Wednesday, October 19, 2005 (Philippines)

Rapid rise of prices is seen with the lifting of the restraining order on EVAT. The law expands the sales tax base to include electricity, fuel and transport sectors and other previously exempt areas. Protesters are expected to increase their dissent in the form of demonstrations and devices, including these Halloween masks attacking President Arroyo and EVAT. (AP photo) The Court of Appeals has declared null the conviction of Cedrick Devinadera, who confessed that he helped kill Alona Bacolod-Ecleo and identified Alona’s brother Ben as the real killer. In a ruling last Monday, the appeals court called the Devinadera case a “sham and a travesty of justice.” Devinadera can now walk away from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, where he was locked up after being sentenced to four years and two months up to eight years in jail. Lawyers defending former mayor Ruben Ecleo Jr., who stands accused of killing his wife Alona, had planned to use Devinadera’s conviction in their defense. [full story]