August 31, 2010

There are still a number of news related to the hostage drama last week on the Inquirer Front Page today.


The main headline (RP-HK parallel probe set. De Lima gags PNP, NBI, other agencies) gave Sec. De Lima almost exclusive space to explain that a parallel investigation by Hong-Kong probers does not mean subservience by the Philippine Authorities. The report did not explain though that this report was precipitated by the fact that the Chinese Authorities felt there is something being hidden from them as their investigators were initially turned down. The headline also reports of a gag order by the DOJ secretary on the groups conducting the investigation and the rules set on the participation of HK investigators. There is mention in the report of the Aquino administration's "ineptness" in dealing with the crisis. De Lima +1. Aquino -1.

The other front page reports today:

Church: Pray for healing, forgiveness - a report on the Catholic Church turning to prayer to resolve the issues that surfaced after the hostage taking incident.

Hostage expert is one of RP’s 10 best cops - a report on police awardees the paper tied but actually unrelated to the hostage taking last week. PNP +1.

Gov’t launches US-designed family planning program - a report on the family planning drive of the government.

SPECIAL REPORT Bogus borrowers bought houses. Pilot housing project - a report on what looked like a farce happening at the government housing fund (Pagibig) by the company Globe Asiatique. The paper did not explain what precipitated this report nor where where it came from.

RM awardee dreams of peace fest in Hiroshima - a PR news from the RM awards featuring this time the Japanese awardee.

‘Modern Family,’ ‘Mad Men’ win top Emmy Awards - a report on the winners of a US TV awards, Emmy.

Filipino nurse, ‘kristo’ excel in UK memory tilt - a report on Filipinos finishing respectably in a memory contest in UK.

The scores:
De Lima: 1
PNP: 1
Aquino: -1

August 30, 2010

The Inquirer Front Page still deals a lot about the hostage crisis that gripped the Philippines a full week ago.



The main headline today (HK furious; OFWs fearful. 80,000 marchers demand justice) is a combined AFP and AP report on the Chinese rally in Hong Kong and the plight of Filipino workers in the territory. Although the President is mentioned in the report, he is neither treated positively nor negatively.

The other news:

HK police to examine bus after NBI probe - a report on the investigations conducted by the authorities giving Sec. Leila De Lima special coverage. DeLima +1.

RM awardee: Disabled also have dreams - a PR report on a RM awardee.

Fil-Am War led to Vietnam, Iraq mess - a press release kind of report on an upcoming seemingly anti-war film that grouped former President Arroyo with Pro-war America when she supported the war in Iraq. Arroyo -1.

SPECIAL REPORT Firm breaks Pag-IBIG rules on loans. Pilot housing project - a special yet seemingly confusing and incomplete report on some farce happening in the Government housing fund, pinning down a private company Global Asiatique, and mentioning former VP De Castro's intervention that supposedly benefited the same company. De Castro -1.

Obama’s steep learning curve as wartime chief - a NYT report on an American president who seemingly is slowly going out of his cocoon.

Aquino hate mail down; gov’t website hacked - a report on a government website hacking and President Aquino supposedly slowly getting positive comments "again". Aquino +1.

ANALYSIS Crisis shows limits of right to know - a commentary that somehow puts President Aquino, and the mass media in for some negative treatment. Aquino -1. Mass Media -1.

The scores:
De Lima: 1
Aquino: 0
Mass Media: -1
De Castro: -1
Arroyo: -1

August 29, 2010

News related to the bus hostage taking incident last monday still took most of the space on the Inquirer Front Page today.



The main headline today seems to have given space to some speculation (2 RM awardees from China cancel trip) connecting the non-attendance of two chinese awardees to the upcoming Magsaysay Awards with the hostage crisis. The news itself does not have anything to do with any personality at all.

The other news today:

Chinese photographer wins RM for helping save a river - reports on a Chinese RM awardee.

Last interview: From agitation to despair, death - a report on the last interview with the hostage taker immediately before the rampage at the bus.

Enchanting adventure in Agusan Marsh - a report on a little known mystic tourist attraction.

NASA engineers teach RP kids to ‘reach for the stars’ - a news report about a NASA information project.

Gov’t loses case for citing Wikipedia - a weird case involving Wikipedia.

With too many issues surrounding our government today, the Inquirer seems to have felt there is no need to put any of our national leaders in the spotlight on their front page, perhaps to the relief of both the former and present chief executives of the country.

August 28, 2010

The Philippine Daily Inquirer Front Page today is almost exclusively reserved for stories surrounding last monday's hostage crisis.



The main headline today (Flag on casket irks China. ‘Honoring hostage-taker an insult’) is a report that picture our country as being insensitive to the Chinese by having our flag draped on the dead hostage taker's coffin.

