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Vol. 3. No. 32

LOS ANGELES

A Balita Media Publication

Wednesday - Tuesday, April 23-29, 2014

Defense, security partnership eyed in Obama visit MANILA, Apr 20 (Mabuhay) – Malacanang expects that the visit of US President Barack Obama to the Philippines will center on the strategic partnership between the two nations, specifically on defense and security. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the discussion between Obama and President Aquino on April 28 is expected to revolve around “the strategic partnership between the US and the Philippines.”

He said an important part of the discussions is the “defense and security” amid a new deal that will allow American troops to share bases with the Philippine’s military. The Enhanced Defense Cooperation, which is expected to raise the much-needed protection versus China, could finally be signed when Obama visits. “The context of [the discussions between the two leaders] is the See OBAMA VISIT, page 5

Another Hamilton class cutter being eyed for the Navy

Obama is scheduled to visit Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines, and will be under duress to address maritime territorial disputes between US allies and China. Aides said the president would restate staunch US support for its friends, underline its role as a Pacific power, and seek to reassure the region that his Asia “rebalancing” strategy is not running out of steam. White House Photo by Pete Souza

MANILA, Apr 20 (Mabuhay) – Another Hamilton class cutter is in the works for the Philippine Navy (PN), defense officials said Sunday. The ship is of the same type as the country’s BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16). Both vessels were converted to frigates after their donation to the Philippines. This develops as the US Coast

Guard is slated to decommission two Hamilton class cutters by this year. Defense sources said that US government has expressed its intention to “donate” one of the cutters to the PN with the other one being given to the Nigerian Navy. They added that the ship will be handed over to the Philippines with its 76mm Oto Melara main gun and whatever sensors and See HAMILTON, page 5

Napoles ready to tell all – DOJ MANILA, Apr 22 (Mabuhay) – Alleged pork barrel scam player Janet Lim Napoles is now ready to tell everything she knows about the multi-billion peso scam, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said, in what could be a major development in one of the biggest corruption scandals in the country’s history. Napoles said she will finally speak up after remaining silent on her alleged illegal pork barrel transactions with several lawmakers and government officials, de Lima said in an interview at the Ospital ng Makati before dawn on Tuesday. “I came to see her on her request. Nag-padala siya ng feelers before the Holy Week and sabi niya she’s ready to speak up.

She’s ready to tell all and would execute an affidavit kaya kinunan namin siya ng statement ngayon. I agreed to talk to her on those conditions that she would tell all that she knows about the PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) scam,” De Lima said. De Lima said Napoles has also asked if she could be turned into a state witness, but the Justice secretary said she has not made any promises to Napoles yet. “Sabi niya she would of course want to be a state witness, but I told her I cannot make such a commitment because it is not for me to decide because it is with the Ombudsman,” de Lima said. According to de Lima, Napoles made the decision to speak up before her scheduled operation.

The businesswoman is set to undergo an operation at the Ospital ng Makati on Tuesday to address her uterine cyst, according to her lawyer Faye Singson. “She will be undergoing surgery so ang pinaka-request niya - that’s why I had to see her na rin - because ang sabi she needs to talk to us and tell what she knows before siya mag-undergo ng surgery,” de Lima said. “Maybe she thinks na - you don’t know, may danger - when you undergo medical procedure anything can happen that’s why she pleaded to talk to me para makuha na raw ang kanyang statement for her consideration.” De Lima said she cannot yet reveal the rest of what the controSee NAPOLES, page 6

Health Secretary Enrique Ona read his statement on MERS-CORONA VIRUS, saying that upon the President’s instruction, the Deparmtent of Health (DOH)has mobilized Task Force MERS-CoV to heighten awareness among our people on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) and prevent spread of the communicable disease. Also in photo (right) is Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy, DOH Program Manager of Emerging Infectious Diseases, who assisted Secretary Ona at the press conference held at the DOH Head Office in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Saturday, April 19,2014 (MNS photo)

Probe mismanagement Palace: 100 Etihad passengers tested negative for MERS-CoV of NAIA – solon MANILA, Apr 21 (Mabuhay) – In light of its “world’s worst airport” tag, a lawmaker wants a probe into the supposed mismanagement of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Valenzuela City Rep, Sherwin Gatchalian filed House Resolution 909 “inquiring into the mismanagement in the administration and operations of the NAIA vis-à-vis the label as the worst airport in the world and urging the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and the Department of Tourism Filipinos frolic at the polluted water of Manila Bay to mark Easter Sunday at Manila Bay, the Philippines, 20 April 2014. Despite government health warnings due to the polluted waters, many Filipino families from poor districts flock annually to Manila Bay for a dip on Easter Sunday, which in Catholicism marks the biblical account of Jesus Christ’s rising from the dead after being crucified on Good Friday. (MNS photo)

Gov’t tightens bid to clean up Metro Manila’s air MANILA, Apr 19 (Mabuhay) – The environment department will further improve air quality monitoring in Metro Manila to better generate data needed in its bid to clean up the air. According to air quality chief Jean Rosete from the department’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the agency will gradually phase out from 2014 to 2015 its existing manual facilities for monitoring airborne pollutive particles called total

See MISMANAGEMENT, page 5

No need for traffic czar, Says Palace

suspended particulates (TSPs). “We’ll replace those with stateof-the-art, real-time automatic air quality monitoring stations (AQMSs) that can measure levels of all health-threatening criteria air pollutants,” she said. Criteria air pollutants are air pollutants that cause health hazards like smog and acid rain. Rosete noted sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone, carbon monoxide (CO) and

MANILA, Apr 20 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang said Sunday that there is no need for President Benigno S. Aquino III to appoint a traffic czar. “Kuntento ang Pangulo sa isinasagawa ng ating kapulisan, ng ating mga lokal na pamahalaan, at ng Metro Manila Development Authority,” said Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., during a press briefing aired Sunday over radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. When asked if there is a need for a point person to ease the traf-

