August 19, 2009 Major News Stories

Petition for P1 hike in jeepney fare filed

The Cebu Integrated Transport Service Multipurpose Cooperative formally filed a petition proposing for a P1 fare increase in jeepney minimum fare making it P7.50 from the current P6.50.

Consumer group favors oil regulation

Consumer and Oil Price Watch plans to ask Congress for legislation that would return the country to a regulated oil industry to ensure lower prices of petroleum products.

Reyes slams Recto in oil prices hearing

Bagamat nagbitiw na sa NEDA si dating secretary-general Ralph Recto, paulit-ulit pa rin siyang binatikos ni Enegry Secretary Angelo Reyes sa pagdinig ng House Committee on Energy kanina. Hindi naman ito pinalampas ni Recto at idineklarang nagbubulag-bulagan lang si Reyes sa sinasabing "overpricing" sa presyo ng langis !

Swine flu vaccine orders pass one billion

Northern hemisphere countries have so far ordered more than one billion doses of swine flu vaccine, the World Health Organisation said Tuesday.

NBI man leads Balili inquiry

CAPITOL wants National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7 Director Medardo de Lemos to head the fact-finding committee on the purchase of the Balili property formed by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia through an executive order.  The fact-finding committee, which is composed of Capitol consultants and lawyers Rory Jon Sepulveda and Manolette Dinsay, Provincial Planning Development Office Adolfo Quiroga, Provincial Board Members Victor Maambong, Agnes Magpale and Peter John Calderon, has 30 days to complete the investigation.

But Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña yesterday reminded the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas that 80 percent of the Balili property is underwater, according to an independent survey, so it should check why the Province is asking for a refund of P38 million only.

He said the Province should ask for P80 million in refund, and he suspects that limiting it to only P38 million is part of the governor's damage control, perhaps to avoid a case of plunder.

Lawsuit vs. towing

A BARANGAY councilor and nine others filed a civil case against Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and other officials over City Hall's towing operations.  Tinago Barangay Councilor Joel Garganera filed the case against Osmeña, Vice Mayor Michael Rama, the Cebu City Council, City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) head Arnel Tancinco, the Citom Board, the city treasurer, the owner of One Stop Towing Services Wilfredo Evardome and owner of Road Warriors Towing and Motor Services Rosa Fe Pagador at the Regional Trial Court yesterday afternoon.

Tomas orders closure of firm

FOR being "dangerously incompetent," Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña ordered the immediate closure of Casa Rosita Homes contractor Undaloc Construction Company after learning that it is operating wihout a mayor's business permit.

He also held the developer, Arcenas Estate, liable for last Sunday's tragedy because it undertook a project without a development permit, and will order the company to rebuild the destroyed houses.

Consolacion ordered to halt quarrying

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources again issued a Cease and Desist Order against the municipality of Consolacion after the bureau found out that illegal hauling operations are continuing in the town despite the existing CDO.

Fear prompts 2 to own P7.5M jewelry heist

For fear that he might have the same fate as his pal, a suspect in the P7.5 million-jewelry heist in Basak San Nicolas and another companion have entered a guilty plea before Judge Geraldine Faith Econg during the arraignment of the simple robbery charges that were filed against them.

Kirby Abanilla of barangay Suba and Frederick Ybañez of Ozamis City pleaded guilty of the charges and were sentenced to two to four years of imprisonment for the crime.

Noel Davis, who hails from Davao City, on the other hand, pleaded not guilty of the charges.

Admitting before the court that he fears for his life after his pal Jeromy Polistico was shot dead after posting bail last Friday, Abanilla admitted in open court his participation in the robbery.

The confession was made after he told Judge Econg that he fears for his life, but said that he did not participate in robbing Jennifer Dela Cerna, a jewelry dealer just outside a fastfood outlet in Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City.

Cops who extorted money face raps

The National Bureau of Investigation will file criminal and administrative charges before the Ombudsman and the National Police Commission against the three Talisay City policemen accused of extorting money from the family of a drug suspect they arrested last last Friday.

Con-con during May polls confusing

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is not keen on holding the balloting for delegates of a constitutional convention simultaneous with the May 2010 presidential polls, saying this would confuse voters.

Ramos snub shows Lakas merger is illegal

Former president Fidel Ramos' rejection of a post in the merged Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats has boosted the contention that the merger was illegal and should be nullified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Pangasinan Representative Jose de Venecia said Tuesday.

Palace stunned by Ramos rebuff

Malacañang was stunned by former president Fidel V. Ramos' announcement that he was rejecting a titular post in the merged Lakas Kampi CMD, but remained confident he would stick it out with the administration coalition.

FVR hits Glo plan to purchase P1.2-B jet

Former President Fidel Ramos has criticized President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's aborted plan of acquiring a P1.2-billion jet to ensure her safety during travels.

Pag-Ibig spent P500M on Noli housing ads

The Pag-Ibig Fund spent almost P500 million since 2007 in infomercials featuring Vice President Noli de Castro, a lawyer seeking a stop to public funds use in advertisements told the Manila City Regional Trial Court.