The other news today:

DILG chief defends Lim: He was on top - a defensive news given space for Mayor Lim and Sec. Robredo. Amazingly, this news report took a dig at the former administration through the words of Sec. Robredo blaming the past for the present's inadequacy. Arroyo -1.

‘Super SWAT’ was kept out of the loop - a news report that wonders why a supposedly better SWAT team was not utilized to resolve the hostage crisis, putting the PNP in deeper trouble. PNP -1.

China’s No. 2 man postpones visit - a report supposedly here in connection with the hostage crisis but actually doesn't have anything to do with it.

HK tourist holds no anger, thanks doctor - a positive reaction from a hostage victim to healthcare personnel who attended to her at PGH.

China won’t receive RP delegation until full probe is finished - a report about an obvious gaffe in our foreign relations group but was not treated as such.

There are other news today which links cannot be found from the Inquirer.com:

'Privatization Bonus?' Yes only at the MWSS

HK sets massive protest rally

The scores:
PNP: -1
Arroyo: -1

It is amazing from today's front page to realize that President Aquino's name is not included in the news, and there were not quotes coming from him nor were there any reactions, positive or negative toward the President. It is even more amazing that there is some blame going to the former administration. There is a quite an obvious difference here in the way the Inquirer has covered President Aquino compared to how they covered President Arroyo.

August 27, 2010

Still, the Phil. Daily Inquirer gave front page prominence to the hostage taking event that happened last monday.



The main headline today (‘Lim issued arrest order’. But mayor denies MPD director’s testimony) seems to say that the blamegame has started. Hidden in the report is a short sentence on the question of a missing President in the height of the crisis, buried by testimonies of pointing fingers. Seems to us a carefully mastered spin of the situation, a blame game ploy used as squid tactic.

The other news today:

Silence falls, business stops as Hong Kong honors dead - a report from HongKong honoring the dead and giving the Philippines police and administration bad international press. PNP -1. Aquino -1.

Senate told elite forces weren’t used - The PNP bore the brunt of the botched hostage rescue, with some slight reference on the former administrations failure to equip the police while reports are contrary to the present administrations claims of lack of equipment. PNP -1. Arroyo -1. Aquino -1.

‘It is not me, your honor’ - a report on a senate hearing on the torture case. PNP -1.

‘Missed communication’ at Palace - the President cannot be reached. Aquino -1.

2ND QUARTER PERFORMANCE RP economy grows by 7.9% - a report on the growing economy. It would be noted that when there is something negative happening (like the incompetent police force botching the hostage rescue), there were references made on the failures of the past administration. When some positive things happen, it seems the past administration has nothing to do with it.

Students give Aquino a lift but bishop says he failed ‘first trial’ - a balanced view of President Aquino from different sources, with two times jab for the former President. Amazingly, the news turned out negative for Arroyo. Arroyo -1.

BIR accuses businessman of defrauding gov’t of P5.5B - BIR on the job report. BIR +1.

The scores today shows former President Arroyo chased by jabs. Meanwhile the President who is at the center of criticisms today worldwide is given milder treatment than that reflected by the score.
BIR: 1
Arroyo: -2
Aquino: -3
PNP: -3

August 26, 2010

The Phil. Daily Inquirer still gave the hostage crisis embarrassment the center stage in its front page today.


The main headline (4 SWAT members sacked. Manila police chief goes on leave as probe starts) is a report mostly coming from the administration about the steps they are taking to investigate the embarrassing incident. It is of course positive to the administration as it says the government is doing something, but not positive enough as it has not named the President nor has it signified a positive opinion on the development.

The other news in the front page today:

SAD HOMECOMING Bodies of 8 hostage victims flown to HK - stories about the victims of the hostage taking and the send off in the airport attended by Philippine officials.

RP assured of safety of Filipinos in Hong Kong - surprisingly, a report on the defense of the Filipino in general and concerns for the safety of Filipino workers in Hong-Kong.

Arroyo’s allies hit Aquino handling of hostage crisis - amazingly, a news that puts the blame on the former President. Arroyo -1.

Cops brave but got it wrong, says UK expert - a reprint of a BBC news story. PNP -1.

SWAT swatted on the Net - a joke report on the meaning of SWAT, the response of the PNP and a background on this kind of elite law enforcement unit that still leaves the PNP in the negative. PNP -1.

Angry messages flood Aquino’s Facebook - a sampling of the negative comments on PResident Aquino in facebook. Aquino -1.

Palace seeks dialogue with media - a report that shows the mass media is not being blamed by the Aquino administration and that still the administration is taking action to make sure that the things which mass media did wrong which cannot be blamed on the mass media will not happen again.

The scores today seems to show that the Aquino administration and the mass media is safe from criticism in its bungled handling of the hostage situation as far as the Inquirer is concerned, safer even than Arroyo and the PNP.
Aquino: -1
Arroyo: -1
PNP: -2

August 25, 2010

The hostage crisis that gave the country a huge embarrassment took centerstage in the Inquirer Front Page today.