See TIGHTENS, page 5

See TRAFFIC CZAR, page 5

MANILA, Apr 21 (Mabuhay) – One hundred passengers of the flight carrying the Filipino nurse initially diagnosed with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have tested negative for the same, Malacañang announced Monday. During a press conference, Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said that as of 8 a.m. Monday, 173 out of the 414 passengers or 42 percent have been contacted by the government. Of this number, he said 100 passengers or 24 percent tested

negative while they are still awaiting the results of the test on the 73 others. Coloma said President Benigno Aquino III has directed the Department of Health (DOH) and the Inter-Agency Task Force MERS coronavirus to “intensify [their] efforts” in locating and contacting the more than 200 remaining passengers of the flight. “The President instructed the DOH to ensure that all the passengers undergo a free nose and throat swabbing tests for the MERS coronavirus in all public hospitals or See MERS, page 5

PHL Internet slowest in ASEAN – report MANILA, Apr 20 (Mabuhay) – An infographic posted by ASEAN DNA shows what most Pinoy netizens already know to be true: Internet speed in the Philippines is the slowest in the whole Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). At 3.6 megabytes per second (Mbps), the country lags behind Laos (4.0 Mbps), Indonesia (4.1 Mbps), Myanmar and Brunei (4.9 Mbps), Malaysia (5.5 Mbps) and Cambodia (5.7 Mbps). The report showed that the average internet speed for the ASEAN region is 12.4 Mbps, or roughly four times faster than current Internet speed in the Philippines. In comparison, ASEAN DNA – which describes itself as a site “to promote a better understanding and appreciation of shared values and common characteristics of ASEAN” – showed that Singapore leads the region in terms of fastest Internet speed, reaching up to 61.0 Mbps or more than 1500 percent faster than the Philippine Internet. Other countries mentioned in the report include Vietnam (13.1) and Thailand (17.7), the only two other Southeast Asian countries See SLOWEST, page 5

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Filipino boxing hero and congressman Manny Pacquiao, left, smiles with Philippine President Benigno Aquino III during his courtesy call at the Malacanang Presidential Palace in Manila Philippines on Monday, April 21, 2014. Pacquiao recently defeated American Timothy Bradley during their WBO welterweight title bout in Las Vegas. Pacquiao said Friday he is ready to seek revenge against another fighter: Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez. During a press conference in General Santos City, Pacquiao said he will closely watch Marquez’s bout against American boxer Mike Alvarado for the WBO International Welterweight title on May 17.

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MANILA, Apr 21 (Mabuhay) – A week after beating Timothy Bradley Jr., boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao paid a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III in Malacañang. Pacquiao arrived at the Palace at around 2 pm and met with the President. The two then talked in private. During a press conference on Monday, Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. also did not divulge any details about what the two may talk about but said the two were “friends.” “Sa aking palagay ito ay pagkikita lamang ng dalawang magkaibigan at pagpapalitan ng paghanga at pasasalamat,” he said. As for Pacquiao’s tax woes, Coloma said there has been a “friendly engagement” between the boxing champ and Internal Revenue chief Kim Jacinto-Henares. “Nililinaw lang natin: There is no ill will or animosity that is present in all of these conversations,” he said. The Sarangani lawmaker returned to the Philippines last Friday after winning the WBO welterweight title from Bradley by unanimous decision last Saturday (Sunday, PHL time). (MNS)

DFA to launch regional workshop on human trafficking

Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) officers from the Philippine Embassies and Consulates General in the Middle East and African region gather in Ankara, Turkey this week to participate in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Regional Workshop on Trafficking in Persons for Foreign Service Posts (FSPs). The Workshop, which will be held from April 22 to 27, is spearheaded by the DFA’s Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (DFAOUMWA) and the Philippine Embassy in Ankara. It is the first Regional Workshop to be organized in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The Workshop aims to enhance the institutional capacity of the twenty (20) FSPs in the Middle East and Africa to assist Filipinos who are victims of or vulnerable to human trafficking. It is designed to provide ATN Officers with adequate legal, psychological and practical training that will enable them to properly identify situations of trafficking, and render appropriate assistance with due regard to the victims’ rights, safety and special needs.

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Obama to bolster US ‘rebalance’ to Asia

OPINION

BY STEPHEN COLLINSON

WASHINGTON, April 19, 2014 (AFP) – President Barack Obama will use an Asian tour beginning next week to bolster US alliances in the region at a time of increased geopolitical tension. Obama is scheduled to visit Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines, and will be under duress to address maritime territorial disputes between US allies and China. Aides said Friday that the president would restate staunch US support for its friends, underline its role as a Pacific power, and seek to reassure the region that his Asia “rebalancing” strategy is not running out of steam. Obama will also attempt to make progress in dragged out negotiations over the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal, and reassure potential partners that he could get it endorsed by a reluctant Congress. Obama is set to travel to Asia on Tuesday, but will certainly remain preoccupied by simmering foreign policy crises elsewhere, especially in Ukraine and in the Middle East. Maritime dispute headache “The president’s trip to Asia is an important opportunity to underscore our continued focus on the Asia-Pacific region,” said Obama’s national security advisor Susan Rice. “At a time of ongoing regional tensions, particularly with regard to North Korea and territorial disputes, the trip offers a chance for the United States to affirm our commitment to a rules-based order in the region. “There’s a significant demand for US leadership in that region, and our strategy of rebalancing to Asia includes economic, political, security and cultural interests in Northeast and Southeast Asia,” she said. Obama would emphasize that Washington wants maritime disputes in the South and East China seas settled peacefully, in accordance with the rule of law, Rice said. Washington does not take a position on the various territorial claims of regional powers, but has in the past angered China by suggesting that these claims should be solved through a multi-lateral process. China, taking advantage of its size and influence, prefers to discuss the maritime rows in a bilateral fashion with individual nations. Obama’s trip will be his first to the region since Beijing declared an Air Defense Zone in the South China Sea last year, which Washington branded as illegitimate. Fifth official Asian trip The president begins his fifth official trip to Asia when he lands in Japan for a state visit on Wednesday, and has a private dinner with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The next day, after an official arrival ceremony at the Imperial Palace and then formal talks, he will hold a press conference with Abe. After several engagements during the day, including a meeting with business leaders, Obama will attend a state dinner hosted by Emperor Akihito. Senior US officials said Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity, that both Japanese and US trade officials were working to narrow gaps on market access in the auto and agricultural sectors that have slowed wider TPP talks. They declined to put a timetable on the talks, but the rest of the region will be looking to Obama and Abe to at least demonstrate concrete progress in the discussions in Tokyo. In Seoul, Obama will hold talks with South Korean President Park Geun-Hye that focus on North Korea’s belligerence. The US president will also attempt to ease tensions between Seoul and Tokyo. Ben Rhodes, a deputy US national security advisor, said Obama will also address the US-South Korean Combined Forces Command and be briefed on efforts to meet North Korean “provocations.” Obama will then travel to Malaysia, where he will become the first US president to visit since Lyndon Johnson stopped by in 1966 as part of an Asian tour designed to check the spread of communism. Obama begins his Malaysia program with a state dinner on April 26. The next day he will hold talks with Prime Minister Najib Razak and visits the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur. In one of the keynote moments of the trip, he will host a town hall style meeting with young leaders across Southeast Asia at Malaya University. On April 28, Obama will head to the Philippines for talks with President Benigno Aquino. He is scheduled to hold a joint press conference with Aquino, and be the guest of honor at a state dinner. The US president will also lay a wreath at the World War II American cemetery.

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China’s shadow to follow Obama around Asia BY STEPHEN COLLINSON

WASHINGTON, April 20, 2014 (AFP) – President Barack Obama will not visit China on his Asia tour next week, but its broadening shadow will be cast everywhere he goes at a time of complex regional disputes and questions about US strategy. American China policy has been based for two decades on the goal of easing the emerging giant into the international system while avoiding a classic geopolitical clash between an established power and a rising one. China’s regional ascent is now reality, with its growing economic and military influence nudging and worrying neighbors that look to Washington as a counterweight. China is the “leitmotif that’s going to be running through the trip,” said Christopher Johnson, a former CIA China analyst now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “The thing that both Beijing and those of us who watch at all closely will be watching ...will the president be saying the ‘C-word’ – China – on a regular basis throughout the trip?” Balancing act Obama will use visits to Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines to placate allies uncertain over his diplomatic and military “rebalance” towards Asia – with Washington preoccupied by crises elsewhere, including in Ukraine. But he must at the same time find language that will not exacerbate suspicions in Beijing that the true aim of the rebalance is to contain China. Obama’s tour will be his first to Asia since Beijing declared an air defense zone in the South China Sea last year, raising the temperature of festering maritime and territorial disputes. Washington branded the move as “illegitimate” and ignored the zone by sending its aircraft through it. The episode, however, compounded worries in the US capital about China’s ultimate military intentions. But the two sides have continued talking. Obama met Chinese President Xi Jinping in The Hague a few weeks ago, following their successful informal summit in California last year. US officials appreciate Xi’s diplomatic style, which is more freewheeling than that of former Chinese leader Hu Jintao. First Lady Michelle Obama recently got a warm welcome in China. And the US president will go to November’s APEC summit in Beijing. Washington was also intrigued by China’s decision to abstain but not to veto a UN resolution condemning Russia’s referendum in Crimea last month. But the potential for blunt exchanges remains, as evidenced by the public face-off between US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and his counterpart Chang Wanquan over Japan and territorial questions this month. Obama’s national security advisor Susan Rice says

Obama will make clear that regional territorial disputes must be resolved “not through coercion, not through threats, not through anything other than peaceful diplomatic means based on the rule of law ... particularly the law of the sea.” Jeff Bader, who ran Obama’s first term White House East Asia policy, said the president faces a balancing act with Beijing inside its rebalance. “The message for China is the US is here to stay in the Asia Pacific, that the US expects international norms to be respected and countries not to be bullied, and that the US has developed and will continue to develop a cooperative relationship with Beijing,” said Bader, now with the Brookings Institution. But Chinese leaders will parse Obama’s language. Comments by top State Department official Danny Russel in February that China had created “uncertainty, insecurity and instability” in the region angered Beijing and opened debate on whether Washington had adopted a more hawkish policy. There is talk in Washington that China might have again overplayed its hand with its neighbors, replicating the opening that Obama exploited in his first term to launch a diplomatic offensive. Beijing’s handling of the disappearance of a Malaysian airliner, its military buildup and the air defense zone may make Obama’s audience especially receptive. The Americans “want to take advantage of the fact that China is scoring own goals throughout the region,” said Douglas Paal of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. US-China economic relations are not without aggravation but the Treasury declared last week that Beijing was not a currency manipulator – though Washington wants the yuan to rise further. Trade disputes also niggle. What’s more, the two sides are at odds over alleged Chinese cyber hacking of the US military and businesses though US leverage has yet to recover from revelations of National Security Agency eavesdropping by Edward Snowden. Chinese concerns So how will Obama’s visit play in Beijing? Professor Shen Dingli of Fudan University said China would rest easy in the knowledge that, ultimately, the USChina relationship was more important than Washington’s ties with either Japan or South Korea. China would also like Obama to tell Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that acknowledging war criminals with visits to World War II shrines is unacceptable, Shen said. Jia Qingguo, dean of international studies at Peking University, said the US swing to Asia made sense given the region’s growing influence and prosperity. “But of course there are people in China and in other countries who are worried about its intentions – that is only natural. The US is a big country.”

Gigi Reyes’ return will help her attain due process – Palace exec MANILA, Apr 19 (Mabuhay) – A Malacañang official on Saturday said the return from the US of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile’s former chief of staff Jessica “Gigi” Reyes is a step in attaining “due process” she has been seeking. “[Her return] will afford her the opportunity for the full application of her right to due process,” Malacañang spokesman Edwin Lacierda said. Reyes, a key personality in the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam and one of several people charged with plunder because of it, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 via PR-105 from San Francisco. “I’m facing the charges. I’ve always faced it,” Reyes quoted as saying upon her arrival. On April 7, Reyes’ representatives asked the Office of the Ombudsman to reconsider its decision to file plunder charges against her over the alleged P10-billion por barrel scam. Reyes claimed her constitutional right to due pro-

cess was violated, and denied receiving any commission from Enrile’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), popularly known as pork barrel. Last April 1, the Ombudsman found probable cause to indict Reyes, Senators Enrile, Ramon Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada, as well as alleged scam operator Janet Lim-Napoles, with plunder. The National Bureau of Investigation had alleged that Reyes had signed documents related to the release of Enrile’s pork barrel funds to bogus non-government organizations linked to Napoles. Meanwhile, Enrile’s camp declined to comment on Reyes’ return. Commenting on the Reyes’ return, Senator Grace Poe on Saturday said, “Our countrymen clamor for the truth and expect its unsullied exposition in pursuit of the nation’s highest interest.” “Together we should encourage and support those who will champion the truth and those who will favor the public good,” she added, in a post on her Twitter account. (MNS)

PHL oldest artworks in danger of disappearing BY MYNARDO MACARAIG

BINANGONAN, April 20, 2014 (AFP) – On a small rock wall a short drive from the Philippine capital, enigmatic carvings that are believed to date back 5,000 years are in danger of disappearing before their mysteries can be solved. The 127 engravings of people, animals and geometric shapes are the Southeast Asian nation’s oldest known artworks, but encroaching urbanisation, vandals and the ravages of nature are growing threats. “Eventually they will disappear...preservation is out of the question,” veteran anthropologist Jesus Peralta, who did an extensive and widely respected study of the carvings in the 1970s, told AFP. The artworks have been declared a national treasure, regarded as the best proof that relatively sophisticated societies existed in the Philippines in the Stone Age. “They show that in ancient times, the Philippines did have a complex culture. It’s a recording of our ancestors,” said Leo Batoon, a senior researcher of the National Museum. Museum scientists believe the carvings date back to 3000 BC, based on carving tools and pottery shards discovered at the site, indicating they originated before the use of metal tools. This makes them far older than the country’s second oldest known artworks, a series of geometric shapes in the mountainous northern Philippines that are believed to date to 1500 BC, according to Batoon. But museum workers say it is difficult to conclusively determine the age of the carvings—scientifically referred to as ‘petroglyphs’—due to technical and financial constraints. “Most of our artifacts in the museum are sent

abroad and only if we have partners and proponents to spend for such dating,” said Batoon. Little known about neglected carvings Little else is known about the figures, or the people who etched them. One clue is that many of the human carvings appear to be in a squatting position, which has led scientists to theorise that the area was a place of worship. The carvings were first documented by acclaimed Philippine artist Carlos Francisco in 1965 while he was leading a Boy Scout troop on a hike. Since then, they have been known as “the Angono Petroglyphs,” after Francisco’s hometown nearby. The World Monuments Fund, a New York-based private group that works to protect historical sites, placed the Angono Petroglyphs on its list of endangered monuments in 1996 and has provided help in their preservation. The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has also placed the petroglyphs on its “tentative list” of world heritage sites. But that has done little to stem the powerful tide of neglect. The carvings are in mountains about 90 minutes’ drive from Manila that only a few decades ago were entirely forested. But most of the trees have since been chopped down to make way for the country’s fast-growing population, with a holiday resort, a golf course and upper-class housing now surrounding the rock wall. A real estate developer owns the land on which the petroglyphs sit. He donated the hillside on which the carvings are located back to the national museum but allowed only a small buffer zone, and a road runs just 10 metres (33 feet) from the carvings.

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UTREACH 100s join FACLA Days of Service Los Angeles – Hundreds of FilipinoAmericans and other minorities joined the Days of Service from April 9-12, 2014 most especially on Saturday, April 12 during the free showing of the Pacquiao-Bradley fight. FACLA conducted this days of service as a part of its community outreach. Hundreds of Filipinos joined the days of service during the GEPENC and RVNC Neighborhood Councils elections on Saturday, April 12. On the night of april 12, a free-public viewing of the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley fight during the night was hosted by FACLA at its social hall. Talakayan Sa Facla Every Thursday Other activities held were: • On April 9, scored of senior joined the Wednesday Social Dancing and Bataan Day or April 9 remembrance at FACLA. The Buddy Reyes Band played the music • On April 10, Talakayan sa FACLA Public Forum. Talakayan’s guest was Dr. Leonardo Pandac of the Rotary Club and the HFNC, He discussed the development in Mindanao especially the roots of the MuslimChristian Conflict. Filipino-American leaders joined in the interesting discussions. Talakayan Moderator, Dr. Marc Caratao on the other hand reported the RAND Corporation’s report on the Ukraine-Russian crisis especially the Eastern Ukrainian border problem. Dr. Caratao was invited by the RAND

Corporation in Santa Monica office to join in its discussion and analysis. • Also on April 10, the Asian American Pacific Policy and Planning Council (AP3CON) conducted a forum on mental health for the Filipino community. Scores of Filipinos led by the FACLA directors joined the fruitful discussion. • April 11 – The Ms. FACLA and Ms. Teen FACLA Search Committee held its planning meeting. Ms .FACLA and Ms. Teen FACLA will hold its 2nd canvassing and a Search for Ms. Talent last April 20. Buddy Reyes and his band will provide the music for the dance party. NC Election Services and Free Viewing of the Pacquiao Fight On April 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., hundreds of voters for GEPENC converged in FACLA to vote at the GEPENC and the RVNC elections in Historic Filipinotown.

Carson to host 4th Annual Healthy Kids/Children’s Day April 26

The City of Carson will once again be joining a growing number of cities that PHL ConGen of Los Angeles Leo M. Herrera-Lim assumes office: celebrate Children’s Day by hosting the The Philippine Consulate General wishes to inform the Filipinofourht annual Healthy Kids/Children’s American community on the assumption of Hon. Leo M. HerreraLim, a career diplomat as the new Philippine Consul General in Day event on Saturday, April 26. Los Angeles with jurisdiction over Southern California, Southern Children’s Day will be held from 10 Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Consul General Herrea.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gardena-Carson ra-Lim arrived on 17 April 2014 after serving as the Consul General at the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago. YMCA, located at 1000 West Artesia Blvd. in Gardena. The event is open to the public and adImmigration rights for same mission is free. sex married couples. The city is partContact us for details. nering with Gardena-Carson YMCA, CONTACT US FOR A FREE* INITIAL CONSULTATION WITH ATTY. KOREN a non-profit organiWe Handle ALL Immigration Matters: Attorney Gali Koren is the zation dedicated to youth development firm's founder and managing • REMOVAL/DEPORTATION DEFENSE for healthy living attorney. She received her • FAMILY-BASED IMMIGRATION and social responsiJuris Doctor Degree, Magna bility. • BUSINESS AND INVESTOR VISA C u m L a u d e , f r o m We s t e r n The event will State University. She obtained • EMPLOYMENT-BASED feature kids’ fitness her LLM in International Law Licensed Attorney classes and sports • HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS from the University of San activities for all • PERM (Approval Guaranteed or we'll Refile for FREE*) Diego Law School, majoring in ages. Children will Immigration Law. Ms. Koren is also get a chance to • NATURALIZATION/CITIZENSHIP Atty. Carlo Borja participate in varia member of the State Bar of Licensed Attorney • DACA/Deferred Action ous children-cenCalifornia and is authorized to Graduate of Ateneo Our experienced attorneys & staff will help you navigate the complex immigration tered activities, a represent clients on de Manila University. system and offer you personalized attention on your specific case. All of us magic show and get Member of State Bar understand your goals because we all come from immigrant backgrounds. Our immigration matters in all 50 mission is to provide effective and aggressive representation of your interests in all of California and free toys, books, and states. immigration matters in an efficient manner. Philippine Bar. health screenings. There will also be a visit from Ronald McDonald for the children attending the event as well i n f o @ k o r e n i m m i g r a t i o n . c o m • w w w. k o r e n i m m i g r a t i o n . c o m as raffle prizes and 15260 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1200 1475 S. State College Blvd., Suite 110, more. Free shuttle Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 Anaheim, CA 92806 bus pick-up and (corner of Cerritos, between Ball and Katella roads) (City National Bank building) drop-off available All legal services are provided by and under the supervision of active members of the State Bar of California. *Some restrictions apply. from the following Please call for details. **Employer sponsorship not guaranteed & based on qualified education, training & experience in specific professions

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The FACLA service bus was used to ferry the voters especially the seniors to do their civic duty. FACLA also provided informational services about the neighborhood councils elections. This was a public service feature of FACLA for the residents of GEPENC and RVNC. FACLA also conducted this free public service during the last 2011 GEPENC and RVNC elections. In the evening of April 12, 2014 FACLA held a free-public viewing of the PacquiaoBradley fight at the Social Hall. Hundreds of Filipinos cheered the Filipino champion during the fight and went home happy that the Filipino boxing champ won over his opponent timothy Bradley by a unanimous decision. For more information please call us at (213)484-1527 or email us at newfacla@ yahoo.com and visit our website at www. newfacla.org.

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locations beginning at 9 a.m. and the last pick-up will be a 1 p.m. Congresswoman Juanita MillenderMcDonald Community Center, 801 E. Carson St., Carson CA 90745 Carson Park, 21411 Orrick Ave., Carson CA 90745 Veterans Park, 22400 Moneta Ave., Carson, CA 90745 Del Amo Park, 703 E. Del Amo Blvd., Carson, CA 90746 For more information on the event, please contact Riezl Pe Benito at (310) 952-1743 or Kristen Zearbaugh at (310) 523-3470.

Family Pet Expo returns to Orange County Apr. 25 Showcasing thousands of pets, products and the people who love them ORANGE COUNTY (February 2, 2014) – Celebrating a quarter of a century of promoting responsible pet care, animal entertainment and introducing the newest pet trends and products, the 25th annual America’s Family Pet Expo returns Friday, April 25 -Sunday, April 27, 2014 to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa (88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa 92626). All weekend long, guests will have the opportunity to meet, see and interact with a show-stopping display of all creatures great and small. From rare birds, exotic reptiles, colorful fish, miniature horses, fancy felines to precocious pups, the America’s Family Pet Expo promises to entertain and educate guests with a variety of animal stage shows, features and attractions. Promising fun for every one of all ages, the 2014 America’s Family Pet Expo will offer: Splash Dogs – Dock jumping dogs. Watch these high-flying canines make a splash as they compete for longest jump Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show– jumps, tricks and flips by these four-legged, tail wagging pups Police Dog Demonstrations – Watch as these crime fighting dogs show how they serve and protect our community Free Flight Bird Show – Watch as these magnificent birds spread their wings and take flight Kids Aquarium Contest – Design and create a 10-gallon aquarium Repticon - Reptile Show and Sale – Touch and hold snakes, lizards and tarantulas in hands-on demonstrations Weiner Dog Races – Cheer on your favorite “hot” dog as they race to the finish line. Pony rides, face paintings, Human Hamster Wheel and “The Great American Petting Zoo” – Fun for the whole family Adoptions – Hundreds of animals looking for a forever home. General Admission, $13.00; seniors 60 and over, $11.00. Children 6-12, $8.00. 5 yrs and under, free. Active and retired military free with ID.

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, April 23-29, 2014

NAPOLES From page 1

versial businesswoman told her. She added the recent return to the Philippines of Gigi Reyes, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile’s former chief of staff, was not considered by Napoles as a factor in deciding to come forward. The Office of the Ombudsman earlier found probable cause to file plunder and graft charges against Napoles, Senators Enrile, Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada Jr., Ramon “Bong” Revilla and several other personalities for the alleged pocketing of billions of pork barrel

LOS ANGELES

funds coursed through bogus nongovernment organizations. Napoles was earlier detained at Fort Sto. Domingo in Laguna for a separate serious illegal detention case filed by her former aide, pork barrel scam key witness Benhur Luy. Earlier, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago believes Jessica “Gigi” Reyes, the former chief of staff of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, returned to the Philippines to become a state witness. Santiago said Reyes, a lawyer, knows full well that she will be detained once the Office of the Ombudsman files the graft and plunder raps

against those allegedly involved in the pork barrel scam. Santiago said: “What’s the reason why you’re coming back after eight months when you know that you will automatically be under preventive detention? You could have thought of applying as a state witness.” Reyes arrived Saturday onboard a Philippine Airlines flight from the San Francisco International Airport. Upon her arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2, she was escorted by two security personnel in civilian attire. Santiago also said socialite

rent traffic condition. “Kaunting sakripisyo lang po ang kinakailangan para makatikim na tayo ng mas malaking benepisyo. Mahalaga rin kasi ang pagpapalawak, pagpapala-

pad, pagpapatibay sa ating mga pambansang kalsada at pambansang highway. Madali pong maunawaan kung bakit nagtatraffic dahil sa dami na rin ng bumibiyahe.” Coloma said.(MNS)

TRAFFIC CZAR From page 1

fic situation in Metro Manila, Coloma said “Wala po siyang (Pangulo) balak hinggil diyan, sa aking pagkaaalam.” Coloma took the opportunity to apologize to the public for the cur-

as we can use data these generate to get average pollution levels anytime of the day,” she said. She noted averaging with the manual facilities takes several days, however. In 2011, EMB installed its first AQMS in the De La Salle University campus along Manila’s Taft Avenue. EMB also later installed an AQMS each in Metro Manila’s Valenzuela City as well as along Commonwealth Avenue and the public works department’s compound in Quezon City. Experts continue cautioning against SO2, warning this is among leading causes of respiratory diseases and can damage one’s lungs. NO2 and nitrogen oxide can cause asthma, acute bronchitis and even death, they also warned. They likewise noted exposure to

ozone can cause headaches, chest pains, sore throat and cough. Experts further said CO can cause harmful health effects by reducing oxygen delivery to the body’s organs and tissues, noting exposure to high levels of this pollutive substance can be deadly. PM also consists of particles suspended in the air. Authorities linked PM exposure to health conditions ranging from changes in the respiratory tract and impairment of pulmonary function to increased risk of death from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases or lung cancer. Earlier, the environment department said Metro Manila’s TSP level already declined. Much work still needs to be done since such level still exceeds the 90 ug//Ncm guideline set for TSP, however, the department added.(MNS)

MERS From page 1

1564; 0920-949-8419; and 0915772-5621 (mobile). First reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012, MERS is a novel virus often referred to as the Middle East version of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS. Signs of MERS include fever, cough, shortness of breath,

and diarrhea. A Filipino nurse who returned to the country from United Arab Emirates on board the Etihad flight last week was initially diagnosed with the virus but was later on cleared along with other passengers. (MNS)

MISMANAGEMENT From page 1

(DOT) to institute measures to erase NAIA’s disturbing label.” He anchored his resolution on the findings of website sleepinginairports.net, where netizens voted NAIA as the worst airport in the world in the past 3 years. He also noted the “over threedecade-old structure has earned the distinction as the world’s most notorious airport by traveller’s votes in the year 2010, and then again landed in the topmost category of the worst in the years 2011 and 2012.”

OBAMA VISIT From page 1

US’ rebalancing of [assets] and the Asian pivot,” Coloma said. The White House dubbed the US strategy as the Asian “pivot,” which is meant to refocus policies towards Asia away from the costly wars of Iraq and Afghanistan. Obama will also visit Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. Some pundits said the US has become a mere observer to the sea disputes with the end goal of protecting its economic ties with China, an emerging world power. Meanwhile, Malacanang said all security protocols are being prepared for the coming visit of the world’s most powerful leader. Coloma understands that militants will stage rallies on that day. “We respect their rights to free speech and expression,” he said. He said the police, on the other hand, will ensure that laws will be observed in monitoring the militant groups.(MNS)

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during those several meetings. “[Tuason] could have swayed Reyes to turn state witness,” Santiago said. Santiago said she will write a letter to the Senate requesting for a special session that will hear out Reyes’ story. Regular sessions will commence again in May, but Santiago said she can always ask for a special session as long as there is a quorum.

HAMILTON

From page 1 communication devices the PN will request. If this donation pushes through, the Philippines will be fielding three Hamilton class cutters, two brand-new general purpose frigates and an air-to-air warfare frigate. The ships are now being bid out by the Department of National Defense. The two Hamilton-class cutters in PN service are a big boost

to the military’s “maritime situational awareness” capability. The two ships are part of twelve Hamilton class cutters built for the US Coast Guard during the 1960s. It weighs 3,250 tons, has a length of 378 feet, beam of 43 feet, and draft of 15 feet. Its propulsion systems consist of two diesel engines and two gas turbine engines, giving it a top speed of 29 knots.

From page 1

DOH-accredited medical facilities,” he said. Because of this, he reiterated the government’s call for the passengers to voluntarily contact the DOH. He said they can contact the DOH through its 24-hour hotlines 711-1001 or 7111002 (landline) and 0922-884-

LOWEST

TIGHTENS fine particulate matter (PM) are among air pollutants the hightech AQMSs will be able to measure. The AQMSs are also capable of monitoring meteorological conditions, she continued. She said such information includes wind direction which will enable EMB to track where air pollutants are headed. EMB already commenced the process of procuring this year 36 AQMSs for installation nationwide. Rosete said seven of those AQMSs will be for Metro Manila. The remaining 29 AQMSs will be for Cebu, Davao and other key cities in all regions of the country, she also said. Each of the AQMSs costs some PhP10 million, she noted. “Automatic AQMSs are appropriate for measuring air quality

Ruby Tuason could have accomplished a special mission in the US besides selling her properties to pay the P40 million she received as kickbacks from the pork scam. Tuason earlier claimed she personally delivered Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s kickbacks to his office in the Senate. She said she also delivered money to Reyes and claimed Enrile was around

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Just last week, President Benigno Aquino III apologized for the busted air conditioning system in Terminal 1. Passengers had complained of the extreme heat inside the terminal, which also coincided with the Holy Week exodus. Add to this, computer glitches also affected immigration processing leading to long queues for irate passengers. Gatchalian said Malacañang has promised to look into several concerns but “until these days, problems of an old and congested

terminal, the same complaints of bribery, lack of comfortable seats, rude staff and poor facilities hound us and continue to be a challenge for the government.” “Negative assessments that tend to overshadow the beauty and world class tourist destinations in the country should be carefully reviewed and addressed to provide solutions,” he said. He said Congress should also review the P1.16 billion budget for Terminal 1, which was approved in November 2011. (MNS)

joining Singapore as those with Internet speeds above the ASEAN average. Meanwhile, Japan (41.7 Mbps), China (18.3 Mbps) and the USA (22.3 Mbps) round up the countries included in the infographic. All three have speeds above the global average of 17.5 Mbps. A recent study on the state of the Internet conducted by Internet content delivery network company Akamai showed that there was a very broad range of high broadband adoption rates across the Asia Pacific. However, the study also revealed that only Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong were the only Asia Pacific countries with high broadband adoption levels. In contrast, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam did not even “qualify for inclusion in the global ranking [since] high broadband adoption in these countries is extremely low.” In 2011, the United Na-

tions recognized Internet access as a human right. A report by the UN Human Rights Council’s 17th session underscored the “unique and transformative” nature of the Internet allowing individuals to exercise a range of human rights, and to promote the progress of society as a whole. The UN report encouraged states to include Internet literacy skills in school curricula, and support similar learning modules outside of schools. In addition to basic skills training, modules should clarify the benefits of accessing information online, and of responsibly contributing information. That same year, a study found that in terms of average Internet broadband download speed, the Philippines lags behind roughly two-thirds of the world. The Philippines ranks 139th out of 185 countries, surpassed even by small countries such as Lithuania and Kenya. (MNS)

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INMENT

Why Solenn chooses to live in with boyfriend

Jessy Mendiola and Jake Cuenca.

Jake Cuenca goes public with new romance

“Ikaw Lamang” actor Jake Cuenca has gone public with his new romantic relationship, six months after he admitted to courting actress Jessy Mendiola. The 26-year-old actor took to Instagram early this week to share several photos of him with a woman, who is tagged in the posts as Chanel Olive Thomas. On her own Instagram page, where she is described as a Manila-based Filipina-Australian model, Thomas similarly posted photos of her with Cuenca, including one where they are seen kissing on the lips. Among the captions used by Thomas for the photos are, “Us” and “He makes me happy.” Another caption referred to Cuenca as “my No. 1.” Cuenca was last romantically linked with Mendiola, his costar in “Maria Mercedes.” He admitted wooing the 21-year-old actress in October last year, but admitted last month that he has stopped pursuing her. Cuenca confirmed this in a interview where he also said he has been “dating around,” but not exclusively. “Natutunan ko na mga pagkakamali ko noon,” he said at the time, referring to past failed relationships. “I’m very loyal to a woman, especially kung naging girlfriend ko siya.”(MNS)

Lani Misalucha moving back to PHL for good? Lani Misalucha still seems uncertain about moving back to the Philippines permanently and continue her successful career in her home country. The veteran singer said it is hard for her to leave her life in the United States because of her children and grandchild. “Kami ng husband ko, nasa retirement age na kami. Nag-umpisa na ka- Lani Misalucha ming maging empty nesters. Just recently, we had our first grandchild. ‘Yun pa ang isang nakakapagpahirap sa amin na umalis,” she said. “Nung lumalaki ang mga anak namin, it was really difficult for us to leave them. Kahit nung malalaki na sila, very attached kasi kami sa bawat isa. But of course kailangan mo gawin ‘yung dapat mo gawin. Dadating din ang araw na kailangan niyo maghiwalay. Pero lalo na mas mahirap umalis ngayon dahil may apo ka na. It’s another chapter of our lives,” she added. Since she relocated in the US, Misalucha continued performing and was able to establish a name for herself as a soughtafter Las Vegas lounge singer. But the singer said it still feels different every time she performs before a Filipino audience. “Bawat punta ko naman sa Pilipinas, meron akong gagawing trabaho. ‘Yun lang ‘yung lagi kong pag-uwi dito. Kung for good, hindi ko pa alam kung kailan mangyayari ’yun… But definitely we enjoy each time that we come home kasi meron pa akong nanay at mga kapatid dito,” she said. Meanwhile, Misalucha shared she is looking forward to release her latest album titled “The Nightingale Returns” under Star Records.

How Zsa Zsa met Conrad Onglao

It was Sharon Cuneta who played cupid for veteran singer Zsa Zsa Padilla and renowned architect Conrad Onglao. In a newspaper article, the two shared how Cuneta, whose house Onglao is building, played a key role in setting them up for a date. More than a month ago, Onglao said he was asked by the veteran actress if she could set him up with her friend, who she did not identify at first. Cuneta asked the same thing to Padilla, who also agreed saying she’s already tired of mourning. Padilla’s long-time partner, Philippine Comedy King Dolphy, died almost two years ago. The two then met up for an early dinner in Makati one Sunday, which lasted for three hours. The article said the two couldn’t recall much of what they talked about. Despite this, Padilla and Onglao’s “blind date” was followed by two other meetings – within the same week. “He’s good to me. He treats me well,” said Padilla. Onglao, for his part, said he admires Padilla’s simplicity. “She’s funny, witty, simple and so grounded. What I love about her is her simplicity and she’s never full of herself; it’s never it’sabout-me. A sense of selflessness. And we share values when it comes to family, career,” he said. Before their first date, Padilla and Onglao admitted they did not know anything about each other and even had to Google each other before their first meeting. Prior to Padilla, Onglao was married to interior designer Ivy Almario, with whom he has two sons. They were divorced in the United States and obtained a legal separation, and church annulment here in the Philippines.

