaders of the 10-member ASEAN at the conclusion of their 12th summit in Cebu last Monday. "We are resolved to work with our strategic allies in the region and with the United States to tighten the dragnet and stop the movement of terrorists, their finances and their deadly materiel across seas and borders," the President stressed. Saying the Philippines has regained its place in the international landscape as a strong player in the fight against terror, the President vowed to relentlessly work for a lasting peace not only in the country or East Asian region but in the world as there are around eight million Filipinos working overseas.
"We mark every high point in the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf and the Jemaah Islamiyah with greater resolve to move forward in strengthening domestic, regional and global security," she said. "The Philippines has a stake in a safer world where eight million Filipinos work and reside, and in an East Asian region that builds shared prosperity on stability and peace," she added. The President also expressed determination "to finish the job with a hand of steel against evil and to usher in a durable peace through economic development, interfaith dialogue and international cooperation."
Concelebrated mass at the Edsa Shrine has just finished, and more people are arriving in this stretch of Edsa. The service road in Edsa Ortigas has been closed to traffic and the only passable road is the Ortigas flyover. Parts of Connecticut and Meralco Avenues are also now closed with the growing number of people in the area. Food cooked on-the-spot by a chef is being distributed free to the people.
1:25 p.m. Various speakers and performers take the stage anew at the EDSA Shrine. The mood is lively with anti-Gloria songs blaring in the background. Another mass is expected to be held at 5 p.m. today to be led by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales. Former president Corazon Aquino is expected to attend. Organizers are also planning for tomorrow a march from the Edsa Shrine to Malacañang to further press President Arroyo to resign from her post.
2:34 p.m. Participants from the Makati business community will march to the EDSA shrine in a symbolic human chain that is set to start shortly along Paseo de Roxas. A reported 5,000 members of the University of the Philippines academic community are marching toward the EDSA shrine to participate in today's People Power II assembly.
Students and teachers walked out of their classes in Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Manila, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, City of San Fernando, La Union, Alaminos City, Dagupan City, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Cauayan City, Santiago City, Isabela, Cagayan, Batanes, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Angeles City, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Tarlac City, Tarlac, Olongapo City, Zambales, Balanga City, Bataan, Malolos City, Obando, Meycauayan City, City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Antipolo City, Rizal, Cavite City, Tagaytay City, Cavite, Santa Rosa City, Calamba City, City of San Pablo, Laguna, Batangas City, Lipa City, Tanauan City, Batangas, Lucena City, Quezon, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Camarines Norte, Naga City, Camarines Sur, Legazpi City, Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon, Masbate, Aklan, Antique, Roxas City, Capiz, Iloilo City, Passi City, Iloilo, Guimaras, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Cebu City, Lapu-lapu City, Mandaue City, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Bohol, Biliran, Tacloban City, Ormoc City, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Calbayog City, Samar, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga City, Isabela City, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Misamis Occidental, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Davao City, Digos City, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, General Santos City, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Cotabato City, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Butuan City, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Shariff Kabunsuan, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, TV, movie and theater celebrities to show their concordance. Speakers in the continuing rallies at the EDSA Shrine, all masters of the physics of persuasion, attracted more and more people.
3:03 p.m. A student council officers of the University of the Philippines took the podium to lambast President Macapagal-Arroyo for slicing the education budget to finance the Mindanao war. Movie star Nora Aunor addressed the People Power II crowd in front of the EDSA shrine. She said she came out of her own volition. She also expressed disappointment over Macapagal-Arroyo's broken promises and his failure to address pressing issues in the country. She is asking Gloria to resign. She is also requesting the President to respect women and resign to save the country. People Power II crowd swells to approximately 40,000.
4:02 p.m., a "human chain" march has commenced from Paseo de Roxas and is now approaching the Estrella overpass nearing the Guadalupe bridge. The marchers, composed of members of the Makati business community, are en route to the EDSA Shrine to join today's People Power 2 assembly. Employees of Gokongwei firms Cebu Pacific and Universal Robina, and the Concepcion-family-owned RFM Corporation have walked out of their offices to join the human chain march as it reached Boni Ave. in Mandaluyong. Students bearing candles are marching along Edsa as part of the “Luksa ng Bayan (National Mourning).” Protesters are massing in front of Star Mall at Edsa Crossing, waiting for the other marchers from Ayala Avenue in Makati City to form the human chain. Among the rallyists are employees of the National Economic and Development Authority, who say they expect more of their officemates to join the human chain later. Many of the protesters are dressed in black and have armbands saying “Guilty!” or “Resign Gloria!”
4:58 p.m. At the corner of Boni Ave. and Edsa in Mandaluyong, the marchers are still waiting for the marchers to form the human chain from the Caltex station in Boni Ave. to EDSA Crossing. The human chain, however, from Guadalupe to Boni is already complete. Rally organizers are now working to extend the human chain to link with the marchers already waiting in EDSA Crossing. Meanwhile, marchers from Ayala Ave. and Buendia have already converged.
