August 30, 2011

President Aquino: Angelito Alvarez is out. BOC chief bares big port scam in last hurrah

Public warned fiercer storms to batter Philippines

.5-M desks eyed for public school pupils

Noli de Castro liable in Pag-Ibig mess—Sen. Serge Osmeña III

RAMON MAGSAYSAY AWARDEE. Indian puts solar power technology in hands of poor

RAMON MAGSAYSAY AWARDEE. Indon educator empowers women

New Yorkers gripe hurricane Hype

August 25, 2011

What seems to be the fall of the Libyan strongman is the central story in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Gadhafi: Victory or death! Rebels consolidate, hunt for strongman and his sons) is a report on the last days in power of the former strongman now missing Libyan leader.

The other front page news reports today:

End of Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s gripping drama takes only 12 minutes - another international report, this time on the former World Bank chief, whose sexual assault case was pulled out from court by the prosecutors.

Philippines backs rebels; Libyan embassy here defects - a report about the DFA doing its job. DFA +1.

Customs: Angelito Alvarez out, Ruzanno Rufino Biazon in - A curious case of announcement of new appointments via rumors is hard to determine who benefits. The report may be taken as to have been forcing the President to finally make the appointment or show him as an executive who makes firm and difficult decisions.

Tony Blair in Manila to sow interfaith thru conversation - the DepEd is signing partnerships with an international education linking advocacy group led by the former British PM. DepEd +1.

AdCongress22 in CamSur topbills media game changers - a meeting of advertising and media industry leaders and practitioners is reported with the Inquirer's own chief among those leading it. Inquirer +1.

After ghost soldiers, phantom vets - some senators are given space on the issue of ghosts. Lacson +1. Recto +1.

The scores:
Lacson: 1
Recto: 1
DepEd: 1
DFA: 1
Inquirer: 1

August 24, 2011

News from Libya amidst a photo of the President walking the decks of a proud ship dominates the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline news cannot be found on the web, although the following report seems to be the closest to it. Gadhafi compound falls. ‘Captured’ heir makes surprise appearance; but where’s father?

The other front page news reports today are as follows:

President Aquino: Ship symbol of our defense - A boy who received a new toy would have bragged similarly as what is reported in this report. Aquino +1.

Former first gentleman Jose Miguel ‘Mike’ Arroyo wins TRO from SC - the former FG has a first win in the Supreme Court but is not off the hook yet with charges against him oft repeated by the report. Arroyo +1, -1. Lacson +1.

Dominique Strauss-Kahn set to walk free as New York rape case collapses - an update on the former IMF chiefs' alleged sexual assault which allegation seem to crumble.

US hitmaker David Foster searching for new Charice Pempengco - a promotion on David Fosters upcoming concerts with famous artists, the Philippines' very own, Charice, among them.

BATTLE FOR TRIPOLI. Filipino engineer seized - the DFA is doing what it can to repatriate Filipino workers while the former First Lady is given space to remind us that she met Libyan strongman Gadhafi. There is not much details on the supposed Filipino Engineer that was missing. DFA +1. Marcos +1.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
Lacson: 1
DFA: 1
Marcos: 1
Arroyo: 1 -1 =0

August 23, 2011

The Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page seems to have totally forgotten that exactly one year today is the most embarrassing day of the Aquino administration, so far.



The headline (Rebels encircle Gadhafi. World rejoices, urges strongman to give up) is a compilation of some world leader's comments on the imminent defeat of Gadhaffi in Libya.

The other front page news reports today:

Whereabouts of Moammar Gadhafi still unknown - more reports on the Libyan situation, focused on the now perhaps soon to be "former" strongman.

Rep. Ignacio Arroyo forged ‘Jose Pidal’ signature, Senate told - Some senators are given space as more issues are thrown against the husband of the former President, whom the paper conclusively identified as being saved twice by his brother (As quoted from the report: "It wasn’t the second time that Ignacio took the rap for his older brother."). Arroyo -1. Lacson +1. Estrada +1.

Mike Arroyo’s bookkeeper detained for telling ‘lies’ - There is certainly nothing amiss, as far as the paper is concerned, when a senate resource person is detained for "lying". Arroyo -1. Lacson +1.

UP topnotcher wore red underwear - a report on a medical board top-notcher's superstition.

Laborer’s son opts to stay, work in the Philippines - another report on a board top-notcher, this time in the nursing board.

