March 31, 2011

The execution of three Filipino drug mules in China is the biggest news in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (‘Am I going to die today?’: Nation mourns for 1st Filipinos executed in China) is a report on the executions in China, which shows the President as a praying person, the DFA as a helping hand, and the Catholic Church also prayerful. Aquino +1. DFA +1. Catholic Church +1.

The other front page news today:

Filipinos ‘Jam for Japan’ in 3 cities April 1 - a story of Filipino musicians staging a concert in support of the Japanese tomorrow.

No farewell hug but mama’s voice recording will make up for it - another report on the executions, this time from the point of view of the family of one of those executed. The report, which gave President Aquino space to pat himself on the back, also gave some leftists space for statement against him. Aquino +1 -1. Catholic church +1.

PLDT-DIGITEL DEAL: End of unlimited calls, texts feared - a business report on the current shakeup in the telecommunication industry.

Bali, Makati bomber arrested in Pakistan - a man wanted as conspirator or leader in the Bali bombing, which the paper also tagged as Makati bomber (but ridiculously so reported without any supporting information), was reported to have been arrested in Pakistan. The paper did not say which Makati bombing the arrested terrorist was involved in. The report perhaps just gave the government some chance to claim resolution of a past bombing so as not to be bound to show any future arrests.

Doc dances to new beat as liver transplant survivor - a report on a successful medical procedure.

No ‘PI’ in PH, US envoy tells media, guards - some cuss words were used between a cameraman and some security escorts of the US ambassador.

The scores today:
Aquino: 2
Catholic Church: 2
DFA: 1

March 30, 2011

A prayerful nation or one begging for mercy seems to be the main theme of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Nation on bended knees: 3 Filipinos set to die by injection in China) turned out to be a report that simply looked like a reprint of yesterday's front page news on the same topic. Catholic Church +1. Aquino +1. Binay +1. DFA +1.

The other front page news today are as follows:

Plutonium found in soil worsens nuke crisis - seems to be like a similar update on the Japanese Nuclear Plant crisis as yesterday's.

Lacson keeps friends’ names secret - again, both Delima and Lacson although seems at odd with each other are both given good space on the paper's front page. Lacson +1. De Lima +1.

COMMENTARY - March 30: Same date 40 years ago - seems to be inaccurate commentary on the Philippines-China relations comparing two different instances as if they are related.

Revillame treatment of dancing boy in tears criminal–CHR - a TV host who campaigned against the President in the last elections was not given space to defend himself. CHR +1. Revillame -1.

Flash: Toilet paper crisis grips Tokyo - in Japan, even Toilet paper supply is affected by the crisis.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
Binay: 1
Lacson: 1
De Lima: 1
DFA: 1
CHR: 1
Catholic Church: 1
Revillame: -1

March 29, 2011

The AFP is heralded in a way military officers would have preferred not to in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Military most corrupt gov’t agency–Pulse Asia: PNP stays No. 2 on list of grafters) gave surveys supreme importance while it puts the AFP in a very uncomfortable position, all while the DSWD the DepEd are deemed least corrupt among government agencies. AFP -1. PNP -1. DSWD +1. DepEd +1.

The other scores:

Highly toxic water seeping from damaged nuke reactor - is a summary of updates from Japan.

Lacson says he was a fugitive from injustice - gave Sen. Lacson almost exclusive space in this news report. Lacson +1.

Flight was ‘blatant disrespect of rule of law’ - perhaps to balance the news, a report this time putting Sen. Lacson on the defensive, while Sec. DeLima and her department are given ample space. Lacson -1. De Lima +1.

Kin offer tsunami of prayers to stay execution of 3 Filipinos - the Catholic Church, former Presidential candidate Villanueva and a host of others are praying for the Filipinos on deathrow in China, while Vice President Binay, the administration and the DFA are given ample space for their views. Catholic church +1. Villanueva +1. Aquino +1. Binay +1. DFA +1.

Fast car slows down Aquino rating–SWS - the President given some negative treatment based on the result of a survey. Aquino -1.

The scores today:
Binay: 1
De Lima: 1
DFA: 1
DSWD: 1
DepEd: 1
Catholic church: 1
Villanueva: 1
Aquino: 1 -1 =0
Lacson: 1 -1 =0
PNP: -1
AFP: -1

March 28, 2011

The scary worsening of the situation in Japan is the main news in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Japan radioactivity soars. 10 million times over normal, say nuke execs) is a story on the worsening crisis in Japan that may have been already proven wrong before it saw print in the paper.