Press Secretary says they are prepared for the arrival of anti-Macapagal-Arroyo demonstrators tomorrow. Militant groups have said that they will surround Malacañang Palace tomorrow. Bunye says they have beefed up security around the Palace, even as the police have been instructed to exercise maximum tolerance. Meanwhile, pro-Macapagal-Arroyo rallyists will still be camping out in Mendiola bridge near Malacañang Palace tonight. Palace officials assure us that President Arroyo will speak to the public either tomorrow or the day after that. Protesters are also waiting in front of the SM Megamall for the arrival of marchers from Makati City to form the human chain. Movement, however, is hampered by heavy traffic in Edsa’s northbound lanes. Reports indicate that only two northbound Edsa lanes are still passable, while on the Ortigas-San Juan flyover, only one lane is available going to San Juan. Protesters from Boni Ave. are now starting to proceed toward Edsa Crossing to link up with the marchers waiting there to form the human chain. Bomb experts from the Makati police station have detonated a bomb found under the bridge at the corner of Buendia Ave. and Edsa Extension. The package containing the bomb was reportedly hurled earlier by someone inside a taxi cab. It is still unclear, however, what type of bomb was found. The experts reportedly did not attempt to defuse the bomb but instead decided to detonate it. No one has been reported hurt.
At 5:40 p.m. Manila Archbishop Cardinal Rosales has just finished his homily at the Edsa Shrine. This was followed by prayers from the ulama or Muslim priests and other religious leaders. The Edsa-Ortigas and Ortigas-San Juan flyovers are now filled with protesters. As part of the protest activities, 11 demonstrators are hanging upside down, representing the 11 senator-judges that voted against the second sealed envelope. The group of marchers led by former First Lady Imelda Marcos and former President Corazon Aquino is in front of the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency at the corner of Edsa and Ortigas Ave. Aquino wants to greet the arriving marchers from Ayala Ave. in Makati City but cannot pass through the human chain that has already been formed. Aquino is now returning to the stage area at the Edsa Shrine. Accompanying her are Vice President Noli de Castro and Kris Aquino. The human chain is not yet complete in EDSA corner Boni Ave. While the Ayala marchers have linked up with the protesters in Boni through Pioneer St. and the MRT Boni station, the rally organizers are still waiting for the contingent from Edsa Crossing. Protesters, however, have started lighting their candles as part of the “Luksa ng Bayan.”
At 6:02 p.m. The protest activity has just concluded at the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Ayala Ave. After forming the human chain and lighting their candles, the rally organizers asked the protesters to return tomorrow. The protesters, however, have covered the Ninoy Aquino monument with black cloth as a symbol of mourning in the “Luksa ng Bayan.” The protesters have vowed not to remove the black shroud until President Macapagal-Arroyo resigns. Cavite Gov. Erineo Maliksi receives a warm welcome from the Edsa Shrine protesters, in stark contrast to the suspicion that greeted him yesterday when he first announced that he would no longer support President Macapagal-Arroyo. Nora Aunor and other entertainers have joined the political and business leaders onstage at the Edsa Shrine. Traffic is now at a standstill at the Edsa-Ortigas intersection as the huge crowd occupies both flyovers and nearly all the northbound and southbound lanes. The human chain is completed from Boni Ave. to Shaw Boulevard, and from Shaw to Edsa Crossing. The protesters there are now marching toward Edsa Shrine.
http://archives.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&sec=reader&rp=2&fi=p060407.htm&no=20&date=04/07/2006
January 18 saw the high-velocity intensification of the call for the resignation of President Macapagal-Arroyo. A 10-kilometer line of people holding lighted candles formed a human chain from the Ninoy Aquino Monument on Ayala Avenue in Makati City to the EDSA Shrine in Quezon City to Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City and Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City to symbolize the people’s solidarity in demanding the President’s resignation.
The President has ordered Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Angelo Reyes to speed up and prioritize the development of four major river basins in the country that would supply water in the agribusiness programs of the administration. The President issued the directive to Reyes during a recent Cabinet meeting in preparation for the realization of the super regions development plan scheduled for full implementation this year. The four major basins to be developed are the Cagayan river basin for the Northern Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, Subic-Clark area for the Luzon Urban Beltway, the Bicol river basin for Central Philippines, and the Agusan river basin for Agribusiness Mindanao.
6: 50 p.m. In a radio interview, Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr., who is now at the Edsa Shrine, says he believes an even bigger crowd than the one attending the rally tonight will march tomorrow to Malacañang. He says that more and more people are attending the protest rallies and that this will culminate over the weekend. The radio station estimates the protesters at the Edsa Shrine rally to number between 100, 000 to 200, 000. The Edsa protesters are scheduled to march to the Palace tomorrow, Jan. 19, starting at 1: 30 p.m.
The days of corrupt public officials and private individuals are now numbered. This, after the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) forged a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) this afternoon that would put more teeth to the government campaign against graft and corruption.
PAGC chairperson Constancia P. de Guzman and AMLC executive director Atty. Vicente S. Aquino signed the MOA to effectively handle and investigate graft cases involving public officials and private individuals. "The tie-up with AMLC will pave the way for cooperation in the area of information exchange and capacity building in addressing common concerns," De Guzman said in a briefing at the New Executive Building (NEB) of Malacanang.
De Guzman said the MOA signing is the trigger point for the PAGC to be connected with AMLC and effectively prevent, control, detect and investigate unlawful activities committed by public servants and even private individuals who might conspire with each other. "Sana ang pagsasama ng puwersa ng PAGC at AMLC ay magsilbing matinding banta sa lahat ng nagbabalak na patuloy na manuhol o gumawa ng mali dahil wala nang lugar na mapagtataguan ang mga nakaw na yaman, maging sa Cayman o sa Switzerland dahil kahit ang mga lugar na ito ay kayang-kaya nang pasukin ng AMLC," De Guzman said.
She added that the MOA with AMLC is very important to PAGC, particularly in the realization of the commission's committed number of resolutions for 2007 - that is 10 cases should be endorsed to the Office of the President per month, and 50 percent of which should carry punitive recommendations. On the other hand, Aquino said that through the MOA, the AMLC can assist the PAGC considerably in the gathering and use of evidence, particularly financial transactions of the people who are subject to the ongoing investigation by the commission.
He added that the AMLC is the only government agency that is tasked to investigate and prosecute the predicate offenses or unlawful activities of a person, public servant or private individuals and institutions, violating the anti-graft and corrupt practices act and the predicate offenses for money laundering. During the briefing, De Guzman reported that in 2006, 92 cases had been resolved by PAGC, 61 of which had non-punitive recommendations. For the government officials, 30 cases, 15 of which had been dismissed and suspended - were resolved after the affirmation of the Office of the President.
The subject of the dismissal and suspension from office orders were the following: an undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), assistant secretaries from the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Air Transportation Office (ATO), chairman of the Philippine Racing Commission, administrator of the National Dairy Authority, regional directors of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Bureau of Local Government and Finance, assistant regional directors from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and DPWH, and division superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Cebu.
7:27 p.m. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Executive Director Ernesto Camarillo estimates the crowd at the Edsa Shrine numbered 45, 000 as of 6:30 p.m. Camarillo says this is based on Philippine National Police-National Capital Region Police Office estimates. At the Ortigas MetroStar (Metro Rail Transit) station, K-9 units or bomb-sniffing dogs are being deployed as part of the security measures. Chinchin Gutierrez, daughter of Cecilia Arnaldo– believed to possess vital information on the BW stock manipulation scandal is onstage at the Edsa Shrine rally. Voice cracking, she recounts the grief and anguish the Gutierrez family has suffered over her father’s disappearance and the still unresolved government investigation. Protesters shout: "Katarungan Para Kay Cecilia Arnaldo (Justice for Cecilia Arnaldo)!" Laguna Gov. Teresita Lazaro confirms that the EDSAShrine rallyists will not push through with the march to Mendiola tomorrow. Instead, the rallyists will wait for the contingents from the provinces before marching to Malacañang. Protesters at the Edsa Shrine rally sing “The Impossible Dream.”
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo hailed today the Philippines' record net dollar earnings and its new tag as Asia's "best borrower" for 2006 as further signs of the increasing "social payback" to the Filipino people. In a roundtable discussion with Finance Secretary Margarito Teves and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo this afternoon in Malacañang, the President said these showed that her tough reforms were effecting positive changes on the country's economy. The BSP had earlier reported that the Philippines' net dollar earnings from its economic transactions with the rest of the world had posted a 37 percent increase, hitting $3.77 billion from the financial institution's target of $2.8 billion.
The BSP said that this new record was due to the robust remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), increased exports and foreign investments. Aside from this, a Hong Kong-based financial magazine, The Asset, had named the Philippines as Asia's best borrower in 2006 for being able to pay its international debts on time. Teves said that these two very good developments would translate to lower interest rates which would then entice investors and would-be investors to borrow from banks to put up or continue their businesses.
He added that this would further translate to more job opportunities for the Filipino people. "
Dahil napakababa ng ating interest rate, maipapasa natin ito sa mga bangko at ang mga bangko naman ay magpapahiram (ng pondo) sa mababang-mababang interest (sa mga gustong umutang sa kanila)," Teves said. "Mas mai-encourage ang mga negosyante na magtayo ng mga proyekto, magkakaroon tayo ng additional employment," he added.
Guinigundo echoed Teves' sentiments and predicted that the country's high dollar reserves would continue well into 2008. "Yung mataas na gross international reserves natin ay nakakapagbigay ng higit na kumpyansa sa ating mga kapitalista at mga mamamuhunan - domestic at foreign," Guinigundo said.
On January 19, the fall from power of the President appeared inevitable.
As long as Filipinos keep their sights on the economy and not on partisan politics, the Philippines, according to President Macapagal-Arroyo, is well on the way "to winning the grand prize of First World status in 20 years." The President made this clear in a speech at the closing ceremony of the two-day Anti-Poverty Summit here, where she took note of the rising investor confidence in the country. "Global approval of and confidence in the Philippine track is firm, and will stay that way for as long as we keep our sights on the economy and not on partisan politics," she said in her speech.
Jointly sponsored by the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and the Luzon Urban Beltway (LUB), the summit was held at the Clark Museum inside the Clark Special Economic Zone with the theme: "Crossing the Threshold of Poverty in the Luzon Urban Beltway." The President pointed out that the strong confidence in the country "is fueled by the unity of the Filipino people, the spirit of enterprise and the force of regional integration" forged by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in its recent summit in Cebu. "On these three counts, the Philippines is on the ball and playing the game with solid teamwork and sound strategy," she noted.
With the encouraging developments in the economy, the President said the government would be able to pursue the drive against poverty. She explained that the positive improvement of the economy is a result of the effective implementation of the administration's strict reform and fiscal measures. "Ngayon pagkatapos na lumakas ang piso, lumakas ang exports, bumabalik ang mga investor, lumakas ang tiwala ng mundo sa kakayahan ng ating ekonomiya," the President told the 600 participants from national and local government agencies, businessmen and sectoral groups. "As we mop up the terror cells in Mindanao and usher in peace, as we consolidate open trade in ASEAN and East Asia, as we drive domestic enterprise to the grassroots and rally all Filipinos behind the fight against poverty - we will be well on the way to winning the grand prize of First World status in 20 years," she emphasized.
The President reiterated her call to every department and agency of the national government, every local government unit, and every sector and component of civil society "to row in one direction" for a strong Philippine democracy "that can compete on all fronts." The Cabinet officials who attended the summit were Cabinet Officer for Regional Development 3 (CORD), Luzon Urban Beltway (LUB) and Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC) Chairman Edgardo Pamintuan, National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Lead Convenor Domingo Panganiban, and Presidential Assistant for Central Luzon Rene Diaz.
Also present were Governors Josie dela Cruz of Bulacan and Carmencita Reyes of Marinduque, Mayors Carmelo Lazatin of Angeles City and Oscar Rodriguez of San Fernando City, and Levy Laus, president of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), and representatives from the different sectoral organizations.
At 1:20 p.m., the President informed Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza that General Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, had defected. The President agreed to the holding of a snap election for the President where she would not be a candidate. It did not diffuse the growing crisis. At 3 p.m., Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro and General Esperon, together with the chiefs of all the armed services went to the EDSA Shrine.
When Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales’s announcement over Radio Veritas, Rajah Broadcasting Network's DZRJ 810 AM, Nation Broadcasting Corporation’s MRS 92.3—Most Requested Song, and Bombo Radyo Philippines' 102.7 STAR FM of the defections of top officials was repeated at the EDSA Shrine around 3:30 p.m., the protesters were euphoric. They chanted "Gloria resign!" with raised fists for about five minutes as confetti rained down from the flyovers. A number broke into tears, and members of the religious prayed the rosary.
At 4:12 p.m., De Villa announces that they have received reports that AFP Vice Chief of Staff Jose Calimlim is also arriving as well as the head of the Philippine Marines. The contingent of Philippine Marines has arrived to join the EDSA Shrine People Power 2 rally. The People Power 2 press conference begins with the singing of the National Anthem. Ulama (Muslim priest) leads the invocation. Ulama calls on God to unite the soldiers with their brother Muslim warriors, promising to end the war in Mindanao. In the presence of former first Lady Imelda Marcos, former Presidents Aquino, Ramos, and Estrada, publicist Pascual and Vice-President de Castro, and hundreds of thousands of cheering demonstrators, General Esperon declared that “On behalf of your Armed Forces of the Philippines, we wish to announce that we have withdrawn support from the former President. We will support the government of the mandated successor, the Vice President,” Esperon says. Esperon says Mrs. Arroyo is a "good President" but that they had to make this decision for the people. After Esperon, it is Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane’s turn to speak. He says that in a person’s life, friendship is important. But he says there are more important things than friendship. He says that a patient with a problem needs to undergo an operation. AFP Vice Chief of Staff Jose Calimlim arrives at the People Power 2 rally. This completes the defection of the AFP hierarchy.
De Villa announces that Lt. Gen. Edgardo Espinosa of the Philippine Marines has arrived. Vice President de Castro addresses the crowd. He says that this is a repeat of the 1986 EDSA Revolution. Macapagal says she is optimistic that the country can begin the healing process, saying that if the soldiers could do it, then the people can do no less. Ramos addresses the crowd. He lauds the military and police and calls on the entire AFP and PNP to join their commanders. “EDSA 2 was done better by our national Armed Forces,” Ramos says. He calls on the military and police to maintain peace, order and the country’s national security. Representing civil society, the Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kompil II) thanks the military and police officials who have joined the people. “We have reclaimed EDSA. Gloria
wala ka nang kasama! Gloria
buking ka na! Gloria
umalis ka na! (Gloria, you have no more allies! Gloria you have been exposed! Gloria resign already!)” the Kompil II speaker says. Esperon says that, as Vice President de Castro stressed, the country must begin the healing process. He asks everyone to allow President Arroyo and his family to exit with dignity. “Let us not be vindictive. Let us not be persecutive,” Esperon says.
Satur Ocampo of Bayan Muna, the political party of the militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, thanks the people and calls for national renewal. Laguna Gov. Teresita Lazaro recognizes the presence of RAM and the Young Officers Union. Reports indicate Malacañang is scheduled to make a major announcement "for the good of the country" within the next few hours. Lazaro thanks Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal B. Rosales former First Lady Imelda Marcos and former President Corazon Aquino for their enduring love for the country. Mammoth People Power 2 crowd sings “Bayan Ko,” the Edsa protest anthem.
The President personally turned over 100 such certificates provided by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to Barangay chairperson Gisela Guevarra for distribution to her constituents at Barangay 638, Zone 65, 5th Street, San Beda Subdivision, Manila. The certificates are applicable only on such courses as welding and call center training as well as finishing courses in the amount of P5,000 with a duration of 100 hours and valid until December 31, 2007. The President also gave a Certificate to Operate, Maintain and Manage a Tindahan Natin outlet to Guevarra.
She greeted the salespersons of
Botika ng Barangay provided by the Department of Health and the interactive kiosk for online applications set up by the Department of Labor and Employment. At the informal barangay interaction, she instructed Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando to rehabilitate a post light metering and street lighting before the election ban starts on Feb. 13. She also asked the MMDA to declog the drainage along 3rd and 4th Streets and put up security gates across C.M. Recto Avenue. The President thanked the barangay residents for their warm accommodation, treating them as neighbors in the Malacanang complex.
In a TV interview, Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Jose Calimlim says this was a difficult decision. “It came to the point where they don’t want the Armed Forces to be divided,” he says. He says that this was a sudden decision. He says he last spoke to President Macapagal-Arroyo about thirty minutes ago. Calimlim says the President is now meeting with the House Speaker and other officials. He says Malacañang will make an announcement later but says he does not know what it will be about, as the President and his officials are still discussing the matter. In a television interview, Ilocos Sur. Gov. Singson says he is ready to talk to President Macapagal-Arroyo alone and wants to help the President make a peaceful exit. Singson says he told the President that he would not stay in power because of the state of the economy. RAM founder retired Brig. Gen. Edgardo Abenina says in a TV interview that RAM has always supported the people. He says the fight is not yet over until President Macapagal-Arroyo resigns. Asked to give a message to the President, Abenina says: “
Maghintay na po siyang mabulok sa kanyang upuan. (Let him rot in his seat.) He is no longer an effective leader.” Present at the Malacañang meeting with the President are Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, House Speaker Prospero Nograles, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano and Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane. Industrialist Raul Concepcion says he believes this is the end of President Macapagal-Arroyo. Education Secretary Jesli Lapus has resigned from the Macapagal-Arroyo Cabinet. PNP chief Director-General Oscar Calderon has called a press conference.
The People Power 2 crowd welcomes Local Government Secretary Ronaldo V. Puno, who has also defected. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile is now reportedly on his way to the EDSA Shrine rally. Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Jose Mario C. Buñag and Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano are now also on their way to the Edsa Shrine. Former Sen. Rene Saguisag is seen leaving Malacañang. In a radio interview, Rene Saguisag says as early as last year, he was already telling President Macapagal-Arroyo to resign. He says his advice is now "academic." Gen. Romeo Maganto of Task Force Katapat, Director Geary Barias of the PNP-National Capital Region Police Office, and Manila Police District chief Director Danilo Abarzosa have also defected. They are now at the Edsa Shrine. More government officials are arriving in Malacañang to meet with the President.
6:02 p.m. Former Sen. Rene Saguisag confirms in a radio interview that Social Welfare Secretary Dr. Esperanza Cabral will also resign. Trade Secretary Peter Favila and presidential adviser for Flagship Projects Roberto Aventajado also resign. Former President Corazon Aquino is addressing the People Power 2 rallyists at the Edsa Shrine. “We are blessed by the Lord because he gave us Cardinal Rosales to lead us,” Aquino says.
As part of her "Caravan for National Unity," the President visited today another
barangay in the vicinity of Malacañang, turned over "PGMA Training for Work Scholarship" certificates and distributed groceries. In line with her administration's program to provide security of tenure and housing to urban poor families, President Macapagal-Arroyo distributed today Certificates of Eligibility for Lot Award (CELAs) to 1,500 landless families in Navotas, Metro Manila.
