Us asian post april 16, 2014 by Balita Media Inc

Celebrating

T H E

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INMENT

Gabby speaks up on KC’s suitors See PAGE 7

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Vol. 3. No. 31

LOS ANGELES

A Balita Media Publication

Wednesday - Tuesday, April 16-22, 2014

PHL hopes deal reached before Obama visit

President Barack Obama, accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama, places a presidential coin as they pay their respect during a memorial service for the victims of the Fort Hood shootings, at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, April 9, 2014. Obama is scheduled to visit the Philippines at the end of the month. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Bataan Day of Valor: Fil-Am vets protest China’s aggression WASHINGTON DC (April 9, 2014) – On the anniversary of the Bataan Day of Valor, elderly Filipino American veteran leaders issued a public statement to protest China’s aggressive moves to annex Philippine maritime territory and to support the expected Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement to be signed by President Obama and President Benigno Aquino later this month in Manila. To mark the 72nd anniversary of the Bataan Day of Valor in April 9, 1942, a group of Filipino World War II veterans joined an

afternoon wreath-laying ceremony at the Bataan-Corregidor fountain in the World War II National Memorial commemorated by Philippine Embassy officials and Filipino American community supporters in Washington DC. “We are worried about China’s dangerous actions to force out Philippine Marines from their Sierra Madre naval outpost on the Ayungin Thomas Shoal. China is occupying our Scarborough Shoal, intimidate our Filipino fishermen with water cannons and to steal our valuable oil, gas, fish

MANILA, Apr 14 (Mabuhay) – A day after he regained his WBO welterweight title, boxing champ and congressman Manny Pacquiao still faces a tough fight against Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares. Henares once again reminded Pacquiao to settle his previous tax deficiency, which has now ballooned to an estimated P2.6 billion due to interest. Pacquiao’s tax deficiency was

See BATAAN DAY, page 5

See HENARES, page 5

2 firms face raps for smuggling steel from China MANILA, Apr 14 (Mabuhay) – Two firms were charged before the Department of Justice for the smuggling of steel products from China with a total cost of P30.7 million at the Port of Manila. Thunder Birds Trading and its owner, Shine Rapadas Montes, were slapped with two complaints involving two separate shipments: (1) importation of eight 20-foot container vans of steel angle bars misdeclared as “steel angle frames; and (2) importation of twelve 20-foot containers declared as “steel sheets, clamps, flexible tubing and hinges,” but turned out to be cold rolled steel sheets. The weight of the shipment, which arrived in the 3rd week of October, was also misdeclared, according to Customs Commissioner John

Henares reminds Pacquiao: Settle P2.6-B tax deficiency

Sevilla. A separate case was filed against Skylink Import-Export, Inc, and its officers: Junnhel Atun, president; Donna Donita Mercado, corporate secretary; Jumean Rose Atun, treasurer; and directors Limuelle Montesa and Rogelio Ocampo. The firm’s customs broker, Jarie Mae Juquiano, was also charged. Skylink brought in eight 20-foot container vans in the first week of January declared as “hardware items,” but turned out to be steel angle bars. Sevilla said both firms also evaded the payment of Safeguard Duty for imported steel products. “Kaya malaki ang risk sa safety ng bibili ng mga produktong ‘yon... at nakakaapekto sa buhay ng mga Pilipinong nagtatrabaho sa steel industry,” Sevilla said. (MNS)

and timely support to the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (and the) achievement of the country’s minimum credible defense posture,” Batino’s statement said. The deal would not allow the US military to “establish a permanent military presence or base” or bring nuclear weapons into the country, in line with the Philippine Constitution. The proposed agreement could be signed before President Obama visits the Philippines this month, a foreign department spokesman said. “We aim to conclude the negotiations before the Obama visit,” foreign department spokesman Charles Jose told AFP. Washington has said Obama will visit the Philippines at the end of April as part of a four-nation tour of East Asia. The United States had two large military bases near Manila until 1992, when it gave both up amid growing anti-US sentiment and a rental dispute. However the Philippines has been seeking greater US support in recent years after China began asserting its claim to disputed territory in the South China Sea. See PHL HOPES, page 5

PNP: No threat to upcoming Pres. Obama visit so far MANILA, Apr 12 (Mabuhay) -- At least for now, the Philippine intelligence community has not detected any “immediate” terrorist or criminal threat to the visit of US President Barack Obama on April 28 and 29. Philippine National Police spokesman Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac on Saturday said the PNP and other agencies continue to validate information involving threats. “Wala pa kaming nkaukuhang info at this date and time na ikababahala ng ating kababayan...

Wala pa kaming nakikitang immediate threat, whether terrorist or criminal, subali’t tuloy ang pag-validate,” Sindac said. He said other government agencies involved in validating possible threats include the Armed Forces of the Philippines and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency. On Friday, Philippine Ambassador to Washington D.C. Jose Cuisia Jr. said Obama is due to visit the Philippines April 28 and 29. See OBAMA VISIT, page 5

Businessman denies Czech envoy’s MRT extortion claim MANILA, Apr 14 (Mabuhay) – A business partner of Wilson de Vera has appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to submit an affidavit on the extortion allegations of Czech Republic Ambassador Josef Rychtar over a supply contract for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3. Businessman Boyet Bacar denied the allegations of Rychtar, saying he has evidence to prove it. Bacar was subpoenaed to shed light on his knowledge of the supposed extort try. Rychtar earlier alleged MRT General Manager Al Vitangcol III tried to extort $30 million from Czech train car maker Inekon Group. See EXTORTION, page 5

Palace: Gov’t to ensure aviation upgrade to be sustained

President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the security arrangements and facilities at the domestic departure area, Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City on Thursday (October 31) to ensure the safety of the passengers during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day following the launching of DOTC’s Undas 2013 “Oplan Ligtas Biyahe.” (MNS photo)

MANILA, April 11, 2014 (AFP) – The Philippines said Friday it hopes to complete a new defense accord with the United States ahead of a visit by President Barack Obama this month, as a territorial dispute with China simmers. The chief Philippine negotiator, defense undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino, said in a statement the latest round of discussions about an increased US military presence in the country was “very productive”. “This round brought us much closer to finding full consensus and the draft provisions on key points of an enhanced defense cooperation will be submitted to the president for his review,” Batino said. Philippine negotiators on Friday said the eighth round of talks on a proposed military agreement had seen both sides “finding consensus on key points of a draft”. The agreement proposes allowing more US troops, aircraft, and ships to pass through the Philippines, as well as storing equipment in this country that could help mobilize American forces faster - particularly in the case of natural disasters. The accord would provide “critical

MANILA, Apr 12 (Mabuhay) – After the country regained the much-coveted Category 1 status from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Malacañang on Saturday assured the public that the government will ensure that the Philippine aviation upgrade will be sustained. In an interview aired on government-run dzRB, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the FAA will observe the country for the next two years “at sisiguraduhin na magiging mahigpit ‘yung ating pagsubabay doon sa mga guideline.” “Sinisigurado din naman po See AVIATION, page 5

Manny Pacquiao connects with a left hook to wrestle back his World Boxing Organization welterweight championship belt from Timothy Bradley Saturday during their rematch at MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, where Pacquiao won by unanimous decision. Photo: Benny Uy