Duque ordered to explain ads ban violation

The Manila City Regional Trial Court gave Health Secretary Francisco Duque five days to explain why he violated the court's to temporarily stop infomercials.

Palace defends govt "infomercials"

A Malacañang official on Tuesday defended Cabinet members who have infomercials on television and radio, saying these is part of their mandate to inform the public about the programs of their departments.

Lacson mulls vice presidential bid

After withdrawing his presidential bid, Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson is now considering to run for vice president.

Mutiny suspect Lim launches Senate bid

Detained Brigadier General Danilo Lim announced Tuesday his intention to join the 2010 senatorial race after he registered as a voter with the local office of the Commission on Elections in his home province of Nueva Ecija.

Panlilio wants Comelec to stop recount

Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio has demanded the suspension of the recount of the gubernatorial race at the Commission on Elections and the replacement of all personnel involved in the revision, charging his rival, Lilia Pineda, of indirect bribery.

Arroyo to visit Pampanga... again

President Gloria Arroyo will visit her home province of Pampanga Wednesday, this time for a road concreting project in Santa Rita town. It will be her 23rd visit to the province in six months.

Proof of PGMA's costly travels presented

An opposition congressman on Tuesday challenged House Speaker Prospero Nograles to form a special committee to investigate the travel expenses of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.  Bukidnon Rep. TG Guingona presented a report of the Commission on Audit (COA) to prove his allegation last Friday that the Office of the President overspent its travel budget from 2002 to 2008 by P1.3 billion.

Palace spent for 3 solons in US trip

Malacañang on Tuesday said it shouldered the expenses of Senators Miriam Santiago and Lito Lapid, and House Speaker Prospero Nograles when they joined President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's recent working visit to the United States.

DoJ admits using govt funds in US trip

Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera admitted that the airfare she used for the trip to the United States with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came from the Department of Justice's fund.

Receipt for $15K dinner in DC shown

Finally, one aspect of the saga on the President's expensive dinners - on who really paid for the dinner tab - now has some concrete proof.

Probe pork overspending, Speaker told

Spending for the controversial pork barrel or Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) in 2008 exceeded the budget by almost P2 billion, while that of the calamity fund was above the budget by about P1.3 billion.

No Ramadan 'break' for Abu Sayyaf

There will be no Ramadan break in the government's offensive against the Abu Sayyaf.

Aid workers train vs kidnap for ransom

Amid the spate of abductions of development workers in Mindanao, particularly in Zamboanga, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, the British government funded a training program in Zamboanga to address their specific security needs.

FilAm war vets' equity checks delayed

The passage in February of the "equity compensation" legislation brought so much hope and rejoicing for thousands of Filipino World War II veterans who, for decades, had lobbied for recognition for their war-time services to the United States.

OFWs storm RP consulate to seek help

More than a hundred "distressed" overseas Filipino workers (OFW) forced their way into the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah to seek help in returning to the Philippines.

2 China-bound OFWs, 11 Africans fall

The Dangerous Drugs Board welcomed the arrest of two overseas Filipino workers and 11 West Africans who allegedly served as drug mules and were part of an international drug syndicate.

Police retrieves 94 stolen cars

A total of 94 stolen vehicles have been recovered across the country in the first half of the year by the police in its intensified effort against car theft.

1 killed in Bacolod fireworks factory blast

A man was killedduring an explosion at a suspected illegal fireworks factory in Bacolod City early Tuesday morning, police said.

P5-M lost in Negros fire

An estimated P5 million worth of properties was destroyed in a fire that raged a school in Negros Oriental province early Monday morning, police said on Tuesday.

More Filipinos buying mobile phones

Despite the economic downturn, more Filipinos now own cellular phones, mostly the low-end and mid-tier varieties that do not have Internet connectivity, according to a market study.

Customs shortfall hits P27-B

With much of the developed world still in recession or just coming out of it, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) again missed its target collection for the January to mid-August period.

Bomb kills 7 in Kabul

A suicide car bomb attacked a NATO convoy Tuesday on the outskirts of Kabul, killing at least seven civilians and wounding more than 50 people, officials said. Afghans working for the United Nations were among the dead and wounded.

Obama hot on healthcare reform

US President Barack Obama's top domestic priority is reforming the nation's health care system by October, and his success or failure could define his presidency.

End of the world no time for a snack

US President Barack Obama, taking aim at costly military programs of questionable value, said Monday he really did not need a new presidential helicopter with an Armageddon-proof kitchen.

Ex-South Korean president Kim dies

SEOUL – Former South Korean president Kim Dae-Jung died Tuesday at the age of 83.

20 dead, 138 hurt in Russia truck bomb

A truck packed with explosives rammed through the gates of a police compound in southern Russia on Monday and exploded in a suicide attack that killed at least 20 people and wounded around 130.

Youth want climate change action

More than 800 young environmental activists from 110 countries on Monday began a meeting described as the biggest-ever youth gathering on climate change.

Donaire: Bring on Arce or Montiel

Newly crowned World Boxing Association champ Nonito Donaire Jr. has his eyes set on fighting marquee names in the land of the super flyweights.  Donaire said his promoter Bob Arum has spoken about Mexico's Jorge Arce as next on his list this December.  "But I'm looking forward in fighting Fernando Montiel because we have an unfinished business."

Darchinyan seeks fight with Donaire

Following Nonito Donaire, Jr.'s unanimous decision over Panama's Rafael Concepcion, the camp of WBA and WBC super flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan has reportedly started working out their fighter's possible rematch with the "Filipino Flash".

Pinoys in Bahamas support for RP's U bet

Kahit malayo sa bansa ang pambato ng Pilipinas sa Miss Universe na si Bianca Manalo, at home na at home pa rin sya sa Bahamas dahil sa init ng pagtanggap ng mga Pinoy na naninirahan doon.

Juday to help Shawie in 2010 campaign

Nagsanib-pwersa sina Sharon Cuneta at Judy Ann Santos sa election campaign! 

CNN's Talk Asia features Brillante Mendoza

On this week's Talk Asia, CNN's Anna Coren speaks with the 2009 Best Director at Cannes, Brillante Mendoza.

Jackson to be buried on 51st birthday

Michael Jackson's body will be laid to rest on August 29, the day the King of Pop would have turned 51, his father told AFP.

Son hired hitmen to murder mom

South Korean police have arrested a man accused of hiring two hitmen to murder his adoptive mother.

"Rat-eating" plant found in Palawan

Found deep in the jungles of Palawan is a most unusual rat trap designed by nature and only recently discovered by man.  The rat-eating shrub dissolves its prey with acid-like enzymes inside its pitcher-shaped leaves. The pitchers measure 30 x 16 cm, double the size of usual pitcher plants found in the area.

Tornadoes common in typhoon-prone RP

Expect more tornadoes in the country as tropical cyclones are frequent visitors to the country.

According to Pagasa Deputy Administrator for Operations and Services Nathaniel Cruz, dark clouds, or cumulonimbus clouds, usually formed during thunderstorms, are breeding grounds of tornadoes.

"Our country is quite susceptible because we have a lot of thunderstorms. Our location near the equator means we are affected by the intertropical convergence zones (ITCZs)," he said. The ITCZ is an area near the equator where winds from the northern and southern hemisphere meet, forming a string of tropical cyclones.

Cruz explained that reports of tornadoes in the country have increased because of "advances" in communication like the mobile cellular phones equipped with photo and video cameras.

Who is Martin Romualdez?

After Malacañang identified him as the host of President Arroyo's $20,000 dinner in Manhattan's Le Cirque restaurant, not a few people have started asking, who is Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez?

According to his website (www.martinromualdez.com), Romualdez finished his law degree in the University of the Philippines before studying Administration and Management in Harvard University. He also finished his Bachelor of Arts degree in Government in Cornell University.

As a People Asia Magazine profile described him, "it would be quite an understatement to say that Martin has a smart head on his shoulders."

Romualdez also comes from a well-landed family. He is the third son of former Leyte Governor Benjamin Romualdez, the brother of former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

A first-term congressman, the 45-year-old House member ran under Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino party of President Arroyo during the 2007 elections.

He currently chairs the House Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development and is the vice-chairman of the Oversight and Banks and Financial Intermediaries Committees.

He is also a member of no less than eight House committees: ecology, economic affairs, higher and technical education, justice, revision of laws, social services, suffrage and electoral reforms, and ways and means.

Not many, however, know that he and the President's son, Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo, spearheaded the Charter change campaign in the House of Representatives earlier this year. House insiders say Romualdez is a close friend of Arroyo's younger son, Dato.

Palace connections

All these Palace connections seem to have reaped dividends for the young congressman.

According to his website, Romualdez has allocated P677,647,000.00 for various projects in his province, including the construction and rehabilitation of at least three bridges, improvement of an airport in Tacloban City and improvements of various roads.

He is also donating at least P300,000 of the province's money to Philippine General Hospital in Ermita, Manila, the National Kidney Transplant Institute and Philippine Heart Center in in Quezon City.

These projects, according to the website, were started in just a six-month period, from July 2007 to January 2008.

Accordng to Akbayan party-list Rep. Walden Bello, a congressman is only given P70 million in pork barrel every year - a far cry from the P677 million allocated by Romualdez in just half a year.

He added, however, that Malacañang plays a big role in the release of funds to congressmen who are friendly with the administration. "It's Malacañang that decides and they give their favorites. Malacañang has colonized the House," he said.

Radio commentator Frank Villablanca is also questioning irregularities in some of Romualdez's projects such as the P2 million allocation for the construction of a road to Barangay Santol, a P1 million fund for a school building in Barangay Barrantes and another building in Barangay San Isidro.

An Waray party-list Rep. Florencio Noel admitted that there are irregularities in the projects but overall, Leyteños have benefited from them.

Romualdez has refused to grant media interviews about the issue, as well as his alleged payment of Mrs. Arroyo's Le Cirque dinner earlier this month.

His cousin and son of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, had this to say about the President's "lavish" dinner.

"It is not that expensive but if there is any fault, it was because they were insensitive," he said.

Ogden Nash  - "The trouble with a kitten is that when it grows up, it's always a cat."