The MV Pasig ferry terminal cuts a striking presence in Manila’s old business district of Escolta. Unfortunately, the impressive look belies the benign government neglect for what was once touted as a strategic, less-pollutive, less-costly mode of transporta tion in Metro Manila. --ROY DOMINGO

QUESTIONS over the legality—and soundness—of Malacañang’s resort to various subsidies, such as the one-time, P500 power subsidy to lifeline users or those consuming less than 100 kilowatt-hours a month, have intensified, as some lawmakers pressed their alternative option: Instead of using unsustainable, questionable doles, just temporarily lift the value-added tax (VAT) for petroleum, which has given the  government an embarrassingly huge windfall since oil prices started soaring.

MEMBERS of the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) who recently faced a tongue-lashing at the Senate energy committee hearing will send another letter to President Arroyo, this time  seeking affirmation that foreign investors “are still important and needed in the country.”

DENNIS DeYoung promised not to cry; but it may take more than that for a Pasig River ferry operator to keep passengers, and its business, afloat.

THE country’s economic growth in the second quarter will not be as dismal as the 5.2 percent seen in the first quarter, but will not be as high as 6 percent, either, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

LEAD lawyers of the 9,539 victims of martial law said the legal tug-of-war with the Philippine government over the $35-million US deposits is not over yet with the latest US Supreme Court decision that recognized Manila’s sovereign immunity to rule on the ownership of the funds.

THREE bakeries associations Sunday disclosed  they are enjoining flour millers to keep flour prices from increasing during this season, especially now that global wheat prices have reportedly started to decline and are forecast to continue moving downward.

NEW YORK—The dollar rose the most against the euro since 2005 as Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke said economic risks have faded, raising speculation policymakers will increase borrowing costs this year to contain inflation.

THE province of Quezon has committed to supply Metro Manila with the bulk of its vegetables, table eggs and fish needs, according to the Department of Agriculture.

PRESIDENT Arroyo has directed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to fortify its links with local communities to help clean up Laguna Lake.

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Bay cleaners. In a time of tokenism, these students and professionals put promises to Mother Earth into action by making Friday their clean-up day for Manila Bay—world-famous for its spectacular sunset, but also for its pollution. The cleanup was initiated by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines and students from DM Consunji Inc. --ROY DOMINGO

Global marketers coming. Officials of the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) and the organizing committee for the holding of the World Marketing Conference on June 19 and 20 at the SMX Convention Center sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the BUSINESSMIRROR as their media partner for the forum, which will feature world-renowned advertising and marketing gurus. Signing the MOA are (from left, seated) Gwen Albarracin, director in charge, World Marketing Conference; Benjie V. Ramos, president of BM; Tom Banguis, overall chairman of the World Marketing Conference; Frederick M.Alegre, VP-Corporate Affairs of BM and immediate past president of PMA; (standing) Joyette Perez, BM’s business development manager; Mylene Abiva, chairperson of the sponsorship committee for the forum; and Sarah Velasco, executive director of the PMA. --NONIE REYES