A masterpiece, says Arroyo

PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday said the knockout victory of Manny Pacquiao over David Diaz, was a "masterpiece."

The President watched the fight on television in San Francisco while waiting for her return flight to Manila.

"Manny once again showed the sterling quality of excellence of a Filipino at his best. We rejoice with the whole nation in his victory," Arroyo said in a statement.

Filipinos were so glued to their television sets that the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported a zero crime rate and reduced traffic volume in Metro Manila during the Pacquiao-Diaz bout.

Supt. Rhodel Sermonia, NCRPO spokesman, said from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., there were no reported crimes in the five police districts of the metropolis. He noted a 30 percent decrease in traffic jams as compared to the usual Sundays.

Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. said Pacquiao's win was a much needed morale booster to Filipinos battered by typhoon Frank and the sinking of the MV Princess of the Stars.

"Manny is an extraordinary Filipino. It is every Filipino's honor to call him kababayan," Villar said.

He said Pacquiao's record as the first Asian boxer to hold four titles in four different weight classes is a "historic feat" that makes him "not only a pride of the Philippines but a pride of this part of the world."

Sen. Benigno Aquino III said Pacquiao's win also boosts the country's "wounded pride," after having landed in the top list of most corrupt nations.

Sen. Francis Escudero said he's sure that Pacquiao will go out of his way to help fellow Filipinos devastated by Frank, "win or lose." - Wendell Vigilia, Dennis Gadil, and Raymond Africa

Obama fails to find time for Arroyo

BY WENDELL VIGILIA

PRESIDENT Arroyo on Friday failed to meet with US Democrat presidential candidate Barack Obama in New York due to conflicting schedules.

But Obama phoned Arroyo to express his sympathy regarding the tragedy brought by typhoon "Frank" and his support for stronger relations with the Philippines.

Ambassador Marciano Paynor, consul general to San Francisco, California, said Arroyo was supposed to meet Obama either last Wednesday or Thursday night before she left for Washington to meet with Obama's rival, Republican presidential candidate John McCain on Sunday.

Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said Arroyo was "upbeat" and in "high spirits" after the call, even if it lasted for only a few minutes.

Dureza said Obama assured the President of his full support to the veterans' equity bill which would provide compensation to Filipino World War II veterans.

Also in New York, Arroyo formally endorsed before the UN the candidacy of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago to the International Court of Justice, saying she could be its first woman justice from Asia.

The President was accompanied by Ambassador Hilario Davide Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, and members of the official delegation.

Arroyo assured the UN that Santiago will serve "the interest of justice across the globe."

In Manila, Sen. Francis Escudero criticized Arroyo for chasing Obama while the country is reeling from the typhoon.

"There's work waiting here. She should come home now," Escudero said.

He said almost half of the President's time in the US was spent chasing after Obama, resulting in the cancellation of some meetings and events prepared for her.

"Obama can wait, not Frank's victims," Escudero, the President's wedding godson, said.

He added that Arroyo also degraded the values of Filipino women by parading herself in the US pursuing Obama and even McCain. "We need a leader who will chase the problems and find solutions," he said.

Arroyo, in an interview with CNN Thursday, said the Philippines remains politically stable despite the attempts to topple her government. She also said the country is "economically on a path to permanent growth and stability." - With Dennis Gadil

Bishops call for justice to victims, slam Sulpicio invocation of 'act of God'

BY GERARD NAVAL

BISHOP Broderick Pabillo, chair of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace, yesterday said nothing less than a "fruitful" investigation would give justice to victims of the MV Princess of the Stars tragedy.

The auxiliary bishop of Manila said he is confident that the Board of Marine Inquiry would find out who are responsible for the sea tragedy.

The BMI started its probe on Wednesday by questioning officials of Sulpicio Lines.

"Sana naman ay maging open sila sa imbestigasyon at kung ano man ang kalabasan ay sundin nila. Sana rin ay tuparin nila ang mga pangako nila sa mga pamilya na namatayan," Pabillo said.

The shipping firm has promised P200,000 and medical assistance to victims and families of those who died.

Pabillo called on the families of the victims not to lose hope in the light of pronouncements by authorities Wednesday that chances of finding survivors are getting slim.

Senate majority leader Sen. Francis Pangilinan suggested that regional trial courts be designated as maritime courts in the interest of the effective administration of justice and expeditious disposition of cases.

He said the special maritime courts would hear cases on "sinking vessels, collisions, allusions and fire, whenever such accidents result in loss of lives, injuries and destruction or damage to property."

"We need to expedite these processes if we are to promote vigilance and efficiency in the shipping industry and instill fear for the rule of law."

He said unscrupulous shipping companies and ship personnel often get away from their liabilities because of the slow dispensation of justice, aggravated by the lack of special maritime courts.

Sen. Mar Roxas II said the government could help ease the burden on families of victims by facilitating and expediting necessary documents.

"Hindi na dapat inaalala ng mga pamilya ang gastos at mga legal na proseso," he said.

He said expenses can be covered through the Presidential Social Fund which is collected from agencies such as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

"The President has discretionary funds for such contingencies and must spend as needed to help ease the plight of all those anxiously waiting for word on their kin, or those whose relatives have already been found among the casualties," he said.

As of Dec. 31, 2007, the PSF had a balance of P2.7 billion, according to the Commission on Audit. Forty percent of Pagcor proceeds goes to the fund.

The Association of Major Religious in the Philippines (AMRSP) will send member-nuns to provide spiritual counseling to victims of the sea tragedy.

"More than material things, ang kailangan nila ngayon ay ang matinding counseling and spiritual assistance," AMRSP chairperson Sr. Mary John Mananzan told Radio Veritas.

The AMRSP previously gave spiritual counseling to victims of the landslide in Guinsaugon, Southern Leyte in February 2006.

Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani criticized Sulpicio officials for saying that the tragedy was "an act of God."

"Siguro ayaw nilang aminin na nagkamali sila. Pagka sinabing 'act of God,' yung 'force majeure,' ibig sabihin noon, wala talagang magagawa ang tao sa bagay na iyan. Kaya ang gusto nilang (Sulpicio) sabihin e. wala kaming kasalanan at hindi namin kasalanan yung paglakad nitong barko na ikinamatay ng mga tao," Bacani told Radio Veritas.

On Wednesday, Sulpicio lawyer Arthur Lim, reading a report from Manila Port Capt. Benjamin Eugenio, said the wind and waves or "act of God" caused the ship to capsize.

Bacani said it could be worse if the human error made by Sulpicio Lines was prodded by "unseen hands."

"Huwag ang Diyos ang sisisihin kundi ang pagkakamali ng tao at ang maling desisyon ng mga tao," he said.

Cebu-based relatives of victims of the Princess of the Stars urged the publication or airing of photos of the fatalities, saying it would help in their identification.

They noted Masbate residents had taken photos and videos of many of the victims who had been buried there.

The relatives suggested that the photos feature unique features like birthmarks and tattoos for easier identification. - With Dennis Gadil

Son joins criticism of Biazon over 'Reagan' remarks

BY PETER TABINGO

SEN. Rodolfo Biazon yesterday received flak from some congressmen, including his son, Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon, for questioning the capability of the USS Ronald Reagan to help in search and retrieval operations for victims of MV Princess of the Stars.

"I think that the assistance of the United States, by sending whatever available resources they have, is worthy of our appreciation. The rescue and recovery of survivors and fatalities is of utmost importance," the younger Biazon said.

The elder Biazon has questioned the nuclear-powered carrier's presence in the country, noting it was not suited for search and rescue efforts.

He also said the US carrier's presence may also violate the constitutional ban on the presence of nuclear weapons.

The younger Biazon said the Ronald Reagan's technologically advanced instruments for searching a wide sea area would be valuable.

Palawan Rep. Antonio Alvarez said the elder Biazon's remarks were inappropriate.

"We need all the help we can get. Any help will do in times like this. (It was) a misplaced sense of patriotism," said Bacolod city Rep. Monico Puentevella.

"Carriers precisely are equipped for rescue and recovery at sea, and if they were not, we'll take what help is offered," said Makati Rep. Teodoro Locsin Jr.

"The other US ships here have helped a lot in pinpointing floating bodies in the vast sea from Sibuyan to Masbate to Burias and as far as Camarines Sur thus fast tracking recovery," said Romblon Rep. Eleandro Madrona.

The US carrier was sent by President George W. Bush to help in the retrieval operations.

Helicopters from the USS Ronald Reagan on Thursday transported supplies and scoured the seas around the ill-fated vessel.

Rescue efforts have been focused off central Sibuyan island. US and Philippine navy divers have been combing the seven-storey vessel, where hundreds of corpses are feared trapped.

"They brought 10 bodies up from the first class cabins yesterday. We don't have any identification yet. Some were wearing life vests, some weren't," said Coast Guard spokesman Lt. Cdr. Armand Balilo.

Sen. Richard Gordon said attaching political meanings to the support of the US would not help in the search and relief operations.

Gordon said he was among those who requested the US government to send help in his capacity as chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross.

He said the Ronald Reagan's fighter planes and helicopters could be used in the rescue, retrieval and relief operations.

He said the fighter planes could even ferry relief goods to typhoon-hit areas or conduct fly-bys at the site of the tragedy.

He also criticized President Arroyo for her premature statements holding Sulpicio Lines accountable for the sea tragedy.

"I condemn any act right now that is pa-gwapo, including the President," Gordon said.

"We should refrain from saying who's at fault at this point because if we do so, then we condemn everybody, even the small fishermen who also went out during the typhoon." - With Dennis Gadil and Reuters

Jinggoy seeks DFA, DOLE help for undocumented OFWs in EU

SENATE Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada yesterday warned that some 94,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Europe are facing imprisonment and a lifetime ban for being undocumented workers as he called on the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Labor to appeal to the European Union for a "regularization scheme" for the undocumented OFWs.

"We are not condoning the act by some of our kababayans who, because of dire need of decent-paying jobs which our country has not been able to provide them, enter and stay as undocumented workers in the EU or in any other foreign country. However, our government must not just allow them to be detained there and, after deportation, consequently slapped with a re-entry ban," he said.

Estrada, concurrent chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, noted that the illegal OFWs would be badly hit by the new immigration measure against "irregular migrants" recently passed on first reading by the EU parliament.

The measure will be enforced 24 months after its final adoption, detaining violators for up to 18 months, deporting them and banning them, including their children, form reentry.

"Our government, through the DFA and DOLE, still has at least 24 months to come up with a solution to this predicament affecting Filipino migrant workers again. In those 24 months, it should aggressively exert all efforts to assist our kababayans. Specifically, it should push for the regularization by Europe of these undocumented Filipino workers," Estrada said.

The new measure is reportedly part of the EU's move to ensure that only regular migrants, to be issued Blue Cards, could work and live in Europe for long periods of time.

Based on DFA records, there are at least 610,102 Filipinos in Europe as of June 2007, of which 189,023 are permanent residents, 189,023 temporaries, and 94,113 undocumented. - Dennis Gadil

34,000 Manila families get welfare cards

THE Manila government yesterday distributed family access cards that will enable poor residents to buy government-subsidized rice and medicines from "Botika ng Bayan" outlets.

The green FACs with bar codes, totaling 34,000, were turned over by the Department of Social Welfare and Development to the city government. These were in turn distributed by the city government’s social welfare department to Manila residents at the Patricia Sports Complex in Gagalangin, Tondo, where most of the recipients reside.

The FACs were issued by the DSWD in partnership with the National Food Authority and the Philippine International Trading Corp. which runs the Botika ng Bayan.

Two NFA rolling trucks were on hand during the distribution.

Sen. Mar Roxas II said government should start drawing up long-term solutions to the food and energy crises as he said the doleouts and subsidies are "unsustainable."

Government has so far allocated P2 billion for the P500, one-time subsidy to "lifeline" consumers or those consuming a maximum of 100 kilowatts of electricity a month, and P1 billion each for student loans and the conversion of engines running on gasoline to LPG and compressed natural gas. It also recently provided for fertilizer subsidies in cooperation with local government units.

Roxas said the short-term response to high prices, widespread unemployment, and growing hunger could result in an even worse rice and food crisis by next year.

"Can the Department of Agriculture tell the people where the 2 million tons of rice needed next year will come from, when even our neighbors are experiencing a shortage? It is still not clear how much of the supply will come from Cagayan Valley, from Central Luzon, and so on," he said.

"There must be a parallel program and disbursement of money for priority areas, such as irrigation, farm-to-market roads, and subsidies or loans for fertilizer, so that farmers can go from two bags per hectare to the ideal six to eight bags per hectare," he added.

