July 30,2010

High court slams Luisita; SC: 13th mo. pay cut badge of bad faith

Truth body duplicates DOJ work

MWSS workers housing bigger than Luneta

BIR to probe rice traders, agri execs

Newspapers remain top source of info

Audit shows May 10 polls 99.6% accurate

BIR files P68.5-M tax evasion case vs couple

Abu ‘prof’ pleads guilty in US court, faces 25 years

RP’s most tightly guarded bachelor’s pad is ready

July 29, 2010

Still, the main news in the Inquirer Front Page today is all about rice.



The headline today (More imported rice here. Militants, senators: Give surplus staple to poor) talks about on the oversupply of rice, while some sectors try to ride the headlines with their own statements. Arroyo -1.

The other Front Page news today are as follows:

Day of surprises for released Marine colonel - reports about the release of a Colonel who figured in a standoff apparently because of their complaints of corruption and election cheating by the previous administration. Arroyo -1.

Filipinos taken for a ‘Joyride’ - a report on a supposed book about former President Arroyo's infrastructure accomplishments turn out to be a press interview with the new DPWH secretary. Arroyo -1.

A mouthful from Aquino: 19 more spokespersons - more reports on a solidified communications group for the Administration, spinning it into getting the government closer to the people. Aquino +1.

NEDA chief sees 8% growth in economy - a confusing growth projection, basically saying growth will be the effect of improved governance but decline of 7% in 2nd half of the year versus the 1st half due to the initial effect of election spending. Aquino +1.

DPWH cancels 19 ‘midnight deals’ worth over P934M - the DPWH saving the day versus the Arroyo administration's midnight deals. Arroyo -1.

Mikey Arroyo faces disqualification charges in SC, House - Although the Arroyo son is given space to react to the disqualification charges against him, this report is all about how bad he is and the circumstances of his congressional seat. Arroyo (Mikey) -1.

Facebook tags serial killer suspect; ‘NPA’ ruse leads to arrest - a report about an arrest of a suspected serial killer.

Joker: Truth commission is doomed - a question posed to the still to be organized truth commission coming from a lawyer/senator.

The scores today amazingly shows that former President Arroyo still hugs the front page with negative news, as if she is still in Malacanang. Meanwhile, it seems nothing can go wrong for President Aquino.
Aquino: 2
Arroyo: -4
Arroyo (Mikey): -1

July 28, 2010

The evil that was, explains the Inquirer Front Page today.



The Inquirer main headline today (‘We’re swimming in rice’—NFA chief. Arroyo’s P100-M ‘midnight sale’ starting to arrive) explains how bad former President Arroyo is, without the benefit of a rebuttal. Arroyo -1.

P480-M road user’s tax abuse ‘just tip of iceberg’ - After saying that there are grave abuse in the past, the DPWH secretary says he doesn't want to prejudge when it pertains to whether charges can be filed.. Such disconnect gave former President a very negative treatment. Arroyo -1.

P105-M calamity fund now with DPWH Pampanga to be recalled - another one sided take on former President Arroyo's greed. Arroyo -1.

Arroyo ally hits SONA: Partisan press release - Perhaps to balance the news, this report is from former President's allies, and thus of course making the Arroyo defense statements coming from a polluted source. The report gave former Pres. Arroyo's side of the story nevertheless. Arroyo +1.

MWSS ready to ‘moderate’ multi bonuses - a report from the MWSS point of view, defending themselves with the word "moderate" in the title perhaps meant to show MWSS people are greedy.

Truth body to focus on grave graft cases - clarifies that the truth commission could be working only on the wrongdoings of Arroyo. Arroyo -1.

Palace media group: 3 heads better than 1 - a report in defense of the curiously organized propaganda machinery of the President.

Pacquiao rumbles in House, quotes Frost - a special space given exclusively for the use of the boxing icon. Pacquiao +1.

The scores today puts us back to the time when the former President is still in Malacanang:
Arroyo: -3
Pacquiao: 1

July 27, 2010

President Aquino's SONA took, and our monitor thought it should, the centerpiece of the Phil. Daily Inquirer today.



Perhaps adding even some more, the main headline today (‘We can dream again’. Aquino’s first SONA goes direct to the point) is basically an unchallenged retelling of the President's SONA. Aquino +1

The other news in the Front Page:

Aquino hangs out (dirty) laundry of Arroyo anomalies - again, a retelling of some other parts of the President's SONA. Aquino +1.

9 out of 10 Filipinos trust P-Noy, says Pulse Asia - reports that the President is a very popular public figure. Aquino +1, Arroyo -1..

Wanting, where’s road map? Duh, say Arroyo allies - a rundown of comments from different sectors, positive and negative.

No effigies burning, no sirens, no barricades - a report on mostly harmless comments coming from left-leaning groups who are unsatisfied with the SONA. Included in the report are some digs at former President Arroyo. Aquino -1, Arroyo -1.

REPORTERS’ NOTEBOOK Lost in translation: Envoys understood applause - some more reports on the ground on the event of the SONA, with some positive comments going for the President. Aqiuno +1.

From nail art to ‘salakot’ at biggest annual fashion event - a report on how people dressed for the SONA, seemingly unmindful that many of the people for which the SONA is eventually for are dying in hunger.

15th CONGRESS Enrile by consensus; cakewalk for Belmonte - a report of congress leadership with a brief positive comment going for the PResident. Aquino +1.