The other front page news today:

Filipinos turn off lights for environment - a report on the recent Earth Hour participation by Filipinos nationwide and people elsewhere.

Doomed Filipino woman: I was tricked - a sworn affidavit by one of the supposed Filipino drug mules to be executed in China, printed by the paper wholly, pointing to a certain person whom the drug mule alleges to have duped her into bringing the heroin to China.

Evangelist asks people to pray for 3 convicts - a report saying that the government has done everything it can while a former Presidential wannabe prays with his flock. Aquino +1. Villanueva +1.

LACSON ON THE LAM. Getaway on Orient Express - a report that gave excitement to the supposed foreign adventures of Sen. Lacson and readied the readers to his meeting with President Aquino. Lacson +1. Aquino +1.

Hubs, restos can be bad for health - a report on a supposed study on the danger of going to entertainment centers.

The scores:
Aquino: 2
Lacson: 1
Villanueva: 1

March 27, 2011

Senator Lacson is back in the limelight in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Lacson keeps out of sight. Senator set to meet media Monday) report found online seems to be an updated version of the actual news report with a different title even. The report is a story on the Senator Lacson's homecoming where everyone is convinced the government cannot do anything about it but far from blame. Lacson +1. De Lima +1. Aquino +1.

The other front page news:

60 minutes of darkness for world to see the light - a report on Earth Hour which Philippines is said to be one of the top participants.

The real Samurai: ‘Fukushima 50’ swells to 700 - a story of the Japanese workers in the Nuclear power plant in Fukushima.

For injured workers, agency goes out on a limb - It is the DOLE good deeds given space by the paper this time. DOLE +1.

Azkals ‘live’ on Twitter: It’s the next best thing - the paper makes news out of its own tweeter account. PDI +1.

Sin statue starting to look like the cardinal’s face value - a report remembering the late Cardinal now supposedly more accurately. Catholic Church +1.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
Lacson: 1
De Lima: 1
DOLE: 1
PDI: 1
Catholic Church: 1

March 26, 2011

Looks like a Dirty Harry - like statement got the nod of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page editors to become the main news today.



The headline (‘We’ll get Sumera killers’. Aquino says cops pursuing slay suspects) gave the government premium space for their statements in solving the death of a journalist. Although the report includes some negative statements on the mass media killings, the report gave the administration the benefit of answering the charges with unchallenged and preemptive statements of their own. It is amazing how the paper is able to frame a negative story into a positive spin favoring Aquino. Aquino +1. Robredo +1. De Lima +1.

The other front page news today:

40,000 join Manila rally vs RH bill - a report purely coming from the point of view of people against the Reproductive Health Bill, the first time that the paper covered the issue on the side of the Church. Catholic Church +1.

Nuke plant workers exposed to massive radiation - an update on the Japanese Nuclear radiation crisis.

IT-savvy CHR team cracks Burgos case - the CHR is doing ala James Bond but at a fraction of the cost, and while defending the DOJ as to have been improbable to have the time to look for suspects crimes that became national issues. CHR +1.

EARTH HOUR. Lights out today around the world - a few lucky souls are included in the paper's coverage of the popular Earth Hour. Aquino +1. Binay +1.

Eco-friendly jail uses biogas to cook, bake - it is the BJMP's time to be the good guys in the front page today. BJMP +1.

Senators to wear togas for Gutierrez case - the senators agreeing to wear a costume is given good front page space today highlighted by statements from some Senators. Estrada +1. Escudero +1.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
Robredo: 1
De Lima: 1
Estrada: 1
Escudero: 1
CHR: 1
BJMP: 1

March 25, 2011

Female broadcaster slain: Killer picks up spent shell, walks away calmly

PH bans Japan milk chocolates; global embargo widens

BIR sues 3 former Philcomsat executives

Binay walking tall in latest survey

COUNTDOWN: 5 DAYS ‘Don’t forget to pray, don’t lose hope

eal story behind the Hollywood legend

March 24, 2011

Execution of 3 Filipinos on China death row set March 30

‘Damaso’ strikes anew, rips anti-RH bill poster

US first nation to block Japan food produce

DND anti-graft probers focus on 86 reform points

Aquino seeks people’s support vs Gutierrez

DFA: Many Filipinos won’t leave Libya for their jobs

Pacquiao to battle Mayweather–in court

March 23, 2011

Someone giving credit to President Aquino for what looks like good politics took the center-stage of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline is a report on the impeachment (Aquino gets credit for impeach vote. Big House turnout shows President’s clout) that gave space mostly to administration allies. Aquino +1. Arroyo -1. Ombudsman -1.