The main headline today (Aquino, PNP admit mistakes were made. ‘Defects’ in handling hostage crisis probed) basically quotes President Aquino retelling the news story of course setting his administration free from blame. Aquino +1.

The other front page news today:

Mourning and outrage in HK - a report that although did not name President Aquino as bearing the brunt of the outrage, pointed to the Philippine "authorities" in general. Aquino -1.

RP broadcast media under fire - a two sided reportage on the mass media's role in the hostage crisis.

Estrada scraps HK trip - amazingly a report part of which is in defense of President Aquino's seemingly inattentive attitude of the hostage crisis. - Aquino +1.

FAQ: Where was Aquino during crisis? - more of a defense of President Aquino's non appearance during the crisis. Aquino +1.

A ‘major, major’ win nonetheless - quite a huge press push for the Miss Universe Pageant and the Philippine candidate.

The score today surprisingly gave President Aquino good coverage even in the midst of the pathetic man-made disaster that befell the country:
Aqiuno: 2

August 24, 2010

A hostage drama seen around the world took most of the space in the Inquirer Front Page today.



The headline news (Bloodbath at Rizal Park. Gunman, 7 hostages die in 11-hour bus drama) gave reports on the hostage tragedy from different sources, without revealing any of the writer's opinion.

The other news today:

Hong Kong gov’t issues travel ban: Avoid RP - An AFP report on the HongKong authorities' actions after the hostage drama.

From decorated police officer to hostage-taker - a review from different sources on the personality of the police office who held tourists as hostages in Manila.

Mandalay Bay in Vegas smells of ‘adobo’ - a news release that seems to promote the Ms. Universe pageant in Vegas.

Cop ordered rob suspect’s killing, say witnesses - a story on the recently exposed torture happening in the Police Department, but this time without so much blaming the service.

AI dares Aquino to stand up vs torture - a call made by Amnesty International to President Aquino, that says the President is not doing enough. Aquino -1.

The score:
Aquino: -1

August 23, 2010

A news about Senator Lacson's case took the main headline of the front page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer today.



The main headline (Senate custody for Lacson pushed. Ping’s son seeks case reinvestigation) gave Sen. Lacson's side of the story exclusively. Lacson +1.

The other news today:

Enrile urges Aquino to give up intel funds - the Inquirer gave good space for Sen. Enrile opinion today, although unclear why so. Enrile +1.

CHR gets more torture reports - a report about the CHR confirming there are torture cases in the PNP and jumps to conclude it seems to be the norm. PNP -1.

Public school students barely passing Filipino - a somewhat confusing report on the grades of Public School students.

Analysis. New gov’t peace panel must learn from failed MOA - An analysis on the possibility of amending the constitution in connection to the Mindanao peace situation, that took potshots at a statement by a member of a government negotiating panel. Although in the end the piece cautioned a drop in political capital for the President, it hugely shielded the President from a supposed faux pas. Our monitor thus cannot pinpoint if the analysis itself is for or against the President.

FAMILY PLANNING. India gov’t pays couples to wait - a report from the New York Times, on India's population control measure.

Moustache saves accused in Cainta massacre case - a report on an injustice corrected after more than 10 years.

Bontoc women patrol crime-burdened towns - a report on a unique crime prevention activity in Bontoc.

The scores today:
Lacson: 1
Enrile: 1
PNP: -1

August 22, 2010

Palace to Lacson: Come home, face the music

Quest for justice continues for Ninoy Aquino

Missing bank exec had taste for high life, ‘new shiny things’

Institute of Integrity: Pimentel pursues lifelong dream

Taxman goes after bet who spent P200

Sarah Balabagan: The next chapter

August 21, 2010

Of course, the death anniversary of Ninoy Aqiuno is the centerpiece of the Philippine Daily Inquirer front page today.



The main headline today (Aquino wants to remember Ninoy quietly) is spinned in such a way that it seems to have forgotten that the President is not anymore just the son of the hero being commemorated today. Aquino -1.

The other news in the front page today:

Whats wrong with the Philippines? - an essay supposedly written by Ninoy Aquino, probably in mid-60s, which reveals more policies than those represented by the present leader.

Ninoy Aquino's letter to the 'Grand Old Man of the Opposition' - a letter of Ninoy Aquino presumably at the time when he is being tried by a military court, paying homage to Sen. Lorenzo Tanada, saying he owed him his resilience and restoration of confidence that everything will turn out for the better.

Highest paid gov't exec may lose intel funds - although the SBMA executive has so many times explained the actual salary he receives, and although given space in this Inquirer Front page report to give his side, the paper seems ignorant of his defense and did not verify to get to the truth. This is another he-say-she-say type of report that does not give us any real information and looks like coming from those who want Mr. Arreza out of SBMA. Since the SBMA chairman is much vilified in the mass media without due process, we begin today to monitor the treatment he receives. Arreza -1.