1st ‘Killing Fields’ verdict: Guilty - a report on some resolution on some atrocities that happened some decades back in Cambodia.

The Inquirer Front Page is all out for the President today, our score shows:
Aquino: 4
Arroyo: -2

July 26, 2010

The developments in leadership selection in the Senate took the main banner in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.


The main headline (Enrile heads unity Senate. Pangilinan, Villar fail to get needed 13 votes ) gave the loser from the Liberal Party on the fight for senate leadership a positive spin, given him space to say he fought a good fight but gave up for the sake of unity. It gave a positive take on the development also for President Aquino's administration. Pangilinan +1. Aquino +1.

The other news in the front page today are as follows:

Belmonte leads much bigger House coalition - a report on Cong. Belmonte securing the house' leadership via a coalition bigger than in recent memory, failing to take note though that the coalition is mostly composed of the same people in the past. Belmonte +1.

Rain brings instant flood to Metro - a report on the weather and floods around Metro Manila without, unlike in the past, giving much of any issue out of them.

Analysis. State of nat’l budget: A tour of Arroyo chamber of horrors - a so called analysis that gave much space to President Aquino's press releases, but did gave a negative take on the same subject at the end of the piece. Aquino +1 -1 =0.

Much of US cooks in endless summer - a combined New York Times and AP feature on the hot weather in the US.

Funnyman Redford White exits laughing - a report on the death of a comedian.

Arroyo flies to Hong Kong - a report about later this afternoon's SONA focusing on the fighting stance the administration is taking contrast with the seeming flight of the previous President. Aquino +1. Arroyo -1.

Militants to push demands in SONA rallies Monday - a report on how the left is receiving the SONA, although reporting from their side making them sound irrelevant.

The scores today:
Aquino: 2
Belmonte: 1
Pangilinan: 1
Arroyo: -1

May 25, 2010

This administration's media group at work is obvious in today's and recent front page reports on the Philippine Daily Inquirer.


The main headline today (Aquino Sona will be truth-telling, says Palace) is a continuation of the Palace' press drive on the upcoming SONA drowning all other headline materials such as the VAT on SLEX, the President's gaffes after gaffes on both the Trillanes case and the water crisis, etc. Aquino +1.

The other front page news today follows:

No frills: Aquino to speak ‘from the heart’ - a take on how good a public speaker President Aquino is, with a bunch of media people handling his communications group spinning he doesn't have a coach, and on what kind of clothes he will use. Aquino is simply the best and we all have to swoon at him. Aquino +1.

Tacky, plastic lampposts defile heritage, glorify thievery - a report on the sprouting lamp posts many years late.

Fast facts: Turtles teach life-changing values like patience - an interesting feature on turtles and the Turtle Islands.

Forgotten law never enforced can solve water crisis, floodings - a feature on a long forgotten local government mandate to create rainwater collectors, that could have augmented our water supply.

The score today shows the Inquirer going all out positive for President Aquino.
Aquino: 2

July 24, 2010

Arroyo is evil. Hohum.


As if sensing we already forgot who the real evil is, the Inquirer Front Page main headline today (‘Arroyo left empty coffers’. Aquino says his Sona to bare 5 shocking anomalies) took most of President Aquino's press release in full with little challenge. Although there is a small comment from a supposed analyst on Aquino to get out of campaign mode, the report is totally negative to the former President. Arroyo -1.

The other news in the Inquirer Front Page today are as follows:

Singson son in HK jail; but we’re in Mongolia, says his dad - is a news report that confuses rather than inform as to who really is in the HK jail.

1-UTAK drops Reyes as party’s 1st nominee - is a news report on Partylist nominees who are being sought to be disqualified from assuming their congressional seats.

Aquino not told on troop deployment - somewhat of a positive spin on gaffes and blunders happening in the Aquino administration, with the President getting away with it. Aquino +1.

Bruising battle in Senate leaves Sharon Cuneta heartbroken - playing politics while saying she doesn't want to play politics, actress Sharon Cuneta, wife of Sen. Pangilinan is given a positive spin by this news report, favoring his husband. Pangilinan +1.

2 DFA staffers charged over missing P32M - a mind boggling scam happening in the DFA office discovered 10 months ago in Lucena City.

Old foe offers to testify on ‘sins’ of Gutierrez - the Ombudsman supposedly in a lot of trouble translating to a negative treatment of the former President. Arroyo -1.

Wanted: 200 ‘aspins’ for Coast Guard’s K9 unit - a story about possible corruption on dog acquisition in the Coast Guard.

The scores today:
Aquino: 1
Pangilinan: 1
Arroyo: -2

July 23, 2010

Now it is not just a water crisis, there could even be water riots!


Although the Inquirer main headline sounds alarmist (Gov’t calls in troops to avert water riots. DPWH says worst of shortage over), the news report itself totally ignores the disconnect between what Sec. Singson said the other day that there is a water crisis and what President Aquino insists that there is none. The news report again pinned the blame on Napocor for its supposed mismanagement of Anggat dam, with a petition to get it under MWSS' control. Meanwhile, Maynilad remained scathe free from any blame where it would have been obvious that their water leakage performance needs drastic improvement. NAPOCOR -1.

The other news in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today follows:

Robredo shows what transparency at DILG is all about - a positive yet a little mild treatment of Sec. Robredo's game changing move to provide transparency in his department. Robredo +1.