The other front page news today:

Gutierrez: Dark politics ruled at the House - the Ombudsman is given space to defend herself. The question though is whether this bit of news is positive or negative to her. Our monitor deems this report still negative to her as she is forced to be on the defensive and that it is only her that defended herself, making her defense polluted. There are no other statements of support from other people given to her in the news report. There are some instances in the story though where her feelings are explored including her prayers giving her the chance to project a God-fearing image, but such are inundated by her defense to questions that should not have been asked her in the first place. Ombudsman -1.

‘212-47 vote a strong message to Senate’ - a report that shows the first example of the mass media who largely supports the impeachment now focuses on the senate, obviously in a bid to coerce them to vote for her removal from office. Ombudsman -1.

West air raids on Libya continue, but endgame unclear - show how wary the US is on its position in Libya.

No equipment to fight inferno if big quake hits - looks like part of a series of news report to scare people about a pending disaster without offering real news on how the government is preparing. This report now gave space to the fire deparment as well as the DepEd. DepEd +1.

Pacquiao to battle Mayweather–in court - a report on Cong. Pacquiao most probably part of press releases to promote his upcoming fight. Pacquiao +1.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
DepEd: 1
Pacquiao: 1
Arroyo: -1
Ombudsman: -3

March 22, 2011

Senator Lacson took the limelight from the House of Representatives in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Lacson may come out now. CA nullifies arrest warrant issued vs senator) reports about the former Senator who apparently is a free man. Lacson +1.

House votes 212-46 to impeach Gutierrez - a report on the impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives. Aquino +1. Ombudsman -1. Arroyo -1.

What’s on Aquino’s plate? Japan quake, Libya revolt… - actually a report on the Pulse Asia survey showing still wide although a bit declining support for the President. Aquino +1.

WHO raises radiation warning on food, water - is an update on Japan's Nuclear crisis.

Allies target Gadhafi’s ground force - more news on the Allies attack on Libya.

Pay doubled for PH nurses still in Libya - the government just cannot force everyone to go out of Libya. DFA +1.

The scores:
Aquino: 2
Lacson: 1
DFA: 1
Ombudsman: -1
Arroyo: -1

March 21, 2011

The new war between Libya and Western Allies, backed by the Arab League, took the center-stage of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.


The headline (Allies bomb Gadhafi forces. US, UK ships, subs fire 110 missiles) is a story on a new war front in Libya that developed after the UN Security Council voted a resolution for a "no-fly" zone.

The other front page news today are as follows:

PH tells US: We can’t openly back int’l action - is a story that show the DFA's concern for Filipinos in Libya. The story also includes a he-says-she-says report on what the Philippine government is doing in Libya, which somehow in sum gave the administration some negative treatment. Note: President Aquino's name is not mentioned in the report. DFA +1. Aquino -1.

Japan death toll may exceed 20,000 - an update on the Japanese disasters.

Palace: Senate vote vs Gutierrez not easy - a press release from the administration. Aquino +1. Ombudsman -1. Arroyo -1.

ANALYSIS. PH officials shut eyes to meltdown scenarios - is a retelling of previous reports on the danger to the Philippines by a nuclear fall out from Japan, without much of a real analysis.

This time, expect a cooler summer - a press release from PAG-ASA, the Philippines' weather bureau. PAG-ASA +1.

The scores:
DFA: 1
PAG-ASA: 1
Aquino: 1 -1 =0
Ombudsman: -1
Arroyo: -1

March 20, 2011

A story from Libya is the banner story of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.


The headline (Gadhafi defies UN, West :Libyan gov’t claims it attacked in self-defense) is an update on the brewing war in Libya.

The other front page news today:

Corona to new lawyers: You gotta have heart - a report on the bar passers, which gave the Chief Justice some space for his words of encouragement. SC +1.

First bamboo car draws raves in Milan - a story about a Filipino designed car exterior using bamboo.

Something’s cooking at lung center–yum! - a report on some anomaly at a government hospital.

Papal chair begets big, small miracles by design - a story of a chair-maker for the Pope who would soon be a saint. Catholic Church +1.

Not to worry, ‘super moon’ isn’t bad omen - a description of the supermoon phenomenon.

