PRESIDENT Arroyo is briefed on new trends in developing “green” vehicles at the 2nd Philippine International Motor Show that opened at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. With her are Elizabeth Lee, president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc., and Jose Ch.Alvarez, president of Asian Carmakers Corp. and Columbian Autocar Corp. The unit they are examining is Kia’s Sportage Fuel Cell Electronic Vehicle, which emits water vapor, making it an environment-friendly vehicle. --RHOY COBILLA

Carmakers seek ‘green’ terms

FUEL-EFFICIENT automobiles such as hybrid and electric vehicles, now very popular in rich countries, will not be plying the streets of the Philippines until the government has made improvements in infrastructure and policies that would encourage global manufacturers to bring them here.

GDP growth to hit lower than 5.2 percent–Neda

THE ill effects of high inflation have forced the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) to adjust downward its forecast for the second quarter to lower than the 5.2-percent growth posted in the first quarter of the year.

Government now shunning talks with armed groups–GMA

PRESIDENT Arroyo on Thursday bared a “shift” in the focus of peace efforts—from negotiations with armed groups to dialogues with affected communities—following the rash of violence undertaken by rogue commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and their followers.

Return to peace table, PCCI asks government, MILF

CEASE fighting and go back to the negotiating table. This was the appeal of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) to the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a sign of serious concern over the long-term effects of the battles spawned by sudden depredations on barangays by the Moro rebels on economic progress and peace.

SolGen bid to junk suits vs MOA opposed

THREE intervenors in the petition seeking to declare as unconstitutional the draft memorandum of agreement (MOA) on ancestral domain between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Thursday opposed the move of Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera to have the case dismissed by the Supreme Court to give way for the further review of its provisions.

I am Ninoy–in the life of every Filipino

FILIPINOS from all walks of life gathered at Don Bosco Church in Makati City on Thursday to commemorate the life and sacrifice of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., who was shot dead at the airport tarmac as he arrived from exile 25 years ago.

China reaping gains from tech, coverage

BEIJING—The Chinese are not only breaking records left and right in the Olympics, which they are obviously about to dominate in terms of gold medals won; but they are also expected to score big as far as broadcast coverage and technology is concerned.

RP’s Sabah bid hurt by setting up of consulate

THE Philippines has established a consular office in Sabah to facilitate the regularization of undocumented Filipino workers, an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Thursday. But he declined to say if this signaled a virtual surrender of its claim over the disputed oil-rich island, where authorities have for the past month, deported hundreds of Filipinos caught in a crackdown on undocumented foreign workers.

SC upholds government audit of Meralco: DOE

THE Department of Energy (DOE) pointedly reminded the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) on Thursday that the Supreme Court (SC) has ruled Meralco can be audited by the government, after the power firm’s man in charge of regulatory matters asserted the other day it would be illegal for the government to audit them because they are a private company.

‘Karen’ damage to farms: P400M

TYPHOON Karen wrought havoc on Northern Luzon farms, damaging crops worth about P400 million based on still-uncompleted estimates, with rice suffering the heaviest—P290 million in destroyed palay.

WFP hikes rice supply in areas raided by rebels

THE United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) will increase its rice distribution to families displaced by the depredations of allegedly “rogue” elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

A HUGE image of the martyred senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. hangs over the lobby of the premier airport that bears his name to commemorate his 25th death anniversary on Thursday. Airport General Manager Alfonso Cusi and Aquino’s younger sister, former senator Tessie Oreta, led a simple ceremony at the tarmac where Ninoy was shot upon arrival from self-exile abroad. --RECTO MERCENE