Impeach case 2nd time around for Gutierrez - a news report on who seems to be a very bad Ombudsman. Gutierrez -1.

Court junks Trillanes plea to attend 1st Senate session - a negative news for Sen. Trillanes turning out to be a positive treatment to President Aquino, care of an interview with Sen. Enrile defending the President. Aquino +1.

Conflict of interest, 2: No TRB seat for Singson - more negative press for Sec. Singson and his private business connections are revealed in this report. Singson -1.

‘Governator’ nominates 1st Fil-Am CJ in California - a good news about a successful Filipina in California.

Facebook users hit 500-M mark - reports on how popular FB has become.

2 firms fronting for smugglers gang charged - gave a small positive treatment of the President which our monitor will not count yet.

The scores today:
Aquino: 1
Robredo: 1
Singson: -1
Gutierrez: -1
Napocor: -1

July 22, 2010

Crisis or no crisis? We still cannot understand the answer to the question.



The main headline today talks of a split (Water crisis splits gov’t. Palace rules out state of calamity) in government. Well it just means that there are people in government, or more specifically in congress that are pushing for more drastic action while there are others not keen on making so much fuss on the issue. Basically, this piece reports on the administration's insistence that there is no water crisis. In fact, Spokeperson Lacierda even downplayed the problem and said that solutions are easy and in place. We can wonder if he can say that directly to people who do not have water for a week now. The news report is devoid of any real argument, as it just allowed some people to generally have their say.

The other news reports in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today are as follows:

Mikey Arroyo takes oath but ‘sikyu’ case goes to SC - even if this news report gave Mikey Arroyo space for his rebuttals, it reeked of negativity towards him through interviews with other politicians who are known critics of the former President. Arroyo (Mikey) -1. COMELEC -1.

53% of Maynilad water is lost; Manila Water, only 13% - this report asked a question but did not answer it. Of course, the answer would have been that the Lopez group who previously controlled Maynilad (the present owners, DMCI-MPIC group, took control of it only in 2006) for nine years did not do its job, which the report did not point out.

Malabon mob desperate for a bath, busts pipe - reports of more field stories on the water crisis.

US prof rues SC misuse of his work vs ‘sex slaves’ - an insistent report on the SC's supposed plagiarism. SC-1.

Aquino may use nuke power; Napocor men now training - a report on an interview with Napocor President Tampinco who seems bent on pushing for Nuclear Energy, but carefully keeping President Aquino out of it.

‘Heartist’ of Table of Hope for street children dies; 43 - a report on the death of an artist.

Filipino maid inherits P200M from boss - an AFP (Agence France-Presse) report on a Filipina maid in Singapore that gave a somewhat negative treatment of the Philippines as a whole when the report said: "The maid, who arrived here in 1986, refused to be named in public for fear of possible threats to her life in the Philippines, where wealthy people have been kidnapped for ransom and some killed by their abductors."

Charice botox causes Net uproar - a news report that looks like a PR drive for Charice' future appearance in the hit US TV series "Glee".

The scores today seems to have linen up in negative territory the usual suspects:
Arroyo (Mikey) : -1
SC: -1
COMELEC: -1

July 21, 2010

The former President's son seems to be being mocked today by the Inquirer's main headline.



The headline news today treats the COMELEC negatively (Comelec: Mikey Arroyo guards’ rep in House. Decision assailed as ‘betrayal’ of party-list law) for allowing Mikey Arroyo to seat as party list representative. While the news report gave space to the dissenting opinions among the COMELEC commissioners, it seems to have not given the the same space to the majority decision, the paper obviously has a preference on which to cover. COMELEC -1. Arroyo (Mikey) -1.

The other new in the Front Page today are as follows:

Laguna de Bay seen to ease Metro water crisis - a report on the water crisis which totally ignored President Aquino's statement that there is no water crisis. The report also ignored that Maynilad had a water leakage of more than 50% and had remained so under the previous owner, the Lopez Group (only now under the Pangilinan group is Maynilad correcting the leakages by installing new underground pipes). The news report also gave DPWH Sec. Singson space on putting the blame at NAPOCOR of supposed mismanagement of the Dam, totally ignoring that Singson himself could be a polluted source as he earleir worked with the water utility company. Napocor -1.

High court not probing ‘plagiarism’ - is basically a repeat of yesterday's negative news on the SC. SC -1.

SC to hear 4-year-old Luisita case on Aug. 3 - a negative take on the Supreme Court "suddenly" prioritizing 4-year old, repeat, 4-year old Luisita case. SC -1.

House under siege: Abads hit, defended but refuse to budge - the Abads again took a hit, this time out of nowhere from Sen. Escudero, who also is by the way considered part of a dynasty. Escudero +1. Abad -1.

Burma gets rare ASEAN straight talk on free polls - an AP report on the ASEAN minister's meeting which did not take the opportunity to discuss Philippines' foreign policies.

DepEd invites ‘sick books’ crusader to face authors - a report on the person's, who exposed the erroneous books, upcoming appointment with the DepEd.

Disturbance: 24 PAGASA specialists lose hope, leave RP - a report on the brain drain happening in the government weather agency.

The scores today seems in line with historical Inquirer scores, as the whip goes, except for Abad, generally to the same people.
Escudero: 1
Comelec: -1
Arroyo (Mikey): -1
Napocor: -1
Abad: -1
SC: -2

July 20, 2010

Is there a water crisis? That is the question readers may ask when shown the Inquirer Front page today.


