Newscast: The World Tonight - Broadcast date: 01/14/97
Homepage: ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.
Copyright © 1996, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.

---

National ID Guidelines Will Be Ready In 15 Days

The government is going all-out in its defense of the National ID System. The implementing guidelines will be out in 10 to 15 days.

But today, officials explained in detail how the ID system is supposed to work as a tool for business transaction. An identification card is the first thing a government office or a bank would ask for when transacting business with anyone. Usually, it's the driver's license. Now, the Ramos government is planning an ID system that will be made available to anyone.

Executive Secretary Ruben Torres says Congress does not have to pass a law for an ID system. He says it's well within the mandate of the Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System, to issue ID cards to members. But the proposed ID will contain more than a person's SSS or GSIS number. It will have what is called a population reference number (PRN). Each citizen will be assigned a PRN for life which will include his birth certificate and a thumbmark. The ID will be voluntary and free of charge.

Interior Undersecretary Manuel Sanchez says the police won't have access to a person's PRN unless ordered by the court. The process will be long and expensive. Sanchez says they're looking at year 2007 for its full implementation.

Back to Top

---

Church, Gay Group Hit ID System

While the government was taking pains to explain the mechanics of the ID system, Jaime Cardinal Sin joined its critics and denounced the planned ID as a tool for repression. The Cardinal says there's reason to be suspicious of the ID system. Malacanang is implementing it without the public's consent and by way of an administrative order that does not need congressional approval. If most lawmakers think the ID is a bad idea, Sin says it should not be forced on the public.

"A national ID sytem morally implemented needs the democratic consent of the people once their questions have been satisfactorily answered. Short of this consent, all obligation imposed on the people can be considered merely voluntary, groundless," says Sin. Sin says there are still many unanswered questions despite the government's explanations on the ID, like, what guarantees are there against abuse by those in government.

The criticisms and martial law fears are snowballing. The gay rights movement has gotten into the debate. They say it will enable authorities to monitor people's movements. They even compared it to the Nazis' campaign to eliminate homesexuals in Germany.

But ordinary Filipinos see nothing wrong with the ID system. A Social Weather Station (SWS) survey showed widespread support for the plan. More than easing government transactions, more Filipinos are said to favor the ID system in the hope of strengthening the fight against crime.

Back to Top

---

SC Sets Debate On PIRMA's Petition On January 23

The Supreme Court has allowed proponents and critics of the move to amend the constitution to debate their positions on January 23. The high court also allowed Senator Raul Roco to take part in the oral arguments.

The High Court issued a temporary restraining order last December, barring the Comelec from hearing the petition of the group, Pirma, and stopping it from launching a signature campaign for a people's initiative. Pirma is seeking a people's initiative to change the charter and allow President Ramos to run for a second term.

Back to Top

---

No Common Ground For PIRMA And LIGA

Two major groups seeking to amend the charter are confident they will get what they want despite the legal and financial obstacles. But now it seems, the biggest obstacle in their campaigns is each other. It all starts with one petition. Then, get 5 million signatures to back it up. After the Comelec verifies the signatures, a plebisite is held. And if the majority wills it, an amendment to the Constitution is made.

Sounds simple. But the process is more complicated than that. For starters, various groups seeking to amend the constitution can't even agree on a single petition. "For example, the incumbency of the President. We're (Pirma) talking only of another six years. But as far as Liga is concerned, it is 12 years from the time you get the amendment," says Pirma's Carmen Pedrosa. Pro-charter change groups admit, they will have to come up with a uniform petition to make things easier. It is a question of who will yield first. "If they want to support us, we welcome them," says Alex David, chair of the Liga ng mga Barangay.

But Pedrosa says: "If they don't come to an agreement and they want to go on their own, we'll also go on our own." Comelec Comissioner Regalado Maambong warns, Pirma and Liga better get their acts together. People might end up signing two different petitions inconsistent with each other. Both groups will pursue their own signature drive despite the Supreme Court injunction. Pirma insists, it has nothing to lose.

But the Liga ng mga Baranggay is another case. It has amassed signatures in various parts of the country. And until the two groups iron out the smallest details, their efforts to gather signatures will be for nothing.

Back to Top

---

FVR Is Back In Shape

Since his operation last December, the President had no choice but to cut down on his work load. But the lighter schedule is making the President a bit restless.

Last Saturday, the President enjoyed nine holes of golf. It's his usual way relaxing after a normal work schedule of 18 hours. Since his surprise surgery last December, President Ramos has slowed down the pace on doctor's orders. With his appointments limited to just three a day, Mr. Ramos has been left looking for things to do. This morning the President walked the 250 meters from his Malacanang office to the Executive Building for a Cabinet meeting. He usually takes a car.

Along the way he asked about the cars parked in front of the Palace grounds. He was particularly curious about one car without license plates. The President even had time to chat with some jeepney passengers. The President mainly devoted the day to playing host to visiting Canadian Premier Jean Chretien. His aides say the First Lady does a better job than his doctors in slowing down the President's work pace. One presidential news writer said this is just to make sure that Mr. Ramos works hard, but not too hard.

Back to Top

---

"Presidentiables" Seek Cardinal Sin's Support

Jaime Cardinal Sin reveals some presidential aspirants have started seeking his support. He gets a visit from them almost daily at his mansion in Mandaluyong. The Cardinal refused to reveal the names of his visitors. He says he told them it's too early to talk about the presidential elections. Besides, it is church policy not to endorse a candidate. But Bishop Teodoro Bacani says the church may give support to political candidates. That is, if they adhere to the church's moral principles and possess the necessary skills.