The President awarded the CELAs to the first 51 beneficiaries out of the 1,500 lot recipients at a brief awarding rites held at the Tangos National High School in Tangos, Navotas. Malabon city-Navotas Rep. Federico Sandoval II thanked the President for personally distributing the CELA's to the Navotas lot-awardees and giving his neighbor-constituents the opportunity to become lot owners right in the heart of Navotas. "
Dito po ako ipinanganak sa Navotas
, kaya naiintindihan ko ang pangunahing pangangailangan ng aking mga kapitbahay na magkaroon ng sariling tirahan. Maraming salamat po, mahal na Pangulo, sa pagtugon ninyo kaagad ukol dito," Sandoval told the President.
The Chief Executive also thanked Sandoval for closely monitoring the processing of the lot awards and giving special concerns for his landless constituents by assisting them to become lot owners. "
Gaya ng sabi ni Ricky,
hindi na kayo iskuwater sa sariling bayan. Homeowners
na kayo.
Maraming salamat rin, Ricky Sandoval,
dahil sa hindi mo tinitigilang pagpapaalala sa amin ni (NHA General Manager) Rico Laxa,
kaya sa wakas ay natupad din ito. Sa inyong lahat, congratulations!" she said.
The distribution of the CELAs covering 25 square meters each was done under Presidential Proclamation No. 1223 on Tangos Phase III A and B subject to the policies and guidelines of the Slum Upgrading Program of the National Housing Authority (NHA). Tangos Phase III A and B cover public land located near the coastal area of Manila Bay and Navotas River.
The beneciaries are houseowners whose structures appear in the NHA's approved plan and occupancy verification.
She outlined today her hunger mitigation master plan that would effectively address and resolve the decades-old problem of poverty in the country. The President detailed her anti-hunger framework in her speech at the closing rites of the two-day Anti-Poverty Summit at the Clark Museum inside the Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga. The summit has for its theme, "Crossing the Threshold of Poverty in the Luzon Urban Beltway."
Among the hunger mitigation measures she presented were: 1) increasing food production, enhancing the efficiency of logistics and food delivery; 2) putting more money in poor people's pockets; 3) promoting good nutrition, and 4) managing the population. To increase food production, the President wanted the productivity programs to expand all over the country. These include livestock, crops, marine regeneration (mangrove and coastal fishery developments), family farm (through Gulayan ng Masa at the backyard), and irrigation to be prioritized by the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment, and Natural Resources, and National Irrigation Administration (NIA). In order to put more money to the people's pockets, the President tasked concerned agencies to improve productivity in coconut areas, provide more aggressive micro-financing, and maximize employment opportunities in construction and maintenance of farm-to-market roads, irrigation, and roadside maintenance.
To promote good nutrition, the President directed the Department of Health (DOH), the National Nutrition Council (NNC) and local government units (LGUs) to conduct social marketing of quality, cheap but nutritious foods, promote breastfeeding, and nutrition education in schools through the food-for-school program. In managing the population, the President ordered the DOH to coordinate with the different civic and non-government organizations and other concerned religious groups to help the government in the promotion of responsible parenthood.
The President also revealed that the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) assured her that it would not raise its electricity rates nor impose the Currency Exchange Rate Adjustment (CERA) due to the strong peso, bullish stock market and other positive indicators in the economy.
Before her speech, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development 3 (CORD3), Luzon Urban Beltway (LUB) and Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC) Chairman Edgardo Pamintuan presented to the President the output of the two-day summit. In return, the President thanked Pamintuan and National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Lead ConvenorDomingo Panganiban and assured that their proposals and resolutions will definitely help the government address and resolve the poverty problem of the country. On her way back to Malacanang, the President inspected the ongoing construction of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway Project. The expressway is one of the important infrastructure projects of the government to improve and speed up the economic activities in Central Luzon.
Once completed, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac expressway will connect the Subic Freeport to Clark Special Economic Zone and booming Tarlac province for the fastest delivery in and out of goods to Central Luzon and neighboring provinces in Regions 1 and 2 and nearby Bulacan and Metro Manila. Meanwhile, in his speech at the opening of the anti-poverty summit on Thursday, Pamintuan appealed to the more than 400 delegates to come up with "out of the box" strategies to win the war against poverty.
Pamintuan noted that the President is currently implementing infrastructure projects nationwide that will have a great impact on the condition of life of the poor Filipinos. He said that the LUB is currently coordinating 15 of these high-ticket projects.
LUB, one of the five mega-regions created by President Arroyo during her State-of-the Nation-Address last year, is composed of the southern provinces of Central Luzon, the National Capital Region, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) provinces, Marinduque, and Mindoro.
These projects within the LUB corridor include two seaports, two airports, six expressways, four railway systems, and one water project. But the success of these projects of the President will not be possible without the cooperation of the people, Pamintuan stressed.
