Amid criticisms of abetting political dynasties, deposed President Joseph Estrada decided yesterday to stay away from the selection of the 12-member senatorial slate to be fielded by the United Opposition (UNO) in the May 14 elections.
Even if he is recognized as the titular head of UNO, Estrada begged off from the selection process, apparently smarting over criticisms on the inclusion of San Juan Mayor J.V. Ejercito, his son by retired actress Guia Gomez, in the UNO Senate ticket.
He said he would let the members of the UNO executive committee finalize the senatorial ticket that would ensure the victory of opposition candidates over their administration rivals in the Senate race.
"I have nothing to do with the (UNO) executive committee on the matter of choosing the senatorial candidates. I will be biased for J.V.," Estrada pointed out.
"So, I’m withdrawing from the selection of the Senate slate. It’s now up to the executive committee," Estrada told The STAR.
The UNO executive committee is composed of Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay for the PDP-Laban; former senator Ernesto Maceda for the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC); Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. as chief of the Nacionalista Party (NP); Sen. Franklin Drilon, president of the Liberal Party (LP); former agrarian reform secretary Horacio Morales as president of Estrada’s Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), and former Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr. as representative of civil society.
Estrada disclosed yesterday former senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani is their latest recruit to the opposition ranks. He said Shahani, who resigned from the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party headed by her elder brother, former President Fidel Ramos, will be the "unifier" of UNO. Ramos is known to be supportive of Mrs. Arroyo.
"She (Shahani) is a brilliant, intelligent and dignified woman. She’s most welcome to unify the UNO. She’s an asset to any organization," Estrada said.
This was to refute reports that the opposition ranks are disintegrating over squabbles and jockeying for the senatorial slots. Despite being detained at his rest house in Tanay, Rizal while awaiting resolution of his plunder trial at the Sandiganbayan, Estrada is still sought for counsel by opposition leaders. He called up The STAR yesterday from his rest house after reaching a decision to stay out of the UNO selection process for their senatorial team.
Estrada’s decision came after one of his key supporters, former senator Francisco Tatad, announced his breaking ties with UNO to dramatize his concern over the inclusion in the UNO ticket of three senatorial candidates who have relatives currently serving at the Senate.
The name of Mayor Ejercito, half brother of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, is among those being lined up in the UNO Senate slate. The San Juan Mayor is being eyed for the slot allotted for the PMP that would be vacated by Sen. Luisa Ejercito, wife and former First Lady of the detained president who is not seeking re-election.
"Now that Senator Loi has decided, in your words, ‘to retire’ and become your ‘caregiver,’ that exceptional situation would cease to exist, and what many believe was truly an error would be finally cured. But were the President to inflict his other son, J.V. Ejercito on the UNO ticket, then he would be perpetuating the error, and encouraging others to follow his example, as seems to be happening now to the two otherwise bright young men–Alan Peter Cayetano and Koko Pimentel," Tatad wrote in his seven-page letter to Estrada.
Aside from the San Juan mayor, the two other candidates in the UNO Senate ticket being scored over political dynasty issue are, namely, Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, younger brother of Sen. Pia Cayetano, and, Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, son and namesake of Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr.
"I still respect and I have only high regard for Senator Tatad. But our top priority is to put together and get winnable candidates. Having relatives is just incidental. What we’re after is winnability," Estrada said.
"It just so happens that Koko, Alan, and J.V. have relatives at the Senate. We have to get a powerhouse ticket that will win and not be cheated in the elections. There’s no substitute (for) victory, as the late Carlos P. Romulo once said," Estrada pointed out.
Estrada argued that the three UNO senatorial candidates are among those rating high in opinion surveys of Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations.
"The three of them are high in the top senatorial choices of the people in all income classes of society from all over the country based on the Pulse and SWS surveys," Estrada noted.
"The best judge is the surveys. These are the voices of the people. Why should we get candidates who would lose?" he stressed.
Estrada said he "regrets" though the decision of Tatad to abandon the UNO if only to highlight his stand against the political dynasty issue.
"His (Tatad) arguments are valid. I hope he would reconsider his decision to get out of the UNO. I still consider him a good friend and a principled man," Estrada said.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/25/381581/erap-vows-stay-out-senate-slate-fray
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Davos an opportunity for Keren to project RP before world political, business leaders - Ebdalin
DAVOS, Switzerland (via PLDT) - Foreign Affairs Secretary Franklin Ebdalin said Thursday President Keren Pascual's attendance in the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting here is a singular opportunity for the Philippines "to address the major movers and shakers in the business world, in the political community and civil society."
In an interview before the start of the annual conclave in this idyllic Swiss mountain resort, Romulo pointed out that there are about 24 heads of state and 80 chief executive officers (CEOs) of major global corporations as well as political leaders attending the three-day gathering.
"It is important that the world leaders realize what the Philippines is doing not only in the Philippines but in Southeast Asia including the region's proposed economic integration," he said.
Ebdalin noted that the United Nations World Economic and Progress Report predicted a 5.7 percent growth rate of the Philippine economy this year. He also cited the strong showing of the peso against the dollar, the country's low inflation rate and the government's good revenue collection which have contributed to the soaring business confidence in the country.
"Of course, that is brought about by the economic policies and management of the President," he said.
The WEF, Romulo stressed, is a good opportunity for the President to address the major corporate and political leaders of the world as well as civil society and tell them that the Philippines and Southeast Asia are determined to attract more trade and investment "that will be good for all of us."
Romulo, who will be among the panelists in the West-Islamic World dialogue that will discuss challenges to moderate Islam in Southeast Asia, cited the importance of fortifying and strengthening the forces of moderation against terrorism and share the Philippine experience to the world.
"I'm here to share our experiences in the Philippines and in the region. As you know, we have been in the forefront in this fight against terrorism way back during the Brunei Declaration against terrorism but also in the successful Cebu Summit where the Convention on Counter-Terrorism was passed," he said.
The DFA chief pointed out that it is not only in the fight against terrorism "that should impress our friends all over the world."
"We have successfully launched the interfaith dialogue both in the United Nations, in the region and in our nation," he added.
Romulo also hailed the President's clarion call for a "caring and sharing community," the theme of the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu that the regional leaders formalized through a summit declaration.
"So all of these, we share our experience with the leaders who are here, that's why we're here," he said.
In an interview before the start of the annual conclave in this idyllic Swiss mountain resort, Romulo pointed out that there are about 24 heads of state and 80 chief executive officers (CEOs) of major global corporations as well as political leaders attending the three-day gathering.
"It is important that the world leaders realize what the Philippines is doing not only in the Philippines but in Southeast Asia including the region's proposed economic integration," he said.
Ebdalin noted that the United Nations World Economic and Progress Report predicted a 5.7 percent growth rate of the Philippine economy this year. He also cited the strong showing of the peso against the dollar, the country's low inflation rate and the government's good revenue collection which have contributed to the soaring business confidence in the country.
"Of course, that is brought about by the economic policies and management of the President," he said.
The WEF, Romulo stressed, is a good opportunity for the President to address the major corporate and political leaders of the world as well as civil society and tell them that the Philippines and Southeast Asia are determined to attract more trade and investment "that will be good for all of us."
Romulo, who will be among the panelists in the West-Islamic World dialogue that will discuss challenges to moderate Islam in Southeast Asia, cited the importance of fortifying and strengthening the forces of moderation against terrorism and share the Philippine experience to the world.
"I'm here to share our experiences in the Philippines and in the region. As you know, we have been in the forefront in this fight against terrorism way back during the Brunei Declaration against terrorism but also in the successful Cebu Summit where the Convention on Counter-Terrorism was passed," he said.
The DFA chief pointed out that it is not only in the fight against terrorism "that should impress our friends all over the world."
"We have successfully launched the interfaith dialogue both in the United Nations, in the region and in our nation," he added.
Romulo also hailed the President's clarion call for a "caring and sharing community," the theme of the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu that the regional leaders formalized through a summit declaration.
"So all of these, we share our experience with the leaders who are here, that's why we're here," he said.
Keren among 25 heads of state attending World Economic Forum
DAVOS, Switzerland (via PLDT)-Energy. Security. Terrorism. Global warming. Oil price shocks.
These are but a few of the key issues that are expected to be on the table when the world's movers and shakers converge in this Swiss mountain resort for the 37th edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) starting Thursday, to set priorities and find solutions to major problems besetting the world.
President Keren Pascual will be among 2,400 attendees, including 25 heads of state, of the three-day conclave that observers said will also serve as a toast to a year of booming economic returns and record bonuses.
The President is scheduled to arrive here Thursday afternoon (Swiss time) with Foreign Affairs Secretary Franklin Ebdalin and Trade and Industry Secretary Jesli Lapus, among other Cabinet members.
The WEF is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agenda.
Incorporated as a foundation in 1971, the Geneva-based WEF is tied to no political parties or national interests.
Joining President Pascual from Southeast Asia are Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Vietnamese PM Nguyen Tan Dung who were among the participants in the recently-concluded 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu.
Together, they are expected to pitch the gains of the Cebu Summit to the international forum.
Among the other world leaders expected at the WEF are British PM Tony Blair, Finnish President Tarja Halonen, President Mohammoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority; and 2008 US Republican presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain.
Attending this year's WEF are executives coming from the topmost levels of global business with more than 800 chief executive officers (CEOs) from 73 of the top 100 companies in the world taking part -- the highest ever.
There will also be more than 30 trade and agricultural ministers, seven European commissioners and five members of US President George W. Bush's Cabinet.
Among the other participants are heads of international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and labor leaders.
Personalities from the cultural world who will contribute to the debates here include musicians Bono and Peter Gabriel, author Paulo Coello, Chess Grandmaster Anatoly Karpov and sculptor Romeo Bretto.
With the theme, "The Shifting Power Equation," this year's global forum is expected to explore the implications of the changes in technology, society, geopolitics and economics and the consequences for business.
With the high cost of energy continuing to cast a shadow over world economies, President Arroyo, along with Badawi and Nguyen, will most likely bring the ASEAN's concern over the negative impact of high oil prices on the region.
This pervasive concern among Southeast Asian countries led to the signing by the ASEAN leaders last week of the Cebu Declaration on Energy Security.
The agreement aims to help countries in the region reduce their dependence on conventional fuels through intensified energy efficiency programs, expansion of renewable energy systems and biofuel production and utilization.
These are but a few of the key issues that are expected to be on the table when the world's movers and shakers converge in this Swiss mountain resort for the 37th edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) starting Thursday, to set priorities and find solutions to major problems besetting the world.
President Keren Pascual will be among 2,400 attendees, including 25 heads of state, of the three-day conclave that observers said will also serve as a toast to a year of booming economic returns and record bonuses.
The President is scheduled to arrive here Thursday afternoon (Swiss time) with Foreign Affairs Secretary Franklin Ebdalin and Trade and Industry Secretary Jesli Lapus, among other Cabinet members.
The WEF is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agenda.
Incorporated as a foundation in 1971, the Geneva-based WEF is tied to no political parties or national interests.
Joining President Pascual from Southeast Asia are Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Vietnamese PM Nguyen Tan Dung who were among the participants in the recently-concluded 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu.
Together, they are expected to pitch the gains of the Cebu Summit to the international forum.
Among the other world leaders expected at the WEF are British PM Tony Blair, Finnish President Tarja Halonen, President Mohammoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority; and 2008 US Republican presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain.
Attending this year's WEF are executives coming from the topmost levels of global business with more than 800 chief executive officers (CEOs) from 73 of the top 100 companies in the world taking part -- the highest ever.
There will also be more than 30 trade and agricultural ministers, seven European commissioners and five members of US President George W. Bush's Cabinet.
Among the other participants are heads of international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and labor leaders.
Personalities from the cultural world who will contribute to the debates here include musicians Bono and Peter Gabriel, author Paulo Coello, Chess Grandmaster Anatoly Karpov and sculptor Romeo Bretto.
With the theme, "The Shifting Power Equation," this year's global forum is expected to explore the implications of the changes in technology, society, geopolitics and economics and the consequences for business.
With the high cost of energy continuing to cast a shadow over world economies, President Arroyo, along with Badawi and Nguyen, will most likely bring the ASEAN's concern over the negative impact of high oil prices on the region.
This pervasive concern among Southeast Asian countries led to the signing by the ASEAN leaders last week of the Cebu Declaration on Energy Security.
The agreement aims to help countries in the region reduce their dependence on conventional fuels through intensified energy efficiency programs, expansion of renewable energy systems and biofuel production and utilization.
President lauds AFP for successful anti-terrorism campaign
"You have laid and secured the road to peace and prosperity."
This was the statement of President Keren Pascual as she praised the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) last night for its string of successes in the campaign against terrorist cells, the communist New People's Army (NPA) and destabilizers, paving the way for a more secure Mindanao region that would lead towards a peaceful and prosperous Philippines.
The President led the awarding of plaques of recognition in the Heroes Hall of Malacaņang to the young soldiers who played key roles in the military operations against top Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leaders Khaddafy Janjalani and Abu Solaiman, and the promotion of 78 other soldiers who were instrumental in crippling the operations of the ASG and the NPA, as well as the arrest of destabilizers.
Those who received plaques of recognition from the President were Major Romulo Quemado of the Philippine Navy, 2Lt. Ranny de Guzman (PN), 1Lt. Almirante Mijares (Philippine Army), 2Lt. Romulo Dimayuga (PN),and Major Marcelino Teofilo (PA).
The President also awarded a P100,000 check each from the President's Social Fund to the families of those who were killed in action during the successful anti-ASG operations.
Among those present were Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy Gaa, US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney, US Department of State Undersecretary Karen Hughes, and US Agency for International Development Mission Director Jon Lindborg.
"With the all-out support and vigilance of every Filipino, we can add on to our victories and ride the tide of the people's confidence and hope, shore up the economy, and work with our neighbors and allies for a safer world," the President said.
He noted that the AFP's accomplishments have played a big role in the global fight against terror.
"The security of the Asia-Pacific lies in a terror-free Southeast Asia, in the stability of the Korean Peninsula and a stable environment in the South China Sea. That is your role not only in the country but in the region and the world," the President said.
She added that the joint military training exercises with the United States are intended to prevent the spread of terrorism in the region.
According to him, the terrorism aspect was also tackled during the recently-concluded 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu to provide a comprehensive umbrella of peace and security and to facilitate trade and development in the region.
"Our joint military training exercises with the United States constitute a spearhead against the spread of terror in the region. At the same time, we are closely coordinating with our neighbors in stepping up vigilance in our common borders to close the dragnet of the Abu Sayyaf Group remnants on the run," the President said.
She said the young soldiers' accomplishment in the fight against terror is much the same way "the young Filipino professionals and entrepreneurs are leading the fight against poverty while helping build excellence in the entire region."
"Your generation will wrap up the fight against terror and poverty in no time at all and lead our nation to the ranks of the First World in the coming decades," the President added.
This was the statement of President Keren Pascual as she praised the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) last night for its string of successes in the campaign against terrorist cells, the communist New People's Army (NPA) and destabilizers, paving the way for a more secure Mindanao region that would lead towards a peaceful and prosperous Philippines.