Pacquiao reclaims WBO welterweight belt, Bradley undefeated no more BY ROD MIJARES

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao reclaimed the WBO Welterweight championship belt from American Timothy Bradley in a rematch Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada via a unanimous decision. It was a vindication on Pacquiao as he was able to redeem himself in front of a pro-Pacquiao sold-out crowd at the Garden, 97% of whom voted that he is going to win the fight. Unlike his first fight when Bradley won via a controversial split decision, the Filipino won in a very convincing fashion vintage Pacquiao to the cheers of fans in attendance throwing punches in salvo from the start to finish controlling ma-

jority of the 12-round bout. Judges Michael Pernick of Florida and Craig Metcalfe of Alberta, Canada both scored 116112. Judge Glenn Trowbridge from Nevada scored it 118-110 giving only round 4 and 5 to Bradley. Pacquiao connected 50 out of 219 jabs thrown while Bradley thrown more jabs at 287 but only connected 32 . The challenger connected 148 out of 344 power punches thrown while the defending champion only connected 109 out of 340 power punches thrown. Both Pacquiao’s feet lifted in the air in round 4 when Bradley hit him with a right. Fortunately, he landed in both feet and able to regain his balance and fought See PACQUIAO, page 5

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Prove reward for CPP power couple skimmed, Palace dares solon

President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the Philippine National Police (PNP) Command Conference at the Main Conference Room of the PNP General Headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday (April 14, 2014). (MNS photo)

MANILA, Apr 12 (Mabuhay) -- Malacañang on Saturday challenged a lawmaker to substantiate his claims that some government officials may have pocketed part of the reward money for the capture of top officials of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte questioned the basis of Bayan Muna Rep. Isagani Zarate in claiming secretaries Voltaire Gazmin (defense) and Manuel Roxas II (interior) may have kept part of the money. “We don’t know what the basis is for that and I have not seen the good congressman make any statement (kung) ano ang basehan at ano ba yan,” Valte said on government-run dzRB radio. “We’re certain that is not true,” she added. A report on Manila Stan-

dard Today had quoted Zarate as saying the two secretaries may have kept almost half of the reward money for the arrest of Wilma and Benito Tiamzon. Zarate claimed documents from the Defense and Interior Departments showed the bounty for the Tiamzon couple was pegged at P10 million each, or P20 million total. ut he claimed the Armed Forces of the Philippines “understated” the amount and said the reward collected was P11.52 million, or P5.6 million per head. Zarate said Gazmin and Roxas have been quiet about the AFP’s understated funds for reward money. “This involves a total of P41.45 million, of which amount, the AFP claimed to have collected only some P22.4 million. So where is the rest of the reward money?” he said.(MNS)

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MANILA, Apr 14 (Mabuhay) – Cedric Lee, Deniece Cornejo, and five other individuals charged before the Taguig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) for the mauling and serious illegal detention of actor-TV host Vhong Navarro will be arrested should they insist on leaving the country without a written certification from the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the trial court, according to Justice Secretary Leila De Lima. Speaking to reporters, De Lima said this is the reason why Ferdinand Guerrero, one of the accused in the serious illegal detention and grave coercion cases, was barred from leaving for Hong Kong around 5 a.m. today. “They need to get a written permission from the [DOJ] National Prosecution Service (NPS) or the RTC because the case is already in court. The timing [of flight] is bad at this point... why only now that the case is already in court? There is no color of legitimacy,” De Lima said. Should Lee, Cornejo, Bernice Lee, Simeon Raz, Guerrero, Jose Paolo Calma, and Jed Fernandez insist on leaving the country minus the written permission or certification, they will be effected a warrantless arrest on the spot, and will be charged with obstruction of justice. Lee and company are subject of an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (LBO). “That is obstructing justice, frustrating the ends of justice... they will undergo inquest [for obstruction of justice]. Yan ang nakikita naming remedy,” De Lima said. The justice chief noted bookings under the name of some of the accused over the weekend; these were later cancelled. De Lima said there was a similar incident in the past, regarding a separate case, where the accused was also not allowed to depart by immigration officers because of failure to present an NPS or court certification. The DOJ filed on Monday morning a motion with Taguig RTC Branch 271 for the immediate issuance of a hold departure order (HDO) against Lee, et al. The criminal informations were filed with the trial court against Lee and company last Thursday. The DOJ expects the issuance of a warrant for their arrest after the hearing(s) on the motion for determination of probable cause filed by the camp of the accused.

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, April 16-22, 2014

Palace warned of ‘legal storm’ vs Bangsamoro law MANILA, Apr 13 (Mabuhay) -- Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. promised he will help in passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law, but warned Malacanang to prepare for a “legal storm” that is in the offing. Marcos, who is chairman of the Senate local government committee, said: “Ang timetable ng pamahalaan ay matapos sana sa Congress by the end of this year or early next year. Sa palagay ko kaya naman. Kaya naman namin siguro mai-report out at magkaroon ng bicameral (conference committee) within that timetable.” He said he wants the people of Mindanao to enjoy permanent peace. “I am for peace in Mindanao. Everybody is for peace; nobody is against peace at suportado naman lahat na magkaroon ng kapayapaan sa mga magulong area sa Mindanao,” he said. The law is necessary in establishing the new political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The transition committee is set to submit the draft law to President Benigno Aquino just weeks after a comprehensive agreement was signed by the two sides of the peace panel. Nonetheless, Marcos predicts the government will face a “legal storm” after the law is passed. “(My) fearless forecast is ‘pag naipasa na sa both Houses (of Congress) ‘yan, icha-chalenge agad ‘yan sa Supreme Court dahil sa constitutionality question; a question of sovereignty within a sovereignty. Alam ko kasi marami na ang nagsasabi sa akin that they will test it in the (Supreme) court…to challenge it,” he said. Earlier, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago had said the peace pact was unconstitutional since it violated the principle of constitutional supremacy. She said the Constitution only allows an autonomous region - and not a sub-state - that will exercise sovereign powers.(MNS)

Palace exec downplays Chinese premier’s warning on ‘provocation’ MANILA, Apr 12 (Mabuhay) – A Malacañang official on Saturday downplayed a reported warning by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang against so-called provocations in its territorial disputes with other nations such as the Philippines. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Philippines has always taken a position of non-provocation in resolving its territorial row with China. “I think it’s clear to everyone that the Philippines has always taken a position of non-provocation and we’ve always subscribed to having a peaceful resolution to this dispute,” Valte said on government-run dzRB radio. “You can see this in our actions in the past where we have been deliberately avoided situations that can increase the tension in the West Philippine Sea,” she added. Her statements were in reply to a report on the Wall Street Journal quoting Chinese Premier Li as saying at the Boao Forum for Asia that China will “respond firmly to provocation.” The Philippines had contested before a United Nations arbitration panel China’s claims to most of the South China Sea. Manila refers to the areas it is disputing with Beijing as the West Philippine Sea. (MNS)