Court: James Yap can visit Baby James - a report on the development of the annulment proceedings on the marriage of a Presidential sister, remaining unsurprised of the sudden turn of events while they seems to be hapilly married even as recent as during President Aquino's election run.

Gabriela hits Aquino on divorce: It’s not Las Vegas-style - is not much of a reaction to the President's gaffe (saying he is not for divorce but ok for separated couples to remarry), but of the President's lack of understanding of the bill being pushed. Our monitor cannot pinpoint whether this report benefits President Aquino nor treat him negatively.

Torture taught at 'academy' but no longer tolerated, says PDI source - a report about the prevalence of torture in Philippine law enforcement and about how people talk to the mass media even when they should not. PNP -1.

NBI: Dead robbery suspect could be man in torture video - a report on the torture victim.

2 Roses can now lead normal lives - a report on the successful operation to separate a conjoined Filipino baby twins.

The scores today:
Aquino: -1
PNP: -1
Arreza: -1

August 20, 2010

A Filipino congressman arrested in HongKong for drug related charges is the main topic in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The main healdine (Ronald Singson posts bail. But lawmaker barred from leaving HK) reports on the proceedings on the bail hearing of Cong. Ronald Singson in HongKong (where he was allowed to post bail).

Tax evasion case filed vs dealer of luxury cars - a report on a case filed by the government against another supposed tax evader.

2 lawmakers seek Luisita deal probe - a one sided report on the Hacienda Luisita issue, coming from a congressman and a senator that seem leaning to the farmers. All the report did not mince words directly negative to the President, it nevertheless put the him and his relatives in a bad light. Aquino -1.

De los Angeles in Ormoc jail - a report about a rich person in jail.

BENGUET BUS CRASH Fil-Am boy never got to show pic to US classmates - The President taking notice of a tragic accident in Benguet, promising to look more into it. Aquino +1.

Absentee lawmaker still gets a House chair - a report on some lawmakers getting house committee chairmanships, with a little negative slide at the Abads with comments on them becoming too powerful under the Aquino administration. Abad -1.

Internet-savvy Aquino goes online to fight corruption - a report where "internet-savvy" is made a new description of the President. Aquino +1.

Cop in torture video faces raps - a report on alleged torturer in the Police force.

The scores today:
Aquino: 1
Abad: -1

August 19, 2010

A road disaster in Benguet is the main story in the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today.



The main headline (Benguet bus crash kills 41. Vehicle falls into ravine as brakes fail) reports the deaths and injuries in the bus crash and a bit of background on what happened.

The other front page news today:

GOV’T FAT CATS. One director earned P200M, says Drilon - is a repeat of news on GOCC executive's big salaries, a continuation of Drilon interviews, with reference to former President Arroyo as culprit. Arroyo -1.

DNA test: Fischer not Filipino girl’s dad - a report on the Chess great, Fischer.

Peace RP’s only option in Spratlys - a report on the Philippines' stand (or lack thereof) in the Spratly's, which seems to be out of tune with what the US would have wanted.

Lacson denies bribery try on witness - a one sided report, this time benefiting the fugitive suspect in the Dacer-Corbito slay case. Lacson +1.

De Quiros named SSS president - a one sided sort of media interview with President Aquino defending his appointees. Aquino +1.

SC urged to honor Luisita deal - a report on the arguments heard at the Supreme Court, with President Aquino trying to avoid involvement in the case. The totality of the report though seems to have given the Cojuangco/Aquino side of the argument standing on weak grounds. Aquino -1.

Police torture video triggers outrage - a case that gave DOJ chief Leila De Lima some space on her take on tortures. DeLima +1.

The scores:
De Lima: 1
Lacson: 1
Aquino: 0
Arroyo: -1

August 18, 2010

Sen. Lacson's expected day in court is the main subject of today's Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page.



The main headline today (Mancao bares offer for him to retract. Witness points to Lacson camp.) are media releases coming from the DOJ and from Mancao, the latter pointing to Lacson's camp trying to buy him to retract his testimony. Lacson -1.

The other news today:

No Mercy? Liquidate P2.4B or get no pay - the COMELEC and the OMBUDSMAN this time on cleaning house. COMELEC +1. OMBUDSMAN +1.

Subic, Clark losing but top execs raking it in - a 3rd, possibly 4th rehash of the same COA report that says that the Subic and Clark top execs are raking in money. Subic's Arreza has since answered the charges and explained his remuneration but the Inquirer seems not to have heard the explanations in this report.

Admiral not going away quietly - a report on Rear Admiral Angue's complaints on his supposed demotion, and a response from the AFP leadership. Rumblings such as this might have a negative effect on President Aquino but our monitor would not make such call. Meanwhile, the report is a he-say-she-say type of report wherein the paper did not validate the statements made.

