February 28, 2011

A dire message to the Libyan strongman took the centerstage of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Obama to Gadhafi: Leave. UK, Russia also assail use of force in Libya) is an international news on different countries' strong message against the embattled Libyan leader.

The other front page news today:

Zubiri: Gov’t action ‘too little, too late’ - Sen. Zubiri given good front page space for his statements against the government and to whoever is in charge of the evacuation of Filipinos from Libya. The same report also gave a bit of space for Sen Recto for his own statements. Aquino -1. Recto +1..

IOM help sought in evacuation - a report that also says the DFA has not done much to assist in the evacuation of Filipinos from Libya. DFA -1.

ANALYSIS. Tolstoy’s happy families and people power revolutions - a beginning of an analysis by Doronila on People Power revolutions.

On eve of Oscars, Fil-Am wins - a feature on a Filipino American cinematrographer, who could win and Oscar.

Sick of ‘jejemon’? Help on the way - a feature on a Filipino software writer that could afford people to avoid using Jejemon.

The scores:
Recto: 1
DFA: -1
Aquino: -1

February 27, 2011

President Aquino's self congratulations gets to the center of the the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.


The headline (Aquino trumpets record. He cites rebidding overpriced contracts) is a front and center space given for the administration giving out unchallenged unquestionable information. Aquino +1. DBM +1. DSWD +1.

The other front page news today:

Grateful Filipinos fear for those still in Libya - a news report on Filipino evacuees from Libya with some negative digs directed at the DFA. DFA -1.

COMMENTARY. After 25 years, Philippines still my Philippines - is a commentary by a foreign journalist who mentioned that the absence of news from Manila is a better situation.

Frankly, I’m scared, says acting DFA head - The new acting DFA Sec. Del Rosario is highly qualified to take his new post after having stood up against the bad former PResident. DFA +1. Arroyo -1.

Massacre victims’ kin wants Arroyo in jail with Ampatuans - The former President is a conspirator to the gruesome massacre more than a year ago in Maguindanao, so says the victims' relatives. Arroyo -1.

Music recharges Edsa spirit - There is nothing wrong with the President doing some rap music to celebrate EDSA25, while some Filipinos are dead or dying in New Zealand and extreme danger in Libya. Aquino +1.

The scores:
Aquino: 2
DBM: 1
DSWD: 1
DFA: 1 -1 =0
Arroyo: -2

February 26, 2011

Viva People Power is the main theme of the Philippine Daily Inquirer Front Page today.


The headline (People Power lives on. Longings of soldiers, civilians unite at Edsa) features the statement of President Aquino and statements by everyone against the former President. Even another former President convicted of plunder gets to say nasty things about Arroyo. Aquino +1. Arroyo -1.

The other Front Page news reports:

‘We vied for honor to lead attack on Palace’ - is Gen. Almonte's account of the brewing coup against Marcos in 1986.

Filipino nurse texted, called home while under rubble - the gripping sad stories of young Filipinos trapped in a building in New Zealand.

‘Sin statue looks more like Ninoy’ - a feature on the former Archibishop of Manila whose unveiled statue does not look a bit like himself. The report also include part of a speech by President Aquino and admonition by Manila's Mayor to support the President. Catholic Church +1. Aquino +1.

Filipinos to leave Libya by land, sea, air - the DFA given wide space as to what they are doing to rescue Filipinos trapped in Libya, with VP Binay figuring as one of those on a mission to do just that. DFA +1. Binay +1.

Best defense money can buy for Singson - looks like an independent legal analysis of Cong. Singson's sentence in HK for drug trafficking.

Deadly ‘My Way’ out from karaoke playlists - a feature on one of Asia's favorite pastime.

The scores:
Aquino: 2
Binay: 1
DFA: 1
Catholic Church: 1
Arroyo: -1

February 25, 2011

The New Zealand earthquake held its own against a photo of the Inquirer's 1986 front page issue in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (14 Filipinos missing in NZ. But hopes for more survivors are fading) is a report on the New Zealand quake where some of the missing are Filipinos while the DFA is now on the scene to look for them. DFA +1.

