Major developments for April 24
Balita News Group
MANILA - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is not taking chances as she
vowed to continue her provincial sorties to assure the victory of all the
13 senatorial candidates of the People Power Coalition (PPC) in the May 14
elections. In her latest trip over the weekend, this time to the remote
town of Tadian in Mountain Province, the President called on the town,s
residents to support her PPC senatorial candidates, saying they are the
ones who can help implement her administration's anti-poverty programs.
Speaking in Ilocano, the President said during a breakfast-informal
interaction with local officials and civil society representatives, that a
13-0 outcome in favor of her senatorial candidates would also mean
continuation of the work to improve the living standards of people in the
Mt. Province, as initiated by Congresswoman Josephine Dominguez. The
President noted that Rep. Dominguez was one of the original signatories of
the impeachment charges that led to the ouster of President Joseph Estrada.
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GMA is first president to visit Chinatown
MANILA - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today made history as the first
Philippine President to formally visit Chinatown in the Binondo district of
Manila. The President walked the stretch of Quintin Paredes amid the noise
of dragon dances and cheers and fiesta-like atmosphere at the
Filipino-Chinese community. The President visited the statue of the late
Ramon Ongpin, a businessman and philanthropist for whom the popular street
in Binondo was named. She moved on to Binondo Church where Monsignor
Josefino Ramirez, the parish priest of the Binondo Church, met her. The
President and First Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel T. Arroyo said a little
prayer before San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, during a private
moment inside the church. From Binondo Church, the President walked the
stretch of Ongpin St. up to the President Seafood Restaurant to have a
luncheon meeting with members of the Chinese Filipino Business Club.
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Palace won't meddle in Erap cases at Sandiganbayan
MANILA - Newly-appointed Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao today said
MalacaÑang will not meddle in the prosecution of graft cases, which include
plunder filed against former President Joseph Estrada but would allow the
wheels of justice take its course. In his first press briefing at the
Briefing Room of the Kalayaan Building in MalacaÑang, Tiglao said the
suggestion that MalacaÑang should keep out of Erap cases is right, "because
the Sandiganbayan is a totally different constitutional body." He said what
MalacaÑang is doing is simply letting the Sandiganbayan and the Office of
the Ombudsman do their work to bring out the truth and execute justice.
"It,s not a matter of this presidency or this administration pushing for
any persecution. It,s really just letting justice work," Tiglao said.
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GMA inaugurates additional 73 beds and new out-patient services of Kidney
Institute
MANILA - Presidential Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today led in the inauguration
of an additional 73 beds and the new out patient department (OPD) of the
National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in East Avenue, Quezon
City. The President said the new OPD and additional beds will address the
needs of the ever increasing patients, both the less privileged as well as
the private patients who wish to be accommodated and have access to
specialized medical services in the NKTI. NKTI, a tertiary medical
specialty center, is a three-story edifice which can accommodate 224 beds.
Its bed capacity was reduced to 130 because of the Lung Center Fire in May
1998 which affected the NKTI annex building effectively closing its 94
service beds.
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Key personalities lawmen in kidnappings other major crimes pinpointed says GMA
MANILA - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today revealed that the
administration has pinpointed key personalities, including police officers,
engaged in kidnapping, smuggling, illegal drug trade and prostitution and
vowed to put an end to their criminal activities. "I assure you that we
will cut their tentacles in the coming months," the President told members
of the Chinese Filipino Business Club during a meeting at the President
Seafood Restaurant in Binondo. The President then called on the
Chinese-Filipino community to stop assisting police officers who pretend to
help them but are, in fact, engaged in kidnap-for ransom activities and
other crimes. The President told the officers and members of the
Chinese-Filipino community that they may have unwittingly "financed the
people who conducted kidnapping activities" against them.