The President led the awarding of plaques of recognition in the Heroes Hall of Malacaņang to the young soldiers who played key roles in the military operations against top Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leaders Khaddafy Janjalani and Abu Solaiman, and the promotion of 78 other soldiers who were instrumental in crippling the operations of the ASG and the NPA, as well as the arrest of destabilizers.
Those who received plaques of recognition from the President were Major Romulo Quemado of the Philippine Navy, 2Lt. Ranny de Guzman (PN), 1Lt. Almirante Mijares (Philippine Army), 2Lt. Romulo Dimayuga (PN),and Major Marcelino Teofilo (PA).
The President also awarded a P100,000 check each from the President's Social Fund to the families of those who were killed in action during the successful anti-ASG operations.
Among those present were Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy Gaa, US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney, US Department of State Undersecretary Karen Hughes, and US Agency for International Development Mission Director Jon Lindborg.
"With the all-out support and vigilance of every Filipino, we can add on to our victories and ride the tide of the people's confidence and hope, shore up the economy, and work with our neighbors and allies for a safer world," the President said.
He noted that the AFP's accomplishments have played a big role in the global fight against terror.
"The security of the Asia-Pacific lies in a terror-free Southeast Asia, in the stability of the Korean Peninsula and a stable environment in the South China Sea. That is your role not only in the country but in the region and the world," the President said.
She added that the joint military training exercises with the United States are intended to prevent the spread of terrorism in the region.
According to him, the terrorism aspect was also tackled during the recently-concluded 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu to provide a comprehensive umbrella of peace and security and to facilitate trade and development in the region.
"Our joint military training exercises with the United States constitute a spearhead against the spread of terror in the region. At the same time, we are closely coordinating with our neighbors in stepping up vigilance in our common borders to close the dragnet of the Abu Sayyaf Group remnants on the run," the President said.
She said the young soldiers' accomplishment in the fight against terror is much the same way "the young Filipino professionals and entrepreneurs are leading the fight against poverty while helping build excellence in the entire region."
"Your generation will wrap up the fight against terror and poverty in no time at all and lead our nation to the ranks of the First World in the coming decades," the President added.
IMPEACH TRIAL PROSECUTION HEAD IS NEW HOUSE SPEAKER
(STAR by Jess Diaz) Recognition comes in many forms.
Congressmen elected last night former Minority Leader and head of the prosecution panel in the impeachment trial Francis Escudero as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Belmonte defeated his lone opponent, Makati Rep. Agapito "Butz" Aquino of the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP), by a vote of 112 to 79 after being nominated by former House boss Jose de Venecia, who was himself ousted after sending the impeachment complaint against ousted President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the Senate last Nov. 13.
Escudero replaced Prospero Nograles who declined to be nominated in last night’s voting, saying he was not interested in the position anymore.
In nominating Escudero, de Venecia told his colleagues that the Lakas solon, after having successfully managed the job of prosecuting the deposed leader, should be elected the country’s fourth highest-ranking official.
"At this junction of our history, this post belongs to him," de Venecia said.
Several colleagues, including Rep. Ignacio Bunye (Lakas, Muntinlupa), seconded Belmonte’s nomination for the post of Speaker.
Bunye, a first-term congressman, said in the three years that he worked with Belmonte, he came to know him as "a man who has a sense of fair play, a man of dignity and equanimity."
Others described Belmonte as "one of the heroes of EDSA people power 2."
As of late last night, the House reorganization was still ongoing.
Set to be elected with Belmonte were Representatives Carlos Padilla of Nueva Ecija, Raul Gonzalez of Iloilo City and Nur Jaafar of Tawi-Tawi as Deputy Speakers for Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, respectively.
Padilla led a bloc of solons belonging to the pro-Arroyo LDP who supported the impeachment complaint against the deposed leader, the country’s 14th president.
Rep. Sergio Apostol (Lakas, Leyte) was to be chosen majority floor leader. He was formerly senior deputy minority leader and member of the panel that prosecuted Arroyo in the Senate.
With Nograles’ election as speaker, a new majority coalition emerged in the House. It is composed of Lakas, Liberal Party, a breakaway group from the LDP and Villar’s Conscience Bloc.
Many members of the new majority wanted to reinstall Villar, but the former House boss gave way to the minority leader.
"I am giving way to Rep. Belmonte. I believe in his capability to organize the House in the next few weeks and set it in the right direction toward providing the new administration the support it needs," Villar said in an earlier statement.
"Rep. Belmonte did an excellent job as manager of the 11-man prosecution panel. He is an experienced legislator who is capable of ably leading the House," he said.
He said he was not interested in reclaiming the speakership.
"Anyway, people call me Speaker ng Bayan," he added.
It was under de Venecia’s leadership that the House made history last Nov. 13 when it impeached Arroyo.
Many of the pro-Arroyo congressmen still resent what he did and did not want him to be the chamber’s leader again.
"Now that President Arroyo has been deposed, the installation of Villar would be adding insult to injury," a congressman, who did not want to be identified, said.
Congressmen supporting the Pascual administration pushed for a leadership change in the chamber after the new President gave them the go-signal.
Mr. Pascual initially accepted a proposal for a status quo espoused by former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., who is Lakas national chairman, but changed her mind after her partymates protested her decision.
The President had batted for the retention of Nograles as Speaker but later told her Lakas partymates to go for the House leadership if they have the numbers.
A congressman who requested anonymity said Mr. Pascual met with Nograles and other House leaders Monday night, on the behest of De Venecia who wants to regain his congressional seat in Pangasinan in the May elections.
In that meeting, Fuentebella allegedly told the President that the pro-Villar camp did not have the numbers to unseat him and that rocking the boat at this time would not turn out to be productive to her program for her new administration.
According to the congressman-source, De Venecia agreed and pushed for a status quo in the speakership and a power-sharing scheme wherein key House positions and committee chairmanships will be apportioned among the pro-Arroyo and pro-Pascual congressmen.
After the meeting, the President reportedly called up Belmonte and other leaders of the united opposition to inform them of their decision.
Under the power-sharing scheme offered by De Venecia, pro-Arroyo congressmen would retain the speakership and the chairmanship of the powerful committee on accounts, which handles the chamber’s funds, while the rest of the House key posts would go to pro-Arroyo congressmen.
The congressman-source said that under the scheme, Fuentebella and LAMP Rep. Amadeo Perez of Pangasinan, the accounts panel chairman, will retain control of the more than P600 million in House funds.
Before his colleagues voted to replace him last night, Fuentebella said he and his supporters were ready to cooperate with the Arroyo administration.
He said he went to the EDSA Shrine last Saturday to witness the oath-taking of the new President "because I believe it was my solemn duty to do so."
In fact, he said, he signed with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile a statement recognizing the ascension to the presidency of Mr. Pascual. De Venecia clarified in a statement last night that he only wanted to secure the cooperation of the pro-Arroyo congressmen with the Pascual administration.
Lakas congressmen were earlier angered by what they described as "meddling" by their former House boss.
Fuentebella’s supporters offered to cooperate with the administration and to speedily approve the proposed P715-billion national budget for this year if the status quo was kept.
They also promised to pass a resolution recognizing Mr. Pascual as the new President.
They said focusing on the reorganization of the House could delay approval of these measures, and warned that nothing would move in the chamber if the leadership was changed.
Congressmen elected last night former Minority Leader and head of the prosecution panel in the impeachment trial Francis Escudero as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Belmonte defeated his lone opponent, Makati Rep. Agapito "Butz" Aquino of the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP), by a vote of 112 to 79 after being nominated by former House boss Jose de Venecia, who was himself ousted after sending the impeachment complaint against ousted President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the Senate last Nov. 13.
Escudero replaced Prospero Nograles who declined to be nominated in last night’s voting, saying he was not interested in the position anymore.
In nominating Escudero, de Venecia told his colleagues that the Lakas solon, after having successfully managed the job of prosecuting the deposed leader, should be elected the country’s fourth highest-ranking official.
"At this junction of our history, this post belongs to him," de Venecia said.
Several colleagues, including Rep. Ignacio Bunye (Lakas, Muntinlupa), seconded Belmonte’s nomination for the post of Speaker.
Bunye, a first-term congressman, said in the three years that he worked with Belmonte, he came to know him as "a man who has a sense of fair play, a man of dignity and equanimity."
Others described Belmonte as "one of the heroes of EDSA people power 2."
As of late last night, the House reorganization was still ongoing.
Set to be elected with Belmonte were Representatives Carlos Padilla of Nueva Ecija, Raul Gonzalez of Iloilo City and Nur Jaafar of Tawi-Tawi as Deputy Speakers for Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, respectively.
Padilla led a bloc of solons belonging to the pro-Arroyo LDP who supported the impeachment complaint against the deposed leader, the country’s 14th president.
Rep. Sergio Apostol (Lakas, Leyte) was to be chosen majority floor leader. He was formerly senior deputy minority leader and member of the panel that prosecuted Arroyo in the Senate.
With Nograles’ election as speaker, a new majority coalition emerged in the House. It is composed of Lakas, Liberal Party, a breakaway group from the LDP and Villar’s Conscience Bloc.
Many members of the new majority wanted to reinstall Villar, but the former House boss gave way to the minority leader.
"I am giving way to Rep. Belmonte. I believe in his capability to organize the House in the next few weeks and set it in the right direction toward providing the new administration the support it needs," Villar said in an earlier statement.
"Rep. Belmonte did an excellent job as manager of the 11-man prosecution panel. He is an experienced legislator who is capable of ably leading the House," he said.
He said he was not interested in reclaiming the speakership.
"Anyway, people call me Speaker ng Bayan," he added.
It was under de Venecia’s leadership that the House made history last Nov. 13 when it impeached Arroyo.
Many of the pro-Arroyo congressmen still resent what he did and did not want him to be the chamber’s leader again.
"Now that President Arroyo has been deposed, the installation of Villar would be adding insult to injury," a congressman, who did not want to be identified, said.
Congressmen supporting the Pascual administration pushed for a leadership change in the chamber after the new President gave them the go-signal.
Mr. Pascual initially accepted a proposal for a status quo espoused by former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., who is Lakas national chairman, but changed her mind after her partymates protested her decision.
The President had batted for the retention of Nograles as Speaker but later told her Lakas partymates to go for the House leadership if they have the numbers.
A congressman who requested anonymity said Mr. Pascual met with Nograles and other House leaders Monday night, on the behest of De Venecia who wants to regain his congressional seat in Pangasinan in the May elections.
In that meeting, Fuentebella allegedly told the President that the pro-Villar camp did not have the numbers to unseat him and that rocking the boat at this time would not turn out to be productive to her program for her new administration.
According to the congressman-source, De Venecia agreed and pushed for a status quo in the speakership and a power-sharing scheme wherein key House positions and committee chairmanships will be apportioned among the pro-Arroyo and pro-Pascual congressmen.
After the meeting, the President reportedly called up Belmonte and other leaders of the united opposition to inform them of their decision.
Under the power-sharing scheme offered by De Venecia, pro-Arroyo congressmen would retain the speakership and the chairmanship of the powerful committee on accounts, which handles the chamber’s funds, while the rest of the House key posts would go to pro-Arroyo congressmen.
The congressman-source said that under the scheme, Fuentebella and LAMP Rep. Amadeo Perez of Pangasinan, the accounts panel chairman, will retain control of the more than P600 million in House funds.
Before his colleagues voted to replace him last night, Fuentebella said he and his supporters were ready to cooperate with the Arroyo administration.
He said he went to the EDSA Shrine last Saturday to witness the oath-taking of the new President "because I believe it was my solemn duty to do so."
In fact, he said, he signed with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile a statement recognizing the ascension to the presidency of Mr. Pascual. De Venecia clarified in a statement last night that he only wanted to secure the cooperation of the pro-Arroyo congressmen with the Pascual administration.
Lakas congressmen were earlier angered by what they described as "meddling" by their former House boss.
Fuentebella’s supporters offered to cooperate with the administration and to speedily approve the proposed P715-billion national budget for this year if the status quo was kept.
They also promised to pass a resolution recognizing Mr. Pascual as the new President.
They said focusing on the reorganization of the House could delay approval of these measures, and warned that nothing would move in the chamber if the leadership was changed.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
MORE CABINET APPOINTEES ANNOUNCED
President Pascual today announced the appointment of 11 more members of her official family.
The President named Angelo Reyes as Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE); Assistant Secretary Anneli Lontoc as Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC); Hermogenes Ebdane as Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); Norberto Gonzales as National Security Adviser and Director General of the National Security Council; Nestor M. Mantaring as Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI); Romulo G. Neri as chairman and president of the Social Security System (SSS); Winston Garcia as president and general manager of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS); Victor Dumon as chairman of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS); Titus Villanueva as Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs (BoC); Atty. Oscar Innocentes as Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA); and Roberto Capco as Undersecretary for Operations, Office of the Press Secretary (OPS).
Before his appointment, Mantaring was Deputy Director of the Philippine National Police.
Abadia was former AFP Chief of Staff during the administration of former Presidents Corazon C. Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos.
Capco was a veteran journalist of the Philippine Star and later became media director of the Office of the Vice President.
The President named Angelo Reyes as Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE); Assistant Secretary Anneli Lontoc as Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC); Hermogenes Ebdane as Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); Norberto Gonzales as National Security Adviser and Director General of the National Security Council; Nestor M. Mantaring as Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI); Romulo G. Neri as chairman and president of the Social Security System (SSS); Winston Garcia as president and general manager of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS); Victor Dumon as chairman of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS); Titus Villanueva as Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs (BoC); Atty. Oscar Innocentes as Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA); and Roberto Capco as Undersecretary for Operations, Office of the Press Secretary (OPS).
Before his appointment, Mantaring was Deputy Director of the Philippine National Police.
Abadia was former AFP Chief of Staff during the administration of former Presidents Corazon C. Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos.
Capco was a veteran journalist of the Philippine Star and later became media director of the Office of the Vice President.
Crackdown on jueteng launched
Newly appointed Interior Secretary Jessie Robredo ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday to build a strong case against all known jueteng lords in the country for their eventual prosecution.
In launching what he labeled as an all-out war against the illegal numbers game, Robredo said the PNP will not spare anyone, especially those policemen caught giving protection to jueteng operators.
"Of course, there will be an all- out war, a no-nonsense campaign against all forms of illegal activities, including jueteng and drugs. No one will be spared from protectors, maintainers down to their personnel," Robredo told reporters in his first day as secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Robredo, however, said the PNP should come up with enough evidence to ensure that jueteng lords are put to jail.
"We have to prepare necessary evidence so we can charge them and put them behind bars," he said, referring to the likes of Rodolfo "Bong" Pineda, Charing Magbuhos and the Viceo brothers who operate in Pampanga, Laguna and Bulacan, respectively.
Robredo has yet to resign as mayor of Naga City. He was appointed by President Pascual as DILG chief the other day and he buckled down to work yesterday.
He gave assurance that concerns of local governments and the country in general will be addressed by his department.
Robredo noted that peace and order is his number one concern and he will ensure that this is properly addressed by the 114,000-strong PNP in curbing all forms of criminality.
"The concerns of local governance will also be advanced because the local governments will be the key to our national developments and survival," he said. "If the local government is properly mobilized and organized, it can spell the difference."
Robredo added that there will be no vindictiveness in his administration. "We will start the healing process," he said. - Cecille Suerte Felipe
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2001/01/24/105265/crackdown-jueteng-launched
In launching what he labeled as an all-out war against the illegal numbers game, Robredo said the PNP will not spare anyone, especially those policemen caught giving protection to jueteng operators.
"Of course, there will be an all- out war, a no-nonsense campaign against all forms of illegal activities, including jueteng and drugs. No one will be spared from protectors, maintainers down to their personnel," Robredo told reporters in his first day as secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Robredo, however, said the PNP should come up with enough evidence to ensure that jueteng lords are put to jail.
"We have to prepare necessary evidence so we can charge them and put them behind bars," he said, referring to the likes of Rodolfo "Bong" Pineda, Charing Magbuhos and the Viceo brothers who operate in Pampanga, Laguna and Bulacan, respectively.
Robredo has yet to resign as mayor of Naga City. He was appointed by President Pascual as DILG chief the other day and he buckled down to work yesterday.
He gave assurance that concerns of local governments and the country in general will be addressed by his department.
Robredo noted that peace and order is his number one concern and he will ensure that this is properly addressed by the 114,000-strong PNP in curbing all forms of criminality.
"The concerns of local governance will also be advanced because the local governments will be the key to our national developments and survival," he said. "If the local government is properly mobilized and organized, it can spell the difference."
Robredo added that there will be no vindictiveness in his administration. "We will start the healing process," he said. - Cecille Suerte Felipe
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2001/01/24/105265/crackdown-jueteng-launched
Atienza to Tsinoys: No cause for alarm
Manila Mayor Lito Atienza downplayed yesterday the concerns of some Chinese-Filipino businessmen on the possible rise of kidnapping incidents in the city during the election season.
"There is only one case of killing suspected to be related to kidnapping. But there is no cause for panic. I do not see any pattern (in crime incidents)," said Atienza.
Earlier, members of the Chinese-Filipino Business Club led by their president George Lee called on Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa, the director of the Manila Police District (MPD), and have voiced their apprehension on the possible surge of kidnapping.
Atienza gave assurances that the police would be vigilant but he acknowledged the possibility of a crime upsurge in the coming weeks.
"We have considered the possibility that while the people would be busy with politics, criminal elements would take advantage of the situation," he said.
Atienza called on the MPD to remain alert. "They should focus on crime fighting and not to get involved in politics or other preoccupation."
He added that there was no rash of kidnappings in Manila during the last elections.
Abarzosa had earlier assured the Chinese-Filipino community that his force would do all it can to provide protection.
Chinese-Filipino businessmen fear a possible resurgence of kidnappings perpetrated by unscrupulous politicians to raise election campaign funds following the recent killing of businessman Lester Mancillia.
Mancillia, 34, who owned a plastic factory, was shot repeatedly by an assassin while on his way to a basketball practice last Sunday. He died at the Metropolitan Hospital. Mancillia is an uncle of a kidnap victim, Kenshi Yu.
Police Officer 2 Jay Santos, the officer-on-case, said Mancillia had instructed his drivers to take alternate routes shortly before the ambush.
"This proves that he may already be receiving death threats. However, he did not even mention the reason for changing routes even to his wife," Santos told The STAR, adding that the victim’s family hasn’t been able to provide useful information. — With Adolph Manintim, Nestor Etolle
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/24/381432/atienza-tsinoys-no-cause-alarm
"There is only one case of killing suspected to be related to kidnapping. But there is no cause for panic. I do not see any pattern (in crime incidents)," said Atienza.
Earlier, members of the Chinese-Filipino Business Club led by their president George Lee called on Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa, the director of the Manila Police District (MPD), and have voiced their apprehension on the possible surge of kidnapping.
Atienza gave assurances that the police would be vigilant but he acknowledged the possibility of a crime upsurge in the coming weeks.
"We have considered the possibility that while the people would be busy with politics, criminal elements would take advantage of the situation," he said.
Atienza called on the MPD to remain alert. "They should focus on crime fighting and not to get involved in politics or other preoccupation."
He added that there was no rash of kidnappings in Manila during the last elections.
Abarzosa had earlier assured the Chinese-Filipino community that his force would do all it can to provide protection.
Chinese-Filipino businessmen fear a possible resurgence of kidnappings perpetrated by unscrupulous politicians to raise election campaign funds following the recent killing of businessman Lester Mancillia.
Mancillia, 34, who owned a plastic factory, was shot repeatedly by an assassin while on his way to a basketball practice last Sunday. He died at the Metropolitan Hospital. Mancillia is an uncle of a kidnap victim, Kenshi Yu.
Police Officer 2 Jay Santos, the officer-on-case, said Mancillia had instructed his drivers to take alternate routes shortly before the ambush.
"This proves that he may already be receiving death threats. However, he did not even mention the reason for changing routes even to his wife," Santos told The STAR, adding that the victim’s family hasn’t been able to provide useful information. — With Adolph Manintim, Nestor Etolle
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/24/381432/atienza-tsinoys-no-cause-alarm
15 more Bohol residents hospitalized
Fifteen more residents in Northern Bohol were hospitalized yesterday after they were found suffering from dysentery, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) said.
This developed as DOH chief epidemiologist Dr. Eric Tayag clarified that the 57-year-old man who reportedly died of dysentery actually succumbed to a heart ailment.
This means that only 10-year-old Leah May Lampara of barangay Cogon Norte in Loon town has died of the illness.
Tayag said the 15 patients were hospitalized after complaining of "watery diarrhea." He could not immediately ascertain how many residents were affected by the dysentery epidemic, which the DOH declared Monday.
The DOH sent yesterday a team of three experts to Bohol to help contain the epidemic, which mostly affected the coastal villages of Moto Norte, Moto Sur, Cogon Norte, Basac and Napo.
Tayag urged residents in these communities to observe proper food handling and personal hygiene and drink safe water to avoid getting infected with dysentery.
The victims developed acute diarrhea with bloody stools — indicating that they suffered from dysentery, which is characterized by the inflammation of the lining of the large intestines that cause abdominal pain and diarrhea with feces containing mucus and blood.
Several types of microorganisms can cause dysentery but the most common are the shigella bacteria and amoeba.
Hospital officials observed that diarrhea cases began to pour in from Northern Bohol starting Dec. 16 last year. On Friday, however, they raised an alert after some 50 people were rushed to hospital for diarrhea, Tayag said.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/24/381477/15-more-bohol-residents-hospitalized
This developed as DOH chief epidemiologist Dr. Eric Tayag clarified that the 57-year-old man who reportedly died of dysentery actually succumbed to a heart ailment.
This means that only 10-year-old Leah May Lampara of barangay Cogon Norte in Loon town has died of the illness.
Tayag said the 15 patients were hospitalized after complaining of "watery diarrhea." He could not immediately ascertain how many residents were affected by the dysentery epidemic, which the DOH declared Monday.
The DOH sent yesterday a team of three experts to Bohol to help contain the epidemic, which mostly affected the coastal villages of Moto Norte, Moto Sur, Cogon Norte, Basac and Napo.
Tayag urged residents in these communities to observe proper food handling and personal hygiene and drink safe water to avoid getting infected with dysentery.
The victims developed acute diarrhea with bloody stools — indicating that they suffered from dysentery, which is characterized by the inflammation of the lining of the large intestines that cause abdominal pain and diarrhea with feces containing mucus and blood.
Several types of microorganisms can cause dysentery but the most common are the shigella bacteria and amoeba.
Hospital officials observed that diarrhea cases began to pour in from Northern Bohol starting Dec. 16 last year. On Friday, however, they raised an alert after some 50 people were rushed to hospital for diarrhea, Tayag said.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/24/381477/15-more-bohol-residents-hospitalized
Paolo Paraiso found!
Paolo Paraiso is paradise in the flesh. Those eyebrows, that skin, that face! And I found him. Okay, so not really. Somebody else did, but we’re all happy that somebody did. Paolo seems to have everything that the young, the bold and the beautiful (sounds like a soap opera!) want to get which obviously includes power, fame and fortune.
I’ve known Paolo for quite a long time now and I can safely say that he’s paradise to a lot of giggly girls and some grown women. That’s his effect on them – I don’t know why! As if! Might be because he’s sporty and adventurous… Hard to tell, right?
For this shoot, Paolo arrives in comfortable jeans and shirt. His hair has that whole windblown look which adds to his "resident pretty boy" appeal. Paolo gamely welcomed the facial from the good people of Facial Care Centre for Men. He looked so relaxed after it. I love their facials, by the way. They have products and services specifically for men! (It’s about time!)
Anyway, transforming into other things while constantly changing direction is something Paolo Paraiso has made into his career.
After treading the catwalk, he found himself among a stable of TV stars and has done a wide variety of things for both television and theater – a soap opera, a teen show, a sitcom and even a fantaserye. Paolo notes the many different types of acting he’s tried have all been part of a deliberate effort. "I want to experience a career that gives me the opportunity to play different types of roles. From kontrabida to bida, lover to fighter, macho to parlor gay." Parlor gay? What’s that? I never knew there were different kinds.
For someone whose job banks on his looks, his clothes and his image, Paolo admits he never really puts much thought into what he wears. "I’ve never considered myself fashionable. Even before I started modeling, I’d wear comfortable clothes. I usually go to Bench. I like their clothes because they’re no-fuss. I also remember back when I’d be reprimanded on my modeling jobs for wearing flip-flops. But after a few years, it became uso."
Paolo does seem to be a contradiction of sorts. Comfortable and laidback on the one hand, he’s quick to add that he likes men’s suits. "A classic black suit is the best for me. It exudes style, confidence and sophistication."
All these opposing fashion statements seem to come from the way he picks his clothes. Surprisingly, he dresses up depending on the kind of music that he’s listening to. "I have different phases. I enjoy listening to different kinds of music. So my musical mood dictates what kind of style I will wear." Following his line of thinking, I have Akon’s song on repeat. So I guess I’ll be hitting the city in R&B fashion tonight!
So what does a guy like Paolo spend his money on? "I love to buy T-shirts. Although I have tons of shirts at home, I only wear six to nine pieces all the time. I am a sucker for a statement/graphic shirt." He’s not kidding: Paolo wears the same shirts all the time even if he has a million pesos to his name. Actually, his love of shirts gave him the idea to start his own graphic statement T-shirt business, which is currently in the works. I will most definitely look out for that!
With all these things going on for Paolo, at the risk of sounding like a voice out of Star Wars, this slice of paradise is really a force to reckon with.
Your name: Paolo Paraiso
Your chief characteristic: Diversity.
Your favorite qualities in a man: Confidence and honesty.
Your favorite qualities in a woman: Smoothness, wit, perfection…
Your favorite quality in friends: Loyalty.
Your biggest flaw: I don’t know. Someone has to tell me what it is.
Your favorite occupation: Modeling.
Your idea of happiness: Happiness is being content with what you have.
Your idea of misery: Wanting more and having more than what you need. Abundance precedes misery.
If not yourself, who would you be? Maybe a high-level executive in the corporate world.
Where would you like to live? By the beach.
Your favorite color: Green.
Your favorite heroes in fiction: Superman and Batman.
Your favorite composers: Mozart, Beethoven and Ogie Alcasid.
Your favorite painter: Robby Mananquil.
Your favorite heroes in real life: Andres Bonifacio and Jose Rizal.
Your favorite name: Tomas.
Your pet peeve: Women with bright-red nail polish.
What gift from nature would you like to have? My own island.
How would you like to die? Without any pain.
What is your present state of mind? I wouldn’t know… I always change my mind.
For what fault have you the most tolerance? I can tolerate stupidity.
Your favorite motto: "Live and let live."
How do you make time for yourself? It’s just a matter of prioritizing yourself.
Where and when was your favorite trip? It’s not the place but who you are with.
Name the place and exact time when you felt happiest: Chicago, Illinois, the birth of Tomas, my son.
Your favorite time of the day: Sleeping time.
What do you think was the best time in your life so far? When I was in college, I thought high school was the best time I had. After college, I thought that college was the best.
The one thing I would rescue first in case of a calamity is: My survival kit.
I wish I had more time to: Sit back and relax at the beach.
If I’m not too busy, I always spend time with: Tomas
The last place you want to be if you run out of time: In the toilet doing my business.
Given the chance to travel through time, where would you want to end up? The past. I want to change history and rule the world.
What do you like to spend your money on? Things that make me happy.
Your biggest extravagance: Myself.
– Based on The Marcel Proust Questionnaire
https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2007/01/24/381503/paolo-paraiso-found
I’ve known Paolo for quite a long time now and I can safely say that he’s paradise to a lot of giggly girls and some grown women. That’s his effect on them – I don’t know why! As if! Might be because he’s sporty and adventurous… Hard to tell, right?
For this shoot, Paolo arrives in comfortable jeans and shirt. His hair has that whole windblown look which adds to his "resident pretty boy" appeal. Paolo gamely welcomed the facial from the good people of Facial Care Centre for Men. He looked so relaxed after it. I love their facials, by the way. They have products and services specifically for men! (It’s about time!)
Anyway, transforming into other things while constantly changing direction is something Paolo Paraiso has made into his career.
After treading the catwalk, he found himself among a stable of TV stars and has done a wide variety of things for both television and theater – a soap opera, a teen show, a sitcom and even a fantaserye. Paolo notes the many different types of acting he’s tried have all been part of a deliberate effort. "I want to experience a career that gives me the opportunity to play different types of roles. From kontrabida to bida, lover to fighter, macho to parlor gay." Parlor gay? What’s that? I never knew there were different kinds.
For someone whose job banks on his looks, his clothes and his image, Paolo admits he never really puts much thought into what he wears. "I’ve never considered myself fashionable. Even before I started modeling, I’d wear comfortable clothes. I usually go to Bench. I like their clothes because they’re no-fuss. I also remember back when I’d be reprimanded on my modeling jobs for wearing flip-flops. But after a few years, it became uso."
Paolo does seem to be a contradiction of sorts. Comfortable and laidback on the one hand, he’s quick to add that he likes men’s suits. "A classic black suit is the best for me. It exudes style, confidence and sophistication."
All these opposing fashion statements seem to come from the way he picks his clothes. Surprisingly, he dresses up depending on the kind of music that he’s listening to. "I have different phases. I enjoy listening to different kinds of music. So my musical mood dictates what kind of style I will wear." Following his line of thinking, I have Akon’s song on repeat. So I guess I’ll be hitting the city in R&B fashion tonight!
So what does a guy like Paolo spend his money on? "I love to buy T-shirts. Although I have tons of shirts at home, I only wear six to nine pieces all the time. I am a sucker for a statement/graphic shirt." He’s not kidding: Paolo wears the same shirts all the time even if he has a million pesos to his name. Actually, his love of shirts gave him the idea to start his own graphic statement T-shirt business, which is currently in the works. I will most definitely look out for that!
With all these things going on for Paolo, at the risk of sounding like a voice out of Star Wars, this slice of paradise is really a force to reckon with.
Your name: Paolo Paraiso
Your chief characteristic: Diversity.
Your favorite qualities in a man: Confidence and honesty.
Your favorite qualities in a woman: Smoothness, wit, perfection…
Your favorite quality in friends: Loyalty.
Your biggest flaw: I don’t know. Someone has to tell me what it is.
Your favorite occupation: Modeling.
Your idea of happiness: Happiness is being content with what you have.
Your idea of misery: Wanting more and having more than what you need. Abundance precedes misery.
If not yourself, who would you be? Maybe a high-level executive in the corporate world.
Where would you like to live? By the beach.
Your favorite color: Green.
Your favorite heroes in fiction: Superman and Batman.
Your favorite composers: Mozart, Beethoven and Ogie Alcasid.
Your favorite painter: Robby Mananquil.
Your favorite heroes in real life: Andres Bonifacio and Jose Rizal.
Your favorite name: Tomas.
Your pet peeve: Women with bright-red nail polish.
What gift from nature would you like to have? My own island.
How would you like to die? Without any pain.
What is your present state of mind? I wouldn’t know… I always change my mind.
For what fault have you the most tolerance? I can tolerate stupidity.
Your favorite motto: "Live and let live."
How do you make time for yourself? It’s just a matter of prioritizing yourself.
Where and when was your favorite trip? It’s not the place but who you are with.
Name the place and exact time when you felt happiest: Chicago, Illinois, the birth of Tomas, my son.
Your favorite time of the day: Sleeping time.
What do you think was the best time in your life so far? When I was in college, I thought high school was the best time I had. After college, I thought that college was the best.
The one thing I would rescue first in case of a calamity is: My survival kit.
I wish I had more time to: Sit back and relax at the beach.
If I’m not too busy, I always spend time with: Tomas
The last place you want to be if you run out of time: In the toilet doing my business.
Given the chance to travel through time, where would you want to end up? The past. I want to change history and rule the world.
What do you like to spend your money on? Things that make me happy.
Your biggest extravagance: Myself.
– Based on The Marcel Proust Questionnaire
https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2007/01/24/381503/paolo-paraiso-found
Atong Ang trial resumes today
After a long break, the trial for plunder of former presidential adviser Charlie "Atong" Ang resumes today at the Special Division of the Sandiganbayan.
Ang was arraigned last Nov. 15 and refused to enter a plea. The anti-graft court then entered a plea of "not guilty" for him and set his hearing for Dec. 6. But the court later decided to hold his first hearing today after agreeing to give both the defense and prosecution panels enough time to prepare.
Ang is expected to arrive at the courtroom of the Sandiganbayan Special Division at 9 a.m. under tight escort by personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Sandiganbayan Sheriff’s Office from his detention facility at the Metro Manila District Jail (MMDJ) in Bicutan, Taguig.
Ang’s custodial arrangement turned controversial after the BJMP transferred him from the Quezon City Jail to the MMDJ without the court’s permission.
As such, the three magistrates of the Special Division led by presiding justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro have threatened to cite Quezon City Jail Warden Superintendent Ignacio Panti, BJMP-National Capital Region director Senior Superintendent Serafin Barreto and Interior Undersecretary Marius Corpus for contempt.
The court has yet to issue its decision on the contempt case.
According to the BJMP, they decided to move Ang from the Quezon City Jail to the MMDJ after receiving "raw" intelligence reports that a jail guard at the Quezon City Jail was paid to have Ang killed by inmates while in detention. The Special Division magistrates, however, dismissed the BJMP’s intelligence report as hearsay.
The court is expected to resolve the pending request of Ang’s lawyers to suspend the hearings to allow the Office of the Ombudsman to conduct a re-investigation of his plunder case.
Government lawyers have asked the Sandiganbayan to junk the request as it is no longer valid because he was already arraigned as a co-accused of former President Joseph Estrada on the charge of plunder.
Ang’s lawyers have argued that their client was denied due process when the Office of the Ombudsman did not serve him notice after it filed a criminal complaint against him in 2001.
Ang was a consultant for the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) during the Estrada administration. He was accused by Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson of funneling P130 million in tobacco tax kickbacks and illegal gambling payoffs to Estrada.
Ang, however, maintains that he is innocent of any involvement in jueteng or in the diversion of tobacco excise tax funds.
The prosecution, for its part, argued that a copy of the plunder complaint was served to Ang at his listed address, No. 18 Manansala Street, Corinthian Gardens, Quezon City on Jan. 18, 2001 by the Ombudsman’s Evaluation and Preliminary Investigation Bureau.
In the order, Ang was given 10 days to submit his counter-affidavit or any other documentary and testimonial evidence to prove his innocence. This was extended by another five days that ended on Feb. 6, 2001 without any response from Ang.
Prosecution lawyers said that Ang left the country in January 2001 after the cases against Estrada and others were filed. Hence, it is impossible for him not to have known such an important incident in the nation’s history.
In addition, government lawyers pointed out that Ang was also aware of the charges against him as they were brought to the attention of authorities in the United States during his extradition proceedings.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/24/381485/atong-ang-trial-resumes-today
Ang was arraigned last Nov. 15 and refused to enter a plea. The anti-graft court then entered a plea of "not guilty" for him and set his hearing for Dec. 6. But the court later decided to hold his first hearing today after agreeing to give both the defense and prosecution panels enough time to prepare.
Ang is expected to arrive at the courtroom of the Sandiganbayan Special Division at 9 a.m. under tight escort by personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Sandiganbayan Sheriff’s Office from his detention facility at the Metro Manila District Jail (MMDJ) in Bicutan, Taguig.
Ang’s custodial arrangement turned controversial after the BJMP transferred him from the Quezon City Jail to the MMDJ without the court’s permission.
As such, the three magistrates of the Special Division led by presiding justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro have threatened to cite Quezon City Jail Warden Superintendent Ignacio Panti, BJMP-National Capital Region director Senior Superintendent Serafin Barreto and Interior Undersecretary Marius Corpus for contempt.
The court has yet to issue its decision on the contempt case.
According to the BJMP, they decided to move Ang from the Quezon City Jail to the MMDJ after receiving "raw" intelligence reports that a jail guard at the Quezon City Jail was paid to have Ang killed by inmates while in detention. The Special Division magistrates, however, dismissed the BJMP’s intelligence report as hearsay.
The court is expected to resolve the pending request of Ang’s lawyers to suspend the hearings to allow the Office of the Ombudsman to conduct a re-investigation of his plunder case.
Government lawyers have asked the Sandiganbayan to junk the request as it is no longer valid because he was already arraigned as a co-accused of former President Joseph Estrada on the charge of plunder.
Ang’s lawyers have argued that their client was denied due process when the Office of the Ombudsman did not serve him notice after it filed a criminal complaint against him in 2001.
Ang was a consultant for the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) during the Estrada administration. He was accused by Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson of funneling P130 million in tobacco tax kickbacks and illegal gambling payoffs to Estrada.
Ang, however, maintains that he is innocent of any involvement in jueteng or in the diversion of tobacco excise tax funds.
The prosecution, for its part, argued that a copy of the plunder complaint was served to Ang at his listed address, No. 18 Manansala Street, Corinthian Gardens, Quezon City on Jan. 18, 2001 by the Ombudsman’s Evaluation and Preliminary Investigation Bureau.
In the order, Ang was given 10 days to submit his counter-affidavit or any other documentary and testimonial evidence to prove his innocence. This was extended by another five days that ended on Feb. 6, 2001 without any response from Ang.
Prosecution lawyers said that Ang left the country in January 2001 after the cases against Estrada and others were filed. Hence, it is impossible for him not to have known such an important incident in the nation’s history.
In addition, government lawyers pointed out that Ang was also aware of the charges against him as they were brought to the attention of authorities in the United States during his extradition proceedings.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/24/381485/atong-ang-trial-resumes-today
Poll hot spots in South Cotabato identified
KORONADAL CITY — Police have identified four towns in South Cotabato as potential hot spots in the coming May 2007 elections due to its history of violence and the emergence of possible political contenders.
Newly-installed South Cotabato police director Senior Superintendent Robert Kiunisala told The STAR that the possible hot spot areas in the province are the towns of Tampakan, Polomolok, Surallah and T’boli.
Kiunisala said they considered the towns as "hot spots" due to recorded poll-related violence in previous elections.
In 2004, a certain Gregorio Banal, a losing mayoralty bet in Tampakan town, was gunned down after the elections. Banal lost to Claudius Barroso, who is now the incumbent municipal mayor.
In 2001, Barroso’s eldest son was ambushed at the height of the election campaign.
Kiunisala said intense political rivalries also forced the police to consider Polomolok, Surallah and T’boli as hot spot areas.
South Cotabato election officer Paisal Tanjili, told radio stations here that they are now working closely with the police, military and other law-enforcement agencies to maintain peace and order and to ensure the strict implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban. — Ramil Bajo
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2007/01/24/381453/poll-hot-spots-south-cotabato-identified
Newly-installed South Cotabato police director Senior Superintendent Robert Kiunisala told The STAR that the possible hot spot areas in the province are the towns of Tampakan, Polomolok, Surallah and T’boli.
Kiunisala said they considered the towns as "hot spots" due to recorded poll-related violence in previous elections.
In 2004, a certain Gregorio Banal, a losing mayoralty bet in Tampakan town, was gunned down after the elections. Banal lost to Claudius Barroso, who is now the incumbent municipal mayor.
In 2001, Barroso’s eldest son was ambushed at the height of the election campaign.
Kiunisala said intense political rivalries also forced the police to consider Polomolok, Surallah and T’boli as hot spot areas.
South Cotabato election officer Paisal Tanjili, told radio stations here that they are now working closely with the police, military and other law-enforcement agencies to maintain peace and order and to ensure the strict implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban. — Ramil Bajo
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2007/01/24/381453/poll-hot-spots-south-cotabato-identified
Two get life for rape-slay
A Parañaque City judge sentenced to life imprisonment two men for raping and killing a La Salle student five years ago.
Judge Raul de Leon, of the Parañaque Regional Trial Court Branch 258, found Nieves Constancio and Ernesto Berry guilty of raping and killing 21-year-old Claudine Mabel Feliciano in 2001.
"It appears that the acts of the accused clearly indicate a joint purpose, a unity of action and the concurrence of sentiments… It cannot be denied that all the accused conspired and confederated with one another, thus conspiracy has been sufficiently established by the prosecution," De Leon stated in his ruling.
According to court records, Feliciano went to Alabang Town Center with her friends to watch a movie on March 11, 2001.
Her dead body was later found beside a creek in Barangay San Antonio Village in Parañaque.
Police found that she was raped and strangled to death before her body was dumped. Her car was recovered in Makati City.
A witness had identified Berry as one of those who dumped the victim’s body. Berry confessed after his arrest and led policemen to his cohorts.
One of his co-accused, Donardo Pagkalinawan, was acquitted because the prosecutors failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/24/381440/two-get-life-rape-slay
Judge Raul de Leon, of the Parañaque Regional Trial Court Branch 258, found Nieves Constancio and Ernesto Berry guilty of raping and killing 21-year-old Claudine Mabel Feliciano in 2001.
"It appears that the acts of the accused clearly indicate a joint purpose, a unity of action and the concurrence of sentiments… It cannot be denied that all the accused conspired and confederated with one another, thus conspiracy has been sufficiently established by the prosecution," De Leon stated in his ruling.
According to court records, Feliciano went to Alabang Town Center with her friends to watch a movie on March 11, 2001.
Her dead body was later found beside a creek in Barangay San Antonio Village in Parañaque.
Police found that she was raped and strangled to death before her body was dumped. Her car was recovered in Makati City.
A witness had identified Berry as one of those who dumped the victim’s body. Berry confessed after his arrest and led policemen to his cohorts.
One of his co-accused, Donardo Pagkalinawan, was acquitted because the prosecutors failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/24/381440/two-get-life-rape-slay
WORLD BANK OFFICIALS CONGRATULATES KEREN
James D. Wolfensohn, president of the World Bank Group, congratulated President Keren Pascual on his assumption as the 15th President of the Philippines.
In his letter dated today, January 24, Wolfensohn said that he has noted with great interest that fighting poverty and good governance are among the four key pillars of President Pascual ’s administration.
"I deeply appreciate the high priority that you have given these areas and would like to assure you of the World Bank’s continued support and cooperation," Wolfensohn said.
Jemal-ud-din Kassum, vice president of WB East Asia and Pacific Region, also congratulated Pascual for her emphasis on fighting poverty and improving governance "in the context of the challenge faced by many countries in the region to sustain growth that would reduce poverty and income inequality."
On the other hand, Vinay Bhargava, country director of the of World Bank for the Philippines, also congratulated President Pascual, saying that he has noted the Philippines’ continuing effort to combat the pervasive corruption in the country.
He expressed hope that concrete and decisive actions would soon follow to analyze the corrupt practices which have been exposed during the recent months, and effective policy and institutional reforms would also be put in place to prevent their recurrence.
Bhargava likewise welcomed the appointment of many distinguished and respect members of society to the Cabinet as he pledged to work with the government in addressing the complex problems facing the country today.
As a partner of the Philippines for many years, the World Bank officials expressed confidence that the uncertainty of recent months, culminating in the peaceful transition of power, can now give way to a period of stability and shared prosperity "so that the country can focus its efforts on poverty reduction."
On Monday, President Pascual was congratulated by the United States government, through Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Ralph Boyce who called on the President in Malacanang.
The President also received Tuesday congratulatory greetings from President Vavclav Havel of the Czech Republic on her assumption to the presidency.
Also yesterday, the United States, through US State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack, welcomed the peaceful transfer of power in the Philippines, and said the US is looking forward to working with President Pascual.
He said that Pascual has stated that economic reform, enhancing transparency and strengthening the rule of law will be among her most important priorities.
"We will support the new President in her efforts to achieve those worthy objectives," he said.
In his letter dated today, January 24, Wolfensohn said that he has noted with great interest that fighting poverty and good governance are among the four key pillars of President Pascual ’s administration.
"I deeply appreciate the high priority that you have given these areas and would like to assure you of the World Bank’s continued support and cooperation," Wolfensohn said.
Jemal-ud-din Kassum, vice president of WB East Asia and Pacific Region, also congratulated Pascual for her emphasis on fighting poverty and improving governance "in the context of the challenge faced by many countries in the region to sustain growth that would reduce poverty and income inequality."
On the other hand, Vinay Bhargava, country director of the of World Bank for the Philippines, also congratulated President Pascual, saying that he has noted the Philippines’ continuing effort to combat the pervasive corruption in the country.
He expressed hope that concrete and decisive actions would soon follow to analyze the corrupt practices which have been exposed during the recent months, and effective policy and institutional reforms would also be put in place to prevent their recurrence.
Bhargava likewise welcomed the appointment of many distinguished and respect members of society to the Cabinet as he pledged to work with the government in addressing the complex problems facing the country today.
