MANILA PRESS REVIEW

[Balita News Group]

MANILA, April 1 (PNA) - Here are some of today's headline stories and top
business articles from major English-language national newspapers:

HEADLINES:

FVR, Estrada willing to talk on Dacer slay (Star)

Former President Ramos and Estrada both expressed willingness yesterday to
cooperate in the investigation of the kidnap-murder of publicist Salvador
"Bubby" Dacer.

Dacer murder: Estrada to talk (Today)

Deposed President Estrada brushed off government threats to summon him to
shed light on the mysterious disappearance of public-relations man Salvador
"Bubby" Dacer and his driver Manuel Corbito.

FVR accuses Estrada (Inquirer)

Former President Ramos yesterday directly pinned the still unproven
kidnapping and murder of publicist Salvador "Bubby" Dacer on the
administration of his successor, Joseph Estrada.

Comelec rules on watchers for May 14 elections (Bulletin)

The watchers of six major political parties as determined by the Comelec and
those of the citizens' arm will have preference in the polling place if,
because of limited space, not all watchers can be accommodated.

Govt retaking SMC board (Standard)

First, his Lieutenants. Then the boss. The Office of the Solicitor General
will file tomorrow a petition to replace five of 15 directors of San Miguel
Corp. as a prelude to the expected ouster of SMC Chairman Eduardo "Danding"
Cojuangco.

Overprinting of vote count forms bared (Malaya)

The Comelec has printed an excessive number of forms listing precinct-level
votes for all candidates and these extra forms could be used to pad or
subtract votes. a Comelec official said yesterday.

Eye-for-eye NPA ceasefire violations (Times)

"We won't run away from a fight, ceasefire or no ceasefire!" This was the
warning issued by government negotiator Hernani Breganza as he assured that
the military will not hesitate to resume all-out military operations against
leftist guerrillas who have chosen to violate the ceasfire.

Return Abubakar, court AFP unrest (Tribune)

Deposed President Estrada yesterday slammed the Arroyo administration for
keeping secret conditions of the forged agreement with the MILF and warned
that the move of the government to give back Camp Abubakar and 46 satellite
camps to the MILF might trigger anew a movement within the Armed Forces of
the Philippines.

OTHER TOP FRONTPAGE NEWS:

RP not backing down on Scarborough - GMA - President Arroyo said yesterday
neither Manila nor Beijing would be backing down from claims for territories
in the South China Sea when she and a Chinese delegation discuss the code of
conduct for the area. (Star)

Arroyo trains sights on illegal drug trade - A day after declaring all-out
war against kidnapping. President Arroyo announced she would also intensify
and renew the government's campaign against illegal drugs. (Star)

Abubakar opened to Muslim rebels - COTOBATO CITY - Camp Abubakar will be
open to fighters of the MILF as long as they don't bring their firearms, the
government and the military said yesterday. (Star)

Binay 87% of Makati votes, Edu 12%; Locsin 81%, Armida 14% - The PDP-Laban
team of Jejomar Binay will get an overwhelming majority of votes cast in the
May 14 local and congressional race in Makati, and performance will be the
anchor of such confidence, according to latest survey. (Today)

Witness in Bentain disappearance found - The Volunteers Against Crime and
Corruption is expected to present a new witness who could shed light on the
mysterious disappearance two years ago of Edgardo Bentain, an employee of
the Pagcor. (Today)

Anticrime group pledges support for administration senatorial bets - After
getting the support of religious groups and civil society, the People Power
Coalition senatorial candidates drew another critical backing, this time
from the influential Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, which pledged
Friday night to campaign for all the PPC bets. (Today)

Ceasefire violation imperil Buan's release - Sorsogon Bishop Jesus Varela
yesterday called on the military and the NPA rebels holding hostage Army
Major Noel Buan to refrain from any action that might derail the prisoner's
impending release before Easter. (Inquirer)

Arroyo leads big Metro PPC rally - President Gloria M. Arroyo last night led
a proclamation rally for Metro Manila candidates held in Mandaluyong City.
(Bulletin)

AFP all set in all-out crime war - The AFP is committed to extend its
all-out support to the PNP and the NBI in fighting criminality in the
country. (Tribune)

MILF won't reoccupy camps? (Times)

Leadership by example GMA credo - President Arroyo, faced with endemic
corruption and other social ills, yesterday said the only way to build a
brighter future for the Philippines is "leadership by example." (Times)

Perez nixes forensic tests, rebels more on witnesses - Justice Sec. Hernando
"Nani" Perez has downplayed the ongoing forensic tests on sets of bones and
teeth believed to be those of missing publicist Salvador "Bubby" Dacer and
his driver Emmanuel Corbito. (Tribune)

Erap cautions Gloria on 2004 presidential bid - NAGA CITY - Former President
Estrada has cautioned President Arroyo on even considering the idea of
seeking reelection on 2004, saying she is not free from experiencing the
same "people power revolt" that toppled him. (Tribune) (PNA)

DCT/MPR/hlm

PNA 04011025