The scores:
SC: 1
Catholic Church: 1

March 19, 2011

The developments in Libya is the main banner of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Gadhafi halts all attacks: Ceasefire after UN vote to launch sea, air strikes) is a report on Libya's reaction to the UN Security vote on a No-Fly Zone, signalling the possibility of allied forces policing Gadaffi.

The other front page news reports today follows:

Crisis level 5: Burying nuke reactor eyed - a story of worst case scenarios in Japan.

Survivor: It’s my land, I’ll rebuild - again, a compilation of stories from Japan from the point of view of the people there.

Palace: We found a lot of scams, will file cases when Gutierrez is out - a press release from the Palace. Aquino +1. Ombudsman: -1. Arroyo: -1.

DFA chief flies to Tokyo, sends team to Bahrain for Filipinos’ safety - the DFA wanted to keep secret a trip to Japan by its chief so it told the paper. DFA +1.

Cyber scams target donations for Japan - a report on some spammers using Japan as topic for their scam.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
DFA: 1
Ombudsman: -1
Arroyo: -1

May 18, 2011

Conflicting views on the state of the worsening situation in Japan took the centerstage in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Nuclear crisis alarms US. Japan plays down concerns about ‘apocalypse’) is a report where a US agency disagrees with official Japanese assesment of the worsening situation in the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan.

The other Front Page News today:

Foreigners stream out of Tokyo - a report on many countries getting their citizens out of Japan or at least out of the danger areas.

Time running out for 3 Filipino drug mules in China - a report on the three convicted drug mules in China, who each still has a death sentence.

Japan: PH rescue team must be self-sufficient - President Aquino doing everything to help Japan. Aquino +1.

De Lima takes aim at Dirty Harry - a he say she say report giving Sec. De Lima some good space. De Lima +1.

Landslide kills family of 7 in Leyte - a disaster in some Visayan islands.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
De Lima: 1

March 17, 2011

The Japanese disaster remains as the main topic in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



Nuclear crisis deepens. 2nd reactor ruptures; radiation level spikes - a report that seems to show Japan is heading towards an irreversible nuclear crisis, the biggest since Chernobyl.

The other front page news:

PH, world assured no serious threat from radiation - a report on how remote any radiation will reach the Philippines in the current state of things now in the troubled Japanese nuclear plant.

SURVIVOR TALES. Wife finds husband alive at home; school kids safe on a hill - a report on people sharing their stories of horror in the Tsunami ravaged towns in Japan.

Ortega widow seeks audit of P3.1-B funds - the wife of a murdered journalist given space to vent her suspicions.

How can we help? Japan isn’t saying - a story about our countrymen willing to help Japan in whatever way, among them the Catholic Bishops. CBCP +1.

Faceless 50: Japan’s last defense at troubled reactors - the 50 workers remained in the trouble plant to help stop the escalating disaster.

The scores:
Catholic Church: 1

March 16, 2011

A photo of a floating house became background to an even bigger disaster that seems to be coming to Japan in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Japan faces nuke disaster. Catastrophe ‘very high risk’ after blast) is a report on a bad situation getting alarmingly worse in a Nuclear Power Plant in Japan damaged by the recent earthquake and tsunami.

The other front page news today:

‘Scene from hell’: Panic hits Tokyo; 70,000 flee nuclear zone - a report on the worsening situation in Japan, creating panic to some of the residents, even in the capital.

42 Filipinos missing; PH set to send rescue team - although the DFA is given some negative treatment via statements from a militant group, the same department took most of this piece for their press release on a high-sounding "Search and Rescue" team. DFA +1.

BIR chief retreats as solons swat AIR - a report where the BIR was made back off. BIR -1.

‘BANK RUN’, Banco Filipino blames BSP - a news report on a troubled bank given its managing executive space to defend its reputation against the Central Bank. CB -1.

Better brush up on geography, says Phivolcs - a space given to the DOJ secretary and heads of Philvolcs and the DepEd. DeLima +1. Philvolcs +1. DepEd +1.

The scores:
DFA: 1
DeLima: 1
PhilVolcs: 1
DepEd: 1
BIR: -1
CB: -1

March 15, 2011

Nuclear safety concerns took the center-stage of the Phil. Daily Inquirer front page today.



The headline (Blast rocks 2nd nuclear reactor. But Japan allays fears of radiation) is a report from AP on the danger posed by damaged Nuclear plants in Japan after the earthquake and Tsunami.

The other front page news today are as follows:

Economic losses in northeast Japan: $183B - a report on the effects of the disaster on both the Japanese and world economies.

