Newscast: The World Tonight - Broadcast date: 12/05/96
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Copyright © 1996, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.
Subject: LAND UNDER WATER
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
he insists he's clean, but Amado Lagdameo now sees no hope of getting past the Commission on Appointments. the President wants him to stay and defend his name. but if the kickback allegations against Lagdameo stick, some lawmakers believe it will be bad f or President Ramos. the President had promised to look into the PEA land deal controversy. but after admitting he approved the transaction, some senators doubt the outcome of the probe he ordered. Senate President Ernesto Maceda says, the President himsel f could be liable if the Committee he had created confirms allegations of anomalies. Senator Ernesto Herrera wants a more independent body to look into the case. he doubts the impartiality of the President's men conducting the investigation. Budget Secretary Salvador Enriquez who heads the probe body assures there will be no whitewash. the Ombudsman has gotten into the act promising an independent probe. in an interview in Malacañang, Lagdameo says he has no hope of getting thru the Commission of Appointments because Maceda's the Chairman. but he claims the President wants him to s tay and face his accuser.
Subject: PEA KEEPS MUM / HOUSE QUESTION
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
the Public Estates Authority refuses to give further statements on the alleged anomalous land deal. the PEA says this is to give way to an impartial probe by the Committee of peers created by President Ramos. at the lower house, opposition congressmen want to subject Secretary Amado Lagdameo to a "question hour." Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora sees no r eason for the President's men to be quiet if the PEA transaction was above-board. zamora says even the President's participation might have been nothing more than a "routinary approval" of the plan. but congressmen belonging to the administration party are in no mood for a "question hour." and they do have the house rules on their side. Majority Leader Rodolfo Albano says Lagdameo as DOTC Secretary can only answer questions about matters concerning t he DOTC even if he used to head the PEA. Albano suggests Zamora instead file a resolution calling for an investigation into the alleged scam.
Subject: BUSINESSMEN's PREFERENCES
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
the business community says changes are sweeping through the electorate, changes that do not bode well for Presidential hopefuls. and if President Ramos is a tough act to follow, business leaders told our business, Presidential aspirants will also have to worry about pleasing voters. President Ramos is looking at leadership as a basis in choosing his successor. businessmen agree the standard should be higher. "the Makati Business Club says gone are the days of traditional politicians. that's because a young generation of voters will troop to the polls in 1998 with a bias on values and orientation." the trend began in last year's general elections when youth groups campaigned against traditional politicians. Guillermo Luz of the Makati Business Club says no Presidential aspirant has tickled their interest, so far. some businessmen point out track record might not matter at all if the next President cannot sustain Ramoses economic legacy. Some prefer to play it safe and keep their opinions to themselves. with the economy finally showing some glimmer of hope, bu sinessmen say the 1998 elections should be taken more seriously than ever. it's not just a vote for the next leader of the land, but a vote on the direction the country would take in the next century.
Subject: FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
politics means money. and if you're thinking of running for President or any other public office, money is something you'll need to keep the campaign machinery going. money means everything in a campaign translated, money reads "support from the business community." in sworn statements of expenditures and contributions filed with the Comelec, President Ramos listed several businessmen as contributors to his campaign. he received a little over P118-million in contributions from people like Arsenio Bartolo me, Arsenio Locsin, Luis Young, Dewey Yu, Ernesto Echauz, Leonardo Ty, Manolo Chua, Pacita Uy, and Tan Thian Koan. former House Speaker Ramon Mitra Jr. received P 41.5 million on Mitra's list are Romeo Crespo, Ramon Alsua, Manuel Zamora, George Tan, Monina Garcia, and Jaime Zapanta. for 1998, several businessmen don't think any of the Presidential hopefuls come up to par at least not up to standards set by President Ramos. some of them are so sure of themselves, despite a poor showing in the surveys. this Presidential aspirant does b etter in the surveys. there are limits, of course, to campaign contributions. one that should make it unnecessary for politicians to repay their contributors more than they received.