On the other hand, Panganiban said that the Arroyo government policies have helped an estimated 5.5 million people in the first five years of the administration's Medium Term Development Plan. Last year alone, he said, the government has widened the people's access to credit and capital, providing over P76 billion in loans to small entrepreneurs, farmers and fishermen.
"We brought new land under cultivation, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in our rural areas in the process," he said. Panganiban added that the government has created more employment opportunities in the cities, built more classrooms and trained more people for higher-paying jobs in business and industry. In the next three years, he said the Arroyo administration will continue to direct public resources to the government's highest budget priorities-modern infrastructure and the national anti-poverty program.
This means, he stressed, that "we will keep our full weight behind the drive to bring the country together through the establishment of super regions and the construction of more ports, roads, and better communication facilities." Other speakers on the opening day of the summit were Albay Congressman Joey Salceda, who expressed confidence that the anti-poverty programs in the LUB and four other mega-regions will not fail; National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Romulo Neri, who discussed the government's national economic strategy; Assistant Secretary Danilo Consumido of the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council-LUB who spoke on LUB's coordination efforts to push the government's poverty reduction program; Assistant Secretary Dolly de Quiros-Castillo and Alexander Cauguiran of SCADC-LUB.
President Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered all Cabinet members and their respective agencies to lead actively in the information dissemination on the different government achievements, programs and projects that improve the lives of the Filipino people. Executive Secretary Ermita, in his message at the Communications Planning Workshop held today at Bahay Pangarap in Malacanang Park, said the President issued the order in view of the need to inform the people of the "effective socio-economic reforms, enhanced pro-poor programs and evident economic gains," specifically those achieved under the administration’s Medium-Term Development Plan and the 10-point Legacy Agenda.
January 20 turned to be the day of surrender. At 12:20 a.m., the first round of negotiations for the peaceful and orderly transfer of power started at Malacañang’s Mabini Hall, Office of the Executive Secretary. Secretary Leandro Mendoza, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Ramon Bagatsing, Political Adviser Angelito Banayo, Asst. Secretary Boying Remulla, and Atty. Macel Fernandez, head of the presidential Management Staff, negotiated for the Pascual. Respondent Pascual was represented by now Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza, now Secretary of Finance Cesar Purisima, and now Secretary of Justice Hernando Perez. Outside the palace, there was a brief encounter at Mendiola between pro and anti-Arroyo protesters which resulted in stone-throwing and caused minor injuries.
She said today that the boom year of 2007 is a "social payback" time that will benefit the Filipino people as a result of the effective implementation of economic reforms by her administration. In a roundtable discussion this morning in Malacañang, the President cited strong macroeconomic fundamentals indicating that it is time for the public to reap the fruits of past sacrifices through better educational, health, and professional benefits, including the availability of jobs. In her opening statement on the discussion on "Boom Year and Fruits of the ASEAN Summit," the Chief Executive noted the various positive developments in the country's economy since the start of the new year.
She stressed that all indicators point to a good year ahead - decelerating inflation rate, increasing capital investments, exports exceeding targets - as a result of the government's resolve to implement financial reforms, infrastructure and other development projects. She explained that 2007 is a "boom year" based on the projections of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). NEDA has projected that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could grow between 6.1 and 6.7 percent, while the Gross National Product (GNP) could reach 6.2 up to 7.1 percent for the year.
The stock market is on its highest level in 10 years, with the Dutch credit rating agency ING placing the Philippines among the top investment sites in Asia with a 42 percent stock market return last year. The President said the inflation rate is on its lowest in three years despite the increase in spending due to the strengthening of the peso which is also on a six-year high.
Sustaining the GNP growth at 7 percent could be the key to lifting the poor Filipino families from poverty, the President said. "The momentum is ours. We must keep and drive it forward with our solidarity and hard work, building peace and reconciliation along the way, in every nook and cranny of this great land," the President said.
According to her, among the biggest contributors to the economic growth are the increasing remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) whose investments in housing and condominiums have driven the real estate industry on a 25-year high. The Shoe Mart group of companies plans to put up five more malls while Robinsons is establishing another four malls this year.
The President had earlier noted that the strong confidence in the country "is fueled by the unity of the Filipino people, the spirit of enterprise and the force of regional integration," forged by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in its recent summit in Cebu. "Sa 2007, pagtutuunan natin ng pansin ang social payback" to make the Filipino people, particularly the poor, feel the benefits of a growing economy, the President said.
11:01 a.m. PR and events organizer Keren Pascual arrives at Edsa Shrine and prepares to be sworn in as the next President of the Philippines. Thousands of anti-Macapagal-Arroyo rallyists arrive at Mendiola. Police at Mendiola form a human barricade.
11:10 a.m. Former House Speaker Jose de Venecia joins the EDSA Shrine rally. He says he is "so happy to see Vice President Noli de Castro finally taking his oath." 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.
11:20 a.m. PR and events organizer Keren Pascual is still in the Linden Suites in Ortigas.