Declaring a crisis (Water crisis may worsen. Millions in Metro endure rationing) the Inquirer's main headline today seems to contradict no less than the President who said there is no water crisis (yet) in the country. The focus of the news though is on the reasons and solutions planned by the utility companies, making the report neutral to Pres. Aquino.

The other news today in the Phil Daily Inquirer Front Page are as follows:

Aquino stands by Abads; where’s the honeymoon? - is a report coming from the point of view of the President and Cong. Abad. The news still come out negative for the Abads and also for Pres. Aquino. Abad -1. Aquino -1.

Honasan: Amnesty for Trillanes - reports that the President is merely giving his opinion on Trillanes' case. Surely a gaffe, for how could the DOJ Sec. tell him when he is wrong (likely)? The report also gave space to Sen. Mirriam Defensonr Santiago who castigated the President for wanting to control the Senate (as if there is wrong with that, in fairness to the President). However, our monitor thinks someone should tell the President that as the highest official in the land, his opinions are not just opinions: they become policy. This monitor feels that the news still result in negative treatment to President Aquino who insists on his gaffe. Aquino -1.

SC accused of plagiarism in sex slave case - World War II sex slavery victims putting Pres. Aquino to task on his "You are my Boss" statement, the news report dealt the SC a negative treatment for merely copying legal articles without proper attribution, when it dismissed the claim of supposed sex slaves for compensation and apology from the Japanese Government. There is no proper response yet from the SC as they still have to review their own wordings on the judgment. SC -1.

2010 turning out to be hottest year on record, says US - an inconclusive Reuters report on the weather phenomenon, El Nino.

Sarmiento appointed Pagcor chief - a report on recent appointments.

Slay of activist kin accidental? - After news reports that seems to indicate that the slayed person might have something to do with being related to an activist recently killed, the Inquirer reports with a question mark (even when there is without much basis to suspect) the police report that said the death is just an accident. Our monitor presume that the question mark in the report title is merely to save the Inquirer's face, but which surely only a few readers would notice.

Cinemalaya showcases best of RP indies - a report on digital film (movie) making.

The scores today show President Aquino in negative territory for the 2nd day in a row.
Aquino: -2
Abad: -1
SC: -1

July 19, 2010

After 2 days, it seems the Philippine Daily Inquirer noticed the gaffe that Pres. Aquino made on Sen. Trillanes' Coup case, but not really.



Giving space to opinions coming from Sens. Arroyo and Angara (Review of Trillanes coup case draws fire. Senators hit Palace meddling in judiciary, Senate) the Inquirer gave a negative treatment to President Aquino's legal opinion on the case. Although the gaffe centers on a President saying an injustice is committed for filing a wrong case when he has not even established his credibility on giving legal opinion, and when a review of the quoted provision in the Penal Code may actually show otherwise, the report centers on the suspicion that the President is doing this to get Sen. Trillanes' vote for his bet for the Senate Presidency. It is like saying that if someone suspects something, then it is news. Aquino -1.

The other front page news today are as follows:

COMMENTARY Harnessing people power in fight against corruption - a commentary on what people can do to stop corruption, with references from both local and foreign movements doing exactly that. The writer, Mr. Dennis Arroyo, is careful enough not to put blame corruption on anybody.

Metro water woes traced to dry Angat - is a report on the critical water supply situation, even after the rainy typhoon.

Third boat in ‘balangay’ epic voyage unveiled - an update on a group retracing the ocean route of some of our ancestors.

Too many Abads in gov’t? Solons feel ill at ease - a negative take on the presence of more Abads in Pres. Aquino's administration. Aquino -1.

Analysis. Whitewash of Trillanes’ role in coup plot feared - an Aquino supporter during the campaign (that is how he looked like, at least), the Inquirer columnist Amando Doronila now gave a negative opinion on Pres. Aquino's statements about the Trillanes injustice. Aquino -1

Children learn of healthy eats in read-along - a Phil Daily Inquirer self promotion, promoting healthy eating for kids.

There is another news today regarding Facebook ghosts which our monitor cannot find from the PDI's internet website, but which we assume did not touch on any national political personalities.

The score today surprisingly gave President Aquino (and only him) the whip.
Aquino: -3

July 18, 2010

While forgetting that the new President had a gung-ho approach of removing people from day one, and it seems not evident to everyone that the President need not appoint everyone to all positions himself, the Inquirer Front Page today headlined the problems encountered by Aquino in getting "good" people.


The main headline today (Aquino hard-put to fill 5,000 top gov't posts) took the President's side on why there are still many appointments needed to be made. Defeated presidential candidate Sen. Gordon is also given space today as the person credited for the success at Subic. Aquino +1. Gordon +1.

The other Front Page news today:

Power (less) lifestyle: How to keep electric bills low - reports on tips on how to reduce power consumption in the home.

Grandma at 80 is in kindergarten to learn the 3 Rs, counting above 10 - A Grandma learning to write but who voted in the last elections for who else. Aquino +1.

Survival tales from the sea - the story coming from sea tragedy brought about by the recent typhoon.

Filipinos run with heart for Pasig River on 10/10/10 - a press release on the upcoming fun run to save the river, that gave positive PR for a mass media network. ABS-CBN +1.

Aquino is just a tweet/SMS/ PM/chat away - puts the President closer to the People, especially the younger ones. Aquino +1.