The other front page news today:

Singson gets 18 months, to quit House; family in tears - a report that confuses as the convicted drug user and Filipino Congressman gets what he was praying for, a light sentence.

Prosecutors told: You’re out to lose Garcia case - more senate hearings on the Garcia plea bargain, where the office of the Ombudsman seems to have not done anything right while DOJ Sec. De Lima gets good space for her statements. Ombudsman -1. De Lima +1.

Loyal Gadhafi troops mass in Tripoli for last stand - a New York Times report on the violence in Libya as the embattled leader refuse to go down and reinforced himself with mercenaries.

Enrile: We never expected people at EDSA - Senate President Enrile, talking about his upcoming book which details his role and actions in EDSA 25 years ago.

How revolt was won: Turning points - Military dilemnas delayed and ultimately aborted the attacks on Enrile-Ramos forces in EDSA.

Seniors’ prom rudely interrupted by Marcos goons - a report on what happened in Bulacan and Baguio at the time of the EDSA revolution.

The scores:
De Lima: 1
DFA: 1
Ombudsman: -1

February 24, 2011

A text message cry for help is the main banner of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.


The headline (‘Ma, we are trapped’. Cebu-born nurse’s text pleads for help) is a report on a Filipina's rescue call in New Zealand, all after the government said there are no Filipino casualties in the recent earthquake there. DFA -1.

The other front page news today:

Ramos: Military a ‘must’ factor in any people power revolt - a report on an interview with former President Ramos who said that the military component is important for a people power revolution to succeed.

EDSA ‘Fatima’ blessed by Pope; Sin fetched image in NJ - a story about the role of Catholic Church and the image of the Our Lady of Fatima in the EDSA revolution 25 years ago. Catholic Church +1.

Vizconde ready to face justices: Why would I lie? - a repeat of a story on the charges against some justices in the Supreme Court. SC -1.

LTO chief: Not me, it’s the Highway Patrol Group - the LTO Chief's side on the issue against her that is turning into a he-says-she-says piece.

Romulo prefers COA post, briefs successor - the DFA chief is replaced but nobody bothered to ask why, while the COA chief is presumed to have resigned even when he did not - a news report that gave that is missing on facts and giving the administration too much spare room to wiggle. Aquino +1.

Solons vote to give selves more pork, perks - an accurate title summarizing the news report itself.

The scores:
Aqiuno: 1
Catholic Church: 1
DFA: -1
SC: -1

February 23, 2011

More issues on the SC hugs the headline in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.


The headline (P50-M Webb fund bared. Vizconde: Money was intended for justices) is a continuation of the story on Vizconde's allegation against some justices of the Supreme Court. SC -1.

The other stories in the Front Page today:

Aquino marks EDSA rites with Ramos, Enrile, Honasan - a report mostly of President Aquino's statements on the People's revolt in 1986. Aquino +1.

No EDSA I if Marcos conducted genuine, credible snap election - is a feature on Senator Honasan, his statements on his own role in EDSA 25 years ago.

Subic cars’ papers started in Kudarat, finished in Tarlac - a report on irregularities of registration of motor vehicles implicating the LTO chief who is often mentioned as a shooting buddy of the President. Aquino -1. LTO -1.

Quake kills 65 in New Zealand; no Filipinos hurt - a story of the earthquake in NZ with casualties not including Filipinos.

Gadhafi faces major revolt; 2 pilots defect - an international report on the violent turn of events in Gadhafi's Libya.

CHEd to go commando-style vs substandard schools - a report giving the CHED some good space.

The scores:
Aquino: 1 -1 =0
SC: -1
LTO: -1

February 22, 2011

A different kind of whistle blower is now on the top front of the Phil. Daily Inqiurer Front page today.