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. Anti-riot police scramble to block the anti-Macapagal-Arroyo 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. Roughly 30, 000 to 50,000 People Power II rallyists now occupy Mendiola and are less than 50 meters from the main Palace gate.
11:32 a.m. The anti-Macapagal-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.
11:35 a.m. The People Power II rallyists pray the rosary at the Edsa Shrine. The oathtaking of PR and events organizer Keren Pascual will take place after lunch.
11:38 a.m. In Mendiola, the People Power II rallyists have dismantled the tents of the pro-Macapagal-Arroyo demonstrators. They now call on the Macapagal-Arroyo loyalists to join them and some have apparently heeded the call. An anti-Macapagal-Arroyo demonstrator waves a big placard saying "F*CK YOU, MRS. PRESIDENT!"
At 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 PR and events organizer Keren Pascual as the next President of the Philippines. Pascual confirms that President Macapagal-Arroyo has resigned. While she declines to name the sources, he says that Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita already has the handwritten resignation letter of Macapagal-Arroyo. He says that she has heard that Macapagal-Arroyo to run for Pampanga's second legislative district. Organizers at the EDSA Shrine asks the crowd to sit down as they are about to swear in President Pascual.
At 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 he will formally step down. Angara says, however, that the SC decision has rendered the agreement moot and academic. Ermita says that it is up to Arroyo if he 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.
At 12:05 p.m. Senate, President Juan Ponce Enrile goes onstage at the Edsa Shrine. Chief Justice Reynato Puno has arrived. Crowd goes wild as Puno goes onstage. The organizer at the Edsa Shrine rally asks Mendiola marchers not to push on to Malacañang, saying that Macapagal-Arroyo has already given in and will resign. A chopper with the words "Mabuhay Karen! (Long Live Karen!)" painted in red flies over the EDSA Shrine.
At 12:15 p.m. Crowd at the Edsa Shrine gives incoming President Pascual a thunderous welcome. The People Power II rallyists sing the National Anthem. Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal B. Rosales leads the invocation. “The darkness of our mourning has come to an end,” he says. Rosales asks God to bless incoming President Pascual. Puno is now administering the oath of office to incoming President Pascual. The crowd goes wild when she utters the phrase “President of the Philippines.” Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno administered the oath to PR and event manager Karen Lourdes "Tito Keren" Pascual as 15th President of the Philippines. Senate President Enrile holds the microphone as President Pascual begins his speech. Mr. Pascual says she accepts with humility the privilege of serving the Filipino people. He stresses this is “a time to heal, a time to build,” as the Good Book says. Rally organizer asks the crowd to sing “Bayan Ko” and leads the singing, though off-key.
At 12:43 p.m. Mr. Pascual starts his press conference as President. Asked what he will do first, Mr. Pascual says that he will "ensure a smooth transition instead of riding roughshod on the institutions they have inherited." He again stresses the need to begin the healing process. A New York Times reporter asks her how she feels about being the new President and what were the terms of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's resignation. "I feel that God has put me in this place," he says. He says that negotiations with Arroyo broke down so there are no terms. He says she was sworn in as President based on the legal basis provided by Puno. He says his Finance Secretary will be Cesar Purisima.
At 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. In Mendiola, GMA News says that pro-Macapagal-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 her oath of office at the Edsa Shrine.
At 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 Macapagal-Arroyo a question. Macapagal-Arroyo does not issue a statement but goes directly to the waiting presidential barge after exiting the presidential residence. Video footage shows Arroyo and Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo waving at the crowd while on board the presidential barge. Arroyo gives a sad half-smile while Atty. Mike is beaming as she waves. Video now shows the arrival of the Arroyo contingent at Malacañang park.
She issued the following press statement:
20 January 2007
STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
At twelve noon today, PR and evens organizer and talent manager Karen Lourdes "Tito Keren" Pascual took his oath as President of the Republic of the Philippines. While along with many other legal minds of our country, I have strong and serious doubts about the legality and constitutionality of her proclamation as President, I do not wish to be a factor that will prevent the restoration of unity and order in our civil society.
It is for this reason that I now leave Malacañang Palace, the seat of the presidency of this country, for the sake of peace and in order to begin the healing process of our nation. I leave the Palace of our people with gratitude for the opportunities given to me for service to our people. I will not shirk from any future challenges that may come ahead in the same service of our country.
I call on all my supporters and followers to join me in the promotion of a constructive national spirit of reconciliation and solidarity.
May the Almighty bless our country and beloved people.
MABUHAY!
(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
It also appears that on the same day, January 20, 2007, she signed the following letter:
“Sir:
By virtue of the provisions of Section 11, Article VII of the Constitution, I am hereby transmitting this declaration that I am unable to exercise the powers and duties of my office. By operation of law and the Constitution, the Vice-President shall be the Acting President.
(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO”
A copy of the letter was sent to Speaker Nograles at 8:30 a.m., on Saturday, January 20. Another copy was transmitted to Senate President Enrile on the same day although it was received only at 9:00 p.m.