Hoax text message triggers panic in Metro - a report on how Filipinos even those in the field of learning are easily duped.

Misery in a rich Asian nation: No gas, no water - more misery in Japan is reported from the point of view of its citizens.

Is PH ready? Senators set inquiry - The administration and some senators are given space for their statements on the country's readiness to disaster. Aquino +1. Zubiri +1. Legarda +1.

Muntinlupa mayor finds order in Japan chaos - a city mayor given space in the paper as he witnessed the calamity preparedness while somewhere near Tokyo during the earthquake.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
Zubiri: 1
Legarda: 1

Note: It is the first time that we include Sen. Zubiri in our monitor. He is included in our monitoring as we saw an uptick in inclusions of his statements in the paper's news reportage recently.

March 14, 2011

Japan troubles on the aftermath of the great earthquake again took the center-stage in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front page today.



The headline (Death toll to top 10,000. Worst crisis to hit Japan since WWII) is the story of devastation in Japan after the great big earthquake that struck last friday and the hundred or so aftershocks.

The other front page news today:

Japan faces trouble in 6 nuke reactors - a story of more troubles in Japan, this time focusing on their nuclear power plants.

PH nuclear proponents abandon position - a report on statements against the use of nuclear power in the Philippines, following news reports of possible problems of their power plants in Japan brought about by the earthquake. The report gave the administration some breathing room on the issue but pointed at former Sen. Roxas as to have shown interest in the use of Nukes. Roxas -1. Aquino +1.

COMMENTARY. Lynch-mob rule in impeachment - Our monitor cannot find a single positive support for the President in this analysis, a surprise knowing that the author seems to have supported the administration's spins in the past. Aquino -1.

Puzakals lose to French team - a story about a friendly game between Filipino inmates and French expatriates.

The scores:
Aquino: 1 -1 =0
Roxas: -1

March 13, 2011

The disaster in Japan holds the center of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (‘There are no words’. US-led int’l relief effort on, coordinated by UN) is a report on the casualties and extent of disaster which information comes in trickles, while the world is ready to help.

The other Front Page news today:

Aquino back, grateful tsunami spared PH - a report on statements from the President and from deputy spokesperson Valte which include praise for some government agencies. Aquino +1.

Searching for loved ones via hotlines, Facebook - a report on the earthquake from the eyes of our countrymen from Japan or from within the Philippines, while the DFA is seen as doing all they can to help connect relatives with each other. DFA +1.

USAID at 50. Angels with dirty faces teacher’s pets - the US is helping in many ways Badjao Muslims in Mindanao. USA +1.

Hail! Filipino nurses commit to stay in Libya - a report on the statements from the DFA praising the nurses that are left to stay in Libya. DFA +1.

Rizal logs on, gets in touch with netizens - a report on activities surrounding the national heroes anticipated 150th birth anniversary, including some presence in Social media networks.

The scores:
DFA: 2
Aquino: 1
USA: 1

March 12, 2011

Destruction is at the center of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.


The headline (Big One slams Japan : 8.9 quake, 10-meter tsunami kill 200 to 300) is a report on the big earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

The other news in the front page today:

4 tidal waves enter PH; coastal areas ghost towns - is a report on the subsequent tsunamis felt in Philippine coastal areas facing the Pacific Ocean..

Tsunami can travel as fast as jet plane"> - an information feature on Tsunamis.

Escudero sees Gutierrez ‘win’ in Senate - although sees a Senate win for the Ombudsman gave the President some space to insult her. The report also gave VP Binay some space for his own statements. Aquino +1. Escudero +1. Binay +1. Ombudsman -1.

Ombudsman accused of bungling Chingkoe case - The enemies of the current Ombudsman given good space to take potshots at her. Ombudsman -1.

Arroyo accuses Aquino of credit grabbing - a report that gave the former President some space although quite misleading as the statements were not actually from her, but also gave space to President Aquino's complaints of the former administration. Arroyo +1 -1. Aquino +1 -1.

The scores:
Aquino: 2 -1 =1
Escudero: 1
Binay: 1
Arroyo: 1 -1 =0
Ombudsman: -2

March 11, 2011

Although there is very little real news on the Ombudsman's expected impeachment, she got wide exposure in the Phil. Daily Inquirer front page today.



The headline (Senate and Palace: Gutierrez, go. ‘Spare country pain of impeachment trial’) is simply a report about statements from various people about how bad the Ombudsman is. Ombudsman -1.

