DOE sells gov’t power assets

BAGUIO CITY (Aug. 24) — The Department of Energy (DOE) targets to privatize power assets of the government that include the Binga-Ambuklao power plant by the end of the year to generate $6 billion for the government.

DOE Secretary Angelo Reyes disclosed that other power assets up for sale are the National Transmission Corporation (Transco), Energy Development Corporation (EDC) shares, Calaca plant in Batangas and Palinpinon plant in Leyte. # PIA-Cordillera

PGMA declares Sept. 12 as National Day of Prayer, reconciliation

BAGUIO CITY (Aug. 24) — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared September 12 as a National Day of Prayer and Reconciliation through Proclamation No. 1362 she signed last August 15.

Last year, she issued Proclamation No. 910 declaring September 12 as a National Day of Prayer, Conversion, Reparation and Consecration for Our Nation. She also signed last week Proclamation No. 1357 declaring the month of September of every year as Public Relations Month. # PIA-Cordillera

P1.227 trillion 2008 National Budget proposed
BAGUIO CITY (Aug. 24) — The government proposed a P1.227-trillion national budget for 2008.
The government expects to generate revenues amounting to P1.236 trillion of which P1.108 trillion will come from taxes and P127 billion from non-tax revenues. In view of these targets, the Bureau of Internal Revenue is expected to provide P885 billion, while the Bureau of Customs’ share is P254 billion. # PIA-Cordillera

Campbell’s kin attend court hearing
LAGAWE, Ifugao (Aug. 24) — Linda Campbell, Peace Corps Volunteer Julia Campbell’s mother and her sister Geary Morris, were here to attend the fourth hearing of Julia’s case .
During the trial, a minor witness presented by the prosecution positively identified the suspect, Juan Duntugan as the person he saw rushing from the crime scene. He, however, admitted that he did not witness the actual killing of Julia. The next hearing is set on October 8 and 9. # Vency D. Bulayungan/PIA-Ifugao

Abra Task Force stays
BANGUED, Abra (Aug. 24) — Newly appointed Cordillera Police Regional Director Eugene G. Martin said the Abra Task Force still exists noting that the peace and order in the province remains unstable.
During the first half of the year, Abra reported an alarming crime volume accounting almost 50% of the total crime incidents in the region. Killings and shooting incidents are still rampant to date. # Maritess Beñas/PIA-Abra

3 persons collared for illegal gambling

LA TRINIDAD (Aug. 21) — Intelligence Operatives of Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) arrested Jun G. Peralta, 22, single and Wilson P. Manalo, 34 after being caught in the act collecting jueteng bets along Dagohoy St, Baguio City. Confiscated from the duo are cash bets amounting to P740, two black ballpens and jueteng papilitos.

Jerick C. Odrero was likewise arrested along Otek Street while of collecting jueteng bets amounting to P380. All arrested persons were released by virtue of a “promise to appear” note upon instruction of Prosecutor Conrado Catral while necessary charges are being prepared for filing at the Prosecutor’s Office. # Police Regional Office-Cordillera