Back to Top

---

Political Season Is Here

You know the political season is on when the mad scramble for party nominations, a presidential anointment, and media mileage begin. House reporters asked Speaker Jose de Venecia who would win if a Lakas convention were held tomorrow. Will it be him or Defense Secretary Renato de Villa?

"The best man will win," says De Venecia. Congressmen's loyalties are up for grabs too. Eduardo Ermita is Lakas chairman for Batangas, but he was also De Villa's classmate at the military academy, a colleague in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and in the defense department. But Ermita says he's not about to make a decision. Making enemies does not a good politician make, so De Venecia told mediamen. He would ask Ermita to soften things between him and De Villa. Speaker Ramon Mitra's defeat after all at the hands of then Defense Secretary Fidel Ramos, is too recent a lesson to forget.

Meanwhile, LDP renegades made a little noise too, to remind us they're still around. Peping Cojuanco and company are raring to launch "Kampi", a movement masquerading as a party they hope will catapult Gloria Arroyo to the presidency. And where does that leave Edgardo Angara? A former LDP lawmaker says, as Angara's ratings in the surveys dip even further no one will want to stay with the party. So it is jumping-jack time onto, for example, Vice-President Estrada's "Jeepney". And out of the blue, a name crops up for a running mate from the Visayas - young and wealthy, politics running in his blood, Congressman Manuel Roxas.

Meanwhile, Comelec Chairman Bernardo Pardo says there may be no Barangay elections in May, if the 1997 budget remains deadlocked. Pardo says any surplus in last year's budget will be used for the Comelec's day-to-day operations. The surplus is not enough to cover expenses for the printing of election forms or new ballots.

Back to Top

---

Cover-Up On The PEA-Amari Land Scam Feared

Senate President Enesto Maceda warns of a possible cover-up of the anomalous PEA-Amari land deal now under investigation by the committee of peers. Maceda claims to have information that members of the committee are holding secret meetings with Amari officials. Maceda says Amari officials want the committee to push for a re-negotiation of the land deal. But senators want a new bidding. In today's public hearing by the Senate committees on blue ribbon and government corporations, senators accused Transportation Secretary Amado Lagdameo of deceiving President Ramos into signing the land deal.

Meanwhile, congressmen lashed out at the police for supposedly placing 70 of their colleagues under surveillance in the hope of getting to Congressman Romeo Jalosjos. PNP Chief, Director General Recaredo Sarmiento has denied the report which the congressmen denounced as an invasion of privacy. Executive Secretary Ruben Torres says policemen taking part in the surveillance could be jailed.

Back to Top

---

Meralco Asks SC To Review CBA

The Manila Electric Company, the country's biggest power distributor, will ask the Supreme Court to review a new collective bargaining agreement with its employees that may lead to lower returns for the company and an increase in power rates.

Meralco spokesperson Elpi Cuna says the entire CBA will amount to P2 billion, which means a lower return on rate base which may even drop below the mandated eight percent. Cuna adds Meralco may not be able to fulfill its target of not raising its distribution charges until the year 2000, if the CBA pushes through. The labor department approved a CBA for the Meralco Employees Workers Association, that will mean a P4,400 monthly pay hike spread over a two year period for each of the union's 4,000 members. The petition will be submitted to the Supreme Court by Thursday or Friday.

If the CBA pushes through, Cuna says it's going to be a bad signal for the busines community. Union President Numeriano Villalobos says the union will file a notice of strike within the week if the company appeals the CBA.

Back to Top

---

Canadian PM In RP; Heads 350-Member Business Mission

Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretian is here for a three-day visit. He formally took over the chairmanship of the APEC Forum. The Canadian leader also heads a 350-member business mission that aims to increase trade with the Philippines after bilateral talks with President Ramos. Both leaders witnessed the signing of the first Air Transport Agreement between the two countries.

Meanwhile, one of the world's largest defense and aerospace companies is interested in putting up an aerospace center in the Philippines.

Lockheed Martin Corporation of the United States, has signed an agreement with Flinder Guarantee Limited, and a local firm, H-Thomas Group to evaluate the project's viability. H-Thomas will look into Subic Bay as a possible site for the center. Lockheed Martin has been evaluating a number of projects related to the military's modernization program.

Still in business, Philippine sugar production this year is likely to fall by nearly 150,000 metric tons because of poor weather. The decline is likely to boost sugar prices which have been hurt by a past glut. The Sugar Regulatory Administration has lowered it production estimate for the current crop year which ends in August. But it assures there will be sufficient sugar supplies to meet the annual demand due to a surplus inventory.

Back to Top

---

Sports' Newest Groups Headed For A Collision

The Jetsports Association of the Philippines or JSAP, is questioning the creation of a new group led by Presidential son-in-law and Basketball Association of the Philippines president Freddie Jalasco. This new group, formed last year is called the Philippine Jetsports and Boating Association. Jalasco says his riders felt they were not wanted at the JSAP when they applied for membership last year, so they formed the PJBA.

Last September, Jalasco met with JSAP officials led by Rosanna Fores. It was their first and only meeting. JSAP offered Jalasco honorary chairmanship and two board seats. Jalasco later sent word declining the offer. Two weeks later, Fores said Jalasco's group registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The JSAP is accredited by the international jetskiing body. Jalasco says his group has no plans of taking over JSAP. They just want to co-exist. Jalasco also denies they have scheduled their tournaments to coincide with JSAP's circuit. Jalasco's group is offering prize money to winners, a first in the sport.

Is there hope for a reconciliation? There are about a hundred jetskiers in the country who just want the sport to meet world-class standards.

Back to Top