The president is now being criticized for dropping the Freedom of Information Bill and Reproductive Health Bill in his list of priority measures. Supporters of the bill expressed disappointment when Aquino withdrew his support for RH and FOI. Early in his bid for presidency, Aquino expressed his strong support for RH bill. Two days after the 14^th Congress was adjourned last year, Aquino said in an interview that as soon as he becomes president, he will prioritize the Freedom of Information Bill saying it would be better if there was “force of law.” But recently, the Palace is saying the President never really pushed for RH bill. Malacanang has since recommended that Congress approve a new bill, the Responsible Parenthood, which many claim, is very similar to RH bill. Despite Aquino’s withdrawal of support for RH bill, he still has not gained the approval of the church, saying RH bill was merely renamed under Responsible Parenthood bill.

This week Journo looks into two most controversial bills today and looks back at Aquino’s promises during his campaign. Why were these bills dropped from Aquino’s priority list? How does this reflect on Aquino’s administration?

Many were shocked upon hearing the news that former AFP chief Angelo Reyes had passed away. Reyes committed suicide in front his parents’ grave. In the midst of corruption controversy, people are wondering what really pushed Reyes to take his own life. What was running on his mind? This week, veteran broadcast journalist Luchi Cruz-Valdes sits down with journos as they share their views and insights on Angelo Reyes’ sudden death and how it will affect the ongoing investigation on military corruption.

Watch ‘JOURNO’ on February 15, Tuesday, after ‘Aksyon Journalismo’ on TV5.

A strenuous journey to the mountains of Mindoro.  An accidental meeting that changed the course of history for a tribe in need.  They are the Irayas, one of the seven tribes of the peace-loving Mangyans, that captured the heart of one woman.  This is the love story of a people who have been shunned by the outside world but was embraced by the person who would move mountains for them.

For centuries, the tribe prospered along the coastal areas of Oriental Mindoro until migrant settlers drove them from their land and forced them to live in the mountains.  From then on, they lived a nomadic life, moving from place to place, sleeping in makeshift huts, living on what little and whatever they can get their hands on.

Like other indigenous people in the world, they have been treated as second class citizens– often exploited, neglected, and discriminated against by lowlanders. Denied of basic services for decades, the tribe struggled with their daily life.  Uneducated and uncivilized, they lived in mortal fear of the Tagalogs. With the threat of being forced out of the land they live in always a possibility, they are praying for someone who could somehow end their plight.  Time is running out.

Witness a different kind of love story which will spell the beginning of a new and better life for the Iraya Mangyans.

The office of the Ombudsman is under fire for allowing Gen. Garcia to plead guilty to lesser offenses and post bail. This prompted the senate to investigate on the controversial plea bargain agreement. When summoned by the senate, ex AFP comptroller Garcia invoked his right to self-incrimination. Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez maintained the evidence for plunder against Garcia was weak and denied accusations that there was fixing or money involved in the bargain.

The public saw new witnesses surface as the trial went on. Former COA auditor Heidi Mendoza testified that her team discovered a P200-million UN reimbursement check signed by Gen. Garcia and that P150M was deposited in AFP’s trust account. As for the remaining P50M, Mendoza said they could no longer trace how it was deducted from the P200M check and where it went. Retired budget officer Col. Rabusa revealed the grave corruption in the military, naming ex AFP chiefs like Reyes as one of the officers who received “pasalubong” and “pabaon” amounting to about P40M monthly. Lt. Col. Ramon Lim, the newest witness, testified that he was present when Col. Rabusa handed the P5M “pabaon” to ex chief Angelo Reyes when he retired in March 2001.

This week, Journo continued to follow the controversial plea bargain between the Ombudsman and Gen. Garcia. Veteran broadcaster Luchi Cruz-Valdes sits down with fellow journalists as they share their opinions, insights and observations on how the case is being handled by the senate. Is there a cover-up? Where is this senate inquiry headed?