· It was reported yesterday that the Philippines, together with China and Vietnam, entered into an agreement called Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU), which aims to explore and develop the Spratly Islands. As of now, the full details of the accord have yet been made public by the participating countries. Nonetheless, numerous international and local sectors have expressed their disgust to the GMA Administration for entering into such an agreement. It had been reported that even the US had voiced out that it is “pissed off” to the government actions. Former President Franklin Drilon said that the US is displeased with the government’s decision that seemed to be a warm up to China.
· Pangasinan Representative and Former House Speaker Jose De Venecia asked the President and her Secretary of Foreign Affairs to disclose the full details of the JMSU.
· The following information are quoted from the Philippine Daily Inquier, 08 March 2008, Front Page, with a title – PCSO admits regular donations to Church Groups:
“…reports emerged that some Church organizations have been recipients of generous funding from cash-rich state agencies.”
“The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, for instance, is an acknowledged donor of the diocese of Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, and of Radio Veritas, to name just two Church-related beneficiaries.”
“…the PCSO released a P1.6 million donation to the Bayombong diocese and made P2.5 million worth of ad placements with Radio Veritas, according to an official source.”
· The Russian arm dealer Viktor Bout, also known as “Merchant of Death,” was arrested yesterday in Bangkok by the US Agents who posed as Columbian Marxist Rebels.
· Rep. JDV finally gave up and agreed with his LAKAS party mates and GMA’s staunch allies to step down as LAKAS President. This was after he refused to stop throwing accusations and criticisms to President GMA, the LAKAS standard bearer.