Roxas said the government’s policy to import rice and sell locally at subsidized rates comes with an opportunity cost: the billions spent could have been used to support local farmers attain optimal productivity.

"By selling subsidized rice, we are, in effect subsidizing the farmers of other countries. But when will we help our own farmers?" he said.

Roxas said the NFA sells at P18.50 per kilo is bought at $1,220 a ton, or P51 a kilo.

If government is set to import around 600,000 tons this year, the amount of subsidy would be roughly P20 billion, at P32.50 a kilo.

He said if the government gives out loans to farmers so that they would be able to buy additional three fertilizer bags needed to optimize their production, this would increase national productivity by 1.2 million per ton a year, based on a million hectares of irrigated land. The total cost of this would be roughly P5 billion, he said.

Militant groups staged a protest action outside the Land Bank of the Philippines office at the Quezon City Circle, demanding the scrapping of the 12 percent value added tax (VAT) on oil.

The group said the subsidies do not address the main problem of high cost of living, lack of livelihood and economic resources, among others.

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan has launched the "Kontra-KulimVAT" campaign to press for the VAT removal which it said would also benefit millions who should also be considered poor or those who are becoming poor because of the price crisis."

Bayan and Anakpawis will hold a noise barrage protest in designated areas, including a Petron gasoline station, along E. Rodriguez avenue in Quezon City at 5 p.m. today. – Dennis Gadil and Randy Nobleza

Poll tribunal finds basis Koko was cheated of Senate seat

BY DENNIS GADIL

THE Senate Electoral Tribunal has found sufficient basis that Genuine Opposition candidate Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III was cheated in the 2007 senatorial elections.

In a nine-page resolution dated June 17, the SET ordered the revision on the remaining 75 percent of the contested precincts and the re-tabulation of the election documents in Patikul, Sulu.

The resolution was signed by Supreme Court Justice Leonardo Quisumbing, SET chairman, Justices Antonio Carpio and Renato Corona, and Senators Edgardo Angara, Ramon Revilla Jr., Pia Cayetano, Panfilo Lacson, Francis Escudero and Benigno Aquino III.

The tribunal said results of the initial revision on the first 25 percent precincts revealed that Pimentel "has prima facie valid cause of action."

Under SET rules, a protesting candidate must show solid evidence of fraud in at least 25 percent of the election results in the places subject of his protest.

"The results of the initial revision and appreciation proceedings already done showed that the 14 May 2007 election in certain designated pilot areas was characterized by proven irregularities," SET said.

It said that in "six of the nine pilot municipalities in Maguindanao and Lanao del Norte, for instance, 98.15 percent of the ballots (70,922) cast were found to be spurious."

The SET said that the "spurious" ballots could affect the standings for the 12th and last senatorial slot.

The Comelec proclaimed Team Unity candidate Juan Miguel Zubiri the 12th senator with a lead of 19,292 votes over Pimentel.

Pimentel questioned the results in 2,658 precincts covering 44 municipalities and seven provinces, which were mostly in Mindanao.

The SET has issued a gag order on the Pimentel and Zubiri camps.

Villar scotches talks money greased confirmations

BY DENNIS GADIL

SENATE President Manuel Villar yesterday rejected allegations that money changed hands during the "en masse" confirmation Wednesday by the Commission on Appointments of Palace officials led by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez.

"Hindi namin papayagan iyan. Pag may nalaman kaming ganyan, may ethics committee ang Senado para sa mga ganyang usapan," Villar, also CA chairman, said.

Villar said senators accusing the CA as engaging in extortion and bribery should come forward.

"Maaaring sila ang nakakaalam niyan. Wala akong nalalaman na ganyan lalo na on the part of the senators na may nagkakapera diyan. Hindi ko lang alam sa ibang miyembro," Villar said.

Sen. Jamby Madrigal has called the CA a haven for "bata-bata" system and where money is exchanged for the confirmation of Cabinet and military officials.

Negros Oriental Rep. Herminio Teves, in June 2007, accused some members of the House contingent in the CA of asking his son, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, to cough up P5 million in exchange for his confirmation.

Villar said the Palace appointees were confirmed based on their merits and not on financial considerations.

He said he respects the opinion of senators who oppose the confirmation of nominees but they should not expect the CA as a whole to agree with them.