The headline (Corona is whistle-blower, claims Lauro Vizconde. ‘CJ warned me Carpio was pro-Webb’) gets the Vizconde case on the front page again via a statement from Mr. Lauro Vizconde saying the Chief Justice told him another Supreme Court Justice is trying to get the accused absolved. SC -1.

The other Front page news today:

Aquino: Resolve case against LTO chief - a confusing story about the LTO chief although what is reiterated clear is that the President and his DOJ secretary are fair and doing their jobs. Aquino +1. De Lima +1. LTO -1.

ARAB REVOLT. Libya protesters, security clash in capital - a report on the violent turn of events in Libya protests.

Police say military liable for botanist’s death - the military and the DOJ is questioned primarily by witnesses heard by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on the event of the botanist's death. AFP -1. De Lima-1.

Cardinal Sin packed ’em at EDSA but Butz sounded the call first - a story of the EDSA revolt 25 years ago from the point of view of Butz Aquino that actually gave little credit to Cardinal Sin as the title would have suggested.

Baguio IT Studes teach computers to speak Ilocano - our monitor did not find this report online although it seems safe to assume no personality we monitor was given any kind of treatment.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
De Lima: 1 -1 =0
SC: -1
LTO: -1
AFP: -1

February 21, 2011

Corruption in the LTO took the centerstage from a boxing match in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front page today.


The headline LTO chief tied to car theft. Police report tags Aquino pal, 25 others is a report on a 2 year old case against the LTO chief and other LTO officials allegedly involved in legitimizing the papers of stolen vehicles. The report did not include the details of what the charges are backed up with, giving those accused some negative treatment as with the President who is a friend of the LTO chief. LTO -1. Aquino -1.

The other Front Page news today:

Donaire bags 2 world crowns in a flash - the story on the boxing match featuring another Filipino boxer.

Shrieking teenage fans pack Swift show - a news report on a concert by an international country pop teenage artist, that earned a front page spot.

Amid scandal, 92-year-old PMA grad inspires cadets - a side story on the PMA alumni homecoming.

ANALYSIS. Year of revolution: From EDSA to Tahrir Square - the EDSA people power of 25 years was compared to the recent developments in the middle east.

PDI-backed education drives win Anvil awards - the paper reports on its own successful social advocacies.

The scores:
Aquino: -1
LTO: -1

February 20, 2011

Perhaps some people have not read yesterday's headline. No worries as the same good news is repeated in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (‘A gesture of friendship’. China’s act ‘special arrangement, historical’) is a repeat of yesterday's news. Aquino +1. Binay +1.

The other front page news reports:

Aquino: Cases to be filed vs prosecutors - a report on statements made by the President against the prosecutors from the office of the Ombudsman, repeating the anti-corruption media theme. Aquino +1. Ombudman -1.

SAINTLY ENCOUNTERS. Flying high for 3 days with John Paul II - a feature on the former Pope who is to be beatified, from the point of view of a Pilot who served him on his trip to Manila many years ago.

Absent Trillanes is hot topic at PMA rites - a report where some negative take on Sen. Trillanes drowns out those that are positive. Trillanes -1.

PDI breaks another first: Digital edition - a media release of the paper on their new offering. Inquirer +1.

How broadcaster gets a high, finds life’s meaning - more of a media coverage for Habitat for Humanity than for the subject broadcaster, with Sen. Francis Escudero given good space. Escudero +1.

The scores:
Aquino: 2
Binay: 1
Escudero: 1
Inquirer: 1
Ombudsman: -1
Trillanes: -1

February 19, 2011

A triumphant Vice President took the center-stage of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (China defers executions. Reprieve seen as PH diplomatic triumph) is a brief news on the so called "diplomatic triumph" prolonged via repeat of yesterday's reports. Aquino +1. Binay +1.

The other Front Page reports:

10 houses in America; a mansion in Acropolis - a report where Sen. Estrada get good space via the continuation of the senate hearings alleged corruption in the military. Estrada +1.