The other front page news today:

‘I’ll not resign, Senate will give me fair shake’ - puts the Ombudsman on the defensive even when parts of the report is from her side. Ombudsman -1.

TRIBUNAL ON TRIAL. Corona admits splits amid impeach threats - shows the SC is being split into two by factions. SC -1.

Court junks plunder case vs Chingkoes, finance execs - the Ombudsman lost in a case involving some DoF officials in the 90s. Although the report is without opinion except that of the Sandiganbayan, it showed the failure of the Ombudsman to file the correct charges. Ombudsman -1.

Elevator jams; Aquino huffs, puffs up 24 floors - the President is shown to be a humble and religious man, while being physically fit. Aquino +1.

PDI reporter on Google’s ‘most influential’ list - a journalistic? report about one of its own reporter. PDI +1.

4 Filipinos among Forbes’ billionaires - a report as the title says.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
PDI: 1
SC: -1
Ombudsman: -3

March 10, 2011

An apparent mistake of the BIR puts them to the center of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (BIR blinks on tax rule. Disclosure of all assets optional this year) is a report on the BIR's side on their recently released new regulations that seems to be impinging on some constitutional rights of the individual.

The other news reports today:

‘We now have 150 votes to impeach Merceditas Gutierrez’ - is a repeat of the fact that the Ombudsman will not escape impeachment with some Senators getting good exposure for their statements. Ombudsman -1. Pangilinan +1. Recto +1.

DENR battles invasion of alien creatures - the DENR was said to have a program to block possible proliferation in the wild of not so ecologically friendly pets. DENR +1.

World oil prices could surge to $144/bbl - a report on local and foreign analyst not agreeing on predictions as to how high the price of oil per barrel would be in the next few months.

Gadhafi forces gain upper hand - it seems that Gadhafi is getting back some lost territories while the US does not want to be seen as to keen on removing him.

‘We were treated like camels’ - a report whose title did gave the DFA a negative treatment. DFA -1.

Prison break: Puzakals vs French football team - Prison inmates practices their football skills against a French scrambled team.

The scores:
Pangilinan: 1
Recto: 1
DENR: 1
DFA: -1
Ombudsman: -1

Correction: The date of this post has been corrected. It originally showed the wrong date May 10, 2011.

March 8, 2011

The Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today allows some uncontested administration statements free space.


The headline (Aquino to LP solons: Impeach Ombudsman. ‘No turning back; we should win this battle’) is a shameless spin to make news out of nothing, giving the administration wide space for what it wanted to say, no matter lacking in importance it may be. Aquino +1. Ombudsman -1. Arroyo -1.

The other front page news today:

Gen. Oban vows to slay Goliath of graft in AFP - again, exclusive space is given to the President and his chosen apostle in the AFP, with some critical comments against the former President. Aquino +1. AFP +1. Arroyo -1.

13,000 Filipinos urged to evacuate as fighting escalates - if many Filipinos in Libya did not make it out from there, it would be there own fault as they refuse to leave even upon the pleadings of the government, so seem to indicate this news. DFA +1. DOLE +1.

Battlefield for green warriors - a one-sided report against mining in Palawan.

Gadhafi forces advance on rebel-held oil port - an update from Libya where the rebels hit a snag.

Soccer, not gunboat, diplomacy in Spratlys - some Filipino soldiers seems ready to patch up things with soldiers from other countries claiming the Spratlys.

The scores:
Aquino: 2
DFA: 1
DOLE: 1
AFP: 1
Ombudsman: -1
Arroyo: -1

March 7, 2011

Nothing can go wrong when the President wants reforms in the AFP is the topic most important to the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front page today.



The headline (Aquino orders Oban to pursue reforms. A challenge, says new military chief of staff) is a news report that looks like a press release from the office of the President on the new AFP Chief, without so much information on the latter. Aquino +1. AFP +1.

The other front page news today are as follows:

PMA grads urged: Shun money offers - a kind of news report the President would have loved, coming straight from his speech even how improper they may seem (as it told newly commissioned officers not to be like their retired seniors and criticizing corruption in the military) but given quite a positive spin with some applause to boot. Aquino +1.

Over 1,000 Filipinos board ship out of Libya - Although there are some negative contents, this news report looks as if it is coming straight from the DFA accomplishment report. DFA +1.

ANALYSIS. In armored Lexus, Aquino is on fast lane - what looks like a negative analysis of the President actually gave him good treatment by agreeing that mass media has been too trivial and unfair to the President, even when the paper itself seems to have wildly supported Aquino since his announcement to run for the Presidency - quite a nice spin indeed. Aquino +1.