Filipino maid challenges Hong Kong rule on residency - We remember HongKong today not because of the death of some of its citizens while touring the country last year, but because of a maid getting some recognition as Filipino Worker's welfare advocate there.

The scores:
Lacson: 2
Estrada: 1
Arroyo: -2

August 22, 2011

What the government is doing for workers in Libya is the banner story in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Gov’t to evacuate OFWs still in Libya. Reports say rebels near Tripoli) is a report on the situation in Libya, mixed with what the Phil. government is supposedly doing to rescue Filipino workers there. DFA +1.

The other front page news reports today:

Peace pact must have people’s OK, says gov’t - the Aquino administration is serious in talking peace with the rebels. Aquino +1.

Did young Rizal really write poem for children? - a research saying a poem attributed to the national hero is not actually his.

Baby boomers bent on staying forever young - an AP report on a consumer trend towards trying to look young.

Run for right to drink safe water - a report on activities of an advocacy to provide safe-to-drink water to everyone.

Filipinos in UAE caught in credit card trap - an International report on some workers in foreign countries getting behind on debts, among them Filipinos.

The scores surprise as one of the very few times where there are no negative news on the former President:
Aquino: 1
DFA: 1

August 21, 2011

The Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page picked as a banner story some news that happened halfway across the globe, avoiding the obvious significance of today's date.



The headline (Fil-Ams win US racial suit) is a story on some Filipino American Nurses who won a case defending their right to speak their native language at work although not necessarily while at work.

The other front page news:

Aquino Museum redesign tells saga of democracy - a comment which extols the "extent of the sacrifices Ninoy, Cory and their family had to endure" summarizes this report. Aquino +1.

Grand yellow welcome turns grim: They shot him - a story of preparations for Ninoy's arrival. Aquino +1.

Heart-to-heart talks with Ninoy - Some more stories of Ninoy, from his doctors point of view. Aquino +1.

That other Aug. 21 shocker: Plaza Miranda - a story of the Plaza Miranda bombing 40 years ago, from a photojournalist.

Telegram nearly kaput in digital age - a story on an outdated service.

The scores show the paper dedicating its issue to the President's Dad who is widely regarded as a hero.
Aquino: 3

August 20, 2011

More old news become headlines again in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Generals in ‘Hello Garci’ election scam face probe. House set to pursue damning leads ignored by Mayuga Report) is merely a gathering of opinions, meshed with what seems to be the paper's own opinions, on the Mayuga Report all against the former President. Arroyo -1.

The other front page news reports:

Benedict XVI laments ‘amnesia’ about God - a very important gathering for young Catholics covered not by the local media but at least given space in the paper. Catholic Church +1.

Gov’t ready to distribute 81,000 anti dengue traps - Two government agencies are fighting against Dengue. DOST +1. DepEd +1.

Senate appearance doctors’ call—Ignacio Arroyo - a blatant misreporting if not a lie by the paper is the main feature of this report as quoted below. Aquino +1. Arroyo -1.

Through his lawyer, Iggy Arroyo had earlier claimed ownership of two secondhand helicopters sold at brand-new rates to the Philippine National Police in 2009.

Sweet year for Philippine sugar planters - The Department of Agriculture reporting good harvest. DoA +1.

SYRIAN REVOLUTION. US, allies call on Assad to go - an International report on Syria and the US involvement.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
Catholic Church: 1
DOST: 1
DepEd: 1
DoA: 1
Arroyo: -2

August 19, 2011

Again, this is not a past issue of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page all it's banner story make it seem like it is.


The headline (Comelec tells AFP: Give us full report. But military insists there was no cover-up) merely gave blatant space to print opinion of people who believe that the former President cheated in 2004, all while the AFP has amazingly while doing nothing turned itself around. Aquino +1. De Lima +1. Escudero +1. Trillanes +1. AFP +1. Arroyo -1.

The other front page news reports today:

Palace: Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo free to leave abroad for medical care - the issue the report seems to be bent on tackling is whether she will return once she was allowed to go out of the country for medical reasons, even when there are no indications that she is even wanting to go out of the country at all. It is quite easy actually, all she has to do if she wants to go beg. It seems obvious to the paper that the former President is guilty even it still doesn't know of what crime. And Oh, by the way, President Aquino is humanitarian. Aquino +1. Arroyo -1.