Storm heaven with prayers, Filipinos urged - a report where space is given to Catholic bishops on their comments and prayers for Filipinos on Death row in China. Catholic Church +1.

Heidi Mendoza talks of ‘Wonder Woman’ - a one-sided report on the senate hearing, hearing only the side of auditor Mendoza.

Still ‘too hot’ for Trillanes to attend PMA rites - although this report gave Sen. Trillanes space to rebut negative comments about his treatment of General Reyes, it still came out negative for him. Trillanes -1.

New Edsa heroes wield brooms - a report on preparations for next week's EDSA celebration.

Libya troops gun down 24 on ‘day of anger’ - a collection of reports on what is happening (people's protests) in the middle east.

The scores;
Aquino: 1
Binay: 1
Estrada: 1
Catholic Church: 1
Trillanes: -1

February 18, 2011

Our China crisis still grabs the center of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (China lets PH make plea. VP to meet with Sino chief justice) shows the government's concern for Filipinos on death row in China, doing everything it can to save them, even if they were supposedly drug mules. Aquino +1. Binay +1. DFA +1.

The other Front Page news today:

Legal eagles go for federal form of gov’t - a report on a hearing in the senate on reforming the constitution.

Pacquiao and his traveling circus. Wife wears diamond the size of Manhattan - a coverage of Congressman Pacquiao's promotional tour, not of the Philippines but of boxing.

SC chides Vizconde, but he stands by story - a report on the SC's response to some previous statements against it, that gave the SC both negative and positive treatment although our monitor leaned on the latter. SC +1.

Middle East unrest spreads - a story on people's protests sweeping the middle east.

Sweet 16: Jackpot worth waiting for - a story of lotto winners, obviously a marketing press release.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
Binay: 1
DFA: 1
SC: 1

February 17, 2011

The President's appeal to China gets center-space in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Aquino seeks China mercy. Beijing: Death for 3 Filipinos is final) is a report on the President's statements regarding the pending execution of Filipinos in China showing his government is doing all it can to save them. Aquino +1. Binay +1. DFA +1.

The other front page news reports:

Resign calls rising but Gutierrez not giving up - a prudent congress getting ready to impeach the Ombudsman who may be protecting we know who with calls for her resignation building up. Ombudsman -1. Arroyo -1.

Poor mother’s dream of better life may end in China Feb. 21 - the story of a mother who will be executed in China, even as the PDEA is doing a good job.

Romulo may get new post after DFA - a blow by blow report on the retirement of the AFP chief and the removal of the DFA secretary for no apparent reason. Aquino +1.

WHITE HOUSE MEETING. Pacquiao meets the man: ‘He’s so tall’ - a report on the best Filipino boxer ever meeting with the President of the USA, with President Aquino given space for his statement. Pacquiao +1. Aquino +1.

‘Very unusual case’: SC reverses ruling for 4th time - a report on changing positions by the SC.

The scores:
Aquino: 3
Pacquiao: 1
DFA: 1
Binay: 1
Ombudsman: -1
Arroyo: -1

February 16, 2011

SC: Impeach Gutierrez
We are not an Arroyo court, says Marquez

Palace: COA chairman has to go

Comelec’s 1st: Exec charged with sabotage

Fall of top Red clouds ‘strategy of the brave’

DepEd smitten by Azkals to develop football talents

Typewriter, what’s that? Visit ‘25 Years of Inquirer’

Solon invokes honor among thieves in House debate

February 15, 2011

A headline topic before it hits the headlines is the headline in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline report (Aquino: I know Garcia backers. ‘Once we’re ready, DoJ will file cases’) looks like an unchallenged blind item (aka gossip) coming directly from the President where people of course are led to think the former President is the protector of graft and corruption in the military, without mentioning said protector by name. The report also gave importance as to what Sen. Trillanes actually told whom Aquino +1. Trillanes +1. Arroyo -1.

The other front page reports today:

Miners, gov’t nix ban in Palawan - this time a report from a mining group's and the government's point of view on mining.

Country trio upsets Eminem at Grammys - a report on the recently concluded music awards.

Trillanes flip-flops on Reyes again - a report that confuses than clarifies the Senator's position, making it look that the latter is not sure of himself. Trillanes -1.

Bunny German guilty of estafa, meted out 6 yrs - a report on a court case about money.

‘Those who live longest have only 1 wife’ - the former health secretary given space for her opinion on longevity, perhaps related to Valentine's Day.

Trader, helper split P77-M SuperLotto jackpot - a news on the recent lotto winner.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
Trillanes: 1 -1 =0
Arroyo: -1

February 14, 2011

A hero's burial is at the front and center of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.


The headline (Hero’s burial for Reyes. Vilified in life, honored in death) is a report on the burial of General Angelo Reyes, and the tributes given to him. Reyes +1.

The other Front Page news:

Protesters want voice in push for democracy - a report on the fragile situation in Egypt after the ouster of their long time leader.

ANALSYSIS. Unlike EDSA, Army in power in Egypt - an analysis on Egypts transition to democracy with a tepid negative assessment of the Phil. President's comments related to the event.

Love month and all that jazz - a report on what's happening all around (concert party events) in the month of February.

Tweet, don’t text, telco tells lovers - a comparison between Short messaging on cellular telephones versus social digital networking via the internet, on Valentine's day.

COMMENTARY. Heartbreak marked Rizal’s love life - one piece of event in Rizal's lovelife.

The score:
Reyes: 1

February 13, 2011

The Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today compares Egypt's regime change to the EDSA1 People's Power revolution.



The headline (Egypt revolt like Edsa I. Aquino hails people power to free, reform society) gave President Aquino space for what happened in Egypt, exulting the EDSA-type uprising, making sure the first EDSA is specifically identified. Aquino +1.

Despite ‘Fight,’ Donaire sees early knockout - a report on the other Filipino boxer who is preparing for his next week's fight.

Reyes’ widow: Too late to say it wasn’t Angie - a tribute of a report for General Reyes, with Sen. Trillanes getting the flack this time from the General's friends and family. Reyes +1. Trillanes -1.

Businessmen make it their business to mend hearts - a feature on a foundation that helps children with heart disease.

No ‘pabaon’ for AFP chief retiring March - a report dedicated to the present (and soon outgoing) AFP chief who explained that his is now an improved organization even from 10 years back, but did not necessarily credit the past administration. AFP +1.

Taylor Swift concert sold out, only SRO tickets left - looks like a promotional story on an International Artist's upcoming concert.

The scores surprisingly shows Gen. Reyes in the positive row:
Aquino: 1
Reyes: 1
AFP: 1
Trillanes: -1

February 12, 2011

The plot gets thicker as the former President's son seems to challenge a former failed coup plot participant in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.


The headline (Arroyo son dares Trillanes. Back up suspicions with proof, says Mikey) - is a report on the statements of some people about the possible link of supposed Reyes' corruption to the former President. Arroyo -1. Reyes -1.

The other news reports:

Aquino genial, Estrada forgiving at Reyes’ wake - former President Estrada, defending his son Jinggoy, also gave only good words for the dead. The rest of the news is just a who's who that went to the wake (including President Aquino and former Pres. Arroyo). Reyes +1. Estrada +1.

Corruption killed Reyes, say ex-Cabinet men - a report from a statement which insinuates that Reyes is guilty of corruption, and that the Ombudsman must go. Reyes -1. Ombudsman -1.

Gun used in killing car dealer found - seems the PNP has solved the carjacking with murder case. PNP +1.

Philippines’ darlings Azkals offered new homes - the Philippines seems to be turning into a football fan.

Handsome poor no match to ugly rich - a report on a senseless survey (description ours).

Mubarak leaves Cairo; protesters at palace gate - we cannot find the link to this specific report which we assume is about the toppling of the Egyptian leader.

The scores:
Estrada: 1
PNP: 1
Ombudsman: -1
Arroyo: -1
Reyes: 1 -2 =-1

February 10. 2011

Most of the headlines today is of course on the apparent suicide of Gen. Angelo Reyes.



The headline

KINDER, GENTLER SENATE. Reyes suicide seems to chasten senators -

‘Be strong, be strong,’ Reyes said as he lay dying

Why Reyes shot himself in heart: ‘Extreme courage’

Heidi Mendoza heeds kids’ wish, rules out gov’t position

DFA holds back UN’s $3.-M funds for peacekeepers

They are insect bites, Ampatuan lawyer says

February 9, 2011

February 7, 2011

The baseless accusation of coddling carnappers on some high-ranking police officials again took the centerstage in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (We’re fall guys–Rosales. PNP officer denies link to car theft) is a continuation of yesterday's main report on the alleged car-napping syndicate coddlers in the PNP but this time more on the denials of the accused. Amazingly, even if the accusations are still without basis, the PNP leadership asked its suspected officials to answer them, perhaps trying to impart a message that the organization is free and open to inquiry this time in contrast with that of the past.

The other news report today:

DFA orders Cimatu: Skip Egypt and return home - the DFA is quick to react on supposed allegations against former AFP Chief Cimatu who is now special envoy to the middle east. The report failed to note that Gen Cimatu has already been cleared by the supposed whistle blowers when they say they are not sure if Gen. Garcia actually gave Gen. Cimatu money. Meanwhile, President Aquino has been called to action by an OFW group to remove Cimatu from office. DFA +1.

Another suspect in Ortega slay gives up, names masterminds - some developments in the journalist/anti-mining activist's murder in Palawan.

House body to ask Heidi Mendoza on $5M in UN funds - a supposed hero is again being called to action.

ANALYSIS. US, Egypt officials plan Mubarak exit - the USA looked tough in dealing with Mubarak. USA +1.

Valentine’s also for heart’s sake - the DOH Secretary given good space for his reminders in taking care of the heart. DOH +1.

Finance expert at UP’s helm - a new UP president positively portrayed.

The scores:
DFA: 1
DOH: 1
USA: 1

February 6, 2011

The Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today comes as if a crime is solved.



The headline (Top cop in carnap named. Rosales is Dominguez brods’ ‘coddler’—Intel report) is an unverified report linking some police officers to carnapping. While space is given to those accused to respond to the allegations, their response is useless as they actually have nothing to respond to. Incidentally, one of the officer named admitted of being close to the former President. Arroyo -1.

The other news reports today:

Prosecutors relent, want plea bargain put on hold - a report on the Ombudsman reversing itself from its previous position that made the office look to have given in to pressure. Ombudsman -1.

Janet Jackson sings soundtrack of her Filipino fans’ lives - the report on the Janet Jackson concert held in Manila.

Lacson breaks silence, says he’d be out now but for De Lima - a report that somehow gave Sen. Lacson and Sec. De Lima equal footing on the Dacer Corbito case, with mention of the former President as being behind the senator's legal problems. Lacson +1. De Lima +1. Arroyo -1.

Heidi Mendoza’s dream now nightmare for generals - a tribute of a report to who we are told to be a God and Country loving and heroic auditor.

Yes, Virginia, there are clean, odor-free gov’t hospitals - a report that says our government hospitals were actually clean. DOH +1.

The scores:
De Lima: 1
Lacson: 1
DOH: 1
Arroyo: -2

February 5, 2011

The hiding senator is again the main news in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Hunt for Lacson continues. De Lima: Warrant of arrest still exists) is a report that shows that even in defeat, the DOJ secretary can act as if she is winning a battle. De Lima +1. Lacson -1.

Heidi Mendoza’s hubby: It’s a fight of every Filipino - a tribute to a hero by her husband, the hero now also supported by the Catholic Church probably against failed institutions such as the Office of the Ombudsman. Catholic Church +1. Ombudsman -1.

‘Probe should focus on Garcia, not Reyes’ - a he-says-she-says report on the congressional probes on the Garcia plea bargain. Reyes -1. Aquino +1.

No record on AFP use of millions from UN - a report that says there really is probably money missing from the AFP coffers. AFP -1.

‘DAY OF DEPARTURE’. US leans on Mubarak to quit - a report that make it look like the US is in the middle of sorting out a possible resolution of the crisis in Egypt. USA +1.

Floodwaters swamp Jolo; 7 persons dead - a report on the weather that devastates some southern Philippine islands.

PCSO bets ‘Loterya’ will kill ‘jueteng’ - the PCSO will kill illegal gambling while helping the church in a single bound. PCSO +1.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
De Lima: 1
USA: 1
PCSO: 1
Catholic Church: 1
AFP: -1
Reyes: -1
Lacson: -1
Ombudsman: -1

February 4, 2011

Two big issues adorn the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today but the paper thought the Lacson case is bigger.

In the headline news (Murder raps vs Lacson junked. Appellate court voids arrest order) in which the Department of Justice obviously lost the case against Sen. Lacson on the Dacer-Corbito murder case, Sec. De Lima is amazingly not mentioned while it became a positive report as far as the Aquino administration is concerned. Even more amazing is how this news even looked negative to the former President. Lacson +1. Aquino +1. Arroyo -1.

The other front page news report today:

Rabusa: Total of P240M set aside for 2 chiefs of staff - A report on the senate hearing that, although the witness shielded two of the Chief of Staffs mentioned from direct implication, somehow puts the AFP in for a negative treatment. Former AFP Chief Angelo Reyes is not as lucky as the other two as he is mentioned to have directly received the money, corroborated by another witness who is also a military personnel. Meanwhile, Sens. Estrada and Guingona both got good space for their statements and inquiries. Reyes -1. Estrada +1. Guingona +1.

Garcia plunder case not lost - a report that pressures the Ombudsman to withdraw the plea bargain from the Sandiganbayan. Ombudsman -1.

Aquino to offer Heidi Mendoza a job in graft fight - a report that makes the President seemingly on the side of truth although he is noncommittal in actually giving the auditor turned hero a position in government. The report also gave the COA and the Ombudsman negative treatment. Aquino +1. COA -1. Ombudsman -1.

Storm dumps snow over nearly half the US - a weather feature from the US.

Wanted: A Heidi Mendoza for customs bureau - the BOC given the chance to attach its name to a proclaimed hero. BOC +1.

Arts bodies to rule if Alcuaz gets state honors - a report that somehow reminded the readers of the past administration's meddling and involving politics in the choice for national artists. Arroyo -1.

JANET JACKSON: ‘Go Deep’ for Manila - looks like a Press Release on a pop artist's concert.

The scores:
Aquino: 2
Lacson: 1
Estrada: 1
Giungona: 1
BOC: 1
COA: -1
Ombudsman: -2
Arroyo: -2

February 3, 2011

More of the same news as yesterday are at the center-stage of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Aquino: I’m not shocked at corruption in military. ...as litany of cases is discovered) is an unembarrassed totally one-sided story on the allegations by a former military budget officer, with statements coming from the President and Sec. De Lima. Aquino +1. De Lima +1. Reyes -1.

The other front page news:

Superstorms roar across US, Australia - an AP report on changes in the weather.

PAGASA: PH faces ‘creeping disaster’. Expect heavy rains, intense typhoons - PAG-ASA and the DSWD in a joint press push on how their departments are doing well in their jobs in the face of La Nina and other threatening weather disturbances. PAG-ASA +1. DSWD +1.

Why Heidi Mendoza came out with all guns blazing - the witness is reported as really a very good person and perhaps everyone should believe her.

Sen. Santiago to brother: Just tell truth - It seems that it is only former AFP Chief Reyes is the bad person, as President Aquino is given space in his defense for the unreachability of another former AFP chief. Reyes -1. Aquino +1.

Egypt military seeks end to demos - an AP report on the Egyptian protests.