He also said any senator is welcome to question the CA's composition before the Supreme Court.

"Ang komposisyon ng CA ay ginawa at dinesisyunan ng Kamara at ng Senado. Iyan ang mga ipinadalang mga miyembro at trabaho namin na magkumpirma ng mga appointees ng gobyerno," Villar said.

The confirmation of Palace appointees on Wednesday was marred by a walkout by Senators Panfilo Lacson and Madrigal.

Madrigal protested the composition of the CA which she said was unconstitutional.

Lacson questioned the jurisdiction of the CA on the promotion of Air Force Col. Arthur Abadilla.

Madrigal said she will bring the matter to the SC.

She also lashed at Villar for lack of leadership for not acting on her complaint about the CA composition. Villar just shrugged it off.

Other Cabinet members confirmed were Teves, Francisco Duque III as health secretary, Rolando Andaya Jr. as budget secretary, and Ronaldo Puno as DILG secretary.

The CA also approved the appointment of Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Alexander Yano, two constitutional officials, eight ambassadors, 47 diplomats and 39 other military officials

P30M ransom asked

Negotiator in touch with kidnappers

BY VICTOR REYES and RAYMOND AFRICA

THE Abu Sayyaf holding ABS-CBN reporter Ces Drilon and her two cameramen in Sulu is demanding P10 million for each of the hostages, a security official said yesterday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A group of local officials and civilians are negotiating for the release of Drilon and her crewmen who were snatched Sunday in barangay Kulasi, Maimbung, Sulu.

A correspondent of ABS-CBN said Drilon and her crew are alive and well.

The management of ABS-CBN network on Wednesday said it would strictly adhere to its policy on no ransom payment so as not to encourage the bandits in their kidnapping activities.

On Wednesday, or four days after Drilon's group was reported "missing," it confirmed the group was kidnapped for ransom but did not give any figure.

The security official said the three hostages have been separated from each other and each is guarded by around 30 bandits.

He said Drilon is being kept by the Abu Sayyaf in Talipao town while the two cameramen are in Indanan town but in separate areas.

"More or less, they are 15 kilometers away from each other, air distance," the official said.

Noel Alamar, a correspondent of the TV and radio network who is now in Sulu, said an emissary told him Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama are being held in the bandits' lair somewhere in the tri-boundaries of Indanan, Talipao, and Maimbung.

He said the emissary also told him the three are being treated well by their captors.

"Nung mga unang araw daw sa pagkakakuha sa kanila ay nakatali ang mga kamay nila Encarnacion at Valderama. Pero ngayon (Thursday) ay inalis na daw ang tali sa kanilang mga kamay at hindi na raw masyadong restricted ang kilos nila," Alamar said.

He said the bandits led by commander Gapur Jumdail and Albader Parad have been demanding ransom but he could not confirm the amount.

"Palipat lipat sila ng lugar na pinagtataguan sa kanila. Mayroon din hinihinging negotiator ang mga kumuha sa kanila," he added.

SOMETHING POSITIVE

Chief Supt. Joel R. Goltiao, chief of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police, said negotiations are ongoing.

"We're hoping for some positive developments, maybe within the next few days but we are not setting any deadline," Goltiao said.

Goltiao said a "negotiator" whom he did not identify is leading the government's effort to free Drilon and her crew. The negotiator's initial goal, among others, is to meet Drlion and the others face to face.

"He is yet to make any personal contact with them but he is using all means of communications in talking with them. Yes, he has made contact with them," Goltiao said without giving details.

Drilon's group was with Octavio Dinampo, a professor of the Mindanao State University, who reportedly invited the group to Sulu to cover an event in barangay Kulasi.

The four were on board a yellow Toyota Tamaraw Jitney when they were blocked by the group Albader Parad and Gapul Jumdail.

They were then hauled off to the nearby barangay Karawan in Indanan town.

BENIGN, EXTREME OPTIONS

Goltiao said initial investigations showed Drilon and her two assistants arrived at the Jolo airport 2:45 p.m. Saturday on board a Sea Air flight. They then proceeded to the Sulu State College hostel in Patikul and got two rooms.

Reports said Drilon and her crew hurriedly left the hostel Sunday morning, leaving packed foods they ordered at the hostel good for 20 persons.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Alexander Yano said the group is well but government forces are prepared to use arms if needed, to secure their release.