How to avoid pitfalls of long-distance race - a look at the dangers of long distance running.

The scores today:
Aquino: 3
Gordon: 1
ABS-CBN: 1

July 17, 2010

A gaffe with serious consequences is given a free pass in the Inquirer Front Page today.


The main headline today quoted President Aquino who said that Sen. Trillanes was a victim of injustice because he was charged in court (Aquino: Trillanes may be victim of injustice. Orders DuJ to review jailed solon’s case). Following the President flawed logic, everyone that would be charged in court, guilty or not, is a victim of injustice. This news report has obviously given President Aquino and Sen. Trillanes very positive treatment. Aquino +1. Trillanes +1.

The other front page news today:

Cousin of slain activist shot dead - a news report on another killing of another possible activist which gave space to Sec. Robredo's opinion on the matter. The report also gave space to Sec. De Lima who guessed that the military could be behind the murder, which guess is balanced by an opinion of a congressman defending the military. Robredo +1.

Aquino to stop surge of new Pagcor casinos - gave space to President Aquino's views on PAGCOR. Aquino +1.

Race for Senate presidency goes from Asia to America - a report on the race for the Senate leadership, where no one is particularly treated positively or negatively.. What is obvious though even in the past about this issue is that Sen. Villar has not yet been interviewed as to whether he really is gunning for the Senate Presidency.

BP stops flow of oil spill in Gulf of Mexico - a report on an oil well disaster that devastated the environment around the Gulf of Mexico.

DPWH chief quits as MWSS chair, cites ‘delicadeza’ - a report on the new DPWH chief's delicadeza, that is hard to determine if its effect is negative or positive for the subject.

Baguio folk choose to forget 1990 killer quake - is a report on how to treat a disaster, in commemoration of the 1990 earthquake that affected the summer capital.

Neri pleads not guilty, won’t turn state witness - a recurring report on Neri's arraignment, negative in treatment to former President Arroyo. Arroyo -1.

The scores:
Aquino: 2
Robredo: 1
Trillanes: 1
Arroyo: -1

July 16, 2010

I am not sure if the Inquirer main headline today is deliberately confusing its readers when it seems to have reported that a famous pawnshop chain is in the sights of the BIR for possible tax evasion.


Actually, the report did not say that the target of the BIR's investigation is the popular Villarica pawnshop (BIR targets pawnbroker. He bought P26-M car but paid no income tax). It just mentioned the name of the owner of 5 pawnshops who has the same surname (a close relative) with the owner of the bigger chain, who is also now a congressman from Bulacan. The news gave spin to say that the Aquino government is serious in improving the government's tax collection efforts. Too bad for the Villarica brand name, the confusing report did not give them a chance to clarify which Villarica is being investigated at all, all for the sake of giving the President some positive coverage. Aquino +1.

The other news today:
‘Basyang’ death toll hits 37; 46 missing - is a rundown on the casualties from the last typhoon.

Meralco: Full power supply back Friday in Metro but . . . - a report on the power supply situation in the country after the typhoon caused it cut in many parts of Luzon.

New GSIS chair: Title or no title, I’m committed - a report on the leadership appointment at the agency that handle's government worker's pension fund, with slight positive but more negative to President Aquino, but only negative for the former President, Arroyo. Arroyo -1, Aquino -1.

DPWH chief ‘appoints’ self to head MWSS - a negative take on Pres. Aquino's appointment at the DPWH who, seemingly with conflicting interests (he is formerly working with Maynilad and still has shares in the company) appoints himself head of the MWSS. Aquino -1.

President keeps hands off Palace pork - as if it means anything, the President side is given space on his treatment of his own administration's pork barrel. The report though gave a fair treatment by stating the obvious, through another interview source, that the President still has control over it. Aquino=0.

New head of peace panel with MILF: No surprises - a positive take on the recently appointed head of the peace panel tasked to engage in talks with the MILF, and the new administration's "constitutional" policy on the matter. Aquino +1.

Aquino: I’m no Barack, just a regular P-Noy - a report on interviews with President Aquino, actually a series of them that shows his humanness.. Aquino +1.

The scores today:
Aquino: 1
Arroyo: -1

July 15, 2010

What seems to be a hopeless PAGASA took the main headlines in the Inquirer Front page today.


While it seems no one has noticed that all tracking information on typhoons and storms are widely available on the internet, the country's weather bureau got some notice from the President himself today (Aquino hits weather bureau for error. PAGASA wide off the mark) for not being able to predict the typhoons directions accurately. While the bureau can simply monitor forecasts by other country's weather facilities, or maybe just watch CNN for updates, it seems they need at least PHP1.2B to solve their problems. The main problem seems to be that PAG-ASA is using the same highly inflexible technique (software) they've been using for quite some time, which perhaps does not have the capability to be revised on the fly with changes in directions based on satellite photos. President Noy came out to be a hands-on manager and I can assume only positive results for his image with this report. Aquino +1.

The other news today in the Front Page are as follows:

Typhoon ‘Basyang’ leaves Luzon in the dark - reports on the damage on the power grid brought about by the typhoon, which failed to mention that it is fairly medium (it is not a super typhoon) in strength which is not proportional to the extent of damage.

‘Basyang’ toll: 22 killed; 35 others missing - reports about human damage by the typhoon with some references to the DSWD and to President Aquino.