Shooting of Palawan broadcaster captured on CCTV - a story on some events of the murder caught on camera and the anti-mining crusade.

Juana Change spoofs Aquino’s Porsche purchase - another take on the President's somewhat insensitive purchase of an expensive car. Aquino -1.

The scores:
Aquino: 2 -1 =1
De Lima: 1
DSWD: 1
PAG-ASA: 1
Reyes: -2

February 2, 2011

The Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today seems to have found a new hero in auditor Heidi Mendoza.

The headline news (Support for ex-auditor Heidi Mendoza snowballs. Hailed for raising Filipinos a notch higher) no doubt threw its objectivity and gave their positive opinion on the supposed whistle blower - auditor against the generals, giving also space to statements from many personalities to support their view. The report did not mention what proof she has against the generals though. Perhaps the paper thought statements are enough while solid proof is not important. Aquino +1. De Lima +1. Casino +1. Catholic Church +1.

The other front page news reports today:

SHATTERED IMAGE. Soldiers dismayed by reports of huge ‘pabaon’ for top brass - a report saying even soldiers are dismayed by the bad generals. AFP +1.

She vows to run naked on QC streets - a report on the statements of Mendoza herself, including those that gives a negative feeling for the Ombudsman. Ombudsman -1.

Former auditor details money trail - a report again on the statements of Ms. Mendoza, without verification of any sort, unchallenged and directly implicating some Generals and Malacanang. AFP -1. Arroyo -1.

Gutierrez stands by Garcia deal - a negative report on the Ombudsman, contrasted with the former good Ombudsman. Ombudsman -1.

Trillanes: Reyes is ‘powerful man’ behind Garcia - Trillanes given better billing in a report against his former superior. Trillanes +1. Reyes -1.

Egypt Army promises not to fire on protesters - a story on the protests in Egypt.

Is ISAFP now into foreign exchange? - a report from the statements of a witness against former AFP chief Reyes who was said to not have enough room for his millions. Reyes -1.

The scores today show a totally one sided treatment of the current issues:
Aquino: 1
De Lima: 1
Casino: 1
Catholic Church: 1
Trillanes: 1
AFP: 1 -1 =0
Arroyo: -1
Ombudsman: -2
Reyes: -2

February 1, 2011

The biggest news today as far as the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page is concerned, is the news on Cong. Singson's drug trafficking case in HongKong.



The headline (Rep. Singson pleads guilty to drugs raps. Solon faces sentencing in HK Tuesday) is a report on the guilty pleadings of Cong. Singson in HK where he admitted using illegal drugs and substances(even on a binge) due to depression. The report also include illogical statements from his father defending his guilty plea. The issue on whether Cong. Singson should resign his congress seat is also given space. Singson -1.

The other Front Page news today:

PH economy grows at fastest pace in 24 yrs - a report on a positive up-tick in the economy that did not mention that such uptick rode of the back of the unexpected increase in the first half of 2010. The report which although did not directly credit the economic policies of the Aquino administration also gave credence to it saying better economic performance is expected in 2011 because of political stability, etc.

Egypt opposition calls for 1 million on streets - a report on the protests in Egypt that may drive away the leader of 30 years there while they are at a loss as to who could replace him.

Gov’t OKs P1 hike for jeepney ride - a report on increasing transportation fares.

Rabusa says another AFP boss got P160-M ‘pabaon’ - the same news reported again with a tiny bit of new information, but still sorely lacking in details, but all surely result in the public lynching of some past Chief of Staffs. Reyes -1. AFP -1. Estrada +1.

Reyes hits back, sues Rabusa, Estrada - Reyes' side on the issue given space even if he is coming from the defensive point of view. Reyes +1. Estrada -1.

Oprah tells Charice: Don’t fall in love, yet - a feature on Charice Pempengco, possibly a PR job on her upcoming show.

The scores:
Estrada: 1 -1 =0
Reyes: 1 -1 =0
AFP: -1
Singson: -1