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Erap can vote - Comelec
MANILA - Deposed President Joseph Estrada can still vote in the scheduled
May 14 electoral exercise even if he is arrested and jailed for the capital
offense of plunder . This was confirmed by Comelec Commissioner
Resurreccion Borra, granting that the Sandiganbayan has issued the warrant
of arrest of former Pres. Estrada but cited certain conditions would have
to be observed. According to Borra, the Sandiganbayan has the jurisdiction
to decide whether to allow the former President to exercise his privilege
to go out of his detention cell in order to vote. If the Sandiganbayan
would not curtail Estrada's privilege to vote, Borra said, still the
anti-graft court has to file a motion to the Supreme Court which would then
grant the Comelec to allow him to vote.
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GMA congratulates two cops who rescued Schilling
MANILA - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today personally congratulated
two policemen from Sulu who were promoted for their important roles in the
daring rescue of American hostage Jeffrey Schilling from the hands of Abu
Sayyaf bandits. The President took time out to convey her felicitations to
SPO3 Hagim Abdani Timbang and SPO3 Asiri Inog Buclao during her visit today
to Chinatown in downtown Manila. In an earlier ceremony at Camp Crame in
Quezon City, the PNP Chief, Director General Leandro Mendoza, led in
honoring the two policemen by promoting them into the next higher rank of
Senior Police Officer 4. Also honored in the ceremony was Timbang's
16-year-old son Nidzmar who received a cash award of P20,000 and a full
scholarship grant at the Southern City High School in Zamboanga City. Both
policemen, who are members of the Luuk Police Station in Sulu, also
received a special cash award of P50,000 each from the PNP chief. The
promotion of Timbang and Buclao was made upon the recommendation of Senior
Superintendent Acmad Omar, Regional Police Director in the Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
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6,000 Erap supporters rally vs arrest warrant
MANILA - An estimated 6,000 supporters of deposed President Joseph Ejercito
Estrada this afternoon have occupied two streets near the former
president's house in North Greenhills Subdivision, Greenhills, San Juan,
Metro Manila, to block any move of the Sandiganbayan to serve a warrant of
arrest against the former president charged with the non-bailable crime of
plunder. The Regional Tactical Operation Center (RTOC) of the National
Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) reported today the increase of the
rallyists from a mere 3,000 at 1:30 p.m. to the 6,000 as of 4:20 p.m.
today. The NCRPO RTOC said 4,000 rallyists were sighted at Buchanan st. and
2,000 were seen at Madison st. The two said streets are near Polk st.,
where the house of ex-President Estrada is located. The Erap supporters
coming from Nueva Ecija, and other Luzon and Mindanao provinces as well as
from Caloocan and Cavite, vowed to prevent the Sandiganbayan to serve the
arrest warrant against Estrada.
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Corona turns over post as spokesman to Tiglao
MANILA - Presidential Chief of Staff and former Presidential Spokesman
Renato Corona today formally turned over his post as presidential spokesman
to newspaper columnist Rigoberto Tiglao in a very informal ceremony in
MalacaÑang. In a press briefing at Kalayaan Hall, Corona formally
introduced Tiglao to the press and Tiglao immediately started answering
questions from the media. "This won't be a glib Office of the Spokesman.
What we,ll try to do, first of all, is to be as candid within the limits,"
Tiglao told reporters. "We won't really go for sound bytes or cute
statements. Pero talagang paliwanagan lang (It would all be pure
explanations)," Tiglao added. Tiglao also promised that he will be
accessible to media anytime.
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Dollar - Peso
MANILA - The reference rate of a Philippine peso to a U.S. dollar today
depreciated to P50.441 from last Friday's P50.218 on a turnover volume of
$145.50 million dollar transacted at the Philippine Dealing System.
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GMA announces temporary suspension of payroll deduction of withholding tax
for teachers
MANILA - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today announced the temporary
suspension of the payroll deduction for withholding taxes of public school
teachers to enable them to pay for the tuition fees of their children. The
President made this announcement in her speech at the Educators' Congress
2001 at the Manila Midtown Hotel. The President said the Department of
Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) led by Secretary Raul Roco has already
coordinated with the Department of Finance (DoF) and the Bureau of Internal
Revenue (BIR) to ensure that the scheme could take effect next month. "As
your leader and fellow teacher, Raul (Roco) and I will do everything within
the powers of our offices that you have reposed in us to uplift your
financial standings," she said.