Senators oppose partition of the republic - a report on comments on Charter Change by some senators, in reaction to a government negotiators expression of openness to change the constitution, supposedly a move seen as that which accommodates the MILF.

Dengue-free but driver in jail for ‘katol’ theft - a report on a supposed "Katol" thief.

PAL labor turbulence continues; strike looms - a report of seemingly continuing PAL labor woes.

Agrarian reform law a gem, says cardinal - a report that seems to show the Catholic Church is on another end of the table from the President on Hacienda Luisita. Aquino -1.

The scores today:
COMELEC: 1
OMBUDSMAN: 1
Lacson: -1
Aquino: -1

August 17, 2010

The Inquirer Front Page, our of nowhere, had Charter Change on its headline today.



The main headline today (Gov’t open to Cha-cha to win peace in South. Leonen: MILF proposals will be considered) talks about a hot issue that gave President Aquino some indirect approval on the possibility of Charter Change proposals. These kinds of news are often seen the Inquirer Front Page these days, where President Aquino's views are reflected indirectly on issues that are controversial, shielding the President from possible backlash in case his side of the issue proves to be unpopular. Again, our monitor, although feeling this is the kind of communication coming from Malacanang, cannot pinpoint who the new benefit, at this time. In any case, the news report still gave Pres. Aquino good coverage with side comments about his landslide win, etc. Aquino +1.

The other news today:

Filipinos see God’s wrath in environment catastrophes - is a report on a survey ask of Filipinos about Climate Change and disasters.

KRIS-JAMES BREAKUP ‘To remove Yap … that’s not right’ - a news report on the highest profile marital separation in the land.

What’s in a name? A lot, say Arroyo allies in House - a report that says congressmen want to maintain showing their names and even faces on billboards announcing their projects. The report further gave the information that the congressmen are from the Arroyo block in the house of representatives. Arroyo -1.

Ex-Basilan rep now on wanted list - a report on the issuance of warrant of arrest for a former congressman, also a 2007 bombing suspect.

Marcos bucks plan to sell 2 TV networks- a report on the possible sale of two sequestered TV networks.

President stays out of Luisita row - still a negative report, although how much he is shielded, on Hacienda Luisita for Pres. Aquino. Aquino -1.

China zips past Japan as No. 2 economy - an International report on China's upward economy.

The scores today seems to remind us who is evil:
Aquino: 0
Arroyo: -1

August 16, 2010

The Inquirer Front Page today gave a semblance of government deep in search for business deals to dispose government properties.



The main headline (Gov’t to sell 2 TV stations in 2 years: But IBC-13, RPN-9 need overhaul first) reports about the mostly non-news goings-on at the administration's communications group, giving the administration good space in a very subtle way. It is hard to call this kinds of news as going for President Aquino so our monitor shall leave it alone for the moment.

The other news today:

Hundreds kiss to mark 65th year of war’s end - an international news on the commemoration of the end of World War 2.

Bishop urged to live among Luisita farmers - a mostly negative report on the HLI deal, which did not give reference to President Aquino, must be negative to the President nevertheless. Aquino -1.

Joker tells Aquino’s legal team: Don’t act rashly - a one sided interview on Sen. Arroyo about his mild criticisms of the administration's activities that puts a number of legal issues to the Supreme Court so early in the President's term. Aquino -1.

Pagcor: Expansion before sale - another non-news being reported in the front page, about more sale of government properties. Probably a case of feeling the public's opinion at best or trying to desensitize the public on issues at worst. Our monitor feels that this piece is part of the administration's communication strategy, although we cannot confirm it to be so, so we leave it as such.

FIBA kicks off 3-on-3 basketball - an Associated Press report on a new basketball format.

Is weather chaos linked to warming? - another international news report, this time on global warming and the weather.

Japan’s 100-year-olds a vanishing breed - again, another international report, this time on the dwindling number of centenarians in Japan, from the New York Times.

The scores looks like the front page is taking a dig at President Aquino today, although we suspect the administration had success in using subtle ways of putting out their messages:
Aquino: -2

August 15, 2010

It seems the corporate side on the Hacienda is given prominence today in the front page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.


It now seems tha Catholic Church is divided on the issue of Hacienda Luista as a bishop from Tarlac is given almost exclusive space in the Inquirer main headline today (TARLAC BISHOP SAYS `Let Luisita folk decide’). Still the news report did not give independent verification of the agreement by the farmers to the compromise deal supposedly struck by the Cojuangcos with the famr hands. By extension, the report gave President Aquino very kind treatment. Aquino +1.

The other news today:

Sereno: ‘Triumph of intellect over shabby politics’ - a report where the Inquirer gave only positive review of the new Supreme Court appointee, lauding President Aquino's choice. Aquino +1.