SPECIAL REPORT ‘Nuke or bust only choice to beat energy crisis’ - a report for and against nuclear power, including BNPP.

Noy on Merci: I will talk to her, am not fighting her - seems to be a complete turn around by the President on his own conflict with the Ombudsman, but which the report did not notice much. I cannot read whether this piece of report is positive or negative to the President though, so our monitor leaves it as neutral.

Convictions new gauge of PNP skills - more positive news to both Pres. Aqiuno, and the hotshot new DILG chief Robredo. Aquino +1. Robredo +1.

‘Ondoy’ horror redux: Sleepless in Marikina - a report that recalls the horror of Ondoy, with the backdrop of typhoon Basyang.

Did Palace singing change course of storm? - a report with an amusing title on the President taking time out for a little party with press people, giving Aquino human dimension. Aquino +1.

Charice raises the bar for int’l singers - not a local but a Reuters report on Charice.

The scores:
Aquino: 3
Robredo: 1

It seems the Inquirer Front page forgot about former President Arroyo today, and focused solely on the new President. It is also so far so good for DILG Sec. Robredo.

July 13, 2010

As if proof of her evil, a quote from Ombudsman Gutierrez graced the Inquirer Front Page main headline today.


Although the main news today mostly came from the point of view of the Ombudsman, and although she came in well prepared with cheerers for her press conference, which the basis of the headline report (Gutierrez: I won’t resign. Close ties with Arroyo no reason to impeach her), Gutierrez still came out as a bad person. Of course, we know she is vilified because she is supposedly working under Arroyo. Arroyo -1.

The other Front Page news today are as follows:

Fiesta in Spain; mourning in Holland - a combined report of AFP and Reuters on the WorldCup.

Aquino warns military as 3rd activist killed - the President himself seems to be blaming the military without basis for a 3rd activist killed within 12 days of his administration, perhaps forgetting that he is now the commander and chief of the AFP. The news report is approached positively for President Aquino while the same would have generated vicious remarks against the former PResident had she still been in power. Aquino +1. AFP -1.

President enjoys 88% trust rating–SWS - reports on the most trusted President we ever had, showing that people trust Aquino even if the same people surveyed did not believe he can fulfill most of his promises. Aquino +1.

Gambling cabal drops Aquino’s name - a report based on an interview with a police officer (source) who while remaining unnamed named gambler Atong Ang and involved the President's uncle Peping Cojuangco in a scheme to introduce a new form of jueteng-like gambling.

E-voting no threat to old-style ballot - a report part of which was picked up from a report by the Agence French Presse with a spin to throw questions at automated elections.

Fore! Woes of customs chief not over - part two of yesterday's report on the new custom chief's dishonesty, coming from an interview with another Senator (Osmena). The Inquirer did not say why Sen. Osmena's and Sotto's (yesterday) opinion is suddenly very important.

Aquino backs drive vs ‘jueteng’ but says it’s not priority - a report that still gave Aquino positive treatment even if it seems that the President is backing down on the drive against Jueteng. Aquino +1.

The scores:
Aquino: 3
Arroyo: -1
AFP: -1

July 12, 2010

A continuation of a new saga, involving the new DILG Secretary, to stop illegal gambling in the grassroots, took the Inquirer Front Page main headline today.


Here is a welcome report on the first few acts and statements coming from the new DILG chief (STL-jueteng link probed. Robredo asks PCSO for help) after being appointed by President Arroyo. This comes positive for the new secretary but not necessarily to President Aquino. Robredo +1.

Solons find Gutierrez tough to impeach - a report that gets Ombudsman Gutierrez negatively treated because of her connections with the former President. Although the main subject of the negative treatment is the Ombudsman, the real target is of course Arroyo. Arroyo -1.

VIGILANTE KILLINGS. Statistics not enough to punish Davao City cops - reports about the failure of the Ombudsman to prosecute but is not necessarily negative to the Ombudsman.

Sotto: Customs chief guilty of ‘mortal sin’ - an interview with a Senator (Sotto) on his opinions about the new Customs Chief, the report did not say why Sotto is important enough to be asked for opinion. The news is positive to Sotto and negative to the new customs chief, which both we do not monitor.

The workbooks that need more work - a report on school workbooks in Lipa City that are full of errors but whose implementation were given awards, showing how incompetence is given a pass at the expense of our children's education.

Analysis. Fluid battle for Senate presidency - an analysis by an Aquino campaign sympathizer, Mr. Amado Doronila about the situation in the Senate that are actually analyzed many times over. Doronila simply gave the same analysis with the background of a spin on Aquino's landslide mandate. Aquino +1.

He sent his last letter to the editor–his obit - a report about an avid letter writer on his last letter to the Inquirer.

Parakeet teams up with Paul - a story about creatures that predict the outcome of the World Cup, even without them knowing what they are actually doing.

The scores today:
Aquino: 1
Robredo: 1
Arroyo: -1

July 11, 2010

Seldom do we see real positions given space in the Inquirer Main headlines.


At last, a very clear stance of President Aquino against the illegal numbers game, Jueteng ( Stop jueteng, new DILG chief told, took the main headlines today. The report is unfairly negative to former President Arroyo when it says that the illegal game flourished on her watch while not giving any data to back it up. The report seems positive to Robredo but did not necessarily give President Aquino a thumbs up. Arroyo -1. Robredo +1.