As a partner of the Philippines for many years, the World Bank officials expressed confidence that the uncertainty of recent months, culminating in the peaceful transition of power, can now give way to a period of stability and shared prosperity "so that the country can focus its efforts on poverty reduction."
On Monday, President Pascual was congratulated by the United States government, through Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Ralph Boyce who called on the President in Malacanang.
The President also received Tuesday congratulatory greetings from President Vavclav Havel of the Czech Republic on her assumption to the presidency.
Also yesterday, the United States, through US State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack, welcomed the peaceful transfer of power in the Philippines, and said the US is looking forward to working with President Pascual.
He said that Pascual has stated that economic reform, enhancing transparency and strengthening the rule of law will be among her most important priorities.
"We will support the new President in her efforts to achieve those worthy objectives," he said.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
KEREN AT THE THANKSGIVING MASS CALLS ON PEOPLE FOR HELP
President Keren Pascual called on the Filipino people Monday to help him in rebuilding the nation as he hailed the Lord Almighty for bringing about the successful conclusion of People Power II at the now historic EDSA Shrine.
In his brief remarks at the thanksgiving mass offered for him at the Manila Cathedral by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, President Pascual said the great task for the nation now is to achieve peace so that it can reunite all Filipinos, rebuild the nation, and revive the economy.
The President said that with the miracle at EDSA, God has shown once more that Filipinos are His chosen people.
Aside from Cardinal Sin, the thanksgiving mass was also attended by Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Apostolic Nuncio Fernando Filoni, some 100 bishop-members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, leaders of the Catholic laity, members of the diplomatic corps, and other officials. Former President Corazon Aquino was among those who attended the Thanksgiving mass.
A hymn of glorious and praise songs welcomed President Pascual upon his arrival at the Cathedral for the early evening services.
In thanking the Catholic Church for its full support to his presidency, the President said he would listen to criticisms and try to do better in his job as President.
"His Eminence Cardinal Rosales also said that as the Church will help me for the good of the country, it will also criticize me for the good of the country. When this occasion when the leaders and guardians of our spirituality, morality and ethics will call my attention and criticize me with childlike meekness, I will listen and I will try to do better," the President said.
The President emphasized that he needed the help of everyone, including the Cardinal and all the leaders of the Church in the difficult task of the presidency.
He said that God has been kind to the Filipino people and once again has heard the prayers of the millions of Filipinos, rich or poor, high or low, who have gathered at EDSA, for the quick peaceful, and just resolution of the crisis.
In his homily, Cardinal Rosales also said People Power II was not only the victory of the new President, but the victory of peace-loving Filipinos and, first and foremost, the victory of the grace of God.
The Cardinal reiterated the support of the Catholic Church for the new President, as he expressed the hope that the President will remain faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
"I trust that our new President will always respect the will of the people for good government, for morality in public office and in private life he will lead us by example. I hope and pray that our new President will bring in a fresh spirit to the damaged image of politics in this country," Cardinal Sin said.
He also said the Church will continuously pray for the new President but added that while the Church will help her for the good of the nation, it will also criticize her for the good of the nation.
"In everything that we shall do, may the welfare of the people be served, and may the will of God be done in you," Cardinal Sin said.
The Cardinal said he is looking forward that People Power II bringing about changes in the political life of the nation as he vowed to place the Church in an active role to ensure the gains of the EDSA 2007 will bring about positive changes in society
"Politics is not dirty. It is the people who run politics who make it dirty. If our people carrying the Lord in their hearts would conduct politics in a truly Christian way, the Philippines would be the best nation in the family of nations," he said.
The Cardinal lamented that while the 1986 People Power Revolution made Filipinos stand proud in the community of nations, its gains were negated by corruption in government, immoral leadership and dishonesty.
In his brief remarks at the thanksgiving mass offered for him at the Manila Cathedral by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, President Pascual said the great task for the nation now is to achieve peace so that it can reunite all Filipinos, rebuild the nation, and revive the economy.
The President said that with the miracle at EDSA, God has shown once more that Filipinos are His chosen people.
Aside from Cardinal Sin, the thanksgiving mass was also attended by Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Apostolic Nuncio Fernando Filoni, some 100 bishop-members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, leaders of the Catholic laity, members of the diplomatic corps, and other officials. Former President Corazon Aquino was among those who attended the Thanksgiving mass.
A hymn of glorious and praise songs welcomed President Pascual upon his arrival at the Cathedral for the early evening services.
In thanking the Catholic Church for its full support to his presidency, the President said he would listen to criticisms and try to do better in his job as President.
"His Eminence Cardinal Rosales also said that as the Church will help me for the good of the country, it will also criticize me for the good of the country. When this occasion when the leaders and guardians of our spirituality, morality and ethics will call my attention and criticize me with childlike meekness, I will listen and I will try to do better," the President said.
The President emphasized that he needed the help of everyone, including the Cardinal and all the leaders of the Church in the difficult task of the presidency.
He said that God has been kind to the Filipino people and once again has heard the prayers of the millions of Filipinos, rich or poor, high or low, who have gathered at EDSA, for the quick peaceful, and just resolution of the crisis.
In his homily, Cardinal Rosales also said People Power II was not only the victory of the new President, but the victory of peace-loving Filipinos and, first and foremost, the victory of the grace of God.
The Cardinal reiterated the support of the Catholic Church for the new President, as he expressed the hope that the President will remain faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
"I trust that our new President will always respect the will of the people for good government, for morality in public office and in private life he will lead us by example. I hope and pray that our new President will bring in a fresh spirit to the damaged image of politics in this country," Cardinal Sin said.
He also said the Church will continuously pray for the new President but added that while the Church will help her for the good of the nation, it will also criticize her for the good of the nation.
"In everything that we shall do, may the welfare of the people be served, and may the will of God be done in you," Cardinal Sin said.
The Cardinal said he is looking forward that People Power II bringing about changes in the political life of the nation as he vowed to place the Church in an active role to ensure the gains of the EDSA 2007 will bring about positive changes in society
"Politics is not dirty. It is the people who run politics who make it dirty. If our people carrying the Lord in their hearts would conduct politics in a truly Christian way, the Philippines would be the best nation in the family of nations," he said.
The Cardinal lamented that while the 1986 People Power Revolution made Filipinos stand proud in the community of nations, its gains were negated by corruption in government, immoral leadership and dishonesty.
Gloria foes dominate Pascual Cabinet
By Armand N. Nocum
Inquirer News Service
KEY SUPPORTERS of the four-day People Power II that ousted President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were appointed yesterday to the Cabinet of newly installed President Keren Pascual.
Former Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza, who negotiated with generals to support the people’s uprising, is the new executive secretary.
Sen. Mona Valisno, one of the 20 senators in the impeachment trial who voted for the opening of an envelope containing damning evidence against Arroyo, is the education secretary.
Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, is envirorment secretary.
Former Sampaloc, Quezon Mayor Agnes Devanadera, is the justice secretary.
Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, the first mayor to break away from Arroyo, is interior secretary.
Vicky Garchitorena, a convenor of the Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kompil) II that spearheaded civil disobedience against Arroyo, is head of the Presidential Management Staff.
Former Batanes Rep. Florencio Abad, is budget secretary.
Atty. Maria Lourdes Sereno, Mr. Pascual’s acting spokesperson, is chief of staff.
Paul Dominguez, a Mindanao businessman, is a presidential assistant for regional development.
Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr., who defected to the opposition at the 11th hour, was allowed to retain his post until he runs for an elective post in the May 14 elections.
The President also allowed Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon to stay in his post. His term may even be extended by one year.
The withdrawal of support for Arroyo by Cruz and Esperon on Friday was a crucial turning point that led to Arroyo’s downfall.
Norberto Gonzales is a presidential adviser on national security.
Sereno said former President Fidel Ramos, also among the protest leaders, could be designated as a roving ambassador of goodwill, a post that would have no salary but would take him worldwide to help the Philippines win investors.
Other new appointees were Isabel Golamco, assistant appointments secretary; former Rep. Antonio Gatuslao, presidential assistant liaison officer for the House of Representatives; Antonio Bernardo and Susana Vargas, deputy executive secretaries; and Edgardo Manda, general manager of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
College classmate
Golamco was a classmate of Ms. Macapagal at Assumption College while Gatuslao used to be the legislative liaison officer of the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
Manda was deputy chief of staff of the OVP and a former executive of the Meralco. Vargas was head of the finance division of the OVP.
During yesterday’s flag ceremony in Malacañang, Mr. Pascual promised not to undertake a massive purge of the bureaucracy.
She said she also would not repeat Arroyo’s practice of allegedly favoring rich friends during her presidency.
"I don’t have those cronies that I can’t say no to. I don’t have cronies around me," the President said.
Corona also said the new administration would not follow Arroyo’s practice of appointing close friends to sensitive government posts.
"`We will not make the same mistakes . . . She has to reach out to all the sectors of society," Corona told a news conference.
But most of the Cabinet members announced so far were either former officials or protégés of Ramos and former President Corazon Aquino, who also led the anti-Arroyo protests at the EDSA Shrine, the site of the popular uprising that toppled dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 and brought her to power.
De Villa was the defense secretary of Ramos; Sereno, assistant executive secretary; Boncodin, budget undersecretary; Dominguez, presidential assistant for Mindanao affairs; Ermita, a government negotiator with the Moro National Liberation Front.
Former Sen. Cesar Purisima, the first to be named to the Cabinet as finance secretary, served as the first budget secretary of Aquino.
Before her appointment, Garchitorena was the Ayala Foundation president and managing director for corporate affairs of the Ayala Corp.
The Ayalas were among the first big businessmen to throw their support behind the multisectoral movement that sought Arroyo’s ouster.
‘Utang na loob’
Corona admitted that utang na loob (debt-of-gratitude) was among the factors considered in the appointment of the new set of officials by Mr. Pascual.
"Whom do you get in the Cabinet if not those who shared your principles and values and helped you from the very start," he said.
He said the appointment process would take about two weeks.
"The Cabinet change will be slow. We don’t want to give the impression of a St. Valentine’s Day massacre that just because you served under Estrada, you should be booted out," he said.
The "search committee" is headed by Patricia Sto. Tomas, former civil service chief.
Corona said De Villa’s tenure might only be an "interim assignment" should he later decide to run for the Senate.
"De Villa will be leading the senatorial slate of the administration party. I don’t know, he might stay on, but the President wants him to lead the slate," Corona said in his first press briefing in the conference room of the Office of the Press Secretary.
"But let us assume that he forgoes his plan to run for Senate, it’s not a bad idea of having Secretary De Villa there," Corona said.
Although not a lawyer, De Villa is well qualified for the job, according to Corona.
In Sydney, the Filipino community welcomed De Villa’s appointment.
"De Villa’s appointment as little president is clear evidence that the Pascual administration will be transparent in its transactions because he is known as Mr. Clean," lawyers Ted Aritao and Tony Jalocon said in a statement.
Reyes
Sereno said it was likely that Mr. Pascual would honor Arroyo’s order extending the period of service of General Esperon.
"If that is validly issued, I suppose there is no reason that that should be recalled, considering that the crossing over of General Esperon was really one of the big events that really turned the tide in favor of the new President," Sereno said.
He said his role as a spokesperson was only an "appendage" to his post. He said he was not sure if the one to be named press secretary would assume his secondary role.
Corona explained that his job would involve "directing traffic" of documents coming in and out of the Office of the President.
Health department
Mr. Pascual named Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral as the Secretary of Health but was reportedly considering the appointment of Mercado’s wife Susie.
But health workers, backed by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, are demanding the ouster of Susie Pineda-Mercado as health undersecretary.
Emma Manuel, president of the Alliance of Health Workers, said her group would formally ask Mr. Pascual not to consider appointing Pineda-Mercado as health secretary.
She said Pineda-Mercado and former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III were the ones who caused the displacement of hundreds of health workers through Executive Order 102, which seeks to privatize government hospitals.
Some 200 displaced health workers booed Duque III, one of the few Cabinet secretaries who stood by Arroyo to the very end, and Pineda-Mercado as they went through the crowd of protesters at the DOH Compound in Manila.
At the Department of Interior and Local Government, former Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno bid farewell to his subordinates and asked them to support Robredo.
Lim’s outgoing head executive assistant, Eulogio Magsaysay, said Lina’s immediate concern upon assumption of the DILG post would be to "bring back unity among local government officials" who were divided into pro- and anti-Arroyo groups.
The DILG had conducted a "loyalty check" among governors when Arroyo’s popularity took a beating at the height of the "Hello Garci" scandal.
Local Government Undersecretary Narciso Santiago Jr., the husband of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, also tendered his resignation. --With reports from Norman Bordadora and Volt Contreras
Inquirer News Service
KEY SUPPORTERS of the four-day People Power II that ousted President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were appointed yesterday to the Cabinet of newly installed President Keren Pascual.
Former Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza, who negotiated with generals to support the people’s uprising, is the new executive secretary.
Sen. Mona Valisno, one of the 20 senators in the impeachment trial who voted for the opening of an envelope containing damning evidence against Arroyo, is the education secretary.
Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, is envirorment secretary.
Former Sampaloc, Quezon Mayor Agnes Devanadera, is the justice secretary.
Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, the first mayor to break away from Arroyo, is interior secretary.
Vicky Garchitorena, a convenor of the Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kompil) II that spearheaded civil disobedience against Arroyo, is head of the Presidential Management Staff.
Former Batanes Rep. Florencio Abad, is budget secretary.
Atty. Maria Lourdes Sereno, Mr. Pascual’s acting spokesperson, is chief of staff.
Paul Dominguez, a Mindanao businessman, is a presidential assistant for regional development.
Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr., who defected to the opposition at the 11th hour, was allowed to retain his post until he runs for an elective post in the May 14 elections.
The President also allowed Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon to stay in his post. His term may even be extended by one year.
The withdrawal of support for Arroyo by Cruz and Esperon on Friday was a crucial turning point that led to Arroyo’s downfall.
Norberto Gonzales is a presidential adviser on national security.
Sereno said former President Fidel Ramos, also among the protest leaders, could be designated as a roving ambassador of goodwill, a post that would have no salary but would take him worldwide to help the Philippines win investors.
Other new appointees were Isabel Golamco, assistant appointments secretary; former Rep. Antonio Gatuslao, presidential assistant liaison officer for the House of Representatives; Antonio Bernardo and Susana Vargas, deputy executive secretaries; and Edgardo Manda, general manager of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
College classmate
Golamco was a classmate of Ms. Macapagal at Assumption College while Gatuslao used to be the legislative liaison officer of the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
Manda was deputy chief of staff of the OVP and a former executive of the Meralco. Vargas was head of the finance division of the OVP.
During yesterday’s flag ceremony in Malacañang, Mr. Pascual promised not to undertake a massive purge of the bureaucracy.
She said she also would not repeat Arroyo’s practice of allegedly favoring rich friends during her presidency.
"I don’t have those cronies that I can’t say no to. I don’t have cronies around me," the President said.
