Skip to content

Author: Ellen

Arroyo loses cool in roundtable discussion with media

Published by Ellen on February 10, 2007

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer


President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s infamous temper flared up once more when she abruptly ended an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer in front of a stunned audience which included three Cabinet Secretaries and an official of the International Monetary Fund.

Click here for GMATV’s video report.

President Arroyo was nettled by repeated questions on why the benefits of a spectacular economic growth had not trickled down to the grassroots. She blew her top even before the Inquirer could finish what turned out to be the brief interview’s final question: “Isn’t it a concern for you ma’am that the billionaires during the time of Marcos and Ramos are also the same billionaires now?”

Continue readingArroyo loses cool in roundtable discussion with media

Nautical highway

Published by Ellen on February 8, 2007

The sadistic streak in the young steward of Starlite Pacific ferry boat must have been on overdrive during the Feb. 3 afternoon trip from Caticlan in Aklan to Roxas in Mindoro Oriental.

The sea was a little rough with the northeast monsoon wind and we, new RoRo (roll on –roll off) travelers, were trying hard to calm down our nervousness with silent prayers. We were glad when the television set was turned on for a movie. At least that would distract our attention from the tossing that the waves was subjecting the ferry boat, we told ourselves.

But our anticipation for a diversion was turned to dismay when we saw the familiar scenes of the movie “Titanic.”

Continue readingNautical highway

JV Ejercito withdraws from Senate race for Sonia Roco

Published by Ellen on February 8, 2007

San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito, one of the candidates of the United Opposition, today withdrew from the senatorial race.

One of UNO’s spokesmen, Rufus Rodriguez, said Ejercito withdrew after consultation with his father, former President Estrada, for a broader, unified coalition.

Sources said JV is giving way for the entry of Sonia Roco, widow of former Sen. Raul Roco.

Just got a text from JV:

I would like to thank you for the trust and support you have given me as a senatorial aspirant. There comes a time when you need to sacrifice for the sake of the country.

Be rest assured that I will continue standing up for what is right and what is just. Para sa Bayan!

Continue readingJV Ejercito withdraws from Senate race for Sonia Roco

House unlikely to suspend Cayetano

Published by Ellen on February 7, 2007

Have the slick operators in Congress put one over Mike Arroyo? The braggart in Malacañang wanted Alan Peter Cayetano expelled from the House of Representatives for daring to expose an alleged loot in a German bank. Of course, for the right price, there were more than enough in the House of Representatives to do his bidding.

But after railroading a suspension recommendation, Rep. Rodolfo Cajes (NPC, Bohol), chair of the ethics panel, said the House may not be able to effect the suspension due to lack of material time.

Have they gotten what was mentioned in the committee hearings as “regalo”? Wasn’t Mike Arroyo shortchanged?

Continue readingHouse unlikely to suspend Cayetano

Panel seeks 45-day Cayetano suspension

Published by Ellen on February 6, 2007


In the still -to- be -released survey of Pulse Asia for senatorial candidates, Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano has moved up to number four from last November’s number 8 spot. In the past months, Mike Arroyo has unleashed his dogs in the House of Representatives against Cayetano.

Malaya’s Wendell Vigilia reports on the latest on Mike Arroyo’s crusade to catapult Cayetano to the Senate:

THE House committee on ethics yesterday recommended the suspension of Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano (NP, Taguig-Pateros) for 45 days for saying presidential spouse Jose Miguel Arroyo maintained a bank account in Germany.

The recommendation will go to the House plenary where a two-third vote or 154 is needed to impose sanctions on a member.

Continue readingPanel seeks 45-day Cayetano suspension

Trillanes files candidacy

Published by Ellen on February 6, 2007

From Malaya:

Accused mutiny leader Lt. (s.g.) Antonio Trillanes IV yesterday filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator at the office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Manila.
trillanescomelec2.JPG
With the filing, the military said Trillanes is deemed separated from service.

He will not be allowed to go out of his detention cell in Fort Bonifacio to campaign because the military retains jurisdiction over him. If he wins in the senatorial race, the military court will continue trying him.

Continue readingTrillanes files candidacy

Quarters of detained major broken into; rifle, laptop taken

Published by Ellen on February 5, 2007

THE quarters of detained Army Maj. Jason Aquino in Camp Aguinaldo was ransacked Saturday noon by unidentified persons who carted away a military-issued baby Armalite and a laptop computer, among other items.
querubin-and-lawyers.JPG
Aquino’s wife, Maria Fe, said nobody was home when the intrusion happened because she and her daughters left the house at about 10 a.m. They were surprised to see their things scattered when they returned about 2 p.m.

“I don’t believe it’s a simple theft,” she said, saying their family quarters, Unit 668 on Arevalo street, is inside a military camp. The compound with 10 units has only one entry and exit gate with a guard post outside.

Continue readingQuarters of detained major broken into; rifle, laptop taken