Palace forms media group led by Coloma and Carandang - a report that did not so much gave the President any positive or negative spin, but dwelt on the gossips surrounding the media group appointments.

Close encounters with 6 presidents - a story about a Malacanang Press officer who wrote a book about her experiences in government, that alrhough touched on some Presidents did not necessarily gave any spin on their subjects.

Red Cross Rose, volunteer for 60 years, and counting - a story about the Red Cross and an old local celebrity identified with it.

Paulino Alcantara: RP legend in world football - a timely story about an amazing Filipino-Spaniard football talent of the 1920s.

World Cup’s Octopus oracle gets more ink - a news that features the now popular World Cup eight-tentacled seer that did not touch on any of our local concerns.

The scores today:
Robredo: 1
Arroyo: -1

July 10, 2010

An intentional misspelling took the main headline today!


The main headline today (Palace: No Merci in Bolante probe. ‘Removing Gutierrez an option’) seems to simply say that the Ombudsman is part of the evil empire of former President Arroyo. Arroyo -1.

The other news in the Inquirer Front Page today:

After 5 years of inquiry, Ombudsman says Lorenzo, Bolante liable for graft - is a continuation of the main headline. Although this time, more space is given to the interview with a spokesperson of the Ombudsman, it still generally gave the Ombudsman and her evil master negative treatment. Arroyo -1.

Back to 1st choice: Robredo to DILG - is not just about Robredo but some of the other recent appointments, which threw some questions on the wisdom of the choices. Aquino -1.

‘Automated mystery’ case: Roxas files protest - generally a report coming from the Roxas camp's point of view. Roxas +1.

‘Little President’ abhors spotlight - an interview with Exec. Sec. Ochoa turned out neutral for the President.

New AFP plan vs Reds stresses human rights - a positive treatment on the AFP, not necessarily the same for the President. AFP +1.

LTO chief is Aquino shooting partner - merely says that the new LTO chief is a good choice. Aquino +1.

Br. Luistro ready to talk sex (ed) - this time a positive Luistro giving himself positive coverage by the mass media.

There are two other news in the front page today, about sports (basketball and the world cup), that did not touch on any national personality.

The scores today:
Roxas: 1
AFP: 1
Aquino: 0
Arroyo: -2

July 9, 2010

Perhaps what would be the first of the so called scandals in the past administration that will be taken into account soon took the main headline of the Inquirer Front Page today.


The question whether former Agri Chief Lorenzo should be a state witness or be among those persecuted remains unasked in the main headlines today (‘Lorenzo is missing link’. Magsaysay: He can link Arroyo to agri fund scam). The report seems open to the idea of making Lorenzo a state witness which could be questionable since his brother is one of the campaign contributors in Pres. Aquino's Presidential run. There is no doubt that former Arroyo does not benefit from these kinds of news. The question though is whether Pres. Aquino is affected at all, which still remains to be seen. Arroyo -1.

World Cup down to a duel: Spain vs Netherlands - a coverage of the world cup happening in South Africa.

Ilocos, Davao most dangerous for journalists - a story of journalists murders devoid of any national politics, this will be the first time that such stories do not solicit a negative treatment for the former President.

Palace media expert advises Aquino: Don’t be accidentally exciting - a repeat of the positive spin on the "media-savvy" and "candid" President's handling of his recent press conference, even though his answers are actually better characterized as evasive and time wasting. Aquino +1.

Arroyo evades media on Lorenzo, ‘like a mouse’ - a report that perhaps try to contrast the media-savvy Aquino to the escaping-like-a-mouse Arroyo, it also mentioned that the former President is late, perhaps just like Aquino, and nothing much else. Arroyo -1.

Gatdula heads NBI, Tarlaqueño is LTO chief, Banayo to NFA, etcetera - a rundown on new appointments made by the President.

Faeldon ‘surrenders to will of the people’ - a report that related a military person involved in some destabilization or coup attempts in the past administration to the present administration's true mandate. Aquino +1.

De Lima hits ‘special treatment’ for Ampatuan - a report that seemed to forget that DOJ secretary De Lima is now with the DOJ, took the opinion of the secretary at face value, as if she has nothing to do with the issue. De Lima +1.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
De Lima: 1
Arroyo: -2

July 8, 2010

The main headline in the Inquirer today (Ex-agri chief set to talk. Lorenzo to cooperate in scam inquiry) is a report about the return of a former Agriculture secretary, Mr. Cito Lorenzo, who may be involved or a witness to a supposed fund diversion to help former President Arroyo's candidacy in 2004. Surely, the report is negative to former President Arroyo. However, the question is whether it is also negative to President Aquino who is reported to have attended a birthday party where Sec. Lorenzo is also a guest. Since the report also gave doubts on President Aquino by stating the fact that the brother of the former secretary is one of the big contributors in the Aquino campaign, our monitor judge this report as negative to the new President. Arroyo -1. Aquino -1.

A first: Aquino acknowledges Corona at ‘healing’ Red Mass - somewhat a report on the first step to reconciliation between the President and the Chief Justice, giving legitimacy to the latter. The report did not so much take a view on the absurdity of Aquino's past pronouncements, though. Corona +1.

Mystic mollusk spooks Germany: It picked Spain! - a report on a seer octopus, who is now proven right, again, when it predicted that Spain will win over Germany in the FIFA semifinals.