Subject: UP MALL PART 2
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
yesterday, we reported on UP Diliman's plans to develop some of its land for commercial use. university officials say it will be good for their students and even for taxpayers. the road to better education at the state university seems to be bumpy. while the university wants to commercialize its commonwealth property, the students think otherwise. the Student Council is organizing protests against what it considers the commercia lization of the University. the Council says government is abandoning its obligation to provide better subsidy for education. one fifth of the almost five hundred hectare Diliman campus is being targetted for commercial development. but 101 hectares of the Commonwealth property are now being claimed by the decendants of a certain Antonio Pael. Balao claims the land has been with the Pael family since 1925 more than 20 years before the Diliman campus was established. he says the Land Registration Authority has authenticated their claim. but UP officials say the matter has already been settled by the Supreme Court 5 times. the commonwealth property is worth at least P 20 billion and if developed perhaps a hundred billion. it's no wonder, many are quick to claim ownership to the property.
Subject: LABAN SQUABBLES CONTINUE
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino continues to bleed. Laban Chairman Senator Edgardo Aangara is standing pat on the party's decision to expel 5 Laban lawmakers. senators Raul Roco and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo complain there was no due process. in a conference last night, the LDP kicked out Senator Heherson Alvarez, Congressmen Emigdio Tanjuatco, Jose "Peping" Cojuangco, Herminio Aquino and Amado Bagatsing for disloyalty to the party and its principles. But the so-called laban renegades have ne ws for their party Chairman. they're not leaving. they say they are the real Laban, not angara's wing.
Subject: INITIATORS' AD IRKS POLS
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
the move to seek changes in the constitution is still very much alive. and it has taken many forms today. a paid advertisment appeared in newspapers seeking to extend the President's term. congressmen Edcel Lagman and Bonifacio Gillego are not amused. the y warn, the campaign for a charter change is shifting to full gear.
Subject: CHARGES FILED, ARREST SOON
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
an arrest warrant might soon be out for Biñan Laguna Mayor Bayani Alonte, who's accused of raping a 16-year-old girl. government prosecutors have filed charges of rape and child abuse against Alonte and wella concepcion, accused of selling the girl t o the Mayor. prosecutors based their charges on medical findings and on the girl's testimony. they recommended no bail. if alonte is convicted for rape, he might get life imprisonment. a conviction on child molestation charges carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
Subject: INFLATION LOWER-THAN-EXPECTED
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
economists' projections and even government were all proven wrong! lower food prices dragged down inflation in November to 4.5 percent from 4.7 percent in October. government itself said last week, November inflation was expected to be between 6 and 6.3 percent while a reuter poll of five economists had an average prediction of 5.7 percent, citing the recent round of oil price increases which they felt was bound to fuel inflation. now, economists are saying the lower-than-expected figure is an indication forthcoming increases in fuel products should not really be a cause for worry. the food, beverage, and tobacco index slowed by 2 percent. the miscellaneous items group gained 6.8 percent. fuel, light, and water 1.2 percent. bangko Sentral Governor Gabriel Singson says the rate which brings average inflation to 8.7 percent for the first 11-months of the year also affirms government's position, the full year 8.5 percent target is attainable.
Subject: STOCKS UP / NO PROPERTY GLUT
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
the lower inflation figure was just the news the market was waiting for the Phisix breached the 3,150 mark. foreign investors were back in the market with buying concentrated on blue chips and b-shares. after modest volumes in the past few days, value tur nover was above average today at P 3.45 billion. a further upmove is seen in the market with possible profit-taking once the index reaches the 3,180 to 3,200 level. the University of Asia and the Pacific disputes analysts' projections of an imminent glut in the high end property sector by 1998. maintaining its optimistic outlook, UAP Professor Marcelo Dela Cruz says a glut is only a possibility, but is not yet inevit able. he says a corrective mechanism is already in place. developers are slowing down their projects to increase the demand. the turn-over of Hong Kong back to China in 1997, should also increase the demand for office spaces in the country.
Subject: SUU KYI
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
in Burma, pro-democracy Leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been released from virtual house arrest. she is appealing to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to disapprove Burma's application. she says Burma should not be accepted while it is under military rule. Suu Kyi met with her supporters in a ceremony marking burma's national day.
Subject: MIDEAST
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
in Jerusalem, Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat says he is willing to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalize plans for an Israeli withdrawal from Hebron. Netanyahu told European media the time for a summit has come and he and arafa t could quickly wrap up the ongoing peace negotiations. he said the withdrawal could even be completed over the weekend. earlier, Arafat's aide dismissed Netanyahu's statements as a public relations ploy.