FILIPINO WOMEN ON TOP 100 INSPIRING LIST. Nun’s feminist activism cited - a Catholic nun, who by the way is known to have a stand running against the former President, is honored by a supposedly prestigious International women's awards group. Catholic Church +1.

FILIPINO WOMEN ON TOP 100 INSPIRING LIST. Solon champion of women’s rights - a congresswoman who supports the RH bill campaigned against by the Catholic Church joins a Catholic nun as being honored by the same supposedly prestigious International Women's awards organization.

Tagudin dreams of longest zip line - a group of local government officials who by the way supports the President are doing some business advocacies promoting their own turfs.

The scores show how one sidedly pro-administration the Inquirer seems to be:
Aquino: 3
DFA: 1
AFP: 1
Catholic Church: 1

March 6, 2011

The possible selection of the AFP Chief is the central news in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Oban is ‘early favorite’. Aquino at PMA rites to name new AFP chief) is not really about the possible new AFP Chief, but about the statements of an AFP spokesperson extolling the President for his supposed straight path (daang matuwid) policy that magically reformed the military. AFP +1. Aquino +1.

The other front page news today are as follows:

Priest dares St. Peter: I demand a miracle - a story of a priest's encounter with the Pope. Catholic Church +1.

Gutierrez prefers to go on trial at the Senate - a he-says-she-says report on the Ombudsman's possible impeachment pushing her on the defensive. Ombudsman -1.

‘Is Reyes a hero,’ kids ask noted psychologist - a story about a supposedly noted psychologist who also thought that the former President had too much cover-ups. Arroyo -1.

Muslim, Christian youths ‘hi’ on peace - a story about an advocacy to use technology to bridge the divide between Filipinos in different parts of the country.

Peace Corps newlyweds at home with Filipino family of 10 - a story about a US Peace Corp volunteer couple. US +1.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
AFP: 1
Catholic Church: 1
US: 1
Ombudsman: -1
Arroyo: -1

March 5, 2011

China is again on the center of the Philippine Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (China snubs PH protest. Aquino to send ‘Spratlys expert’ to Beijing) is a report on a new diplomatic issue with the Chinese, giving both sides space for their statements. Aquino +1. DFA +1.

The other front page news today are as follows:

Filipinos among 10,000 trapped on Libya coast - an international report on refugees from Libya which included Filipinos.

Graft case vs Tupas father clouds Gutierrez impeachment - although a he-says-she-says report between Cong. Tupas and Ombudsman Gutierrez apparent issues, the report is clearly biased against the Ombudsman as it opened and closed from the point of view of the former. Ombudsman -1.

Palace ready in case of oil supply disruption - a continuing report repeated for some days now about the governments readiness to face possible oil supply disruption. Aquino +1. DoE +1.

‘Aquino allies to choose OICs in ARMM, control war chest’ - When there are negative news against the President, it seems it always include the rebuttal by his supporters. This news report though, even if presented as a he-says-she-says piece, still turns out negative for the President. Aquino -1.

Ibaloi treats fellow Marcos victims - a story on human-rights victims that reminds of Marcos excesses. Marcos -1.

Filipino fashion blogger dictates to world’s rich what to wear - a report on a successful Filipino blogger.

The scores:
Aquino: 2 -2 =1
DFA: 1
DoE: 1
Marcos: -1
Ombudsman: -1

March 4, 2011

The Senate continues the long saga of corruption in the military taking its story to the center of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Amnesia grips witnesses. Ligot in-law can’t explain his P255M) is a report on the never-ending senate hearings on the never-ending corruption happening in the military which witnesses were deemed lying by the investigating committee, giving Sen.Estrada and others good exposure. Estrada +1.

The other front page news:

DoJ finds arrest of 9 Taiwanese unlawful - although both the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and the BI (Bureau of Immigration) are under the DOJ, the news is made in a way it seems the department and obviously its head is not associated with the foul-ups. De Lima+1.

Binay: The one who cannot be named - The Vice President is given space even while he is out of the country, commenting against the wife of a competitor in the last VP race. Binay +1. Roxas -1.

Fuel prices up by P1 per liter Friday, 2nd hike in 4 days - the government is on top of the situation on the increasing prices of fuel. Aquino +1. DoE +1.

EVACUATION DEADLINE. DFA: 11,045 Filipinos have left Libya - although some partylist congressman ask for some heads to roll, the DFA and the DOLE still came out good in this news report, with the majority of the report coming from their statements. DFA +1. DOLE +1.