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De Villa to undergo heart bypass operation
MANILA - Newly-appointed Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao today
confirmed that Executive Secretary Renato de Villa will undergo a heart
bypass operation at the Makati Medical Center and will be out of duty for
about two to three weeks. In his first press briefing at the Kalayaan Hall
in MalacaÑang, Tiglao said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo hasn,t
designated any replacement "as of the moment." "I guess the Office of the
Executive Secretary (OES) is functioning smoothly. All of the functions are
distributed sa mga deputies and even to the Chief of Staff. So, there,s no
need right now to designate a replacement," Tiglao said.
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Quezon city court says summons failed to reach Erap
MANILA - - A Quezon City Regional Trial Court official today revealed that
a court employee failed to serve the summons issued last week in connection
with the P13.2 million damage suit filed by Philippine National Police
Intelligence Group Chief Reynaldo Berroya against deposed President Joseph
Estrada. Ramon Villanueva,QCRTC Branch 96 officer-in-charge (OIC), said the
summons issued by QC Judge Lucas Bersamin was supposed to be served by
process server Eric Lledo last Thursday when Estrada celebrated his 64th
birthday. However, Lledo failed to serve the summons as supporters of
Estrada continued to barricade his residence at No. 1 Polk Street in North
Greenhills,San Juan. "They're afraid because of the Erap loyalists who have
barricaded Estrada's residence in Greenhills," said Villanueva.
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DPWH to start the P718.721 million Halsema Highway - Phase I
MANILA - - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to
start the construction of the P718.721 million Baguio-Bontoc-Banaue road or
Halsema Highway in the Cordilleras. DPWH Secretary Simeon Datumanong said
that the start of the Halsema Highway Phase 1 symbolizes the emancipation
of the Cordilleras from the bondage of economic glut brought about by the
deplorable condition of the much needed roads and bridges in these areas.
Halsema Highway cuts through the midline portion of the Cordilleras serving
as the main arterial trunk line of the region and access road to Baguio
City, and the adjacent regions of Northern Luzon and Cagayan
Valley,Datumanong said. He said that in compliance with the instruction of
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,the underdeveloped areas of the
Cordilleras are given top priority in the updated DPWH Medium Term
Infrastructure
Program for year 2001 to year 2004.
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Mendoza: Death of PAOCTF spawns both sadness and joy
DAGUPAN CITY - The dismantling or demise of the Presidential Anti-Crime
Task Force (PAOCTF) last Wednesday was both a cause for sadness and
celebration within the Philippine National Police. This was disclosed by
Police Director General Leandro R. Mendoza in a speech read for him by
Police Director for Comptrollership Reynaldo Velasco during the joint
induction program of the Association of Chiefs of Police in the
Philippines, Inc (ACPPI) in Region 1 and the Pangasinan PNP Press Corps at
the Dagupan City People's Astrodome Sunday night. The ACCPI in Region I is
headed by Pangasinan Police Provincial Director Leopoldo Bataoil. On the
other hand, the Pangasinan PNP Press Corps is headed by Liwayway M.
Yparaguirre of Sunstar Daily Pangasinan. "Beyond this obituary should be an
occasion to celebrate our very own unity under one single chain of
command," Mendoza said when the police finally baded adieu to the PAOCTF.
The PAOCTF was headed by former PNP Director General Panfilo Lacson, now
running for senator under the Puwersa ng Masa backed by former President
Joseph Estrada.
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DOTC head vows to upgrade seaports
CEBU CITY - Cargo handlers are appealing for the government's
infrastructure and financial support for the industry so they can fully
develop and give efficient services to the stakeholders of the ports.
During the 1st Philippine Cargo Handling Summit at the Cebu City Marriott
Hotel over the weekend, Philippine Chamber of Arrastre and Stevedoring
Operators (Pcaso) president Benjamin Akol said the "apathy of port
authorities" on this concern was one of the things holding back the sector
from real growth. He said the government must support cargo handlers with
concrete policy integration in infrastructure, finance and labor standards
if the government wants the industry to meet the global standard of cargo
handling and terminal operations. "By the standards of the world, we are
not productive enough. By the level of our potentials, we are
underachieving. And for the
past decades we were not getting anywhere," said Akol, who is also
president of the Cebu-based Oriental Port and Allied Services Corp. (Opascor).