PHL unveils new plan to fight persistent poverty

MANILA, April 14, 2014 (AFP) – The Philippines Monday announced plans to spend more on infrastructure and introduce other reforms to try to lift millions out of poverty. The revised Philippine Development Plan sets more ambitious economic targets to address persistent concerns that poor Filipinos are not enjoying the benefits of the country’s recent dramatic economic growth. Among the new targets is the lowering of the poverty incidence from 25.2 percent of the population in 2012 to 16.6 percent by 2016, economic officials said. “It does not mean that we can do nothing but wait until the benefits of economic expansion ‘trickle down’ to the poor,” Socio-economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in an introduction to the revised plan. Despite economic growth of more than seven percent in recent years – among the highest rates in Asia – unemployment has remained high while the rate of poverty has barely fallen. “Simply stated, the gains have yet to materialize into actual, tangible improvements in the lives of the majority of the people,” the report said. Under the revised plan, the economy is expected to grow by 7.5 to 8.5 percent annually by 2016 compared to the original target of 7.6 percent set in 2010 when President Benigno Aquino took office. Chief among the poverty-fighting measures is an increase in infrastructure spending to five percent of gross domestic product by 2016, compared to the 2013 level of less than three percent. This will include reconstruction efforts after Super Typhoon Haiyan and a killer earthquake left thousands dead and devastated large areas in the central Philippines last year, said Emmanuel Esguerra, deputy director of the National Economic Development Authority. These reforms in turn will improve the connections between urban centers where growth has been concentrated and the poverty-stricken rural areas where the majority of the country’s 100 million people live, the plan said. The country’s crumbling infrastructure has long been cited by businessmen and economists as one of the biggest obstacles to prosperity, raising transport and power costs, keeping regions mired in underdevelopment and discouraging investors. Critics charge that only a few sectors are enjoying the benefits of the country’s economic growth while many Filipinos have not been touched by it.

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OPINION

Satisfaction with Aquino dips, but still ‘good’ – SWS MANILA, Apr 14 (Mabuhay) – Public satisfaction with President Benigno Aquino III’s performance declined in the first quarter of the year but stayed in the “good” territory, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. The survey, done from March 27 to 30, showed that 66 percent of 1,200 respondents were satisfied and 21 percent dissatisfied with Aquino’s performance. The numbers equate to a net satisfaction rating of +45, which is down 4 points from the +49 rating recorded in September and December last year. The SWS classifies net satisfaction scores of +30 to +49 as “good.” The SWS poll, which was first published in BusinessWorld yesterday, traced the drop to a 13-point decline in Aquino’s performance rating in Balance Luzon from previous quarter’s “very good” +54 to a “good” +41 (63 percent satisfied and 22 percent dissatisfied). The President’s net satisfaction rating in the

Visayas also slightly declined from the previous quarter’s “very good” +50 to a “good” +49 (70 percent satisfied and 20 percent dissatisfied). Aquino, meanwhile, maintained his “very good” rating in Mindanao at +55 (72 percent satisfied and 17 percent dissatisfied). His net score in Metro Manila rose from a “moderate” +22 to a “good” +33 (59 percent satisfied and 26 percent dissatisfied). By socioeconomic class, the Aquino administration’s score fell to from “very good” to “good” among the ABC and E groups. It declined by 29 points to +39 in the ABC class, and fell by 13 points to +44 in class E. It stayed “good” at +45 in class D. Meanwhile, Aquino’s net score stayed “good” at +46 among men, and dropped by 7 points to a “good” +43 among women. The SWS survey used face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults nationwide. There were sampling error margins of ±3 percent for national and ±6 percent for area percentages. (MNS)

Supreme Court failed to defend charter, says ‘pro-life’ proponent MANILA, Apr 14 (Mabuhay) – An opponent of the Reproductive Health (RH) Law on Monday said the Supreme Court (SC) “failed to defend the constitution” with its ruling on the controversial measure. “Pro-life” proponent George Balagtas said the members of the high court failed to defend the constitution by declaring the law as “not constitutional” while striking down several of its provisions. Balagtas said, “the SC tried to give both sides something to chew on, something to cheer about. .... our feeling, my feeling personally at least, is the SC failed to defend the constitution because it gave each party something to wiggle out of.” Balagtas claimed the SC justices seemed to have acceded to what the Aquino administration wanted, against the backdrop of the removal of former SC Chief Justice Renato Corona via impeachment. “We believe that the SC failed to protect the constitution. Very clearly, this [involved] a clear intimidation by the government. We believe this is a result of the Corona impeachment, that the justices do not want to make categorical statements that may be against the preference of the government,” he said. Former Congressman Edcel Lagman, one of the principal authors of the measure, belied this claim, saying this is merely a “suspicion.” Balagtas also said that with the provision of the law mandating the government to provide contraceptives to the marginalized upheld, pharmaceutical companies have also become the “big winners” in the SC decision. The SC has said the law is not unconstitutional

except for provisions that “require ‘private health facilities and non-maternity specialty hospitals and hospitals owned and operated by a religious group to refer patients, not in an emergency or life-threatening case…to another health facility which is conveniently accessible”; and allow minors who have suffered miscarriage to have access to family planning without parental consent. The high court also struck down provisions punishing a health care provider who will refuse/fail to disseminate information on reproductive health programs or refer a patient to another health care service provider; or a public official who will refuse to support or hinder the implementation of reproductive health programs. Balagtas reiterated the anti-RH side’s position that the removal of the mandatory provisions has practically rendered the law “toothless”. Lagman rejected the anti-RH side’s assertion, saying the high court did not touch the core provisions of the law. “We should not be fascinated by exceptions and forget to appreciate the rule. The rule is the SC said the law is [not unconstitutional] except for some provisions which are voided to provide respect to minority or differing views,” he said. Balagtas, meanwhile, said the fight against family planning measures which are opposed to church teachings will go on despite the SC decision. “The fight has entered a critical phase. We will watch the way the budget is being spent,” he said. (MNS)

MILF slam military killings despite peace deal MANILA, April 15, 2014 (AFP) – The Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel group on Tuesday denounced the killing of four of its members in clashes with soldiers, just two weeks after a peace deal was signed to end their decades-old conflict. The military has acknowledged that gunmen from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were among 20 people killed in a shootout on a remote southern island Friday as security forces pursued Islamic militants blamed for beheadings and kidnappings. “Four of our members were martyred,” MILF vice chairman Ghazali Jaafar told reporters. Officials have said the clashes on Basilan island broke out while local MILF members were helping the military to arrest fighters from the Al-Qaedalinked Abu Sayyaf group. The MILF has asked an international committee monitoring the ceasefire between the Philippines and the rebel group to investigate who was to blame for Friday’s violence, Jaafar said. The fighting broke out two weeks after the MILF signed a political settlement to end more than four decades of an armed conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives in the mainly Catholic nation’s Muslim south. The peace deal aims to create an autonomous Muslim area in the south by early next year, with

the MILF expected to disarm and put up candidates for a regional parliament in May 2016. Jaafar said the government and the MILF were currently enjoying a “honeymoon” period. “We do not want this agreement to be disturbed by such unwanted incidents initiated by the military,” he added. Military spokesmen said 18 gunmen from the MILF and Abu Sayyaf were killed. Two soldiers died and 28 others were wounded. Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said the operation had been coordinated with MILF officials, and that it targeted Abu Sayyaf members who are not covered by any ceasefire. But he said that at one point, the soldiers noticed that the Abu Sayyaf gunmen were being reinforced by unidentified fighters. “If there were MILF forces, they were never meant as a target... It is possible they joined (the Abu Sayyaf) as individuals and not as MILF (members),” he told AFP. Military chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista also alleged on Tuesday that a small number of MILF guerrillas had helped relatives in the Abu Sayyaf ranks. “The MILF should deal with them,” Bautista told reporters. Jaafar said the allegations had yet to be proven.

Japan eyes visa waiver for tourists from PHL

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TOKYO, Apr 15 (Mabuhay) – The Japanese government and the ruling coalition are making arrangements to waive visas for tourists from Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam as one of the initiatives in a revised action plan due out in June to make Japan a tourism-oriented country, government sources said Monday. The initiative, which is aimed at drawing more tourists from Southeast Asia, including the Muslim population in the region, is envisioned as Japan seeks to achieve its goal of increasing the annual number of foreign visitors to 20 million in the runup to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is also looking to tourism as a pillar of its strategy to spur the country’s economic growth. Last year, tourists from Thailand and Malaysia increased 61 percent from the previous year to a combined 630,000, after their visas were waived last July. It helped Japan’s overall number of foreign tourists to top 10 million in a year for the first time. Roughly 140,000 Indonesians, 110,000 Filipinos and 80,000 Vietnamese visited Japan last year. Among the countries whose nationals need visas to enter Japan, the three Southeast Asian countries ranked high in terms of the number of visitors to Japan, fol-

lowing China. With a visa waiver, a large increase in the number of visitors to Japan can be expected from the three Southeast Asian nations, given growing demand in such countries for overseas trips reflecting their economic growth, observers say. The rates at which overstay occurred among the short-term visitors from Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam between January and November last year were relatively low at between 0.09 percent and 0.34 percent. By country and region, China, South Korea and Taiwan have sent the largest number of tourists to Japan. To attain the goal of increasing the annual number of foreign visitors to 20 million, Japan needs to step up efforts to attract a greater number of people from Southeast Asian countries, according to the Japan Tourism Agency. Japan has waived visas for short-term visitors from South Korea, Taiwan and 64 other countries and regions, if their purposes of visit are sightseeing or visiting their relatives. South Korea, which rivals Japan as one of the main tourist destinations in Northeast Asia, has also eased its visa policy to attract a greater number of visitors.(MNS)

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UTREACH Filipino-American to host World Championship Robotics Competition LOS ANGELES, C.A., April 14, 2014 - We are pleased to announce that Filipino-American, Jojo Aguilar, is returning as the Master of Ceremony for the 2014 First (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics World Championships in St. Louis, Missouri on April 23-26, 2014 at the Edward Jones Dome. More than 10,000 high school students from around the globe will travel to compete their custombuilt robots and put them to the test. FIRST is non-profit organization which produces robotics competition around the world exposing students K-12 to the exciting opportunities in science, technology and engineering fields through robotics. “After being the Master of Ceremony for the FIRST Robotics Los Angeles Regional Competition dur-

ing the last five years and hosting the World Championships the last two years, being invited back to host another world championships is very exciting for me,” says Aguilar. “Jojo easily gained the respect and admiration of competing students and other event workers at the competition in an atmosphere of significant pressure,” says First Production Developer, Blair Hundertmark. First Robotics Competition combines sports excitement with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams are challenged to fundraise, design a brand, exercise teamwork and build and program robots to perform tasks against competitors. About Jojo Aguilar: Born and raised in Los Angeles, Jojo Aguilar started as an Outreach Specialist for NASA.

Edison International Awards $1.2-M in scholarships to scholars ROSEMEAD, Calif., April 14, 2014 – Congratulations to 30 high school seniors across Southern California Edison’s (SCE) service territory who have been named 2014 Edison Scholars, each winning a $40,000 scholarship offered by Edison International, parent company of SCE. The scholars live in or attend public or private high schools in SCE’s service area and plan to pursue college studies in the science, technology, engineering or math fields, also known as STEM. “Congratulations to these outstanding Edison Scholars,” said Janet Clayton, senior vice president of Corporate Communications for Edison International and Southern California Edison. “Edison International is committed to supporting students pursuing the science, technology, engineering and math fields, and we know that their talents will benefit our region and our future workforce.” Since 2006, EIX has awarded almost $4 million in scholarships to 460 students. Under the $1.2 million Edison Scholars Program, each student will be awarded a scholarship valued at $40,000 and paid over four years. Recipients may also be eligible for summer internships at SCE after completing their second year of college. Dependents of Edison International employees are not eligible for the Edison Scholars Program. More than 1,400 students applied for the scholarships, a 92 percent increase over the previous school year. Those offered Edison scholarships are: Evelyn Batz, San Gorgonio H.S., San Bernardino; Javier Cuan-Martinez, Great Oak H.S., Temecula; Brenden Dickerson, John Muir H.S., Pasadena; Trevor Esparza, Saddleback Christian Academy, Mission Viejo; Berenice Estrada, Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies, Los Angeles; Javier Evangelista, Roosevelt H.S., Los Angeles; Melissa Fiacco, Moorpark H.S., Moorpark; Edwin Gonzalez, Carson H.S., Carson; Tony Hua, South El Monte H.S., South El Monte; Sydney Johnson, Los Osos H.S., Rancho Cucamonga; Craig Kampen, Central Valley Christian School, Visalia; Hyun Sik Kim, North H.S., Torrance; Joon Lee, Beckman H.S., Irvine; Alec Lenamond, Citrus Valley H.S. Redlands; Gabriela Lomeli, Knight H.S., Palmdale; Jestin Ma, San Gabriel H.S., San Gabriel; Rachel Miller, Valencia H.S., Valencia; Emily Moreno, La Habra H.S., La Habra; Alberto Nanez, South Gate H.S., South Gate; Eduardo Orozco, City Honors H.S., Inglewood; Kyanne Parchment, Kaiser H.S., West Covina; Lee Puckett,

Polytechnic H.S., Long Beach; Clarice Pumerantz, Claremont H.S., Claremont; Adam Russell, Mater Dei H.S., Santa Ana; Camille Schlesinger, Chino Hills H.S., Chino Hills; Ha Youn Shin, Irvine H.S., Irvine; Kevin Tse, Keppel H.S., Alhambra; Diana Valenzuela, McFarland H.S., McFarland; Joshua Villalobos, Gabrielino H.S., San Gabriel; and Michelle Ziko, Leuzinger H.S., Hawthorne. For updates, follow SCE on Twitter and Facebook. About Edison International Edison International (NYSE:EIX), through its subsidiaries, is a generator and distributor of electric power and an investor in energy services and technologies, including renewable energy. Headquartered in Rosemead, Calif., Edison International is the parent company of Southern California Edison, one of the nation’s largest electric utilities. Edison International’s support of charitable causes is funded entirely by Edison International shareholders. The company’s community donations are part of its commitment as a leading corporate citizen. Southern California Edison (SCE) customers’ utility bill payments do not fund company donations.

Disease threatens world’s bananas: UN ROME, April 14, 2014 (AFP) – The United Nations warned on Monday of the potential “massive destruction” of the world’s $5.0-billion (3.6-billion euro) a year banana crop as a plant disease spreads from Asia to Africa and the Middle East. The Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said the TR4 strain of Panama disease, which has already hit tens of thousands of hectares in Southeast Asia, had been reported in Jordan and Mozambique. The disease is “posing a serious threat to production and export” of bananas, the fourth most important food crop for the world’s least developed countries and a key revenue source for poor farmers, FAO said in a report. There is no cure for TR4, which particularly affects the Cavendish variety that accounts for 47 percent of world banana production – by far the biggest. The disease affects the trees but not the bananas themselves and the only solution is to cut down the trees, dig trenches between trees to prevent its spread and impose strict quarantine measures.

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, April 16-22, 2014

PACQUIAO From page 1

back. “I tried to knock him out,” Bradley said after the fight. At the break after the 6th round, Joel Diaz, Bradley’s corner, exasperated and disappointed challenged Bradley, “You want to go home. Go home right now” while Buboy Fernandez, Pacquiao’s Filipino trainer, was telling his ward in Filipino language “huwag kang pumasok sa loob,” “don’t go inside” thinking of a counter-punch that Bradley might inflict on Pac-

quiao if he is not careful akin to that devastating punch that Marquez wreaked on Pacquiao. In the 7th round, Pacquiao unleashed a 10-combo punches while Bradley was in the corner. Bradley who was taunting Pacquiao to punch more while on the ropes had enough and went to the center of the ring to escape the onslaught. “I tried to finish him a couple of times, throwing solid punches and strong punches but he manage it. We could not under estimate Bradley because he is very

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LOS ANGELES tough,” Pacquaio said. In the 8th round, Bradley changed his tactics, dropped his hands and waited for Pacquiao to move in for his counter-punches and wobbly walking pretending to be hurt. “No excuses whatsoever, guys. I suffered with my right foot,” Bradley said later on. The remaining rounds saw Pacquiao as being more aggressive controlling the tempo of the fight while Bradley kept on stepping back and not even punching in the last seconds of the later rounds.

AVIATION From page 1

ng ating pamahalaan na hindi na po tayo magkaroon ng mga SSC, or ‘yung tinatawag po nilang Significant Safety Concern. So, may dalawang taon po tayo para ipagpatuloy po ‘yung ating mga hakbang at masiguradong hindi na po tayo mabalik sa Category 2,” she added. On Thursday, the FAA said the Philippines has complied with international safety standards set

by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). “With the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Category 1 rating, the Republic of the Philippines’ air carriers can add flights and service to the United States and carry the code of US carriers,” it said. It said the return to Category 1 status is based on a March 2014 FAA review of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

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Filipinos raise palm fronds to receive a blessing from Italian priest Romulo Bertoni (2nd from left) to mark Palm Sunday at a shopping mall parking area in Las Pinas City, south of Manila, the Philippines, 13 April 2014. Palm Sunday for Roman Catholic devotees symbolically marks the biblical account of the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, signaling the start of the Holy Week. (MNS photo)

Palace: No reason yet to doubt PCSO amid Grand Lotto draw row MANILA, Apr 12 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Saturday said there is no reason yet to doubt the integrity of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office amid reported rigging of last Monday’s 6/55 Grand Lotto draw. In an interview aired on governmentrun radio dzRB, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said since the lottery is televised, “’yan ang ginawang safeguard para maipakitang maayos at walang nangyayaring kalokohan sa lotto draw.” When asked if PCSO general manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas II will be summoned, Valte said: “At this point, there is no reason to do that [last Monday’s draw].” Earlier, a photo posted on Filipino’s Patriotism’s Facebook page on Wednesday showed that nobody won the P249.8 million jackpot, while two – and not 25 – snagged the P169,410 pot for the five-digit lotto draw. The PCSO earlier said a bettor from Muntinlupa City who placed her bet in Makati City won the P249.8 million 6/55 Grand Lotto jackpot prize.

“Pero sa hard copy na ibinigay sa amin ng isang reliable source ay walang nanalo ng jackpot? at maging ang sinasabing 25 naman sa premyong P169,410 ay dalawa lang ang nanalo base sa hard copy ng results...?” the caption of the controversial photo read. The photo has been shared more than 5,400 times as of posting time. However, Rojas said the zero winner indicated in the document refers to Visayas and Mindanao. “Hindi doon nanggaling ang lucky lotto outlet na nagbigay ng winning ticket. Ang ating winning ticket ay nanggaling dito sa Luzon,” he said. Rojas also showed the validation ticket that confirmed the result, as well as the photocopy of the winning ticket. The lucky bettor has claimed the prize, he said. The bettor got the winning combination of 39-21-42-28-05-27 to win the night’s jackpot worth exactly P249,841,572. According to PCSO, the winner – a mother of three – is from Muntinlupa. She bought her ticket from an outlet in Makati through an assistant. payment from Inekon to secure the deal for them. I think everybody was surprised with this suggestion of Mr. W. de Vera, which was $30 million.” Bacar said he has nothing to do with the scandal. Vitangcol has also denied the allegation of extortion. (MNS)

and security coopOBAMA VISIT defense eration, trade and peopleto-people exchange. He added it will be “working visit” for Obama. Obama will also visit Ja-

pan, South Korea, and Malaysia this month. He was supposed to visit the Philippines in October 2013 but it was canceled by the shutdown. (MNS)

P2.1 billion. Pero may 2013, so 20% (interest) pa yan. Ngayon April, may 6.67% (interest) pa. So tumatakbo na yan... So yun P2.1 billion, madaragdagan ng P26.67% (interest). Estimate lang around P2.65 billion na (tax deficiency),” she said. During the boxing

champ’s visit to the BIR last year, Henares said they discussed how he can settle his tax deficiency. “Alam niyo ho, bumisita siya sa amin last year. Sinabi namin kung ano puede niyang gawin but since bumisita siya, wala ho ulit kaming communication,” she said.

lenging China’s aggressive moves against the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and her ASEAN neighbors with strong words and actions,” Almeda added. “We applaud President Obama’s and President Aquino’s negotiations to soon forge an agreement to defend Philippine territory and to increase regional security in Asia and to pro-

tect vital global economic interests from China’s aggression,” said Patrick Ganio Sr., 94, a defender in the historic 1942 Battles for Bataan and Corregidor in U.S. territory of the Philippines. Ganio, a Purple Heart medal recipient and former POW, is the president of the ACFV coalition and resides in Jacksonville, Florida.

Last month, Chinese ships blocked Philippine vessels that were bringing supplies to a Philippine military outpost, and in January Chinese ships used water cannon on Filipino fishermen near a disputed shoal. The Philippines has re-

sponded by filing a case with a United Nations tribunal to challenge China’s territorial claim. China has refused to participate in the case and has warned that the Philippines’ action has “seriously damaged” bilateral ties.

From page 1

De Vera allegedly acted as the go-between of Vitangcol to Inekon. In an affidavit submitted to a House of Representatives committee probing into the matter, Rychtar

From page 1

Cuisia said Obama and President Benigno Aquino III are expected to discuss

HENARES From page 1

assessed at P2.1 billion as of December 2012, after the BIR discovered that he has not been paying income taxes in the Philippines on his winnings for his previous fights in 2008 and 2009. “As of December 2012,

BATAAN DAY

From page 1

and corrals,” said Celestino ALMEDA, 96, spokesman of Washington-based American Coalition for Filipino Veterans (ACFV). He resides in Gaithersburg, Maryland. “We are glad President Obama, Defense Secretary Hagel and the U.S. Congress are strongly chal-

PHL HOPE

From page 1

China claims almost all of the strategically important body of water, even up to the coasts of its neighbors.

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said he and Inekon Chief Executive Josef Husek met with the MRT group in July 2012 for dinner. Rychtar said: “I think all of us considered him [de Vera] to be an envoy of Mr. Vitangcol since he behaved like that at an official dinner. He went straight to the point of suggesting the

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Fishermen demand bounty for crocodile DAVAO, April 13, 2014 (AFP) – Fishermen in the southern Philippines are demanding a reward for a crocodile they said they caught accidentally, but officials insisted Sunday they would not pay for the reptile. Authorities in Mlang town on the southern island of Mindanao said they were trying to convince the fishermen to hand over the 2.5-metre (eight-foot) long crocodile to them for safekeeping. “Somebody told them that the local government would give rewards but it’s not true. We exerted all means to convince them but we failed,” said Hernand Dapudong, the town’s disaster monitoring chief. The fishermen said they had accidentally netted the crocodile in Mindanao’s sprawling Liguasan marsh on Saturday. They then brought the creature, tied up with rope, into nearby Mlang on a motorboat. Dapudong said the fishermen were ask-

ing 40,000 pesos ($900) for the crocodile, estimated to weigh 100 kilograms (220 pounds) but did not say what they would do to it if they were not paid. It was not clear where the fishermen were keeping the animal while the wrangle continues. Dapudong warned that the crocodile could die from stress or escape and harm residents. Mlang’s mayor Joselito Piñol has sought legal assistance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on what to do with the crocodile. He is also asking other town officials to help, saying, “this is not about rewards but the safety of your constituents”. It is not yet known whether the reptile is a critically-endangered Philippine crocodile – found only in the Philippines – or the larger, more common saltwater crocodile which is not threatened and is found in several Asia-Pacific nations.

SC junks petition for use of laptops during Bar Exams MANILA, Apr 13 (Mabuhay) – The Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed a petition pushing for the use of laptops during the Bar Examinations. In an en banc resolution dated April 1, 2014, the SC denied the petition filed by a certain Cora C. Amarga. The SC said that there is no valid and convincing reason to grant the petition to use a laptop in answering the Bar Examinations.

“The Court resolved, upon the recommendation of the Office of the Bar Confidant, to deny the present petition of Cora C. Amarga for permission to use a laptop for answering the 2014 bar examinations, there being no valid and convincing reason to grant the same,” said the resolution signed by en banc Clerk of Court Atty. Enriqueta E. Vidal. Amarga filed a similar petition in 2007, which was denied by the SC. (MNS)

Anti-mining alliance urges DENR to order closure of erring mining firms MANILA, Apr 13 (Mabuhay) – To prevent future mining disasters in the Philippines, an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups on Sunday urged the Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to order closure of several mining operations in the county found violating environmental laws. Barely nine days before the observance of Earth Day, slated every April 22, the Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) also urged the DENR and the MGB to punish mining firms that have committed human rights abuses. “We have to stem the tide of mining disasters such as the Marcopper toxic mine tragedy in Marinduque in 1996, and Phi-

lex’s Padcal mine spill in 2012. The government should immediately shut down those mining companies who [were] found culpable of violations of environmental laws,” said Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, in a statement released to the media. Garganera also cited the recently-issued environment protection cases against two Chinese mining companies Liaoning Fenghua Group Philippines Mining Company Inc. and Bohai Top International Mining Corp. for operating without the necessary mineral processing permits in Camarines Norte province. The ATM insisted that a performance review of all existing mining operations must be done pursuant to EO79.

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Gabby Concepcion speaks up on KC’s suitors \KC Concepcion has a lot of suitors in United States, not just actor Paulo Avelino, according to her father, veteran actor Gabby Concepcion. “Maraming lumiligaw. Hindi ko lang alam, kumbaga sa contest, sino ang mananalo sa puso niya,” the elder Concepcion said. “Hindi ko alam kung sino ang makakasama niya pagdating ng panahon. Kahit kailan (siya magpakasal) kung sino talaga ang makakasama niya pag-

dating ng panahon, kahit na kailan kung kailan siya magde-decide kung kanino man, nandiyan ako for her,” added Concepcion. Asked to comment about actor Paulo Avelino, who seems dead serious about wooing his daughter, the ‘80s heartthrob replied: “Hayaan niyo, kapag nalaman ko ‘yung score ako mismo ang tatawag sa iyo at sasabihin ko kung ano talaga.” Recently, KC celebrated her 29th birthday with Avelino and her closest friends. (MNS)

Gretchen Barretto moves on from family feud Gretchen Barretto no longer wants to discuss their family feud which has been making headlines since 2013. Barretto said she now only wants to focus on the positive things and leave the negativity to the past. “It’s not important anymore. We have moved on. It’s been a year. Things change, people change. Enough is enough. We have become very positive. We have been living quite a comfortable, peaceful life. To deal with negative things, what for? What will we achieve?” she said. Barretto is hoping people would respect her decision and stop asking questions about their family. “I really don’t want to talk about it. I hope you respect me. I’ve said it many times… I’ve spoken, I’ve said my piece… I am happy. Don’t make me unhappy,” she said. Barretto added that bringing back the past is pointless. “It’s part of my past. I like my present and I’m looking forward to a great future,” she said. Meanwhile, Barretto said she is glad that her

daughter Dominique is slowly stepping into the limelight as the newest endorser of Bench. “She will be more fabulous than me, believe me. I dream for my daughter to be better than me in every way. Kung nanay ka, iyan ang gusto mo para sa anak mo,” she said. Asked if Dominique also plans to follow her footsteps in showbiz, Barretto said: “I really don’t know. Right now we are spending a lot in sending her to school. I want her to be a successful international designer. That’s what I dream for her.” However, she said she won’t stop Dominique if in the future she decides to venture into showbiz. “Of course, ito ang buhay na kinagisnan ko. She’s always going to be a part of show business because I’m in showbiz, Julia is, the family is,” she said. “[But now], she’s doing commercials and ‘yun ang mga gusto niyang gawin.” After her launch as Bench’s newest endorser, Dominique immediately left for London, where she’s studying interior design. Gabby Concepcion (MNS) The only thing Vhong Navarro regrets amid his ordeal is that he cheated on his girlfriend. Navarro admitted this as he shared how he is coping from his traumatic experience in the hands of businessman Cedric Lee and several others last January 22. “Patuloy ko namang inaamin na nagkamali ako pagdating sa girlfriend ko. Talagang ‘yun ang pinagsisisihan ko, na niloko 100% Customer Service Top Quality Work Affordable Prices ko ang girlfriend ko that time. Ayaw ko na ‘yun ulitin. Dahil sa panahong ‘yun, hanggang ngayon, siya pa rin ang kasama ko at umiintindi sa akin,” he said. Navarro admitted it is now difficult for him to trust anyone after what happened. “Ako ‘yung tipo ng tao na madali makagaanan ng loob kasi ako ‘yung tipo ng tao na hindi ako namimili kung sino ang kaUp to ount on kaibiganin ko… Hangga’t maaari, gusto ko ibalik ;yung dati. disc Pero ngayon medyo hirap akong magtiwala. Medyo nawala sa is ad akin ‘yun, ‘yung pagtitiwala,” he said. with th Nonetheless, Navarro is grateful that the incident allowed him to realize who his true friends are. “Mas nadagdagan [ang pagmahahal ko para sa mga kaibigan ko]. Doon mo kasi malalaman ang isang kaibigan. Dapat ang kaibigan nandiyan sa hirap at ginhawa dahil ganun ako. Hindi ako nang-iiwan. Siyempre minsan, hindi mo naman kailangan hingin sa kanila ‘yun,” he said. Meanwhile, the “It’s Showtime” host said he felt relieved after the Department of Justice (DOJ) junked the rape complaint filed against him by model Deniece Cornejo. While knowing that his legal battle is just beginning, Navarro OUR SERVICES: Exterior & Interior Painting Stucco Patio Cover said: “Haharapin namin ang pwede pang mangyari basta patuloy akong nagdadasal na sana matapos ng maaga at makayanan Electrical Work Plumbing & Re-piping Windows Doors Tile Work Driveways ko lahat.” Last Thursday, the DOJ said it did not find probable Cement Work Air Conditioning & Heating AND SO MUCH MORE... cause on Cornejo’s rape complaint citing physical improbability in the model’s affidavit. The DOJ, however, has indicted Lee, Cornejo, Bernice Lee, Simeon Raz, Ferdinand Guerrero, Jose Paolo Calma, and Jed Fernandez for the crimes of serious illegal detention and grave License #955584 coercion.

Vhong regrets cheating on girlfriend

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Bong Revilla, Hayden Kho reconcile during spiritual trip SENATOR Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Hayden Kho Jr. and Dr. Vicky Belo finally made peace to each other during their spiritual trip to the Holy Land, Israel. Kho surprised his Instagram followers when he posted a photo with Revilla with a caption: “But this is really the most amazing part of the trip – a miracle. No judgments please and no sour comments. All heavens rejoice for another soul pledged for Christ.” He also shared a verse from 2 Corinthians 1:34: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Kho, Revilla and his wife Cavite Representative Lani Mercado and Belo, meanwhile, were in one photo, smiling. Belo posted the picture with the majestic pyramids of Egypt as background.

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MOTORING GM head knew of steering problem in 2011: documents WASHINGTON, April 11, 2014 (AFP) – General Motors chief executive Mary Barra was told in 2011 of steering problems on cars involved in this year’s recall and linked to 13 deaths, a document released Friday showed. US lawmakers published an internal email, dated October 3, 2011, from a GM engineer to Barra, who at the time was head of product development at the largest US automaker. The email includes a New York Times article of the same date about the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s investigation of steering problems with the Saturn Ion. The newspaper said the NHTSA was

close to concluding that the Ion should have been included in GM’s 2010 recall of certain Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiacs G5 vehicles for a steering problem. “During the initial Cobalt case, the Ion data did not justify being included. This situation has been evolving. We will meet and understand the latest data. FYI,” engineer Terry Woychowski wrote in the email. The document did not show whether Barra, who became GM CEO in January, had responded. More than two years later, on March 31, GM recalled 1.5 million cars worldwide for a steering problem, including the 20042007 Ion and the 2010 Cobalt. The same Cobalt and Ion cars are among

the 2.6 million cars GM recalled in February and March for an ignition switch problem that can prevent airbags from deploying. The defect is linked to the deaths of 13 people. GM, the largest US automaker, was aware of the ignition switch problem more than a decade before the recall. The email was among a trove of documents released by the House of Representatives’s Energy and Commerce Committee. The House and the Senate are investigating why GM took so long to recall the cars with defective ignition switches. The note “references a Saturn Ion steering issue – an issue completely separate from the ignition-related recalls,” GM

spokesman Alan Adler said in a statement responding to the records release. “The email in no way contradicts Ms Barra’s previous statements or testimony before the House or Senate subcommittees. The email was among the thousands of documents GM willingly provided” to the House committee upon its request, he said. In her testimony before Congress on April 1 and 2, Barra said that she was not aware of the ignition switch problem until December. Lawmakers did not ask her if she knew about other vehicle defects.

Mexico overtakes Japan as No. 2 car exporter to US MEXICO CITY, April 10, 2014 (AFP) – Mexico’s booming auto industry has reached a major milestone, claiming to have overtaken Japan as the second biggest car exporter to the United States in the past three months. The Latin American nation now only trails Canada, but experts say Mexico could become the top exporter to its northern neighbor as soon as 2015, a potent symbol of its growing global clout in the sector. Industry analysts had expected Mexico to surpass Japan by the end of the year, but the Mexican Automobile Industry Association (AMIA) says it has happened faster than expected. “It does not surprise me that they did (overtake Japan), and that number will even get bigger,” Haig Stoddard, industry analyst at Michigan-based WardsAuto Group, told AFP. The figure came in an AMIA report this week showing record production in the first quarter, with 774,731 units rolling out of plants in Mexico, a 6.5 percent increase from the same period last year. AMIA, using its own statistics and WardsAuto figures, said the United States imported 428,376 “Made in Mexico” cars compared to 408,405 from Japan between January and March. Analysts say the figures are credible. Latin America’s second biggest economy has steadily grown as a global power in the auto industry, with most of the production destined for exports. It is the world’s eighth-biggest car maker and the number four exporter. Relatively low wages, being next door to the massive US market and a raft of free trade deals with other nations have combined to make Mexico a prime location for carmakers. “Mexico will continue to grow very strongly in the next five years,” AMIA president Eduardo Solis told AFP. In addition to its ideal geographic location, Solis said Mexico is a major auto parts supplier, home to a skilled workforce and backed by a government that invites foreign investment.

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BMW to celebrate Chinese year of the Horse with special edition 7-Series (Relaxnews) – The car, which will be exclusive to the brand’s Chinese customers, will be the centerpiece of BMW’s stand at the Beijing auto show. Based on the long-wheelbase 7-Series luxury executive sedan, the Horse Edition offers a host of personalization options, including a number of individual paint finishes, and to help it stand out from the crowd, the exterior will also be augmented by elements from the company’s M division. So, equipment and aerodynamic additions focused on increasing handling, performance and its sporty nature. Inside, BMW promises a host of

“high-class” interior details which again will be open to personal interpretation but will include, as standard, specially embroidered leather seats featuring the Chinese character representing the Horse. As well as the special 7-Series, BMW is also bringing the M3 sedan and M4 coupé to Beijing along with its latest crossover SUVs; the X4 and the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer. Now in its 13th year, the Beijing International Automotive exhibition officially opens its doors to the public on April 20, two days after the 2014 New York International Auto Show also gets underway.

BMW 7 Series Horse Edition: The special edition is based on the long-wheel base 7-Series.