EARTHQUAKE AFTERMATH. Filipino kin still full of hope; NZ rescuers give up search - again, a report coming from the DFA statements and some other news coming from the earthquake devastated town in New Zealand.

COMPLICITY IN STRADCOM TAKEOVER. DoJ recommends suspension of LTO chief - a one-sided report coming from the DOJ but not from the secretary, putting the LTO chief on the spotlight and giving the ball to President Aquino. De Lima +1. LTO -1.

March 3, 2011

The Ombudsman is becoming more famous, or infamous, by the day as the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page took her again at the center of the paper.



The headline (Ombudsman prosecuted. Impeach complaints’ witnesses testify in 11 cases) is a report on what those that do not like the Ombudsman doesn't like of her. Ombudsman -1.

The other front page news today are as follows:

No cap in oil price as world crude surges - a report on oil prices wasting space to contemplate getting back to oil price regulation, gave a bit of space to Senators Recto and Zubiri. Recto +1.

Heidi Mendoza to go back to COA if Aquino wants her to - a report that seems to show that it is alright for the whistleblower, even if she is embarrassed by it, to be given a post in government as top auditor, with a mass as a background. Catholic Church +1.

1,200 Filipinos sail to safety on luxury ship - Some Filipinos are leaving the trouble country of Libya in style (Luxury Ship). the DFA given mouthful, while the President enjoyed some space to signify his contentment. Aquino +1. DFA -1.

NOT ON MASTER LIST. No $1,000 for other Marcos victims - the Marcoses gets a beating everytime this news is repeated. Marcos -1.

How they fled Libya by climbing 10-foot wall - some Filipinos who found hardship on their escape from Libya found comfort with the Phil. Embassy people. DFA +1.

No heated House debates; aircon off 2nd day in a row - no aircon no work seems to be the issue tackled in this report.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
Catholic church: 1
Recto: 1
DFA: 1 -1 =0
Marcos: -1
Ombudsman: -1

March 2, 2011

The Ombudsman who seems to be on a sinking ship is how her story took the centerstage of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Gutierrez’s allies fail to stop impeach. House: 2 complaints sufficient in form) which carries the original title on print as :Merci's Loyal Dozen Fail to Stop Impeach is a he-say-she-say report on the impeachment case against the Ombudsman. No matter where it is coming from, the report would surely come out negative for the target of the case. Meanwhile, the administration is also given good space to weigh in on the matter. Aquino +1. Ombudsman -1.

The other front page news today are as follows:

Oil companies told: Hold off your greed - a report that has no real news in it but gave Sen. Recto good space for his statements and DoE defense to clear itself on the spiraling oil prices. Sen. Recto +1. DoE +1.

10,000 Filipinos safe, sound, homebound - the statements of DOLE merely accepted as news in this report. DOLE +1.

$1,000 only a symbol but it still repairs roof - a continuation of yesterday's report on the human right victim's claim on the Marcos estate. Marcos -1.

BATTLE FOR TRIPOLI. Gadhafi strikes back on 3 fronts - a story on an embattled dictators defiance in Libya.

Not Rambotito’s lucky week - a news report on the Vice President which reminds the readers of his role in defense of former President Cory Aquino. Binay +1.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
Binay: 1
Recto: 1
DoE: 1
DoLE: 1
Ombudsman: -1
Marcos: -1

March 1, 2011

There are few topics today in the Phil. Daily Inqiurer Front Page that saw the DFA getting good front and center space.


The headline (DFA chief fetches Filipinos from Tripoli. ‘Smile diplomacy’ prevails amid conflict) seems a first hand report of the daring escape through Libya led by the DFA, although the accuracy of the report itself is unchallenged. DFA +1.

The other front page reports today:

Libyan rebs seize more towns; Tripoli roads deserted - a report on what is left of Gadhafi's fiefdom Libya.

ACADEMY AWARDS. ‘The King’s Speech’ is best picture - the coverage of the most anticipated film awards.

Short film by Fil-Ams wins Oscar - a coverage of some Fil-Ams being nominated and winning an Oscar.

Martial law victims get $1,000 checks - a report which nobody noticed the Philippine government lost on its claim of some Marcos wealth to the human rights claimants.

Apl.de.ap ups stake in Ninoy, Cory project - a report on a Filipino member of an international rap/pop/song group joining some advocacy work in the Philippines.

The scores:
DFA: 1