Golf ‘cheating’ stymies new customs chief - seems to be a continuation of series of reports on what is negative to President Aquino's appointments. No matter what the new customs chief says, he will be forever known as a golf cheat. It is hard to say if the news is negative to the administration but we judge it not to be so, at this time.

Brownouts hit Times St. amid high Meralco rates - a report basically about people telling the President what to do, this time to stop Meralco and Napocor from increasing their rates.

No(y)-holds-barred, newsy media briefing - a report on a supposed "media-savvy" (according to the writer of the report TJ Burgonio) Aquino. Of course, it is obvious to everyone that Aquino was not answering questions directly but instead taking time diverting the questions with platitudes and generalities, but the report gave him A grade nevertheless. Aquino +1.

P7B allotted for seniors but no money - a story about the discounts given to senior citizens without so much completing the report by looking at who is shouldering the discounts.

Aquino to keep pork as ‘concept,’ figures to change - a report from two sides of the political arena on pork barrel, but did not give a treatment from the political reform point of view. The report let it pass that President Aquino does not intend to stop the use of pork barrel as political dole-outs. It merely packaged it as a fight between different political parties.

Full release of Mayuga report set - a report on a report which purportedly cleared the military of cheating for the former President but is nevertheless negative to her. Arroyo -1.

The scores:
Corona: 1
Aquino: 0
Arroyo: -2

July 7, 2010

More bad news are reported in the Inquirer's main headline today, but at least not directly linked to the new administration. Yet.


The main banner today surely gets into the reader's nerves (Meralco rates up again. Power firm blames IPPs for increase) but it does not necessarily pin the blame on the present administration.

The other news on the Front Page today:

‘Extrajudicial killings not my gov’t policy’ - the President's side took more space today on the subject of supposed extra-judicial killings. The topic is not (yet) blamed on the Aquino administration, although space is given to comments by left leaning Teddy Casino who took a dig at the President for taking aim at "wang-wangs" rather than working immediately on "bang-bangs" (perhaps meaning murders). I can say the tone of the news is still mellow and giving President Aquino some benefit of the doubt. Aquino +1.

Traders’ most watched: PBA chair heads BoC - is a somewhat shallow story on how the new BoC chief got the job, devoid of any opinion.

Gotcha on TV! Binay, red-faced, says sorry - is a dig on Binay for not following the President's orders. Binay -1.

Aquino ally seeks to cut pork by half; no way, says Arroyo party mate - a story that gave the Liberal party somewhat of a positive point of view, but not necessarily connecting to Aquino. LP +1.

DepEd chief learns first lesson: Handling media - A repeat of previous stories on the media gaffe by DepEd Sec. Luistro plus some coverage on his plans to go all over the Department to learn everything on it, turns out to be a neutral treatment.

Justice is surfed: SC taps Twitter, Facebook - an SC press release on its attempt to be closer to the people via social networking internet sites. SC +1.

Palace backs Romulo on DFA extensions - a bit of a negative take on the DFA situation with their chief forced to defend himself from critisms.

The score today:
Aquino: 1
LP: 1
SC: 1
Binay: -1

New VP Binay found himself in rare occasion alone in negative territory.

July 6, 2010

The killings, a culture of impunity, continues under the new Aquino administration.


The Inquirer Front Page main headline today (Bayan activist shot dead. Gunman kills victim in front of 12-yr-old son) reports what could be the first political killing (some say extrajudicial killing) and continue to report on the first dead journalist in the new President's 5-day old administration. Although the news report did not pin the blame on President Aquino, it nevertheless gave negative treatment via interviews with left leaning people giving unsolicited advise to the President. Aquino -1.

The other front page news today are as follows:

Aquino orders review of RP defense - features the Phil. Airforce, their support for the new administration, and Aquino's speech on the occassion of the PAF's 63rd anniversary. Aquino +1.

‘Business as usual’ over at DPWH, says new head - reports about the statement of the new DPWH secretary who vows to end corruption in the department. It also talked about some past projects that supposedly benefitted two former Pres. Arroyo's sons. Arroyo -1.

President’s men to be trained in handling media - reports that because the administration people are new, they will undergo some training, as if the said idea absolves them of their media bloopers in the first 5 days of the Aquino administration. The report nevertheless gave negative impressions for Presidential spokesperson Lacierda and DepEd Sec. Luistro. It did not comment much on how Aquino himself seems to be answering negatively mass media's questions. The report therefore is negative to his men but not yet to Aquino directly. Lacierda -1. Luistro -1.

Aquino is against ‘jueteng,’ says Malacañang - this report gave space to Anti-Jueteng crusader Bishop Cruz' statements against the illegal numbers game and against gambling as a whole that puts the new administration to be in the dark as far as illegal gambling is concerned. Aquino -1.

And the ‘wiener’ is … ‘Jaws’ Chestnut - an AFP cum AP feature on a weird American competition involving a lot of hotdogs.

Is it time to give up NAIA in favor of Clark? - a feature about the airport in Clark, named after the former President's father, on the backdrop of recent problems encountered in the NAIA.

Belmonte leads in House; 3-way race in Senate - a feature about the race for leadership in the two chambers of congress without reporting much how leadership positions are arrived at there.

The scores today:
Aquino: -1.
Lacierda: -1
Luistro: -1
Arroyo: -1

For the first time in weeks, Aquino and his men joined Arroyo in the negative territory, prompting the question as to whether this is the end of the Administration's honeymoon period with the press..