Car companies cruise into Milan Design Week Bentley going green in Beijing (Relaxnews) – Salone del Mobile, the most important event of the global design calendar, is at last underway. But Milan Design week is no longer uniquely about classic furniture designers – here we take a look at the innovative car companies flexing their interior design muscles at the show. M a s e r a t i Maserati has teamed up with luxury furniture studio Zanotta to unveil a capsule interiors collection, following the pair’s first collaboration last year, which saw the release of the Maserati Grandtour Lounge Chair. This year’s collection features a foot rest for the Grandtour, a Corina chair and a Maestrale table. Each piece was inspired by the Maserati aesthetic. Peugeot Peugeot Design Lab has made its furniture collection debut with Onyx, a hand carved, three meter-long sofa made from volcanic rock. It is the first piece from the group’s new made-to-measure interiors concept collection, which also includes a series of lamps, shelves, armchairs and tables. Ford

Ford Motor Company has unveiled its Vignale collection of luxury holdalls, handbags and purses, inspired by the car range of the same name. Each piece is made from Bridge of Weir leather and was modeled on the quilted pattern of the brand’s handcrafted concept vehicle seats. Toyota The Milan design branch of the Toyota Boshoku Corporation is displaying an innovative range of home interior living spaces including a hybrid bed

that puts car seats to good use, an ‘O-tedama’ beanbag-style seat made using automotive interior fabric, and a ‘Nunokabe’ wall printed decoration. Lexus Lexus has commissioned three designers to create sculptures on the theme of ‘Amazing in Motion’. The resulting pieces, ‘We Dance’, ‘Interconnection’ and ‘Transform’, explore the idea of movement and the art of expression. Salone del Mobile runs through April 13.

(Relaxnews) – The luxury car maker is planning to get the jump on its direct competitors by being the first to showcase its plans for using hybrid technology in order to make its vehicles greener without diluting their power or performance. Bentley has already confirmed that its first production model to use plug-in hybrid technology will be its upcoming SUV. However, that isn’t scheduled to make an official appearance until 2017, so the company is using its stand at the Beijing Motor Show to display the Bentley Hybrid Concept. Based on the company’s flagship hand-built Mulsanne limousine, its petrol/electric drivetrain offers a 70 percent reduction in CO2 emissions, 50km of electriconly range yet up to 25 percent more power. And of course, because this is a show car and one designed to promote every aspect of Bentley’s brand, it has some suitably elegant external details such as the use of copper to highlight curves and slopes and fittings and as an accent in the cabin to offset the hand-matched wood veneered panels, and instrument panel. Rolls-Royce has confirmed that it will have to embrace hybrid technology in the future if it is

to continue using V12 engines to power its cars, as has Mercedes. But with the announcement of the hybrid concept, Bentley is clearly hoping that it is perceived as a leader by showing what it intends to do, rather than simply discussing it. As Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, explained: “There is no doubt that plug-in hybrid technology is true to Bentley’s values of outstanding luxury and effortless performance... By the end of the decade, at least 90% of our production will be available as a plug-in hybrid. We are proud to be pioneering these developments in the luxury sector.” As well as a glimpse of a greener future, visitors to the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition will also get their first glimpse of some of the latest cars in Bentley’s current lineup, including the V8 Flying Spur and the enhanced Continental GT Speed coupé, the fastest road-going car the company has ever built. The show opens its doors to the public on April 20.

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‘Smart home’ can spot early signs of Alzheimer’s in seniors (Relaxnews) - Researchers in Spain have developed an innovative new “smart home” system that could allow seniors to live on their own for longer. The network of sensors detects changes in the behavior of the home’s occupants and can signal potential signs of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Tecnalia, an applied research center located in Spain, spent three years developing this smart home, which consists of a vast network of sensors found in each room. In addition to detecting the presence of its occupants and their time spent standing, sitting or lying down, the system tracks the opening and closing of doors, drawers and windows and the turning on and off of the lights, household appliances and the TV. Designed primarily for use in the homes of seniors, the system is capable of alerting a caregiver or loved one when abnormal behaviors are detected. If the resident becomes more sedentary over a prolonged period, begins carrying out certain house-

hold tasks repeatedly, or shows a significant change in sleeping patterns, a notification may be sent. All of these symptoms are highly likely to go unnoticed, particularly if the person in question lives alone. But they could all point to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. While there is no known cure for the disorder, early detection of cognitive degeneration is thought to be beneficial as it gives patients time to plan for the future and discuss treatment options. Initially, the smart home prototype by Tecnalia will be installed in retirement homes and other apartments designed for seniors. In the midst of the current “senior boom,” several companies are focusing on technologies that will provide better quality of life for seniors, particularly by allowing them to maintain their independence. Tecnalia notes that according to the Spanish Institute for the Elderly and Social Services (IMERSO), 70% of individuals over 70 would prefer to live in their own homes rather than in a retirement home.

Clean cutting boards a must for avoiding E. coli contamination (Relaxnews) – According to a recent study, hospitals aren’t the only places where the multi-drugresistant bacteria E. coli may be lurking. The results of the investigation confirm what most germophobes already know: hands and cutting boards should be thoroughly washed to avoid contamination, particularly after coming into contact with raw poultry. Along with hands, cutting boards are among the primary modes of contamination by bacteria, some of which are highly pathogenic. Cooks should be particularly vigilant when preparing poultry meat, which commonly carries the particularly antibioticresistant bacteria E. coli. The rate of contamination was at the heart of a scientific inquiry led by Dr. Andreas Widmer of the University Hospital of Basel. For the study, published in the latest issue of the journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the doctor and his research team analyzed 298 cutting boards, including 154 from hospital kitchens and 144 from households, before they had been washed. The study took note of which types of meat were prepared on each cutting board: poultry, beef, pork, lamb, game or fish. Twenty pairs of gloves used by hospital kitchen employees to handle raw poultry were also tested.

Cutting boards should be thoroughly washed and dried after each use, particularly when they come into contact with raw poultry. ©wavebreakmedia ltd/shutterstock.com

A bacterial analysis indicated that 6.5% of the cutting boards from hospital kitchens used to prepare raw poultry were contaminated with E. coli. Among the cutting boards from household kitchens, 3.5% carried the bacteria. Researchers also found that 50% of the gloves used by kitchen employees contained E. coli. Perhaps more surprisingly, the cutting boards used for the preparation of other types of meat and fish showed no evidence of E. coli contamination. In addition, the study found that the country of origin of the meat or poultry was not linked

to the presence of E. coli. For Andreas Widmer, the results indicate that “transmission of drug-resistant E. coli occurs both in the hospital and households.” The doctor also notes that the findings “emphasize the importance of hand hygiene, not only after handling raw poultry, but also after contact with cutting boards used in poultry preparation.” Cooks take note. The impact is all the more important as home cooks generally follow less drastic hygiene protocols than those working in professional kitchens.

Study: Drinking milk could prevent arthritis in women

(Relaxnews) – Drinking low-fat or skim milk could slow the progression of knee arthritis, according to a recent study published in Arthritis Care & Research, the journal of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). While cow milk certainly has its detractors, its role in promoting healthy bone structure has long been established. This latest study provides additional evidence in favor of the beverage, particularly for women at risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee. A chronic degenerative condition, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Seen most frequently in women over age 50, osteoarthritis causes sustained pain and swelling of the joints due to abnormal deterioration of cartilage and bone. In the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 27 million people suffer from osteoarthritis, and the knee is among the joints most commonly affected. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include advanced age, obesity, prior injury or repetitive use from some types of sports. Dr. Bing Lu, together with a team of researchers at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, sought to investigate a possible link between dairy intake and the progression of the disease.

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