Corona also said the new administration would not follow Arroyo’s practice of appointing close friends to sensitive government posts.
"`We will not make the same mistakes . . . She has to reach out to all the sectors of society," Corona told a news conference.
But most of the Cabinet members announced so far were either former officials or protégés of Ramos and former President Corazon Aquino, who also led the anti-Arroyo protests at the EDSA Shrine, the site of the popular uprising that toppled dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 and brought her to power.
De Villa was the defense secretary of Ramos; Sereno, assistant executive secretary; Boncodin, budget undersecretary; Dominguez, presidential assistant for Mindanao affairs; Ermita, a government negotiator with the Moro National Liberation Front.
Former Sen. Cesar Purisima, the first to be named to the Cabinet as finance secretary, served as the first budget secretary of Aquino.
Before her appointment, Garchitorena was the Ayala Foundation president and managing director for corporate affairs of the Ayala Corp.
The Ayalas were among the first big businessmen to throw their support behind the multisectoral movement that sought Arroyo’s ouster.
‘Utang na loob’
Corona admitted that utang na loob (debt-of-gratitude) was among the factors considered in the appointment of the new set of officials by Mr. Pascual.
"Whom do you get in the Cabinet if not those who shared your principles and values and helped you from the very start," he said.
He said the appointment process would take about two weeks.
"The Cabinet change will be slow. We don’t want to give the impression of a St. Valentine’s Day massacre that just because you served under Estrada, you should be booted out," he said.
The "search committee" is headed by Patricia Sto. Tomas, former civil service chief.
Corona said De Villa’s tenure might only be an "interim assignment" should he later decide to run for the Senate.
"De Villa will be leading the senatorial slate of the administration party. I don’t know, he might stay on, but the President wants him to lead the slate," Corona said in his first press briefing in the conference room of the Office of the Press Secretary.
"But let us assume that he forgoes his plan to run for Senate, it’s not a bad idea of having Secretary De Villa there," Corona said.
Although not a lawyer, De Villa is well qualified for the job, according to Corona.
In Sydney, the Filipino community welcomed De Villa’s appointment.
"De Villa’s appointment as little president is clear evidence that the Pascual administration will be transparent in its transactions because he is known as Mr. Clean," lawyers Ted Aritao and Tony Jalocon said in a statement.
Reyes
Sereno said it was likely that Mr. Pascual would honor Arroyo’s order extending the period of service of General Esperon.
"If that is validly issued, I suppose there is no reason that that should be recalled, considering that the crossing over of General Esperon was really one of the big events that really turned the tide in favor of the new President," Sereno said.
He said his role as a spokesperson was only an "appendage" to his post. He said he was not sure if the one to be named press secretary would assume his secondary role.
Corona explained that his job would involve "directing traffic" of documents coming in and out of the Office of the President.
Health department
Mr. Pascual named Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral as the Secretary of Health but was reportedly considering the appointment of Mercado’s wife Susie.
But health workers, backed by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, are demanding the ouster of Susie Pineda-Mercado as health undersecretary.
Emma Manuel, president of the Alliance of Health Workers, said her group would formally ask Mr. Pascual not to consider appointing Pineda-Mercado as health secretary.
She said Pineda-Mercado and former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III were the ones who caused the displacement of hundreds of health workers through Executive Order 102, which seeks to privatize government hospitals.
Some 200 displaced health workers booed Duque III, one of the few Cabinet secretaries who stood by Arroyo to the very end, and Pineda-Mercado as they went through the crowd of protesters at the DOH Compound in Manila.
At the Department of Interior and Local Government, former Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno bid farewell to his subordinates and asked them to support Robredo.
Lim’s outgoing head executive assistant, Eulogio Magsaysay, said Lina’s immediate concern upon assumption of the DILG post would be to "bring back unity among local government officials" who were divided into pro- and anti-Arroyo groups.
The DILG had conducted a "loyalty check" among governors when Arroyo’s popularity took a beating at the height of the "Hello Garci" scandal.
Local Government Undersecretary Narciso Santiago Jr., the husband of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, also tendered his resignation. --With reports from Norman Bordadora and Volt Contreras
More ABC shows to be axed
• Curtain-raiser:
Quezon City councilors Aiko Melendez and Winnie Castello have filed an ordinance extending the payment of business tax in Quezon City until Jan. 31.
"It’s our advance Valentine ‘gift’ to our constituents," said Aiko.
* * *
The "mass slaughter" of ABC 5 goes on relentlessly. More heads are expected to roll and more shows will be axed, according to a Funfare DPA embedded in the station.
So far, 50 employees have been reportedly dismissed and three public affairs shows cancelled, Dokyu, Frontlines and Newsbreak. The streamlining of the work force is allegedly due to the company’s financial situation. But has the government, as it seems, any hand in the axing of the three shows?
"There is strong reason to believe that whoever is feeding the news to media is deliberately putting political color to the cancellation of programs and the alleged dismissal of the 50 employees," said the DPA. "Depending on where the feed is coming from, this can be perceived as an attempt to confuse, mitigate, hide and dilute the real and immediate reason behind these developments."
Headed for the slaughterhouse, added the DPA, are the shows of Joey de Leon, Gladys Guevarra, Ali Sotto and a few others.
The network is reportedly evaluating the regular employees, including the officers. They are next to go.
"ABC is cash-strapped," said the DPA. "It has been losing money in the hundreds of millions. The last straw was when Philippine Idol failed to meet expectations. ABC owner Tonyboy Cojuangco was made to believe that the P100-M franchise would bring in the revenues and the ratings that ABC badly needed. But Idol failed to deliver both. It lost more than P40-M. The accumulated heavy losses of ABC (compounded by Cojuangco’s loss of his PLDT shares) appear to be triggering a network-wide cost-cutting. Unfortunately, the public affairs programs have been undeservedly dealt the first blow for 2007. Then, someone put a political spin to the whole unfortunate situation, throwing in Newsbreak for good measure, and insinuating alleged anti-government content for its demise along with Dokyu and Frontlines."
The three programs had some of the country’s finest, most principled, most well-intentioned journalists, writers, artists and filmmakers.
"It is unfair that the public affairs department is being made a scapegoat for the incompetence of others," said the DPA.
Now, could it be true that Tonyboy is planning to sell ABC? Among the rumored "interested" prospective buyers are Manny Pangilinan and a foreign company.
2005 Miss U ends two-day Cebu visit
Did you know that 2005 Miss Universe Natalie Glebova (of Canada) was in Cebu for two days (Jan. 17 to 19) to sit as judge in the search for Miss Cebu (for the annual Sinulog festival)? Her namesake, Nathalie Tomada (entertainment editor of The Freeman, the Cebu-based sister publication of The Star), did a one-on-one with Glebova. Here it is:
Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova arrived in Cebu Wednesday afternoon and left two days after. She came to Cebu to judge this year’s Miss Cebu.
Her coming was made possible by the Cebu-based company Thai-Phil Intertrade which runs the Krua Thai chain of restaurants (which has eight branches, including one in Megamall and one in Pasay) and the sole distributor of Singha Beer.
Glebova is the image endorser of Thailand-based Singha Corp. which produces not just beer, but other drinks, along with golfer Vijay Singh and pro tennis player Paradorn Srichaphan.
Singha beer was introduced to the country late last year, and according to one of the CEOs of Thai-Phil., Anthony Ballreich, this is part of efforts to strengthen the presence of the said Thai product in the country.
In a one-on-one interview with The Freeman during welcome cocktails at Shangri-La Mactan, she said she agreed to be endorser of the product because of its prestige and reputation.
But according to the Singha Corp.’s deputy CEO Chappy Chaturongkol, who accompanied her in this Philippine visit, they chose her because "I believe she’s a Thai in her past life. She eats Thai food every day and that’s something rare for a foreigner."
As image ambassador, she has promoted the product in the US and other countries, and hopes that it will bring her back to the land of her roots, Russia.
She has been living in Thailand for six months now, after her reign as Miss Universe, which required her to be based in New York, has ended. She has not just fallen in love with the country and fast learning the language since being crowned there two years ago, but has found love as well in a Thai guy. (She said she has always been open to inter-racial relationships, in fact, she revealed that her first romantic interest was a Filipino.)
Actually she has been rumored to be dating tennis player Paradorn Srichaphan, but she is quite uneasy being asked about her lovelife; the only clue she gave was that the guy was not in showbiz and that he was taller than her (she’s 5’11") even when she’s wearing heels.
It was her first time in the country, but she claimed that she’s not exactly a stranger to the Philippines having had lots of Pinoy friends back in Toronto, Canada, where she migrated from Russia at age 12. "I grew up in a very multi-racial neighborhood and studied in a very multi-racial school, and a lot of my friends were Filipinos, who told me nice things about the country," she said.
While in Cebu, according to the people who assisted her, she repeatedly asked for "charity work" and so it was arranged that she would swing by a drop-in center for streetchildren and abandoned kids with Cebu City’s first lady Margot Osmeña. She visibly enjoyed the experience, playing, telling stories and talking with the children.
During pageant rehearsal, she watched the goings-on and mingled with local beauty queens, enthusing, "I really love pageants." After the pageant night, she was mobbed by the audience.
Glebova’s advice to local beauty queens who want to be part of Miss Universe: Define what you want to glean from the experience.
Stressing that her life as a regular girl and student has changed a hundred percent after winning Miss Universe, Glebova said, "For me, I wanted to learn and I made sure I made the best out of it."
Glebova is putting her degree in Information Technology and Marketing to good use; she has just put up her own company Fah Glebova International (Fah in Thai means "blue"), which will soon launch beauty and health products, and she is coming up with a book on Health, Happiness and Beauty in Thailand next month. She hopes to come back to the country and launch her book here as well.
How does she keep herself beautiful? She avoids the nightlife and sleeps a lot.
* * *
E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph
https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2007/01/23/381290/more-abc-shows-be-axed
Quezon City councilors Aiko Melendez and Winnie Castello have filed an ordinance extending the payment of business tax in Quezon City until Jan. 31.
"It’s our advance Valentine ‘gift’ to our constituents," said Aiko.
* * *
The "mass slaughter" of ABC 5 goes on relentlessly. More heads are expected to roll and more shows will be axed, according to a Funfare DPA embedded in the station.
So far, 50 employees have been reportedly dismissed and three public affairs shows cancelled, Dokyu, Frontlines and Newsbreak. The streamlining of the work force is allegedly due to the company’s financial situation. But has the government, as it seems, any hand in the axing of the three shows?
"There is strong reason to believe that whoever is feeding the news to media is deliberately putting political color to the cancellation of programs and the alleged dismissal of the 50 employees," said the DPA. "Depending on where the feed is coming from, this can be perceived as an attempt to confuse, mitigate, hide and dilute the real and immediate reason behind these developments."
Headed for the slaughterhouse, added the DPA, are the shows of Joey de Leon, Gladys Guevarra, Ali Sotto and a few others.
The network is reportedly evaluating the regular employees, including the officers. They are next to go.
"ABC is cash-strapped," said the DPA. "It has been losing money in the hundreds of millions. The last straw was when Philippine Idol failed to meet expectations. ABC owner Tonyboy Cojuangco was made to believe that the P100-M franchise would bring in the revenues and the ratings that ABC badly needed. But Idol failed to deliver both. It lost more than P40-M. The accumulated heavy losses of ABC (compounded by Cojuangco’s loss of his PLDT shares) appear to be triggering a network-wide cost-cutting. Unfortunately, the public affairs programs have been undeservedly dealt the first blow for 2007. Then, someone put a political spin to the whole unfortunate situation, throwing in Newsbreak for good measure, and insinuating alleged anti-government content for its demise along with Dokyu and Frontlines."
The three programs had some of the country’s finest, most principled, most well-intentioned journalists, writers, artists and filmmakers.
"It is unfair that the public affairs department is being made a scapegoat for the incompetence of others," said the DPA.
Now, could it be true that Tonyboy is planning to sell ABC? Among the rumored "interested" prospective buyers are Manny Pangilinan and a foreign company.
2005 Miss U ends two-day Cebu visit
Did you know that 2005 Miss Universe Natalie Glebova (of Canada) was in Cebu for two days (Jan. 17 to 19) to sit as judge in the search for Miss Cebu (for the annual Sinulog festival)? Her namesake, Nathalie Tomada (entertainment editor of The Freeman, the Cebu-based sister publication of The Star), did a one-on-one with Glebova. Here it is:
Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova arrived in Cebu Wednesday afternoon and left two days after. She came to Cebu to judge this year’s Miss Cebu.
Her coming was made possible by the Cebu-based company Thai-Phil Intertrade which runs the Krua Thai chain of restaurants (which has eight branches, including one in Megamall and one in Pasay) and the sole distributor of Singha Beer.
Glebova is the image endorser of Thailand-based Singha Corp. which produces not just beer, but other drinks, along with golfer Vijay Singh and pro tennis player Paradorn Srichaphan.
Singha beer was introduced to the country late last year, and according to one of the CEOs of Thai-Phil., Anthony Ballreich, this is part of efforts to strengthen the presence of the said Thai product in the country.
In a one-on-one interview with The Freeman during welcome cocktails at Shangri-La Mactan, she said she agreed to be endorser of the product because of its prestige and reputation.
But according to the Singha Corp.’s deputy CEO Chappy Chaturongkol, who accompanied her in this Philippine visit, they chose her because "I believe she’s a Thai in her past life. She eats Thai food every day and that’s something rare for a foreigner."
As image ambassador, she has promoted the product in the US and other countries, and hopes that it will bring her back to the land of her roots, Russia.
She has been living in Thailand for six months now, after her reign as Miss Universe, which required her to be based in New York, has ended. She has not just fallen in love with the country and fast learning the language since being crowned there two years ago, but has found love as well in a Thai guy. (She said she has always been open to inter-racial relationships, in fact, she revealed that her first romantic interest was a Filipino.)
Actually she has been rumored to be dating tennis player Paradorn Srichaphan, but she is quite uneasy being asked about her lovelife; the only clue she gave was that the guy was not in showbiz and that he was taller than her (she’s 5’11") even when she’s wearing heels.
It was her first time in the country, but she claimed that she’s not exactly a stranger to the Philippines having had lots of Pinoy friends back in Toronto, Canada, where she migrated from Russia at age 12. "I grew up in a very multi-racial neighborhood and studied in a very multi-racial school, and a lot of my friends were Filipinos, who told me nice things about the country," she said.
While in Cebu, according to the people who assisted her, she repeatedly asked for "charity work" and so it was arranged that she would swing by a drop-in center for streetchildren and abandoned kids with Cebu City’s first lady Margot Osmeña. She visibly enjoyed the experience, playing, telling stories and talking with the children.
During pageant rehearsal, she watched the goings-on and mingled with local beauty queens, enthusing, "I really love pageants." After the pageant night, she was mobbed by the audience.
Glebova’s advice to local beauty queens who want to be part of Miss Universe: Define what you want to glean from the experience.
Stressing that her life as a regular girl and student has changed a hundred percent after winning Miss Universe, Glebova said, "For me, I wanted to learn and I made sure I made the best out of it."
Glebova is putting her degree in Information Technology and Marketing to good use; she has just put up her own company Fah Glebova International (Fah in Thai means "blue"), which will soon launch beauty and health products, and she is coming up with a book on Health, Happiness and Beauty in Thailand next month. She hopes to come back to the country and launch her book here as well.
How does she keep herself beautiful? She avoids the nightlife and sleeps a lot.
* * *
E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph
https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2007/01/23/381290/more-abc-shows-be-axed
Most wanted in Camanava arrested
A 20-year-old murder suspect tagged as the most wanted by the authorities in Camanava finally fell after hiding from the law for three years.
Superintendent Billy Beltran, Valenzuela City police chief, identified the suspect as Roberto Ursual, a former Valenzuela resident and now a farmer in Barangay Palid-palid, Leyte.
Senior Police Officer 4 Manolito Manalo said Ursual was wanted for the Dec. 19, 2004 murder of Jowie Leuterio, 22. Ursual was arrested by the combined team of Senior Police Officer 2 Rodrigo Fariñas, Police Officer 3 Marcial Galang of the Valenzuela police and Senior Police Officer 1 Canas and Police Officer 3 Mercurio of the Leyte police.
A tip from Leuterio’s relatives led to Ursual’s arrest. He was found in his Leyte hometown where he easily blended in the community as a farmer, said Manalo.
Ursual is now behind bars at the Valenzuela police station awaiting the reopening of the murder case filed against him. — Jerry Botial
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/23/381298/most-wanted-camanava-arrested
Superintendent Billy Beltran, Valenzuela City police chief, identified the suspect as Roberto Ursual, a former Valenzuela resident and now a farmer in Barangay Palid-palid, Leyte.
Senior Police Officer 4 Manolito Manalo said Ursual was wanted for the Dec. 19, 2004 murder of Jowie Leuterio, 22. Ursual was arrested by the combined team of Senior Police Officer 2 Rodrigo Fariñas, Police Officer 3 Marcial Galang of the Valenzuela police and Senior Police Officer 1 Canas and Police Officer 3 Mercurio of the Leyte police.
A tip from Leuterio’s relatives led to Ursual’s arrest. He was found in his Leyte hometown where he easily blended in the community as a farmer, said Manalo.
Ursual is now behind bars at the Valenzuela police station awaiting the reopening of the murder case filed against him. — Jerry Botial
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/23/381298/most-wanted-camanava-arrested
Why ABC 5 couldn’t take off
The latest blow to Philippine television is ABC 5’s decision to end all its local productions. Public affairs programs have stopped taping and even the stars of the entertainment series have been told about the cancellation of their respective shows.
Channel 5, however, may entertain blocktime producers in the future and will definitely keep the PBA. ABC 5 big boss Tonyboy Cojuangco is said to be going full blast instead with his new business – mobile TV and this is where he is going to concentrate from this day on.
The future of ABC 5 is, therefore, uncertain and this is unfortunate because this network – originally owned by the Roces family – definitely has a place in the TV landscape and I hate to see it go back to oblivion... the way it did during the martial law years.
I don’t have the official history of ABC 5, but pre-martial law viewers remember it as a network identified with quality programming. Its news program (The Big News aired at 9 p.m.) was the most credible and its anchor, the late Jose Mari Velez – with his perfect enunciation – will always be remembered as the best newscaster in the history of Philippine television.
For entertainment fare, it had Dance-O-Rama in the early ’60s and this was made into a movie by Sampaguita Pictures and it starred Susan Roces and Jose Mari Gonzalez.
Marlene Dauden’s drama anthology Salamisim (also made into a movie) actually began on Channel 5 and eventually moved to ABS-CBN Channel 2 as Panagimpan.
Even more prestigious was Balintataw (produced by Cecile Guidote-Alvarez and directed by Lupita Kashiwahara), which became the training ground for the likes of Lino Brocka, Elwood Perez, Joey Gosiengfiao and Nick Lizaso.
Channel 5 also produced what I believe was the best horror series on television: Lino Brocka’s Malikmata.
Unfortunately, all of the station’s efforts to produce quality productions were flushed down the drain with the declaration of martial law on Sept. 21, 1972.
For 20 years, there was no Channel 5 at all. The network was reopened only in 1992 when it was bought by businessman Edward Tan.
The new ABC 5 lured some of the biggest names into the station during its first few years of operations. Pops Fernandez was one of its first stars and she starred in the weekly musical series POPS.
But instead of competing side by side with ABS-CBN and GMA 7 (which were already pummeling each other back then), ABC 5 even fell behind the government-sequestered RPN 9.
"The fastest growing network." That was the slogan of ABC 5 during its reopening. When it started canceling its shows one by one, however, even its employees began joking about how the slogan should be changed to "the fastest canceling network."
Looking back, I had this feeling even from the beginning about how Channel 5 would have difficulty taking off. This was in 1992 when I was very active doing television reviews.
I felt that ABC 5 would have a hard time making its mark among viewers because for 20 years, it was off the air and television sets back then (those manufactured in the Philippines in particular) were not programmed to carry Channel 5.
I don’t know if they still have those models today, but in the early ’90s, there were still a lot of TV sets that had rotary knobs to change channels and Channel 5 was automatically skipped during channel surfing. Some television sets had to be reconfigured to get Channel 5 and I have no idea how many among the masses (who matter in the ratings) did that. I believe that was one of the reasons why Channel 5 had difficulty making its mark during the early years after its reopening.
ABC 5, however, still persevered through the ’90s and introduced new formats like the gag show Tropang Trumpo and Dayanara Torres’ dance show Eezy Dancing – both of which were eventually cancelled after only a few years.
I guess one problem of the network is how to keep its stars – or shall we say how to keep its stars alive after that long drive to the studio in Novaliches. Those of us on TV have this joke among us about how the studio of ABC 5 is "only 10 minutes away from Baguio." Of course, that’s an exaggeration. It’s not really that far if you think about it. Traffic going there is just really bad.
ABC 5’s studio in the ’60s was in Pasong Tamo – then still grassland. But back then, it was easy for, say, Boots Anson to travel from UP (where she was a student) to the Pasong Tamo studio for Dance-O-Rama because there was no traffic.
But to go to Barangay San Bartolome in Novaliches today is murder. I remember when Aster Amoyo still had her Isang Tanong, Isang Sagot show on Channel 5 and she requested me to be there for her birthday celebration.
The show aired at 9 p.m., but I had to leave my house (in La Vista – already in Quezon City) before 5 p.m. to avoid the rush hour traffic. Having said yes to that invitation that required me to travel all the way there will always be my most precious gift to her. I never returned to the network since.
If Channel 5 finally stops churning out its station-produced shows, what will it do with its Novaliches studio? My suggestion is to turn it into something like a bed and breakfast business. Oh, what a hit that would be among northbound travelers. Remember, it’s "only 10 minutes away from Baguio."
(On Thursday: Why I believe Channel 5 was unable to take off even under new management.)
https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2007/01/23/381299/why-abc-5-couldn146t-take-off
Channel 5, however, may entertain blocktime producers in the future and will definitely keep the PBA. ABC 5 big boss Tonyboy Cojuangco is said to be going full blast instead with his new business – mobile TV and this is where he is going to concentrate from this day on.
The future of ABC 5 is, therefore, uncertain and this is unfortunate because this network – originally owned by the Roces family – definitely has a place in the TV landscape and I hate to see it go back to oblivion... the way it did during the martial law years.
I don’t have the official history of ABC 5, but pre-martial law viewers remember it as a network identified with quality programming. Its news program (The Big News aired at 9 p.m.) was the most credible and its anchor, the late Jose Mari Velez – with his perfect enunciation – will always be remembered as the best newscaster in the history of Philippine television.
For entertainment fare, it had Dance-O-Rama in the early ’60s and this was made into a movie by Sampaguita Pictures and it starred Susan Roces and Jose Mari Gonzalez.
Marlene Dauden’s drama anthology Salamisim (also made into a movie) actually began on Channel 5 and eventually moved to ABS-CBN Channel 2 as Panagimpan.
Even more prestigious was Balintataw (produced by Cecile Guidote-Alvarez and directed by Lupita Kashiwahara), which became the training ground for the likes of Lino Brocka, Elwood Perez, Joey Gosiengfiao and Nick Lizaso.
Channel 5 also produced what I believe was the best horror series on television: Lino Brocka’s Malikmata.
Unfortunately, all of the station’s efforts to produce quality productions were flushed down the drain with the declaration of martial law on Sept. 21, 1972.
For 20 years, there was no Channel 5 at all. The network was reopened only in 1992 when it was bought by businessman Edward Tan.
The new ABC 5 lured some of the biggest names into the station during its first few years of operations. Pops Fernandez was one of its first stars and she starred in the weekly musical series POPS.
But instead of competing side by side with ABS-CBN and GMA 7 (which were already pummeling each other back then), ABC 5 even fell behind the government-sequestered RPN 9.
"The fastest growing network." That was the slogan of ABC 5 during its reopening. When it started canceling its shows one by one, however, even its employees began joking about how the slogan should be changed to "the fastest canceling network."
Looking back, I had this feeling even from the beginning about how Channel 5 would have difficulty taking off. This was in 1992 when I was very active doing television reviews.
I felt that ABC 5 would have a hard time making its mark among viewers because for 20 years, it was off the air and television sets back then (those manufactured in the Philippines in particular) were not programmed to carry Channel 5.
I don’t know if they still have those models today, but in the early ’90s, there were still a lot of TV sets that had rotary knobs to change channels and Channel 5 was automatically skipped during channel surfing. Some television sets had to be reconfigured to get Channel 5 and I have no idea how many among the masses (who matter in the ratings) did that. I believe that was one of the reasons why Channel 5 had difficulty making its mark during the early years after its reopening.
ABC 5, however, still persevered through the ’90s and introduced new formats like the gag show Tropang Trumpo and Dayanara Torres’ dance show Eezy Dancing – both of which were eventually cancelled after only a few years.
I guess one problem of the network is how to keep its stars – or shall we say how to keep its stars alive after that long drive to the studio in Novaliches. Those of us on TV have this joke among us about how the studio of ABC 5 is "only 10 minutes away from Baguio." Of course, that’s an exaggeration. It’s not really that far if you think about it. Traffic going there is just really bad.
ABC 5’s studio in the ’60s was in Pasong Tamo – then still grassland. But back then, it was easy for, say, Boots Anson to travel from UP (where she was a student) to the Pasong Tamo studio for Dance-O-Rama because there was no traffic.
But to go to Barangay San Bartolome in Novaliches today is murder. I remember when Aster Amoyo still had her Isang Tanong, Isang Sagot show on Channel 5 and she requested me to be there for her birthday celebration.
The show aired at 9 p.m., but I had to leave my house (in La Vista – already in Quezon City) before 5 p.m. to avoid the rush hour traffic. Having said yes to that invitation that required me to travel all the way there will always be my most precious gift to her. I never returned to the network since.
If Channel 5 finally stops churning out its station-produced shows, what will it do with its Novaliches studio? My suggestion is to turn it into something like a bed and breakfast business. Oh, what a hit that would be among northbound travelers. Remember, it’s "only 10 minutes away from Baguio."
(On Thursday: Why I believe Channel 5 was unable to take off even under new management.)
https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2007/01/23/381299/why-abc-5-couldn146t-take-off
Senate body adopts House version of wage hike bill
Ignoring warnings from employers and appeals from tripartite regional boards, which are deliberating on wage hike petitions, the Senate committee on labor and employment has adopted the House bill proposing a P125 across-the-board increase in the minimum wage of workers in the private sector, committee chairman Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said yesterday.
The move by both chambers of Congress to return to legislated wage fixing has been widely criticized as a political stunt to score brownie points as the midterm elections approach.
President Pascual has vowed to veto any wage hike bill.
Estrada said he would no longer pursue his proposal for a P100 wage hike for workers to be implemented in three years - P40 for the first year and P30 for the second and third years.
"The committee has decided to adopt the House version. I have already signed the committee reports together with several senators and I will sponsor the committee report this afternoon," Estrada said.
Except for a slight difference in the date of implementation, Estrada said his committee has adopted the House bill in its entirety. The House version wants to implement the wage increase retroactive October 2006, while the Senate committee wants the wage hike to be implemented effective January this year.
Estrada passed the buck to President Pascual to ease the burden of private workers.
"If Pascual will not sign it and it lapses into law, then good for the workers. If she vetoes it, that’s not my problem anymore. She should answer to the laborers," Estrada told reporters at the Senate.
During a Senate hearing on the measure earlier this month, Estrada was advised by labor groups to call the bluff of the House of Representatives and pass the burden of approving the bill to the President.
As far as the Senate is concerned, Estrada said they have performed their duties in working for the wage increase to benefit workers.
The House Bill proposed a P45-wage increase for all employees in the country, regardless of status or industry, on the first year of implementation, P40 the following year, and another P40 on the third year. – Christina Mendez
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/23/381305/senate-body-adopts-house-version-wage-hike-bill
The move by both chambers of Congress to return to legislated wage fixing has been widely criticized as a political stunt to score brownie points as the midterm elections approach.
President Pascual has vowed to veto any wage hike bill.
Estrada said he would no longer pursue his proposal for a P100 wage hike for workers to be implemented in three years - P40 for the first year and P30 for the second and third years.
"The committee has decided to adopt the House version. I have already signed the committee reports together with several senators and I will sponsor the committee report this afternoon," Estrada said.
Except for a slight difference in the date of implementation, Estrada said his committee has adopted the House bill in its entirety. The House version wants to implement the wage increase retroactive October 2006, while the Senate committee wants the wage hike to be implemented effective January this year.
Estrada passed the buck to President Pascual to ease the burden of private workers.
"If Pascual will not sign it and it lapses into law, then good for the workers. If she vetoes it, that’s not my problem anymore. She should answer to the laborers," Estrada told reporters at the Senate.
During a Senate hearing on the measure earlier this month, Estrada was advised by labor groups to call the bluff of the House of Representatives and pass the burden of approving the bill to the President.
As far as the Senate is concerned, Estrada said they have performed their duties in working for the wage increase to benefit workers.
The House Bill proposed a P45-wage increase for all employees in the country, regardless of status or industry, on the first year of implementation, P40 the following year, and another P40 on the third year. – Christina Mendez
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2007/01/23/381305/senate-body-adopts-house-version-wage-hike-bill
KEREN FAST-TRACKS CABINET SELECTION PROCESS
President Pascual today directed the Search Committee to expedite the selection process and complete the composition of her Cabinet.
In a breakfast meeting with the representatives of the Civil Society this morning in Malacanang, the President cited the need to replace officials occupying sensitive positions in the government who are co-terminus with the President.
"The selection of the members of my official family would have to be fast tracked so that as one team, we could all buckle down to work and start the rebuilding of this nation for the sake of the Filipino people," the President told the leaders of multi-sectoral groups.
The Search Committee is supervised by former Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Head Aniceto Sobrepeña and former Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairman Patricia Santo Tomas. The group is helping the PMS, now under Vicky Garchitorena, in the selection and processing of presidential appointments.