Dengue cases up in Metro, 3 regions - both the PNP and DOH are helping out to save Dengue patients. DOH +1. PNP +1.

COMMENTARY. Take it from Quezon: Nationalism fuels progress - President Quezon is a patriot and those with different opinion on the economy may not be.

US toilets compete for the top seat - a feature on a trivial subject of toilet design.

Filipino workers refuse to leave Afghanistan, Libya, Syria - The government is slow and the workers doesn't want to follow. Aquino -1. DFA -1.

The scores:
Aquino: 2 -1 =1
De Lima: 1
Escudero: 1
Trillanes: 1
AFP: 1
DOH: 1
PNP: 1
DFA: -1
Arroyo: -2

August 18, 2011

We know who is the bad person in the banner story of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (MAYUGA REPORT. ‘2004 election fraud covered up’. Military panel ignored testimonies on cheats) is a one-sided opinion report on the Mayuga report which dismisses the cheating in 2004 but now made to look like the smoking gun. Arroyo -1.

The other front page news reports today are as follows:

Sotto: Senate will throw RH bill into garbage bin - Surprisingly a compilation of negative opinion on the LEDAC meeting chaired by the President, but forgetting to mention new taxes proposed. Aquino -1.

Lawmakers blame DoJ, BI for 3 Pagcor con men’s escape - the DOJ is blamed but there is no mention of its secretary. DOJ -1.

Apl.de.ap tells cabalen: ‘Keep on dreaming …’ - a returning popular Fil-Am's good deed is covered by this report.

Where there’s smoke…: Guard tags cigarette firm - perhaps the tobacco industry is evil so it is alright to tax them more?

Paris thrills to Manila: That’s hot - a rich girl who loves the Philippines perhaps more than we do?

The scores:
Aquino: -1
DOJ: -1
Arroyo: -1

August 17, 2011

Opinions again made it to the headline of the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (ON SECONDHAND HELICOPTERS CONTROVERSY. Senators reject Rep. Ignacio Arroyo’s claim. Want brod of former first gentleman Jose Miguel at Monday hearing) gave some senators good space to voice their opinion against the First Gentleman's brother, and they are credible because a bishop issued the same line. Lacson +1. Escudero +1. Estrada +1. Arroyo -1.

The other front page news reports:

Are all freedoms of expression art? Who knows? - more people are against the CCP Kulo exhibits but seems it is not illegal. Catholic Church +1.

CONGRESS AGENDA. RH makes it to President Aquino’s 13 priority bills - even the opposition supports the President and the church is already given special treatment. Aquino +1. Catholic Church -1.

AFP: Number of ‘ghost army’ is top secret - the AFP is again on the bad side when the months old news is repeated. AFP -1.

Oldest Bataan survivor dies at 105 in US - a report on a Bataan March survivor.

Leave Syria now, 17,000 Filipinos urged - The President and the DFA is on top of the situation in Syria. Aquino +1. DFA +1.

Rep. Reynaldo Umali names 2 executives smuggler’s protectors - There are still bad former administration appointees in the BIR and the BOC. Arroyo -1.

The scores:
Aquino: 2
Lacson: 1
Escudero: 1
Estrada: 1
DFA: 1
Catholic Church: 1 -1 =0
AFP: -1
Arroyo: -2

August 16, 2011

The brother is at it again, so declares the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page banner today.


The headline (‘LTA leased choppers during Ignacio Arroyo watch’. Solon comes to the rescue of big brod Mike Arroyo) seems to have been made in a way as that the brother of the First Gentleman is not to be believed. Arroyo -1. Estrada +1. Lacson +1.

The other front page news reports today:

Philippines may soon own vast gas-rich area - the DENR might soon be striking gold for the country. DENR +1. Drilon +1.

Gov’t, solons urge MILF: Discipline your men - as the MILF issued a challenge yesterday, the administration side is given its day in the media. Aquino +1.

Customs execs hit over ‘lost’ cargo vans - a report that gave space to solons' bashing the BOC, while the latter is also given clear space to rebut. However, the general weight of the report tilts against the BOC. BOC -1.

No Paris Hilton meeting with President Aquino - the President has no time for celebrities while the Philippines iconic boxer is friends with "the" girl. Aquino +1. Pacquiao +1.

4-day weekend awaits Filipinos - a report on what could be a gift to workers and students from Malacanang. Aquino +1.