"We have several options from the most benign option to the extreme use of our arms but all these options we will withhold pending the other activities on the ground so we would not rather telegraph our moves," he said.

He said the group is "still missing and we are still monitoring developments with the PNP."

He said initial information is that the Abu Sayyaf might be involved.

Yano said government would not negotiate with the Abu Sayyaf.

Asked if there is any proof that the four are alive and well, Yano said: "We have information from the committee on the ground.I'd rather not go into the details. Suffice to say there is proof of life."

GETTING DESPERATE

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said it is a government policy not to negotiate with terrorists.

On whether the kidnapping means the resurgence of the Abu Sayyaf which the military earlier said has less than 400 members remaining, Teodoro said: "I view it as their getting more desperate. The fewer they become, the weaker they become, the more desperate they become."

Teodoro said journalists should not be interviewing the Abu Sayyaf but if they insist on dong so, they should be aware of possible consequences.

"You do so at your own risk... you want to go there despite the warnings, you take the consequence," he said.

"We can reduce the issue to simple rules. One is to use common sense. The Abu Sayyaf is a known criminal group or gang which does not respect life or limb. Whether you're a journalist or not, the mere fact that you want to meet or you want to see the Abu Sayyaf is already something that should not be done. members of media and other civilians should not even deal with (terrorist) organizations or attempt to do so. They put their lives at extreme peril."

ONE NEGOTIATOR

Vice President Noli de Castro said ABS-CBN should not interfere in negotiations.

"They should let the negotiations be handled by the government or by the experts. At dapat isa lang ang negotiator para iisang tao lang ang kakausapin ng mga abductors," he said.

He related his experience in April 2000 when he was also temporarily held captive by the Abu Sayyaf. De Castro was once a broadcaster of ABS-CBN. - With Jocelyn Montemayor and Dennis Gadil

Bill to supplement retirement funds passed by Congress

THE bill that would supplement the retirement funds of all retiring public and private employes is expected to be ratified by Congress today (if it has not been last night) following its smooth approval in the bicameral conference committee early yesterday.

The Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) will provide more options to public and private workers whose retirement plan is covered by the Government Service Insurance System or the Social Security System, said Sen. Edgardo Angara, chair of Senate committee on banks and financial institutions.

Under the PERA bill, an individual contributor may make a total maximum annual contribution of P100,000 to his PERA account. The contributor will be given an income tax credit equivalent to five percent of the total PERA contribution.

The contributor may open a special retirement account through accredited PERA-banks with a maximum deposit of P20,000, which should reach P100,000 in a span of one year and another P100,000 every year that follows. A married couple can open a joint account with an initial deposit of not more P40,000. The maximum monthly contribution to an account is limited to 10 percent for an individual and 15 percent for a married couple.

Income from the contribution as well as the eventual distribution of the PERA to the contributor will be tax-exempt. The amount will be due to the contributor when he or she reaches the age of 55.

"This is one of the best ways to accumulate savings. It will greatly augment Filipino's retirement plan. People are generally scared of retiring, especially Filipinos, because we are not savings-conscious and the pension we get from government - either SSS or GSIS - is usually inadequate for our sunset years," Angara said. "PERA will help retirees live more comfortably."

Sen. Manuel Roxas, author of the measure, said the bill when enacted into law would ensure financial stability and added opportunities for retirees. He said government must now begin educating employers, employes and financial institutions about PERA to maximize its benefits to the public.

According to the National Statistics Office, the country has a labor force of about 35.81 million. Of this, only 78 percent are members of government-initiated pension funds: 26.49 million for SSS and 1.4 million for GSIS. About 8 million have no pension or retirement savings plan. - Dennis Gadil

'Shabby' treatment of investors scored

Senate guestsdeserve courtesy'

BY DENNIS GADIL

TWO opposition senators yesterday criticized their colleagues for dressing down officials of the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) during the Senate energy panel's hearing last week on the group's objection to amendments to the Electric and Power Industry Reform Act (Epira).

Sen. Francis Escudero, Senate ways and means chair, said he had hoped Juan Ponce Enrile, Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Joker Arroyo were discreet in sending their message to the foreign chambers on the issue of interfering in a country's internal affairs, especially in the area of legislation.