Subject: SERBIA PROTEST / BOUTROS' BID
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
in Serbia, President Slobodan Milosevic has sacked one of his men and pledged not to use force against demonstrators. oppositionists see this as a sign that Milosevic is ready to give in to more concessions. the independent radio station that he shut down recently has come up with an underground newspaper for the demonstrators. for 2 weeks now, Serbians have been demanding the ouster of Milosevic who had annulled the results of a recent national election which he lost. united Nations Secretary General Boutros Boutros Ghali has temporarily suspended his candidacy to open the post to other Africans. Boutros Ghali's term expires on December 31st. members of the Security Council want to give him a second term, but the United States is vetoing that.
Subject: BOXING / TENNIS
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
Boxing filipino boxers continue to punch away in the international arena. the Philippines is assured of a 4th bronze medal at the 4th Egypt International Boxing Championships. flyweight Sonny Dollente pounced on his Jordanian opponent. he now joins Efren Desierto, Eldo Cortez and Ignacio Gerodias in the semifinals. but featherweight Lito Tagacay and light welterweight Elmer Pamisa lost their quarterfinal matches. Tennis a disappointing end for Andrei Agassi's 1996 campaign. Mark Woodforde beat him in straight sets in the 1st round of the 6-million dollar Grand Slam Cup. Agassi, who plans to skip next year's Australian Open will now take a 2-month layoff. aside from the olympics, Agassi won only 2 tournaments this year, the Lipton championship in March and the ATP Championship in August. Woodforde will meet defending Champion Goran Ivanisevic, who beat Mikael Tillstrom in 2 sets in the quarterfinals.
Subject: NBA / PBA
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
NBA hakeem Olajuwon is back in action. the all-star center, who was twice sidelined with an irregular hearbeat powered Houston over Boston with 16 points. he also had 7 rebounds and 5 blocks. Meanwhile, Cleveland matched the best defensive effort in NBA history when they beat Orlando, 84 to 57. the Cavaliers equalled the mark set in 1955 by Boston against Milwaukee. nba results houston 94,boston 89 cleveland 84, orlando 57 PBA the grandslam-seeking Milkmen are not scared of facing Ginebra San Miguel in the Finals. they say they have the edge as far as championship experience is concerned. coach Tim Cone says no bold statements will shake his boys' spirits, who will be in the Fi nals for the 8th straight time.
Subject: JACKSON IS HERE
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
king of Pop Michael Jackson is finally in Manila. he arrived tonight at 6:25 and is now staying at the Manila Hotel. earlier, a small crowd gathered outside the hotel to wait for their idol. when the van that was carrying Jackson entered the driveway, the fans shrieked and tried to get a closer view. the balcony of the Presidential suite has been refurbished for Jackson . an aide says Jackson will make appearances at different hours of the day. Jackson is in Manila for a 2-day concert. he leaves for Japan on the 11th. but compared to the reception Jackson got in Korea, Malaysia, and Australia. tonight's was a bit disappointing.
Subject: A TASTE OF PINOY HOSPITALITY
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
what do concert organizers and the Manila Hotel had to do to make Jackson feel at home? for those of you planning to watch his concert, expect lots of checkpoints. policemen will check fans for drugs, explosives and firearms. it will also be good to come early to get a parking space. the concert venue can only accomodate 2,000 vehicles. police officials say, they're definitely on alert for unruly audience. if security will be tight at the concert venue, more so at the Manila Hotel. among the rooms booked by Jackson and his entourage were the same rooms occupied by US President Clinton, Sultan Bolkiah of Brunei and Indonesian President Suharto during the APE C Summit. no corner was left unchecked. the whole Penthouse floor was sanitized. plants and carpets were changed. every inch, checked by man and dogs. at the concert venue, work on a nipa hut, which Jackson will use, is at fever-pitch. aside from a dressing room, Jackson will use the hut for meeting guests. everyone involved in the preparations wants to make sure, Jackson's concert stop here will be a m emorable one.
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Subject: FINAL WORD
Newscast: TWTONITE - Air Date: 12/05/96
"A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds."