historicans

Xjohlu

Viewers awaiting the Philippine version of "Ugly Betty" will finally get to know the TV series' characters on Monday.
Bea Alonzo is Betty! Ruffa Gutierrez is Daniella!

Get to know the other cast of the much-talked about and anticipated teleserye of ABS-CBN ā€“ "I ? Betty La Fea".

Nicolas is Bettys male friend and is there for her through thick and thin. He is also physically-challenged.

Julia is Bettys loving mother. She cares for her daughter so much and for her, Betty is the most beautiful woman in the world.

Hermes is the kind and supportive father of Betty.

Andrew is Bettys cute and confident younger brother.

And many more characters who will make Bettys life more colorful!

Dont be left behind! This Monday, get to know the cast of "I ? Betty La Fea" on My Girl in ABS-CBNs Primetime Bida.

For other complete updates on "I ? Betty La Fea", visit www.ABS-CBN.com or ilovebettylafea.multiply.com.

Eovdjr

The United Nations talks toilet in celebration of World Water Day today
By PURPLE S. ROMERO /Newsbreak
The UN, in a fact sheet prepared with the World Health Organization , said that the lack of access to toilets has prevented 2.6 billion people around the world from attending schools and working better.
For children, this has prevented them from reaching their fifth birthday.
Hence, the UN gave this years World Water Day the theme ā€œSanitation Matters!ā€ to urge nations to prioritize basic sanitation and work together in securing each living person in the planet a toilet by year 2025.
But how does the lack of toilets lead to water scarcity?
In the updated 2008 Advocacy Guide for Water for Life, WHO and the United Nations Childrens Fund explained that accumulated waste both from human beings and animals contaminate rivers and other bodies of water, shirking them of nutrients and rendering them lifeless.
Dirty water
The contamination of water sources, however, has ripple effects: untreated wastewater and excreta could seep into fruits, vegetables, be eaten by shellfish, and thus enter the food chain. Dirty water also becomes an ideal home for flies and other disease-spreading organisms.
In 2004, WHO reported that 1.8 million die annually from diarrhea and related diseases.
Parasitic infections such as Ascariasis also caused 600,000 deaths, while around six million people went blind from trachoma infection.
WHO and UNICEF added that while sanitation covers a lot of different aspects, it is imperative that developing countries focus first on improving excreta management in each household to increase universal access to basic sanitation.
The UN tried to raise awareness on this issue yesterday through its program ā€œStand Up for Those Who Cant Sit Down,ā€ where people were encouraged to step in the long line for the toilet in Central Park West, New York.
The long line served as a symbol for the number of people who could not go to work, study, or even live because of poor sanitation and hygiene.
Lack of political will
This year, 2008, has been recognized as the International Year of Sanitation to expedite efforts for proper sanitation facilities. Prior to this, however, access to basic sanitation has been embedded in the Millennium Development Goals .
Lack of toilets has far-reaching effects on survival, especially for women. The UN reported in November 2007 that girls and women became more prone to violent attacks for they are forced to defecate in isolated areas and only during nighttime.
The UN added that girls in their pubescent stage would also be able to go on with their education better if schools would provide decent sanitation facilities. Girls who do not have facilities for proper hygiene easily catch infections that cause sickness and even demise. According to the MDG, nations should have halved the 2.6 billion number of people who do not have decent toilet in their homes by 2015. There has been moderate progress. From 1990 to 2004, more than 1.2 billion people have been provided with toilets.
One of the countries which bridged the gap successfully is Thailand. In 2005, more than 98 percent of the population had toilets or latrines.
However, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said that much is still to be done. In his message for the World Water Day today, he said that the lack of political will is the ā€˜biggest culprit behind the global inability to meet the MDG of halving the number of people without access to basic sanitation.
He stated that if countries would not accelerate actions, 2.1 billion people will still lack basic sanitation come 2015 and sub-Saharan Africa will fail to reach the target until 2076.
Call for investment
Ban Ki-moon urged governments to invest in sanitation. He explained that for each dollar given for decent sanitation, countries would reap $7 from each individual who has become productive due to his access to sanitation.
The UN said that an annual investment of $10 billion is enough to secure each family a toilet within two or three decades.
It added that this amount is less than ā€œone per cent of world military funding in 2005, one-third of the estimated global expenses on bottled water, or about as much as Europeans spend on ice cream each year.ā€

Jevepj

FUNFARE by RICKY LO Gary Valenciano is celebrating his 25th anniversary in showbiz this year with a series of shows in the US and Canada, and a new album titled Rebirth which is, according to Gary V, not about trends ā€œbut it hopes to cater to the rhythms and beats, harmonies and melodies played out in real life, filtered by emotions nestled in the human heart.ā€
The Philippine Star
Gary Valenciano is celebrating his 25th anniversary in showbiz this year with a series of shows in the US and Canada, and a new album titled Rebirth which is, according to Gary V, not about trends "but it hopes to cater to the rhythms and beats, harmonies and melodies played out in real life, filtered by emotions nestled in the human heart."
To help mark his "25th," Funfare asked Gary V to draw a list of the 25 artists who have influenced his life and career. Here they are :
1. MICHAEL W. SMITH ā€” He introduced me to the art of modern worship to Jesus. I met him in Puerto Rico during the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Global Mission concert in 1995.
2. STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN ā€” I just love the purity and creativity of every inspirational song; the man who wrote I Will Be Here.
3. STEVIE WONDER ā€” Though blind, he still manages to see with eyes of his heart.
4. JAMES TAYLOR ā€” The simplicity of his music always manages to leave its mark on the listeners heart.
5. AL JARREAU ā€” He doesnt dance but his vocal gymnastics always gets me movin.
6. PHIL COLLINS ā€“- No one else sounds like him.
7. STING ā€” Theres just something about his music that digs deep into the soul.
8. DAVID FOSTER ā€” An exceptional songwriter/producer who simply always brings out the very best in every artist he works with. From Earth, Wind & Fire to Josh Groban, David Foster is truly one of music industrys major contributors.
9. EARTH, WIND & FIRE ā€” Theres never been any other group quite like them and never will there ever be any other group that has created sounds and rhythms that have transcended generations.
10. BARRY MANILOW -ā€“ Maybe its because Im Pinoy, or maybe because I was once a hopeless romantic but whatever the reason may be I think it all boils down to the fact that the man has simply sung songs that stirred my heart.
11. MICHAEL JACKSON ā€” Usher and Justine are just two of many who have included a touch of Michael in their performances. Its like the two best learning from the very best.
12. CHICAGO ā€” I grew up with their music, I will grow old and grey with their music as well.
13. QUINCY JONES ā€” James Ingram was the voice behind the hit Just Once but it was producer Quincy Jones that put it all together. One artist I truly respect. He was also highly responsible for producing one of the biggest selling albums of all time, Michael Jacksons Thriller album.
14. BRIAN TRENCEAU ā€” For me, he is to music what Albert Einstein is to science. He is an absolute genius with his whole arsenal of ideas that fits any genre. From film scores to dance music, he for me is the most innovative and probably the best on my list.
15. MON FAUSTINO ā€” My musical arranger, vocal arranger, musical director for over 15 years now. His passion and dedication to his craft and his God is quite infectious. Also a great and thoughtful friend.
16. JAY DURIAS ā€” Theres a certain feel to his work that always makes me listen to it again and again. Great, great songwriter and producer.
17. BRIAN McKNIGHT ā€” He is probably one of the most versatile male vocalists today. He is a master at using his vocals. I really admire his talent and am privileged to have guested him in my concert in LA a couple of years ago at the Shrine Auditorium.
18. SAMMY DAVIS JR. ā€” If anyone can watch this mans past performances, you will see why hes on my list.
19. JAMES HORNER, TREVOR RABIN, JOHN WILLIAMS, HANS ZIMMER, JAMES NEWTON HOWARD, CHRISTOPHER BECK, STEVE JABLONSKY ā€” These are only some of a group of artists who have perfected the art of completing what we watch in movies by creating musical scores that take the experience of watching to new levels of action, love, realization, understanding, joy, tears and laughter.
20. BURT BACHARACH ā€” His music, if and when played, 20 years from now, will still create the same impact it continues to have on everyone.
21. SERGIO MENDES ā€” Its like this man never really went with the flow but went his own way and took many of us for the ride. I absolutely love his music.
22. FRANK SINATRA ā€” When one hears a voice that seems to fit in to the category of being one that is classic, genuine, unique, soothing, moving, relaxing, entertaining, captivating, there is one standard the world goes by ā€” Frank Sinatra.
23. TONY BENNETT ā€” If you havent yet heard his Duets album, go get yourself a copy now. This is one man whose voice has never deteriorated with time, but rather, has only gotten better. How he does it I do not know but he is on my list for sure.
24. THE CARPENTERS ā€” Its more than just the music. Its the memory of my family: All seven children, mom and dad, putting up the Christmas tree, celebrating New Years Day, or simply hanging around in our house in Greenhills on the first day of summer break. Somehow, I remember their music playing when these images come in to my mind.
25. THE BEATLES ā€” Need I say anything more?
* * *
E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph or at entphilstar@yahoo.com

Jkandm

By DAVID DIZON

Hillsong United, probably the most popular youth worship band in the world right now, breezed in and out of Manila last Monday, bringing a fresh wind of encouragement to worshippers both young and old who attended their sold-out concert at the Araneta Coliseum.

For a little over two hours that night, the energy level in the Araneta Coliseum was so high that most of the audience were on their feet throughout the entire concert, dancing and clapping and singing their lungs out in unison with the bands vast repertoire of praise and worship standards.

If one were to judge solely on the decibel levels created during the concert, one would think that this group is no different from any other Christian rock band.

After all, Hillsong United records are some of the highest selling worship albums to date and their songs are being sung in different churches around the world.

Keeping it real

How then does one deal with this type of celebrity? According to the band, they do it by focusing not on themselves or the music but their relationship with God.

"We definitely dont consider ourselves stars," says Hillsong United vocalist Annie Garratt.

"Traveling and touring and leading worship is just a small part of what we do and we consider that serving. When were at home, all of us work in our church.

"All of us volunteer so all of this is just another opportunity for us to serve. Its not any more valuable or important than what you guys do in your community and churches," she said.

Remembering their role

Joel Houston, the bands leader, says one thing that keeps their egos in check is a realization of their role in the body of Christ and how they are just representatives of a body of believers in Sydney, Australia who serve God in many different ways.

He says it also helps that team members hold each other accountable to ensure that their individual relationships with God are stronger than ever.

"We sing songs that try to move attention away from us as much as possible. We remember from whence we came. We know where we started out and we know that we are part of something thats much bigger than ourselves. So its important that we always remember that," he said.

"If we get too full of ourselves and how great we are, we lose the whole plot of what were all about. We want to be about singing songs that give glory to God and hopefully reach out to people."

Mainstream dreams

The team also admitted that each member of the group had individual dreams of joining the mainstream music industry when they were young. These dreams, however, were given up for an even greater purpose.

Says band member Jadwin "Jad" Gillies: "I guess when youre a kid, you always have dreams where you want to be in a band and you want to do something.

"But then there comes a certain point when you have to trust God with your life and you say 'Yeah God, Im going to serve you. Im giving you everything that Ive got. And God has a funny way of making your dreams happen."

Worshipful hearts

Joel said one goal that every worship team should have is to have a heart for worship. He said having a heart for worship means a denial of one's self and focusing on serving God's people.

He said this firm realization of what worshippers should do also keeps the band from prioritizing relevance over truth in their music.

He said their albums are like snapshots that reflect Gods work in their home church and how it has changed over the years.

"When we write, we write for our young people. We write for our church and what God is doing in our church right now and we right out of the revelation that we are a city in Christ right now," he said.

Finally, he said that while their musical styles and tastes have changed, one thing has remained the same and that is the eternal truth of Gods Word and how God is still moving in the church today.

"We live in Australia and you guys live here and theres young people all over the world serving God but God is the same no matter where you go. We serve the same God.

"I believe God wants to do the same thing all over the world and thats why I think a lot of people can relate to our songs, no matter the circumstance. God is the same all over the world."

Npazgi

Agence France-Presse

OAKLAND - Golden State signed Los Angeles Lakers forward and restricted free agent Ronny Turiaf to a National Basketball Association offer sheet on Thursday.

The Warriors offered a four-year, 17 million dollar contract to Turiaf, who averaged career highs in points , rebounds and minutes last season, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The offer comes on the same day the Warriors signed former Los Angeles Clippers swingman Corey Maggette to a reported five-year contract.

Shvnmt

Agence France-Presse
YANGON - More than 10,000 people have been killed in a tropical cyclone that struck Myanmar at the weekend, Foreign Minister Nyan Win told state television, adding that his nation would welcome international aid.
"According to the latest information, more than 10,000 people were killed," Nyan Win said, after briefing foreign diplomats.
"Information is still being collected, and there could be more casualties," he added.
Nyan Win also welcomed Thailand's promise to send emergency food and medicine, saying Myanmar would welcome international aid from other countries.
"We will welcome help like this from other countries, because our people are in difficulty," he said.

Dvnroa

Boguih

Members of the Sheriff's Office of the Sandiganbayan were unsuccessful in their first attempt to serve a warrant of arrest against former justice secretary Hernando Perez on Tuesday.

Sandiganbayan sheriffs tried to serve the warrant of arrest at Perez's home at No. 30 Bonifacio Street, Barangay Old Balara in Quezon City shortly before 11 a.m.

The former justice secretary, however, was not home.

Sheriff left the copy of the warrant of arrest to Perez's house maids.

The warrant of arrest was issued Monday after the Supreme Court junked the former secretary's petition to stop the anti-graft court's proceedings.

Perez is charged for allegedly extorting $2 million from former Manila congressman Mark Jimenez.

The high court junked Perezs petition for a temporary restraining order, and instead ordered the Ombudsman to submit its comment within ten days.

Perez has accused the Ombudsman of committing grave abuse of discretion after it filed the charges against him.

Reports said Monday that Perez will post bail.

Last week, one of his co-accused, Ernest Escaler, posted bail of P100,000 at the Sandiganbayan.

Sphnds

Even in China, a country where provocative campaigns are the exception to the rule, animal rights activists PETA says there's scope for edgy, sexy stunts.

Pictures of naked activists crouching in cages to protest animal rights issues are almost passe in the West, but Chinese authorities prevented Olympian swimmer and PETA supporter Amanda Beard from holding an anti-fur news conference two days before the Games began.

But security guards did allow Beard to unveil to media gathered outside the athletes' village a demure nude photograph of herself, urging women Don't wear fur.

Jason Baker, Asia-Pacific director for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, talked to Reuters about the subtleties of demonstrating in China.

Q: What did you expect from Beard's protest?

A: Demonstrations don't work as well in China as they do in Western countries.... since Amanda is an Olympian, the media was interested in her actions and her anti-fur message. The government may have tried to stop our ad launch but the local media didn't find it to be something they needed to censor.

Q: What's PETA's policy on unauthorised protests?

A: It's easier and more effective to do things that don't require authorization. We don't really need a permit to dress in lettuce outfits and hand out information explaining why a vegetarian diet is healthy, humane, and better for the environment.

Q: So edgy campaigns can be effective, even in countries unaccustomed to your approach?

A: While PETA is often seen as pushing the envelope in China, we have found that sexy and progressive campaigns do have a place in the country. PETA's ad against fur starring a nearly naked Pamela Anderson was rejected in Beijing, for example, but it was eventually approved in Shanghai and went up in train stations and bus stops around the city.

Q: But cultural differences remain?

A: It's very important for PETA that our events and activities be covered in China. We still campaign like PETA but in ways that also work in the country. That's why you don't see some of the more shocking things we've done in the West being done in China. We don't need it and it wouldn't be accepted.

Q: What other successes have you had?

A: Our undercover footage showing animals being skinned alive on fur farms in China -- which is now the world's largest fur exporter -- has even been shown on national television in China which is a great success for our campaign.

Q: Which region is it toughest for you to operate in?

A: We have to campaign differently in Singapore, Vietnam, and China. We hold eye-catching demonstrations to promote vegetarianism and to encourage people to choose alternatives to fur. We have had some success but it's easier in places like Japan, Hong Kong and India.

Npazgi

Reuters

SINGAPORE - The Philippine central bank sold dollars on Thursday to try to prevent the peso from falling below the key 44-per-dollar level, traders said.

"They were in the market this morning. I guess they sold the dollar at 43.85 and then at 43.90," said a trader in Manila.

"I think the market is trying to target the 44 level, but the central bank does not want the peso to depreciate that fast and was trying to slow it down," he said.

Some traders estimated the size of the intervention at $150 million.

The peso steadied near 43.85 per dollar after hitting a seven-month low at 43.92 as investors bought dollars after solid US durable goods data on Wednesday eased concerns over the US economy.

Cjnzak

In a summary of the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Memorandum of Agreement on ancestral domain obtained by /Newsbreak, Camilo Miguel Montesa, policy adviser of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance , said that under the accord, the Philippine government agrees to: - Recognize the Bangsamoro people as "distinct from the rest of the national communities";
- Grant the Bangsamoro people their own "distinct territory";
- Grant the Bangsamoro pople their own "government"; and,
- Concede international recognition to the Bangsamoro people.
Who are the Bangsamoro?
The Bangsamoro people refer to "those who are natives or original inhabitants of Mindanao and its adjacent islands including Palawan and the Sulu archipelago at the time of conquest or colonization and their descendants whether mixed or full native blood."
Spouses and descendants, including the Lumads, he said, are also classified as Bangsamoro "unless they choose otherwise."
"They are the ā€˜First Nation with defined territory and with a system of government having entered into treaties of amity and commerce with foreign nations," Montesa said.
Bangsamoro territory
Under the MOA, the Bangsamoro territory comprises the following areas:
- the present Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao ;
- the municipalities of Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan, and Tangkal in the province of Lanao del Norte, which voted for inclusion in the ARMM during the 2001 plebiscite;
- additional geographic areas in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, and North Cotabato, "subject to plebiscite."
Montesa said that under the MOA, the Bangsamoro homeland did "not form part of the public domain." Thus, it is "not within the jurisdiction of the Philippine government."
The Bangsamoro homeland, he added, "encompasses ancestral communal and customary lands, maritime, fluvial and alluvial domains as well as all natural resources therein that have inured or vested ancestral rights on the basis of native title."
Bangsamoro government
The Bangsamoro territory will be governed by the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity .
Montesa said the "relationship between the Philippine government and the BJE shall be associative characterized by shared authority and responsibility with a structure of governance based on executive, legislative, judicial and administrative institutions with defined powers and functions."
The BJEs purpose is to "establish a system of governance suitable and acceptable to them as a distinct dominant people."

Boguih

Two persons have been reported dead after a landslide hit Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat on Wednesday.

Henry Albano, head of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council, said they have yet to identify the two residents of Sitio Kanuloy, BArangay Bai Sarapinang who were buried alive.

Albano added that other reports received by his office said there are other victims in the landslide.

He said the landslide took place due to heavy rains. ABS-CBN General Santos City

Ulybja

Agence France Presse

SHANGHAI - Baosteel, China's largest steelmaker, said Tuesday it had agreed to nearly double what it pays Anglo-Australian mining group Rio Tinto for iron ore.

Baosteel, acting on behalf of China's steel industry, negotiated to pay between 80 and 97 percent more than last year depending on the category of iron ore, which is used to make steel.

The new prices will affect all iron ore deliveries for the 2008 contract year that began on April 1, Rio Tinto said in a statement.

Baosteel called the deal mutually beneficial and said it would help the long-term development of the steel industry on both the mining and milling sides.

"Chinese steel companies will support Rio Tinto as it expands its investment and will increase output to meet market demand," Baosteel said in a statement.

The deal was "very significant" as iron ore is one of the three main drivers of Rio Tinto's earnings, along with copper and aluminium, a Rio Tinto spokesman said.

"The increase is higher than the 71 percent and 65 percent settlements announced by Brazilian mining giant Vale earlier in the year, reflecting both the strength of the market and an indication of the proximity of Rio Tinto's iron ore to its customers," he said.

Baosteel traditionally sets the price for the nation's other steel producers for internationally purchased iron ore.

Prices of iron ore have soared in recent years due to growing demand led by a construction boom in fast-growing China and India.

The latest increase also reflects rising transportation costs that have increased due to record oil prices.

China imported 383.09 million tons of iron ore in 2007, up 17.4 percent from the previous year, according to government figures.

Yvducj

Reuters
NEW YORK - Stocks dropped on Wednesday as financial shares slid when concerns resurfaced that bank profits will take much longer than expected to recover from the housing slump.
Surging oil prices and data showing a tumble in orders for U.S.-made manufactured goods revived concerns that the economy is already in recession.
Bank stocks tumbled across the board when a prominent analyst lowered her first-quarter profit forecasts for Citigroup, Bank of America Corp, JPMorgan Chase & Co, and Wachovia Corp. The S&P financial index fell 3.5 percent, marking its biggest setback after rising more than 10 percent in the last two weeks.
Oppenheimer & Co analyst Meredith Whitney said bank profits would not start growing any time soon because of fallout from what she called the worst credit cycle in generations.
Financials are down "on the combination of Citigroup, Meredith Whitney coming out with talk of more potential write-downs and a lot of profit-taking. Financials moved big the last two weeks," said Matt McCall, president of Penn Financial Group in Denver, Colorado.
The other backdrop for the drop in Citigroup's stock was news that the largest U.S. bank by assets has agreed to pay Enron creditors $1.66 billion to settle a lawsuit over its responsibility in the energy trading company's downfall.
The Dow Jones industrial average finished down 109.74 points, or 0.88 percent, at 12,422.86. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index dropped 11.86 points, or 0.88 percent, to end at 1,341.13 -- marking the broader market's first decline in four days. The Nasdaq Composite Index slumped 16.69 points, or 0.71 percent, to close at 2,324.36.
After the bell, there was unnerving news from the technology front as Oracle Corp, a major software maker, posted quarterly revenue that missed Wall Street's forecasts. Oracle shares slid 8.3 percent to $19.20 after the bell from their Nasdaq close at $20.94.
ALLERGIC TO RISK
News that banks' increasing reluctance to provide credit could derail a $20 billion leveraged buyout of U.S. radio and TV station operator Clear Channel Communications Inc added to the negative tone.
Citigroup shares were the top financial sector drag on the S&P 500, with a drop of almost 6 percent to $22.05 on the New York Stock Exchange, followed by JPMorgan, the No. 3 U.S. bank, whose stock ended down 4.2 percent at $44.11.
Shares of Bank of America, the No. 2 U.S. bank, shed 2.8 percent to $39.84, while shares of Wachovia, the fourth-largest U.S. bank, slid 6.7 percent to $28.02.
"Right now, people are still risk averse so investors would rather get out and sit on the sidelines than hold onto the financials and find out if there's another shoe to drop," McCall added.
Shares of Clear Channel plummeted 17.5 percent to $26.87 and ranked near the top of the biggest percentage losers on the NYSE.
Home builders' shares were another big drag after a report showed sales of new U.S. single-family homes fell to the slowest pace in 13 years. The Dow Jones index of U.S. home builders fell 5.9 percent.
Shares of luxury home builder Toll Brothers ended down 5.7 percent at $22.58, while those of Hovnanian Enterprises Inc slumped 9.4 percent to $11.05 and Lennar Corp fell 6.8 percent to $17.59.
CISCO SLUMPS, BUT EXXON FLIES
On the Nasdaq, Cisco Systems Inc shares were a top drag, finishing down 3.8 percent at $24.78, after Jabil Circuit Inc, a contract electronics maker that counts the network equipment manufacturer among its customers, forecast a profit shortfall. Jabil shares plunged 18.4 percent to $9.29 on the NYSE.
Energy shares climbed, however, as U.S. oil futures soared after a government report showed a sharp decline in U.S. gasoline inventories last week.
U.S. crude for May delivery jumped $4.68, or 4.62 percent, to settle at $105.90 a barrel, on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Shares of Exxon Mobil Corp, the largest publicly traded U.S. oil company, climbed 1.2 percent to $86.26, while shares of Schlumberger Ltd, an oil services company, rose 4.7 percent to $86.52.
Trading was extremely light on the New York Stock Exchange, with about 1.43 billion shares changing hands, well below last year's estimated daily average of roughly 1.90 billion, while on Nasdaq, about 1.92 billion shares traded, below last year's daily average of 2.17 billion.
Declining stocks outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by a ratio of about 3 to 2 on the NYSE and by about 4 to 3 on the Nasdaq.

Jkandm

TIRANA - Albania's government said on Friday it was looking into the sudden death of an arms industry figure who was helping prosecutors investigate a weapons sale to the United States and an explosion that killed 26 people.

Television pictures showed businessman Kosta Trebicka, his head covered in blood, sprawled on his back on a dirt road in a remote area of eastern Albania, where he had been hunting. His off-road car was nearby, and appeared to be damaged.

We have identified the corpse of citizen Kosta Trebicka, Interior Minister Bujar Nishani told a late evening news conference. We shall make public the conclusions of experts as soon as they reach them, he added.

Nishani was responding to opposition leaders who said the death looked suspicious.

Trebicka was involved in repackaging ageing Chinese ammunition that was being sold from Albania to AEY Inc, a US firm contracted by the Pentagon to supply the Afghan army.

He turned whistleblower after the Albanian defense ministry removed him from the contract and appointed another company in his place.

It was at this second company's plant in Gerdec, near Tirana, that 26 people were killed in an explosion of artillery shells in March. An Albanian official involved in the sale of ammunition to AEY Inc. and two businessmen are in jail pending trial for multiple murder over the blast.

We must know as soon as possible whether Kosta Trebicka died accidentally or was killed by criminals that have started hunting the people that know a lot about the Gerdec blast, the main opposition Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said.

AEY Inc. has been suspended from federal work in the United States after the US Army found out that ammunition it was sourcing from Albania and supplying to Afghanistan consisted of Chinese gun cartridges that were more than 40 years old.

Officers of the company have been charged by a federal grand jury with trying to defraud the US government in a $298 million contract to supply the Afghan army.

Trebicka was to be the key witness in Albania's investigation into the affair.

Former Albanian defense minister Fatmir Mediu has had his parliamentary immunity quashed to allow prosecutors to determine whether his actions brought illegitimate profit to the private companies involved in the process of dismantling ammunition.

Iqulwd

By Carmela Fonbuena
Abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak

Its not all good between the Senate and the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines even if joint congressional Power Commission head Senator Miriam Santiago has accepted their apology for writing President Arroyo a letter opposing amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act . Santiago remains ā€œsuspiciousā€ of the foreign investors ā€œreal reasonā€ in protecting the law.

ā€œIm sorry if the letter should have been addressed to the Senate instead of the President,ā€ French Hubert DAboville, president of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc, today told the Senate committee on energy. He explained that they regularly write the President letters of proposals. ā€œWe are just making clear the position of our members.ā€

ā€œIn my capacity as chair of committee on energy, the apology is accepted,ā€ Santiago told reporters after the committee hearing. ā€œIm very happy notwithstanding that the atmosphere was not very friendly. The foreigners have been given fair warning not to dictate our economic policy and not to raise unfounded fear,ā€ she said.

The JFC got a dressing down from Santiago and Senator Juan Ponce Enrile. ā€œThe senators resented it. In effect we were expected simply to lay aside everything that we have been doing on the amended EPIRA law and give way to demands of foreign investors to stop amending our own laws,ā€ Santiago said. ā€œThey should not write the President because it implies that the President can order a co-equal branch of government to do what she wants.ā€

It did not help that the members of the JFC could not identify which particular provisions in the amended EPIRA law they are opposing. ā€œYour question will have to be referred to our various committees ,ā€ DAboville said. Asked how the senator's treatment of them will affect the foreign investors, D'Aboville said, "There's no consequence, as far as I' concerned."

Profitable IPPs

Santiago is ā€œsuspiciousā€ of JFCs motive in preserving the law. ā€œIn my view the real reason that they refuse to reveal is they are afraid that an amended EPIRA will revisit or discuss all over again the very notorious IPP contracts where the foreigners are involved,ā€ she said.

In particular, Santiago cited the controversial ā€œtake-or-payā€ provision in IPP contracts, where some foreign investors are supposedly making money. ā€œThe IPPs make windfall profits at the expense of consumers,ā€ she said.

ā€œWe cannot calcify into rock the old EPIRA law just because theyre more comfortable with it. We are not concerned with the welfare of our investors in that way. Our highest concern is the welfare of Filipino consumers,ā€ she said.

ā€œUnder an IPP contract, there is no risk that the investor takes. We are already paying him for his capacity service fee. We are already paying them the operation and maintenance fee. How come theres still take-or-pay provision? Its not right. That is why the public is against the IPPs contracts,ā€ she said.

For sure, existing IPP contracts will be respected until their expiration dates even if the EPIRA law abolishes the take-or-pay provision. Santiago s ā€œsuspicionā€ is that the foreign investors are interested in entering into new IPP contracts with the same ā€œno riskā€ provisions. ā€œThey are talking about future IPP contracts. Thats the thing,ā€ she said.

ā€œI suspect that the evasiveness of the foreign investors today indicate that they do not want to reveal the real reason which is that they dont want the amended EPIRA to even mention the IPP contracts,ā€ Santiago said.

So far, the proposals for an amended EPIRA law have not touched the IPP contracts, Santiago said. ā€œI think theyre just speculating on fear that maybe someone would stand up in the debate in the plenary and propose such a provision.ā€

Cayetano to the rescue

In a way, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano defended the take-or-pay provision. During the hearing, he asked energy undersecretary Mariano Salvador, ā€œWill investors come in if that provision is not in the contract?ā€

Salvador answered: ā€œNo commercial financier, because of the unpredictability of electricity consumers, will provide the financing for a commercial power plant.ā€

ā€œThere are no saints in this industry. Everyone is to blame,ā€ Cayetano further said. ā€œThere should be burden sharing. While concentrating on lowering prices, the reality is we may have a problem of supply because people are not coming in to build the plants. We are approaching the point that our excess capacity is meeting the buffer zone. In certain areas, there is already a deficiency in demand.ā€

ā€œThe take-or-pay has been so demonizedā€”and Im against itā€”but I dont want brown outs, too,ā€ he said.

Cayetano also called on President Arroyo to reduce the expanded value added tax and royalty taxes on fuel. ā€œAt lower rates, more investors will come in. In fact, it is the perfect timing. India just announced, and China is expected to follow, that they will scrap their subsidies on oil and energy. If their power rates go up and we go down, there's a big chance that many business will go to the Philippines,ā€ Cayetano said.

JFCs proposals

DAboville stressed that as ā€œbig stakeholders,ā€ the foreign investors share the calls of Filipino consumers for lower cost of power. Aside from investors in power industries, many of them are also huge consumers of power, he said.

When asked how they think power rates can be reduced, DAboville had three proposals: 1) implement EPIRA law in full force, 2) invest in more efficient power, and 3) look for alternative and indigenous energy sources.

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Up-and-coming Fil-Am boxer Ana Julaton is all set to face New York-based Dominican Dominga Olivo for her first title fight on Thursday, August 21.

A report posted on TheSweetScience.com said Julaton and Olivo will fight for the vacant WBC International super bantamweight title at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, California.

This could be the toughest fight in Julatons nine month career as Oliva is known to be a heavy puncher.

Im excited about fighting Dominga Olivo, Julaton said. Shes been in some very tough fights.

Julaton is coached by Manny Pacquiaos prized trainer, Freddie Roach.

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The University of the East Warriors used their trademark defense to vanquish the National University Bulldogs, 67-50, during the second game of Sundays UAAP Men's Basketball tournament at the PhilSports Arena.

The latest UE victory anchored on the scoring efforts of Hans Thiele and Elmer Espiritu who both combined for a total of 23 points.

Thieles rebounding efforts speak much on the Warriors defensive style as he hauled 17 rebounds to go with 11 points.

Espiritu, for his part, grabbed nine rebounds and put up four blocks to go with 13 points and two assists.

The Bulldogs showed up with their game faces as they tried to match the Warriors grit, closing the first half at 19-all.

The hardcourt skirmishes, however, resulted to two casualties on the part of the Bulldogs. In the third quarter, NUs Jesse Garcia had to be carried out on a stretcher after a bad fall while Jonathan Jhanke injured his left ankle through a faulted landing. The score was 43-32 in favor of the Warriors.

This depleted NUs scoring ability, allowing UE to clinch their fifth victory in nine outings. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, fell to 2-7.

La Salle 81, UP 61

In the first game, the De la Salle Green Archers cruised past University of the Philippines fighting Maroons, 81-61, for its seventh win in nine games.

The defending champion Archers stood second behind the 7-1 record of rival Ateneo. The Maroons remained at the cellars at 2-7.

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The San Sebastian Stags handily won its match-up Friday against the College of St. Benilde Blazers, 65-48, during their NCAA meet at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

The Recto-based dribblers were led by Jason Ballesteros who had a terrific performance and brought down 19 rebounds. He also had 7 points and 7 blocked shots.

Both teams now have identical 3-4 win-loss slates.

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Agence France-Presse
DENVER, Colorado - Carmelo Anthony scored 11 of his 31 points in the third quarter on Thursday as the Denver Nuggets rallied for a 118-105 National Basketball Association victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
Anthony's fellow All-Star Allen Iverson also scored 31 points, and Marcus Camby added 13 and seven assists for the Nuggets, who have won four straight games.
Denver got off to a slow start as the Mavericks scored a season-high 39 points in the opening quarter. The Nuggets trailed by 11 at the end of the first period and by 70-60 at halftime, but turned things around after the break.
Denver started the third quarter with an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to two points.
Jason Kidd's three-pointer gave Dallas a 77-71 lead, but with less than seven minutes left in the third quarter the Nuggets exploded for an 18-3 scoring run.
Anthony scored nine in the outburst as he notched is 20th 30-point game of the season.
Camby scored nine and Iverson added eight in the period for Denver. The Nuggets built an 18-point advantage in the final period to capture the victory.
Josh Howard scored 30 points and Kidd had 19 with 15 assists for the Mavericks, who were without Most Valuable Player Dirk Nowitzki for the second game in a row. Nowitzki suffered left knee and ankle injuries in a loss to San Antonio on Sunday.
The Nuggets welcomed back Brazilian forward Nene, who played for the first time since he took a leave of absence in January for treatment of a malignant testicular tumor.
Nene entered the game with 77 seconds left in the fourth quarter to a standing ovation from Denver fans.
Denver pulled into a virtual tie with the Golden State Warriors for the eighth and final Western Conference playoff berth.
The Nuggets, who remained one game behind Dallas for seventh in the West, took the season series against the Mavericks two-games-to-one, which could help them in playoff positioning should it come down to head-to-head records.