"While I can identify with their patriotism, I do not agree with their methods that are a bit high handed to say the least," Escudero said.

Escudero said he does not think foreign investors will bring out their investments "even if they feel slighted."

He said he would have taken a different tack. "I won't judge him (Enrile) but I would have handled it differently."

Hubert D'Aboville, JFC spokesman and president of the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, was reading a statement by his group when Enrile butted in and asked him why the JFC asked President Arroyo in a letter to stop any amendments to the Epira law.

Enrile also asked D'Aboville to give him the names of legislators who JFC claimed in its letter to President Arroyo made "unwarranted accusations on bedrock principles recognized by sound industries around the world."

Enrile even berated the foreign executives on national television, telling them: "Get out of the country if you can't live with our institutions."

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said he thinks Enrile, Arroyo, and Santiago crossed the line.

"Resource persons invited by the Senate deserve the courtesy of guests. Bullying, cutting, insulting or yelling at them won't help the Senate get the information we need to help us do our legislative work," he said.

Lacson said the JFC's experience at the Senate, broadcast live on a cable TV, may drive away foreign investments.

"Driving them out of the country will put to waste the billions of dollars being spent by our government, both here and abroad, to attract foreign investments and make them stay and continue investing in our country," he said.

Sen. Manuel Roxas II last Saturday described as "overkill" the actuations of the senators against the JFC officials.

Senator Arroyo on Sunday justified their actions saying the JFC erred when it wrote President Arroyo, instead of the Senate, to air their concerns on the Epira.

"They were aware that the bill was pending in Congress. They can write the Senate. But what they did was write the President. Were they engaging in propaganda?" he said.

Foreign chambers get an earful from Enrile

Given no chance to read statement at power hearing

BY DENNIS GADIL

OFFICIALS of the Joint Foreign Chambers were grilled yesterday as senators took turns assailing them for opposing amendments to the Electric and Power Industry Reform Act (Epira).

Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, chair of the finance committee and senior member of the Joint Congressional Power Commission, again slammed the JFC for intervening in the country's affairs.

Enrile particularly lashed at Hubert D'Aboville, the group's spokesman and president of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, for the JFC's "intrusion into the domain of policy."

He said it was "disrespectful" for the JFC to bring up matters on lawmaking in the Philippines to individuals like President Arroyo other than lawmakers themselves.

Enrile also told JFC to take their business elsewhere if they cannot respect their host country's institutions.

D'Aboville tried to explain their side but Enrile cut him off several times.

"Who are these legislators you are referring to as making 'unwarranted accusations' before the President?" Enrile asked D'Aboville.

He added: "You may be a Frenchman, but you cannot outthink a Filipino."

D'Aboville replied: "I know sir. My wife is a Filipina. I live it on a daily basis."

D'Aboville said their letter to President Arroyo "should not be misinterpreted" as they are only expressing their "opinion" as regards the amendment of Epira.

Sen. Joker Arroyo said that if JFC officials propose solutions on how to bring down power rates, the Senate is willing to listen.

Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, chair of the energy panel, said JFC officials failed to identify the proposed amendments in the Epira which they oppose.

"Ang sagot nila lang nila ay wala dito ang mga technical consultants," she said.

Henry Schumacher, executive vice president of ECCP, said it was the first time he was "invited out" of the country.

D'Aboville said: "I have never been treated like this before."

The group, in its prepared statement which D'Aboville failed to read before senators, said their letter to President Arroyo was in line with their objective of fostering closer economic and business relations between their countries and the Philippines.

"In order to achieve an environment conducive to doing business and attracting new investment to the country, it is essential to have a competitive and stable business environment," the JFC said in a two-page statement.

"It is in this context that we have raised the concerns regarding the Philippine Power Sector and have reiterated the positions we have taken in meetings with the House leadership."

But JFC stressed the Epira law is better implemented fully than being subjected to premature amendments.

"The Epira law is a reform legislation that has no match in the region. Once fully implemented, it will create a competitive electricity market in the Philippines that should result in more efficiency and fair energy costs," the group said.

The group also said their foreign chambers came to the country to invest "because they saw a climate that honored contracts, was progressive, and clearly intending to create a level playing field where competition for the best price was the intention."

The JFC counts as members the American, Australian-New Zealand, Canadian, Japanese and Korean chambers of commerce and the Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters Inc.