Tall Story: Tale of 2 siblings, 2 cultures - a promotional news on a book (novel) just now made locally available.

‘4 witches’ of Aquino counting the days to 2016 - a report that seems to say the Aquino sisters are not power hungry. Aquino +1.

Volunteerism can help gov’t recover, for free - a news that gave tells us about the similarities between Obama's and Aquino's election campaign and how such could be transformed to volunteerism. Aquino +1.

Cockpit ‘kristo’ going to memory Olympics - a report about two Pinoys going into a memory stretching competition.

The scores show President Aquino passes with flying colors even with Hacienda Luisita in the main news today:
Aquino: 3

August 13, 2010

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August 12, 2010

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August 11, 2010

More story on fat pay graces the Front Page of the Phil. Daily Inquirer today.



As if most of the contents of the main headline news report has yet been reported (Solons seek cuts in fat gov’t pay. Congress to probe ‘scandalous’ emoluments) the Inquirer repeats the allegations of "fat" salaries GOCC officers are receiving, this time with garnish of interviews from news hugging politicians. The report treats the subject as if it is totally new giving one of the embarrassed GOCC chief space to defend himself which he has done earlier. The report though treated the defense as if it was first time it as reported.

The other news today:

Pagcor chair doubts $10-B offer; Kuok denies reports - an unnecessary discussion on the prospects of gambling industry in the Philippines.

‘Burjer’ Ben Abalos: I’ll be cleared on NBN - a retelling of the NBN ZTE deal, of course negative to the former administration. Arroyo -1.

Compromise deal divides Hacienda Luisita 4 unions - a report on the Luisita that amazingly freed President Aquino from involvement. Aquino +1.

US, Vietnam display military ties amid warnings from China - an AP report on a much improved relations between Vietnam and the USA, threatening China's dominance in the area. The situation if it escalates could have serious consequence to the region with the Philippines also to be highly involved.

Kids in 48,000 daycare centers to feed on excess NFA rice - a report that reminds us that there is an oversupply of rice. Arroyo -1.

Pacquiao website yields wrong age, wrong wife - a mistake in the House of Representative's website getting good space in the Inquirer Front Page.

Ex-Navy officer, family massacred; P200,000 reward - a shocking multiple murder crime story involving a Navy officer's family (Lt. Comm equivalent to Major in the army, Chief PEtty Officer equivalent to Seargeant in the Army) as victims given lackluster coverage by the mass media as a whole, as if the lives of a military personnel, even when in their private lives, are not that important.

The scores today seems to remains as it was during the campaign period:
Aquino: 1
Arroyo: -2

August 10, 2010

The Hacienda Luisita issue took again centerstage in the Philippine Daily Inquirer Front Page today.


The main headline (Bishop slams land deal. Aquino challenged: Don’t skirt CARP) is a report on the negative comments of a Bishop, Bishop Pabillo, on the supposed Luisita deal, challenging President Aquino to step in to make sure that the farmers are getting a fair share of the deal. Aquino -1.

The other front page news today:

7,302 farmers signed compromise deal, says HLI - is a report on mostly Cojuangco side of the deal, explaining that the farmers themselves want the present Stock Distribution situation instead of owning the land, all the while President Aquino shielded from the issue. Aquino +1.

Aquino: $10-B Pagcor bid ‘interesting’ - is a report on the ongoing discussions on the possible privatization of the state gambling firm.

Revillame scraps ABS-CBN contract - a continuing story on the plight of a TV host whose troubles seems to have stemmed from his endorsement of the wrong Presidential candidate.

UP profs tell justice to quit for plagiarism - is a report that pushes the charge of plagiarism against a Supreme Court Justice.

DepEd readies draft curriculum on 12-yr basic ed - a one sided report from the DepEd.

Bad news for smokers: P90-tax per pack eyed - a report on smoking and the possible increase in taxes for cigarettes.

PAL cabin crew airs strike threat over CBA - a report on CBA negotiations at the Philippine Airlines.

The scores today shows President Aquino treated from both sides on the Hacienda Luisita issue.
Aquino: 1-1 = 0

August 9, 2010

There is a sudden shift on the focus of the Inquirer Front Page today, that of PAGCOR.



The main headline today ($10B offered for Pagcor. Tycoon Ramon Ang bids for gambling firm) is a one sided interview with San Miguel Corp's Ramon Ang, who is talking for himself (not for his company) in acquiring PAGCOR with a slew of foreign principals. The paper did not get any independent reaction to whatever Mr. Ang is saying regarding the possible impact of a US$10B privatization of PAGCOR.

The other front page news today:

New casino franchises suspended - a press report coming exclusively from the government side showing President Aquino's concern on "proliferation" of casinos even on places not frequented by tourists. Aquino +1.

RP quakes near undersea volcano - a report on a newly discovered volcano near the Philippines, the news title trying to tie it with recent earthquakes in Mindanao that are tectonic (not volcanic) in origin, and therefore has nothing to do with it.

DAR: Luisita deal may still be voided - although the title of this piece seems to say that DAR looks to the Luisita deal as something that is not yet final, the report itself seems to show the DAR supporting the deal. The President again is said to be unaware of the developments there supposedly rightly so for he only has very small share in the company. The report did not repeat the earlier report that President Aquino has divested his interest in the company. Obviously, this report goes to give President Aquino a way out of the Luisita mess. Aquino +1.

Life is a blast for employees of call centers - an AFP report on the call center industry employees' life in the Philippines.

Clark exec in trouble with wife over pay report - a report this time coming from the Clark chief executive embarrassed by recent now said to be erroneous salary reports.

Taliban kill 6 US aid workers, 4 others - a New York Times report of violence in Afghanistan.

US ship tells China: We’re here - an AP report on the US presence in Southeast Asia, touching on the Spratlys situation and other issues with China, which has importance to our country.

The score today seems to show President Aquino having his way with the Phil. Daily Inquirer:
Aquino: 2

August 8, 2010

The Inquirer Front Page today took the Hacienda Luisita case as its main topic today, and seems to brandish that indeed the contract is a done deal.



The report in the main headline today is basically an echo of what was already reported yesterday (2 groups set to contest Luisita ‘sham’ deal at SC). In the report, there is absolutely no mention of President Aquino, possibly meant to distance him from the issue. Of course we would have imagined that there will be howls of protests from many farmers group on the supposed Hacienda agreement, but no there is no such howls reported. Meanwhile, the Inquirer still did not get independent confirmation of what was happening there, especially on whether the farmers actually approves the agreement. There is not even a question posed by the Inquirer itself on the sticky points on the issue, especially as to why only a third of the total land area is to be offered for distribution. Our monitor thinks that in all this, the Inquirer Front Page is giving President Aquino a favor. Aquino +1.

The other news today:

136 Filipino journalists enshrined in US Newseum - is a news on a journalist museum featuring some Filipino journalists.

Subic, Clark chiefs explain fat paychecks; solons shocked - is basically a rehash of yesterday's report, this time with more explanations coming from Subic's Arreza. There was no mention of the past administration in the report today.

Helping hands rush to expel black intruder - an environmental disaster happening under our noses in the seas surrounding Batangas is reported in this article, with no one made to answer for it.

Aquino shy, shuns special attention - a report that merely says President Aquino is a decent man. Aquino +1.

New Pagasa OIC intends to sex up meteorology again - looks like a press release coming from the new PAGASA OIC.

The scores today shows that there is not even a hint of negative news on President Aquino:
Aquino: 2

August 7, 2010

A mixed bag. That describes the Phil. Daily Inquirer Front Page today with the inclusion of many different topics in one page.



The main banner today (Luisita agreement signed. Deal needs SC okay; President hands off) is all about the confusing news on Hacienda Luisita. There seems to be an agreement between the company and its farmers, but unclear whether the farmers are truly represented. The Inquirer seems not bent on reporting the truth as they did not have any independent information on who is lying or what. The news report carefully noted that Pres. Aquino has already divested his interest in Luisita and the Inquirer give him a pass when he said he is no longer a party of interest, forgetting that as President he should be interested to get the Agrarian Reform Program properly implemented. Try as the report hard to remove the President from the controversy, the news report nevertheless still gave a negative insinuation to the Cojuangcos and hence to President Aquino. Aquino -1.

The other news in the Front Page today:

Subic, Clark execs highest paid gov’t men - a report showing the salaries of some people in government in 2009, perhaps meant to embarass them for receiving such huge amounts in the middle of poverty in the country and connect the same to former President Arroyo. Arroyo -1.

COA list: Highest paid government officials in 2009 - a rundown of the same news on salaries.

Suicide bombing ruled out - a very big news report that interestingly did not make to be the main headline for two days, reports on the bombing in Zamboanga.

‘Cojuangcos don’t want to let go of the land’ - an interview with Christian Monsod who put the Cojuangcos, and by extension the President, in the negative. Aquino -1.

Luistro: It’s go for 12-yr basic ed plan - a report on what to do to our basic education system, from the DepEd Secretary.

Stormy weather: Pagasa chief sacked - a shocking news for the PAG-ASA chief.

Aquino on Pangarap: This is now my prison - a human interest point of view on the life of a President. Aquino +1.

Lights out: Meralco rates rising this month - looks like a press release from Meralco aimed to desensitize the people on the increasing power rates.

Defense wants Arroyo to testify for Ampatuans - a news report that gives more problems for Arroyo in the future. Arroyo -1.

The scores:
Aquino: -1
Arroyo: -2

August 6, 2010

The farmer's side on the Luisita question seems to be the subject of the main headline in the Inquirer Front Page today.


The main headline today (HACIENDA LUISITA Done deal? All or nothing. Unions deny compromise: We want all 4,915 hectares) indeed reports from the farmers side, giving President Aquino some negative publicity. Aqiuno -1.

The other news today:

Aquino aware of Luisita talks but has yet to see settlement - is a report attempting to give President Aquino a escape route on the supposed settlement negotiations. However, the news still turn out negative for the President. Aquino -1.

PAL submits must-do list so pilots don’t quit - is a report that repeats the problems of PAL, already reported yesterday.

MVP-run ABC 5 buys 10% stake in Inquirer - a brief announcement on MVPs acquisition of a small stake in the Inquirer.

Palace: Aquino name in gov’t projects a no-no - a report that looks positive for both President Aquino and Sen. Escudero. Aquino +1. Escudero +1.

Genuinos share rice, biscuits, apples from Japan - the son of former PAGCOR chief, denying electioneering using government resources. The report did not connect Genuino with the former President, yet.

Dumlao: DoJ forced me to pin down Lacson - a report that now renders Sen. Lacson innocent on the Dacer-Corbito murders. Lacson +1.

Dough cutter at P14K each & other TESDA overprice - a one sided report on TESDA anomalies.

The scores today shows for the first time in many days President Aquino on the negative:
Escudero: 1
Lacson: 1
Aquino: -2

August 5, 2010

The front page of the Inquirer today features a photo of a beaming President showing his first paycheck as the top employee of the country. The photo in itself obviously gives positive reference to Pres. Aquino and warrants a score. Aquino +1.



Meanwhile, the main headline today is a surprise news on the Hacienda Luisita (BREAKTHROUGH IN LUISITA Farmers now have option to get land, keep stocks). It is an advanced report on some developments, apparently from an undisclosed source, on the Hacienda, framed positively for the Cojuangco family. Aquino +1.

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

‘WASTE OF TIME’ PAL officials, pilots meet doesn’t take off - is a report on more problems besetting the Philippine Flag Carrier.

Aquino voids midnight appointments but not Corona’s - a report about Ms. Arroyo's supposed midnight appointments. Arroyo -1.

‘Walking time bomb’ now sits in House - a story about a suspected wife murderer who was sick and now congressman.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO... Cherry Hills 11 years later: Still no justice - is the unresolved story of a landslide tragedy 11 years ago.

‘Captain Ball’ tagged in ‘Garci’ fraud - a one-sided report continuing the Hello Garci scandal. Arroyo -1.

Genuinos accused of using donated rice for elections - more reports on alleged anomalies that happened in PAGCOR during President Arroyo's term, but did not involve the former President directly.

PIA overshot budget by 55% to glorify Arroyo—COA report - a one sided report on the supposed excessive expenses incurred by the Arroyo government on advertisements. Arroyo -1.

The scores today:
Aquino: 2
Arroyo: -3

Reading the Inquirer today, one would have the feeling we are very lucky to have a very good President now and lucky to have done away with a very bad President before.

August 4, 2010

The problems at PAL remains in the front page today of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.



The main headline report though seems like a reissue of previous news on the same topic (No gov’t takeover of PAL. De Lima: It’s extreme last option), with Sec. De Lima given print space. De Lima +1.

The other news in the Front Page today:

PAL cancels 3 daily flights to Iloilo, Bacolod, CDO - reports on PAL's adjustments on their flights.

DoJ wants Lacson’s passport dumped - is a report on the status of Lacson's case, without much saying what prompted the update. It may be noted the DOJ secretary De Lima is often given space, usually treating her positively, in the Inquirer Front Page. Lacson -1. De Lima +1.

Palace upbeat SC will rule on merit, not loyalty to Arroyo - the Administration's side on their defense of the truth commission, given them (Sec. De Lima, mainly) majority of the print space. De Lima +1.

Facebook leads cops to smash Ivan Padilla gang - a report on how the police tracked down the robbery/carnapping gang, the police themselves seems to be proudly giving away their own methods and probable witness. PNP +1.

DoH vows stink-free, clean gov’t hospitals - a report on hospital cleanliness project by the DOH, which seems to be giving President Aquino a good propaganda vehicle. Aquino +1.

Miss Universe firm picks Venus to push pageant to the world - a report on a beauty tilt and its Filipina contestant.

Obama hails end of US combat in Iraq; Season of homecomings - an AP report on the US' drawing down of its soldiers from Iraq and the perils that their military face both in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It has been awhile that our monitor noticed that Sec. De Lima is frequently given space in the Inquirer Front Page, but is only now that we monitor her presence closely. The scores today would reflect the DOJ Secretary's favorable treatment by the paper:
De Lima: +3
Aquino: +1
PNP: +1
Lacson: -1