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German businessmen optimistic electronic and semiconductor sector to
continue propel RP exports
MANILA - - German businessmen are optimistic the growth of the electronic
and semiconductor sector will continue to propel the exports sector as
indicated by a growing number of investors coming in the Philippines. This,
despite the 10 percent growth rates decline during the latter part of 2000,
and even declines in recent months due to pressures on international prices
and reduced demand in the US and Japan. "We are convinced that the growth
of this industry will continue. One clear sign for this optimism is the
number of new investment registrations approved by the Philippine Export
Zone Authroity (PEZA)," Siegmar Mosdorf,secretary of Federal Ministry of
Economics and Technology of Germany said. The PEZA approved P15.122 billion
worth of investments in economic zones for the period of January 1 to April
5, up by 63 percent from last year's P9.298 billion. The
amount involved 61 projects, of which 27 were expansionary projects costing
P7.293 billion.
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NGOs express continuous support to operations of SBOAP
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- Zambales-based environmental Non-Government
Organizations (NGOs) have expressed their support to the continued
operations of the Subic Bay Ocean Adventure Park, as they proposed
collaborative efforts between them and the said marine park. In their
letters to Timothy Desmond, Chairman of the Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium
(SBME), the Southeast Asian Institute of Culture and Environment (SFAICE)
and the Environmental Center of the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (ECP)
commended SBME for establishing the first marine exploratorium facility in
the country. The NGOs particularly cited SBME's program called "swim with
the whales" that provides interaction between mammals and humans as an
effective tool to promote awareness to protect and conserve these animals.
"The educational value of close encounters with these marine mammals canot be
underestimated,' said SFAICE Executive Director Rolando Soncuya, adding
that they are interested in jointly undertaking projects with the SBME.
SFAICE is a non-profit NGO involved in studies of prehistory and culture in
relation to the environment.
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ARMM issue, a hot item in Zamboanga
ZAMBOANGA CITY - The proposed expansion of the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao (ARMM) to include Zamboanga as the capital city of the new
autonomous region has become a raging issue in this city. Political
observer in this city said the issue has caused the defeat of then former
Mayor Vitaliano Agan in his bid for Congress in the May 1998 elections.
Last week, Rep. Celso Lobregat denounced the local Lakas-NUCD under former
mayor Agan for "twisting the controversial expanded ARMM issue to make
appear that the congressman is in favor of including Zamboanga City in that
region." Lobregat described the local Lakas-NUCD party members as "a bunch
of liars who are trying to fool the people." The re-electionist congressman
was reacting to campaign materials posted in many parts of the City
picturing him as in favor of Zamboanga City to be included in the proposed
expanded ARMM.
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Pampanga mayor charged for dishonesty
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Mayor Tirso Laca- nilao of Apalit town and its
municipal budget officer have been charged with dishonesty, misconduct and
falsification of public/official documents in a complaint filed before the
Office of the Ombusdman. Mary Susan Gullermo, director of the
Administrative Ad- judication Bureau (AAB) of the office of the Ombudsman
ordered Lacanilao and his co-respondent, Luz Manarang last April 2 to file
their counter-affidavits and other controvert- ing evidence within 10 days
from receipt of the order. Guillermo stated in the order that the Office of
the Ombuds- man has found "enough basis to proceed with the administrative
investigation of this case it appearing that the complaint is sufficient in
form and substance and supported by evidence."
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Businesswoman shot injured by robbers
COTABATO CITY - Robbers shot and seriously injured a 58-year-old lady
trader in Pikit, Cotabato Sunday after divesting her of personal belongings
amounting to over 100 thousand pesos. Police identified the victim as
Rodalina GaÑada, a local businesswoman. Taken from her were two brand-new
cellular phones and 100 thousand pesos cash. Investigation showed that
GaÑada was about to open her store around 7:00 a.m when two men, disguised
as banana vendors, pulled out their handguns and shot her at close range.
GaÑada sustained two gunshot wounds in the body. She was later brought by
concerned civilians to a local hospital.
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NAST launches Hugh Greenwood Environmental Science Award
MANILA -- The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), the
government's highest recognition and advisory body on science and
technology, today launched the Hugh Greenwood Environmental Science Award
held at the Manila Hotel. NAST President Perla D. Santos Ocampo said the
award is intended to recognize outstanding scientific and technological
research works that contribute to environmental protection and
conservation. With the rapid pace of environmental degradation and the
eventual depletion of natural resources, she said that it is vital that the
remaining resources be used wisely and further pollution and contamination
be prevented for the benefit of today's and future generations. For this
year, the winner of the Hugh Greenwood Award is Dr. Miguel F. Fortes of the
Marine Science Institute, College of Science, University of the Philippines
in Diliman,
Quezon City. Fortes was recognized for his pioneering high quality research
on seagrasses in the Philippines, defining the importance of seagrass in
the marine ecosystem and providing conclusive evidence of its
interconnectivity with coral reefs.
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SPORTS: Bulacan beats DECS Bacolod in little league 11-12 category
MALOLOS, Bulacan -- Bulacan steamrollered DECS Bacolod in the 11-12 years
old category in Little League baseball while Ilocos Norte shocked favored
Canlubang in the 13-14 years old level in Junior League Baseball at the
start of the Philippines Little League series at the Bulacan Sports complex
here today. "We are happy to host this series and we expect that you will
enjoy in your plays as well as our historic and scenic sports," Gov.
Josefina M. dela Cruz and mayor Resty Roque told the athletes and officials
in their respective welcome speeches. With their bats as hot as the heat of
summer, the Bulacan little leaguers displayed awesome hitting prowess as
they demolished DECS Bacolod to the tune of 11-2.
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SPORTS: Singapore to send Chinese national in RP Open?
MANILA - - Singapore continued to solidify its bid to retain its 1999
Brunei Southeast Asian Games' fourth place as it is set to send two teams
including one which is composed of Chinese nationals in the forthcoming
2001 Milo Invitational Track and Field championships here. Philippine
Amateur Track and Field Association president Go Teng Kok today said one
official of the Singapore team told him that Singapore Athletic Association
is planning to use the National Open as testing ground for Chinese national
athletes who wanted to play for Singapore in the Kuala Lumpur SEAG in
September. "One of their officials said that if this team composed of
Chinese nationals perform well,then there is a big possibility that the
same team will represent Singapore in the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games by giving
these Chinese nationals full-pledge Singapore citizenship," said Go.
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SPORTS: Top sports officials welcome athletes federation
MANILA - The top sports officials of the country today joined hands in
welcoming the newly-formed Philippine Amateur Athletes Federation, Inc.
which aims to look to the welfare of more than 700 local athletes.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Celso Dayrit expressed
optimism that the new athletes federation will unite all the athletes
towards common goal which is to attain sports excellence for the country.
"The POC is fully supportive of this new athletes federation," said Dayrit,
who was joined by POC first vice president in expressing support to the
athletes federation headed by Ma. Nelia Sy-Cases, who is an active
taekwondo national team member. "This is a good move of the athletes
because at least now we can deal with the legitimate group of athletes,"
said Hontiveros, who is the acting chairman of the POC Task Force to the
21st Southeast Asian Games slated in September 8-15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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SPORTS: Leung OKs Asian Zonal Chess Championship
MANILA - The president of Zone 3.2a has given his thumbs up for the Asian
Zonal Chess Championship which the Philippines is hosting for the first
time in 11 years. Ignatius Leung, president of Asian Zone 3.2a of which the
Philippines is a member, said the country's hosting of the event is timely.
"I think this is just the perfect time for the Philippines to host the
Zonals. The timing is perfect since now you have a new federation headed by
a Grandmaster and chess is very much alive in your country," said Leung who
was also here during the Equitable Chess Classic Invitational and the Asian
Continental Under-15 tournament last year. Leung also observed that this
year's field is even stronger than last year's edition which was won by
Vietnam's 23-year old Gee Dao Hai.