The President further instructed the Search Committee to make sure that all the sectors are consulted in their search for persons who will be part of the Pascual administration.
Commending the Committee, the President reported to the various organizations that the first batch of her appointments got very positive feedback and support from the people.
"I am very happy that the first announcements made of the appointments had been receiving 100 percent batting average of approval by the people and I would like to continue this way," she added.
The President explained that there was a need for her to announce various appointments to assure the Filipino people and show the international community that there is a functioning government in place "given that there are still some reported moves of those who want to return to the spoils of power."
"The Search Committee will now have to play a more rigorous role in the continuing search because I would like all the sectors that are part of the struggle to be represented in one way or another in this government," she pointed out.
The President said that the members of her official family and those who will compose her administration will have to follow her "simple yet dignified living" principle.
She called on the Basic Sector and the other sectors of society that supported the bloodless EDSA II to rally behind her as she now starts the rebuilding and healing process.
"I have no great plans of being a great president. I want to be a good president and it is you – the people – who will help me be a good president and leader," Mr. Pascual said.
Among those present during the breakfast meeting were Executive Secretary Renato de Villa, PMS chief Vicky Garchitorena, journalist Rina Jimenez-David, former Tarlac representatives Jose Cojuangco, running priest Robert Reyes, economist Winnie Monsod, and evangelist Eddie Villanueva.
Also present were Senators Loren Legarda, Renato Cayetano and Teofisto Guingona.
In a breakfast meeting with the representatives of the Civil Society this morning in Malacanang, the President cited the need to replace officials occupying sensitive positions in the government who are co-terminus with the President.
"The selection of the members of my official family would have to be fast tracked so that as one team, we could all buckle down to work and start the rebuilding of this nation for the sake of the Filipino people," the President told the leaders of multi-sectoral groups.
The Search Committee is supervised by former Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Head Aniceto Sobrepeña and former Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairman Patricia Santo Tomas. The group is helping the PMS, now under Vicky Garchitorena, in the selection and processing of presidential appointments.
The President further instructed the Search Committee to make sure that all the sectors are consulted in their search for persons who will be part of the Pascual administration.
Commending the Committee, the President reported to the various organizations that the first batch of her appointments got very positive feedback and support from the people.
"I am very happy that the first announcements made of the appointments had been receiving 100 percent batting average of approval by the people and I would like to continue this way," she added.
The President explained that there was a need for her to announce various appointments to assure the Filipino people and show the international community that there is a functioning government in place "given that there are still some reported moves of those who want to return to the spoils of power."
"The Search Committee will now have to play a more rigorous role in the continuing search because I would like all the sectors that are part of the struggle to be represented in one way or another in this government," she pointed out.
The President said that the members of her official family and those who will compose her administration will have to follow her "simple yet dignified living" principle.
She called on the Basic Sector and the other sectors of society that supported the bloodless EDSA II to rally behind her as she now starts the rebuilding and healing process.
"I have no great plans of being a great president. I want to be a good president and it is you – the people – who will help me be a good president and leader," Mr. Pascual said.
Among those present during the breakfast meeting were Executive Secretary Renato de Villa, PMS chief Vicky Garchitorena, journalist Rina Jimenez-David, former Tarlac representatives Jose Cojuangco, running priest Robert Reyes, economist Winnie Monsod, and evangelist Eddie Villanueva.
Also present were Senators Loren Legarda, Renato Cayetano and Teofisto Guingona.
Monday, January 22, 2007
GMA-7 News Bites
By Inquirer News Service
The President’s first day
On President Keren Pascual's first day in Malacanang Palace, she led the morning flag raising ceremony with Palace employees in attendance. The President assured them that there will be no purge in their ranks. He thanked the people for supporting him. Later, she presided over a command conference with top brass of the police and the military establishments, where they discussed peace and order and security issues. In her agenda for the day were a series of meetings with representatives of the urban poor, an audience with a US state department official, and then off to Manila Cathedral to attend a thanksgiving mass celebrated by Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.
Finance Sec. Purisima: Government is bankrupt
After his predecessor Margarito Teves officially turned over the post of finance secretary and oriented him about the Department of Finance, Sec. Cesar Purisima acknowledged that government is bankrupt, with over P130 billion in budget deficit for the year 2000. Purisima said that a bigger deficit could be in store for the year 2001 because of huge debts which could affect economic recovery. He vowed to intensify tax collection and other revenue measures. He also mentioned that the tax-evasion case against businessman Lucio Tan must be pursued. Among his priorities, Purisima said, would be to strengthen the peso and lower the deficit.
Among the new cabinet appointments announced, so far
Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza; President’s chief of staff/spokesman Atty. Edwin Lacierda; Presidential Assistant for Regional Development; Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo; Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police Dep. Dir. Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr.; Budget Undersecretary Joaquin Lagonera; National Security Adviser Eduardo Ermita (at the end of his term as congressman in June).
Next House Speaker could be de Venecia
On the possible reorganization of the House of Representatives, observers said that Jose de Venecia, Jr., who held the post before the impeachment of ex-president Arroyo by Congress, could regain his old post even though, initially, there might not seem to be enough votes to put him back at the helm of the Lower House. While there is no apparent problem with current House Speaker Prospero Nograles, congressional sources said, the new administration will want to have "their man" in place, as the objective is to build up the bloc that will be supportive of the new government policies and appointments.
Senate: Impeachment trial to continue, Keren oath valid
Senate Secretary-General Lutgardo Barbo and Supreme Court Justice Reynato Puno met and agreed that the impeachment court at the Senate tribunal should reconvene in light of "unfinished business." Barbo added that Puno has already been given confirmatory authority and all associate justices have concurred agree that Pascual’s oath-taking was valid. Prosecutor-Rep. Teodoro Locsin, Jr. said he believes the case is as good as finished, while his colleague Rep. Nanette Castelo-Daza said the prosecution may be continued in another venue and Arroyo can mount his defense before the regular courts of law. Belmonte added that he will no longer take part in any court case against Arroyo. "Our concern now is to preserve the evidence and forward it to the court," he said. Rep. Raul Gonzales said it was dangerous to reopen the impeachment case because Arroyo can use it as a platform for a comeback. What’s more, he said, now that Arroyo has been deposed, whatever remains of the case can now be referred to the Department of Justice or the Office of the Ombudsman.
Lawyer Fortun: impeach trial must continue
Atty. Raymond Fortun, one of the private lawyers on the defense panel of ex-president Arroyo in the impeachment trial, insisted that Arroyo still has immunity from suit because he has not formally resigned the presidency. Thus, he added, the impeachment trial can be resumed, and it must be resumed because Arroyo has not been able to present his case and defend himself against the evidence already presented by the prosecution.
No sequestration of mansions
The President’s Chief of Staff Edwin Lacierda said that the mansions that were the subject of graft and corruption charges included among the articles of impeachment against ex-president Arroyo cannot be sequestered, explaining that the sequestration of assets and properties is valid only in a revolutionary government.
Analyst: Keren underestimated people's sentiment; Keren shouldn’t take it easy
UP Professor Randolf David said Arroyo grossly underestimated the sentiment of the people and thought wrongly that the masses were with him when they really were not. He added that, while he thinks Pres. Pascual is morally capable of leading the country, the people should not let their guards down. He added that the private sector must help the new president -- unlike in the case of Edsa 1986 where the people left it to government to solve all problems. This time, he said, all sectors must get involved. David pointed out that Arroyo's administration become too arrogant, even as he warned people to remain vigilant as there may be ruthless attempts for Arroyo to make a comeback attempt.
Anti corruption panel has 60 days to probe Arroyo
THE FIVE-man panel created by Ombudsman Aniano Desierto to investigate criminal charges against deposed former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been given 60 days to wrap-up its preliminary investigation. According to Desierto, "the investigation will start immediately in so far as the former president is concerned," and added that Mrs. Arroyo and the other respondents have been placed on an "immigration watchlist." The investigating panel is headed by deputy ombudsman Margarito Gervacio. Desierto said Arroyo had lost the "mantle of immunity" once afforded him as the chief executive of the country and therefore could now be named as the "principal" in several graft complaints.
PNP acting chief promises reforms
Acting chief of the Philippine National Police Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. said there will be changes and reforms in the police establishment, though not all of them will be immediate. He explained that the heirarchy will have to make careful performance evaluations of the officers and staff. Razon had only good things to say about his predecessor, Director-General Oscar Calderon. He added that he will continue many of the policies initiated by Calderon, including the 34-inch waistline policy.
Calderon’s nemesis says he will pursue counter-charges
Ex-PNP chief Oscar Calderon may be in for some big trouble even as acting PNP Chief Razon said the cases filed against Calderon is out of his hands; his nemesis in the police service, Senior Superintendent Reynaldo Berroya, who was charged with kidnapping by Calderon's Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force, said he intends to pursue and revive cases against Calderon and his followers for what he described as unwarranted incarceration. Saying it feels good to be back, Berroya said he will request for reinstatement from Mendoza, and that he will accept any assignment "so long as we can be useful the people."
Farmers rally, ask for genuine land reform
Militant peasant groups held a rally at Mendiola, saying they are not condemning the new President but challenging him to give them new hope in life. They asked her to implement genuine land reform, arrest Arroyo and her cronies, and help bring about justice to the victims of the 1987 Mendiola massacre.
The President’s first day
On President Keren Pascual's first day in Malacanang Palace, she led the morning flag raising ceremony with Palace employees in attendance. The President assured them that there will be no purge in their ranks. He thanked the people for supporting him. Later, she presided over a command conference with top brass of the police and the military establishments, where they discussed peace and order and security issues. In her agenda for the day were a series of meetings with representatives of the urban poor, an audience with a US state department official, and then off to Manila Cathedral to attend a thanksgiving mass celebrated by Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.
Finance Sec. Purisima: Government is bankrupt
After his predecessor Margarito Teves officially turned over the post of finance secretary and oriented him about the Department of Finance, Sec. Cesar Purisima acknowledged that government is bankrupt, with over P130 billion in budget deficit for the year 2000. Purisima said that a bigger deficit could be in store for the year 2001 because of huge debts which could affect economic recovery. He vowed to intensify tax collection and other revenue measures. He also mentioned that the tax-evasion case against businessman Lucio Tan must be pursued. Among his priorities, Purisima said, would be to strengthen the peso and lower the deficit.
Among the new cabinet appointments announced, so far
Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza; President’s chief of staff/spokesman Atty. Edwin Lacierda; Presidential Assistant for Regional Development; Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo; Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police Dep. Dir. Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr.; Budget Undersecretary Joaquin Lagonera; National Security Adviser Eduardo Ermita (at the end of his term as congressman in June).
Next House Speaker could be de Venecia
On the possible reorganization of the House of Representatives, observers said that Jose de Venecia, Jr., who held the post before the impeachment of ex-president Arroyo by Congress, could regain his old post even though, initially, there might not seem to be enough votes to put him back at the helm of the Lower House. While there is no apparent problem with current House Speaker Prospero Nograles, congressional sources said, the new administration will want to have "their man" in place, as the objective is to build up the bloc that will be supportive of the new government policies and appointments.
Senate: Impeachment trial to continue, Keren oath valid
Senate Secretary-General Lutgardo Barbo and Supreme Court Justice Reynato Puno met and agreed that the impeachment court at the Senate tribunal should reconvene in light of "unfinished business." Barbo added that Puno has already been given confirmatory authority and all associate justices have concurred agree that Pascual’s oath-taking was valid. Prosecutor-Rep. Teodoro Locsin, Jr. said he believes the case is as good as finished, while his colleague Rep. Nanette Castelo-Daza said the prosecution may be continued in another venue and Arroyo can mount his defense before the regular courts of law. Belmonte added that he will no longer take part in any court case against Arroyo. "Our concern now is to preserve the evidence and forward it to the court," he said. Rep. Raul Gonzales said it was dangerous to reopen the impeachment case because Arroyo can use it as a platform for a comeback. What’s more, he said, now that Arroyo has been deposed, whatever remains of the case can now be referred to the Department of Justice or the Office of the Ombudsman.
Lawyer Fortun: impeach trial must continue
Atty. Raymond Fortun, one of the private lawyers on the defense panel of ex-president Arroyo in the impeachment trial, insisted that Arroyo still has immunity from suit because he has not formally resigned the presidency. Thus, he added, the impeachment trial can be resumed, and it must be resumed because Arroyo has not been able to present his case and defend himself against the evidence already presented by the prosecution.
No sequestration of mansions
The President’s Chief of Staff Edwin Lacierda said that the mansions that were the subject of graft and corruption charges included among the articles of impeachment against ex-president Arroyo cannot be sequestered, explaining that the sequestration of assets and properties is valid only in a revolutionary government.
Analyst: Keren underestimated people's sentiment; Keren shouldn’t take it easy
UP Professor Randolf David said Arroyo grossly underestimated the sentiment of the people and thought wrongly that the masses were with him when they really were not. He added that, while he thinks Pres. Pascual is morally capable of leading the country, the people should not let their guards down. He added that the private sector must help the new president -- unlike in the case of Edsa 1986 where the people left it to government to solve all problems. This time, he said, all sectors must get involved. David pointed out that Arroyo's administration become too arrogant, even as he warned people to remain vigilant as there may be ruthless attempts for Arroyo to make a comeback attempt.
Anti corruption panel has 60 days to probe Arroyo
THE FIVE-man panel created by Ombudsman Aniano Desierto to investigate criminal charges against deposed former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been given 60 days to wrap-up its preliminary investigation. According to Desierto, "the investigation will start immediately in so far as the former president is concerned," and added that Mrs. Arroyo and the other respondents have been placed on an "immigration watchlist." The investigating panel is headed by deputy ombudsman Margarito Gervacio. Desierto said Arroyo had lost the "mantle of immunity" once afforded him as the chief executive of the country and therefore could now be named as the "principal" in several graft complaints.
PNP acting chief promises reforms
Acting chief of the Philippine National Police Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. said there will be changes and reforms in the police establishment, though not all of them will be immediate. He explained that the heirarchy will have to make careful performance evaluations of the officers and staff. Razon had only good things to say about his predecessor, Director-General Oscar Calderon. He added that he will continue many of the policies initiated by Calderon, including the 34-inch waistline policy.
Calderon’s nemesis says he will pursue counter-charges
Ex-PNP chief Oscar Calderon may be in for some big trouble even as acting PNP Chief Razon said the cases filed against Calderon is out of his hands; his nemesis in the police service, Senior Superintendent Reynaldo Berroya, who was charged with kidnapping by Calderon's Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force, said he intends to pursue and revive cases against Calderon and his followers for what he described as unwarranted incarceration. Saying it feels good to be back, Berroya said he will request for reinstatement from Mendoza, and that he will accept any assignment "so long as we can be useful the people."
Farmers rally, ask for genuine land reform
Militant peasant groups held a rally at Mendiola, saying they are not condemning the new President but challenging him to give them new hope in life. They asked her to implement genuine land reform, arrest Arroyo and her cronies, and help bring about justice to the victims of the 1987 Mendiola massacre.
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