Metro Manila produces a fourth of Philippine garbage - the DENR reports on what they are doing as the scores proves to be their day today. DENR +1.

The scores:
Aquino: 3
DENR: 2
Lacson: 1
Estrada: 1
Drilon: 1
Pacquiao: 1
BOC: -1
Arroyo: -1

August 15, 2011

A challenge to the President seems to be the banner story in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (MILF asks Aquino: Popularity or peace?. Substate deal seen as key to talks in Kuala Lumpur) report seems to indicate now that the ball on the peace process is now on Aquino and everyone is waiting for his response. Although the report repeats the spin that the MILF had just dropped its clamor for independence when the fact seems to show that they have dropped it since the signing of the MOA-AD, it generally pushes the administration to the wall to respond to what is on the peace negotiation table. Aquino -1.

The other front page news reports:

Rumors, denials fly over Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo condition - the report seems to show that the conflicting report is brought about by the Arroyo camp. Arroyo -1.

Another owner seen in choppers’ deed of sale - a report on a senator saying the First Gentleman is guilty but will still try to fool us all. Arroyo -1.

Analysis. Sovereignty issues with China, MILF a test for President Aquino - an analysis that contained no analysis but mere reports of Chinese movements and the administration's peace overtures with the MILF.

Tomato myths sow seeds of confusion - the paper advertising it's e-magazine.

Hinge Inquirer magazines available in digital edition - a feature on the confusing fruit/vegetable.

The scores shows the President joining the former President being negatively treated, although mildly so.
Aquino: -1
Arroyo: -2

August 14, 2011

August 13, 2011

August 12, 2011

August 11, 2011

August 10, 2011

August 9, 2011

The world investment market took centerstage in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Global markets in turmoil. US, Europe debt woes spook many investors) is as story on stock exchanges investment falling across the globe, the Philippines included (or inserted).

The other front page news:

Pagcor confirms P160-M card sting - it was the oppositions turn to question the PAGCOR of problems there happening now, that resulted in the lost of P150M or maybe more.

MILF eyes new state - what the MILF wants this time is different from the past, although they seem too similar. Aquino +1. Arroyo -1.

Poll fixers going out of business - automated elections only will there be in the future. COMELEC +1.

Combative Mike Arroyo twits foes: I’m back - although he is back, the question really (really this time) is will he face the senate. Aquino +1. Arroyo -1.

P660-M DBP loan backed by collateral, says Ongpin - the bad guy who obtained a loan from the DBP actually had some replies.

The scores:
Aquino: 2
COMELEC: 1
Arroyo: -2

August 8, 2011

It is clear who the hope of the country is in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.


The headline (MILF: President Aquino gave us hope. Opposition lawmaker seeks details of talks) has a title taken out of context of the same news it is supposed to banner. The reports seems to have highlighted that there would be peace in Mindanao during this administration even after a botched sellout by the former President. Aquino +1. MILF +1. Arroyo -1.

The other front page news:

ANALYSIS. Tokyo meet produced only atmospherics - an analysis of the President's meeting with the MILF leader which labels the absence of painstaking preparation as a lazy act. Aquino -1.

Congregation for healing priest - a story of a Filipino priest from Canada coming to stay in the country.

Pagcor money showered on Los Baños - the former PAGCOR is engaging in activities filled with conflicts of interests. Arroyo -1.

US credit downgrade heightens global fears - an international news report on the US credit downgrade by S&P.

Philippine senators upbeat amid rating cut - looks like Senator Drilon's column in the front page giving us advanced notice that our falling economy is caused more by the US' situation rather than this administration handling of the same. Aquino +1.

The scores:
Aquino: 2 -1 =1
MILF: 1
Arroyo: -2

August 7, 2011

August 6, 2011

August 5, 2011

The paper's name-calling scheme is reflected in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (Pagcor ‘coffee queen’ sued. BIR says Tan owes P59M in back taxes) put a brand on what the paper seems to have concluded to be bad people, triggered by Presidents expose of bad people during the former President's administration. Aquino +1. Arroyo -1.

The other front page news reports today:

No record of Mike Arroyo’s HK trip - the husband of the former President must be hiding as insinuated by some senators, while the fact that the DOJ doesn't have a record of his departure could most probably mean that indeed he is hiding. De Lima +1. Arroyo -1.

Koko Pimentel leads by 257K; winning ‘inevitable’ - Zubiri could have been a different breed but the DOJ secretary is not easy to convince. De Lima +1.

Unprecedented: Zubiri puts peers on debate mode - the Zubiri resignation poses questions on senate procedures.

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo loses voice, starts therapy - plunder cases awaits the recovering former President. Arroyo -1.

Kids have ‘Angel’ in Net to guard vs sex predators - a group within the PNP protect children even on cyberspace. PNP +1.

The scores:
De Lima: 2
Aquino: 1
PNP: 1
Arroyo: -3

August 4, 2011

August 3, 2011

Choppy seems to be the issue for the day at the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page.



The headline (‘Former First Gentleman behind chopper sale’. Senate calls Jose Miguel ‘Mike’ Arroyo to hearing) is based solely on statements by supposed witnesses who pointed to the former First Gentleman as a corrupt person. Arroyo -1.

The other front page news reports today:

FG’S DEFENSE. ‘There’s no Arroyo in documents’ - although the title of the report seems to scoff at FG's defense, the report itself actually gave Mike Arroyo a breather. Arroyo +1.

Heavy rains trigger fears of Tropical Storm ‘Ondoy’ - a report that forgot the inconsistencies of the weather bureaus acting head's forecasts. PAGASA +1. MMDA +1.

27 top cops face raps over chopper scam - the PNP chief won't let anomalies just go by. PNP +1.

More witnesses to appear at Comelec-DoJ probe - The DOJ secretary being merely excited triggered a front page news report. De Lima +1. COMELEC +1. Arroyo -1.

‘Superstar’ Nora Aunor back home; Leila de Lima, the fan, shrieks - and the same tough DOJ secretary is also a shrieking fan of a past movie and singing idol. De Lima +1.

The scores:
De Lima: 2
COMELEC: 1
PNP: 1
PAGASA: 1
MMDA: 1
Arroyo: 2 -1 =1

August 2, 2011

There seems to be nothing new in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline (More Pagcor scams bared. Genuino pals cashed in on energy drinks, bingo) did not even try to verify anything from the statements against the former PAGCOR chairman "during the Arroyo administration". Arroyo -1.

The other front page news reports today:

President Aquino: I really miss my mother - there is nothing wrong about talking about your mother as if you were not President. Aquino +1.

Loren Legarda: Proof of poll fraud in my protest - the former President is a cheat. Arroyo -1. Legarda +1. Pangilinan -1. De Castro -1.

Probe ‘Garci boys,’ poll chief told - De Lima won't let bad guys escape. De Lima +1. Arroyo -1.

No TV, no papers for Gloria Macapagal Arroyo - she is still a bad person. Arroyo -1. Estrada +1.

Obama, Congress OK deal on debt, avert US default - a report on the expected US congressional approval of increasing the debt ceiling.

The scores:
Aquino: 1
De Lima: 1
Estrada: 1
Pangilinan: -1
De Castro: -1
Arroyo: -4

August 1, 2011

"Guilty" seems to be how the former First Gentleman is described today in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page.


The headline (‘Jose Miguel Arroyo owned helicopters’. Businessman to testify in Senate probe) gave three senators top billing to prove that the former administration is bad. In the spirit of 'fairness', the paper 'tried' to contact the legal spokesperson of Mrs. Arroyo but to no avail. Of course, readers should have known that it is unfair to ask unverified allegations to those whom wrongdoings are alleged in the first place, but the paper seems not to mind that. Arroyo -1. Lacson +1. Estrada +1.

The other front page news reports today:

Palace looking into Garcillano properties - is another one-sided report against the former administration based on statements from people supporting the present administration's position. Arroyo -1. Llamas +1.

Beneficiaries of gov’t cash scheme turn to loan sharks - reports on some problems with the conditional cash transfers that the DSWD would have to solve. The report did not give so much of a treatment.

Ramadan monthlong fasting starts - a news feature on a Muslim religious season.

COMMENTARY. In death, Cory Aquino lives as model for all widows - the former President is both courageous and religious. Aquino +1.

INQUIRER READ-ALONG. Miss Earth beauty queens read about Nature to kids - some beautiful girls went along with the paper to read to kids. Inquirer +1.

The scores:
Aquino: 1

Lacson: 1

Estrada: 1

Llamas: 1

Inquirer: 1

Arroyo: -2