Solenn Heussaff does not mind admitting that she has been living in with her boyfriend, Argentine businessman Nico Bolzico, for two years now. Explaining her decision, Heussaff, who is half-French, recalled an advice given to her by her dad about choosing a partner for marriage. “Dapat, to know someone perfectly, you have to live with them, before marrying the person,” she said. “Kasi iba ‘yung tao pag na sa bahay. Behind closed doors, baka baliw siya, baka iba ‘yung personality. So kailangan matikman, kailangan ma-try!” Heussaff shared that while her boyfriend supports her career, they have made an effort not to have him be part of showbiz. “Well, he doesn’t involve himself in it,” she said. “At ako rin, pag may interviews na gusto mag-interview sa kanya, sabi ko, ‘No, he’s out of this business.’” Heussaff, who co-stars with Vhong Navarro in “Da Possessed,” said she does not expect Bolzico to watch the comedy film when it premieres nationwide Saturday. “He’s never been to any of my premieres,” she said, adding Bolzico has not watched any of her movies. “Lahat wala. He supports naman pag concert, gano’n, okay naman. Pag movie, hindi niya naman naiintindihan ‘yung Tagalog, so bakit siya manonood?” Aside from being an actress, Heussaff is also a recording star. Asked if she thinks her relationship with Bolzico will lead to marriage, notwithstanding different career paths, Heussaff said, “Feeling ko siya na ‘yan!” (MNS)

Solenn Heussaff

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MOTORING Ford Mustang turns 50 atop Empire State Building

The 2015 Ford Mustang convertible is revealed at the top of the Empire State Building in New York, April 16, 2014. ©AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand

(NEW YORK-AFP) - Ford celebrated the 50th birthday of its beloved Mustang by displaying a new model of the convertible on top of the Empire State Building in New York on Wednesday. The Triple Yellow 2015 Mustang was taken apart, whisked up by elevator to the observation deck and painstakingly reassembled overnight in freezing wind, rain and snow. More than 1,000 feet (304 meters) above the crowded streets of Manhattan, the observation deck is too high to send the car up by crane and although open air, too narrow for a helicopter drop. So a team of eight or nine spent more than five hours reassembling the car by hand overnight, battling strong wind on the 86th floor of New York’s second tallest building. “Zero visibility to start with,” George Samulski, manager of Ford North America design fabrication,

told AFP. “It got better as the night went on, but it was bad, it was cold, it was windy.” By sunrise, the convertible was glittering and the views stunning. Visitors can admire the car until Thursday. After the deck closes to the public at 2:00 am on Friday, the crew will dismantle the car all over again and remove it. It is the second time a Ford Mustang has gone on display atop the Empire State Building. The first time was in 1965. The stunt marks 50 years since US auto giant Ford put the first Mustang on sale during an expo in New York on April 17, 1964. Ford received 22,000 orders on the first day and sold 418,000 in one year. The 50th birthday will be celebrated in great pomp at the New York International Auto Show from April 18 to 27.

New Volkswagen Jetta promises improved efficiency, safety (Relaxnews) – Volkswagen has chosen to unveil its new Jetta in the US, one of the car’s strongest markets. Slated to premiere at the New York Auto Show, the latest Jetta boasts a new, more efficient drivetrain and new driver assistance features for enhanced safety. The 2015 version of Volkswagen’s compact sedan presents a slightly tweaked design. New features include the three-blade grille with active shutters, bi-xenon headlights and an updated rear VW logo. Among the engines available with the new Jetta is the 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel with 150hp, which consumes just 6.3L/100km over a mixed driving cycle. Regardless of the engine configuration chosen, the new Jetta is more efficient than previous models, according to the German manufacturer. In addition, the new Jetta is equipped with blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and frontal collision warning. The model is scheduled to arrive at US dealerships during Q3 of 2014. The 2014 New York International Auto Show takes place from April 18 to 27. Website: autoshowny.com

New Golf R concept to push 400hp (Relaxnews) – Volkswagen has equipped its Golf R with a motor developing up to 400hp for its new concept car, which will go on display at the Beijing Auto Show from April 23. The Golf R 400 is capable of going from 0 to 100km/h in 3.9s and boasts a top speed of 280km/h. According to Volkswagen, the model is merely a concept and is not destined to hit the market. The latest production model of the Golf R, powered by a TSI engine with 300hp, is the most powerful yet. In Europe, where the hatch went on sale earlier this year, prices start at €40,700 (around $56,200). Unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the model accelerates to 100km/h in 5.1s, or in 4.9s when equipped with Volkswagen’s optional dual-clutch gearbox. The top speed is electronically limited at 250km/h. The Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Beijing Auto Show) takes place from April 23 to 29. Website: china-autoshow.com

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China’s love of luxury cars undimmed by domestic troubles By Julien Girault BEIJING, April 20, 2014 (AFP) – China’s desire for luxury cars remains undimmed by an economic slowdown and political austerity drive as the country’s growing band of wealthy motorists set their sights on high-end wheels. In a lavish event off Tiananmen Square, ahead of the opening of the Beijing Auto Show on Sunday, bejewelled models dressed in haute-couture graced the unveiling of Rolls-Royce’s Pinnacle Travel Phantom. The new edition of its flagship luxury sedan, which comes in a two-tone dark red and silver, boasts intricate marquetry in its interior, customised to buyers’ requests, a reflection of the expensive tastes of the country’s elite. Mainland China is already Rolls-Royce’s biggest market in terms of sales, representing 28 percent of the company’s revenue. Despite the slowing pace of overall economic growth in China, the future still looks bright for the luxury brand, says the company’s chief. “If you compare to (Rolls-Royce) growth figures we saw here two or three years ago, big double-digit numbers... we see that growth is slowing down, but I am still optimistic about the Chinese market in the medium to long term,” CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos told AFP. “The whole Chinese market has become a more mature car market and that was to be expected,” Muller-Otvos said. But Rolls-Royce can maintain its edge, he said. “We have the ability to customise cars, which is exactly what Chinese customers love. Our clients are mainly entrepreneurs... who want to reward themselves for their outstanding business suc-

cesses, and we know everybody personally.” ‘Affordable luxury’ Since becoming head of the Communist Party in November 2012 and China’s president in March last year, Xi Jinping has mounted an austerity campaign among top officials and a highly publicised crackdown on corruption designed to rein in spending. China’s business community has also suffered as growth figures stagnate – last month the country set an annual growth target of around 7.5 percent, the lowest levels seen in nearly a quarter of a century after years of breakneck expansion. “The economic slowdown, austerity campaign and crackdown on corruption have already created negative impact on the sales of superluxury vehicles,” said James Wu, auto expert at Ernst & Young. “Bentley and Lamborghini reported (fewer) sales in China in 2013 year-on-year,” he said. However, Wu said the “more affordable” luxury cars have outpaced the growth rate of the auto industry as a whole, with three German companies at the helm: BMW, Daimler (Mercedes) and Audi. The popular trio dominates the high-end Chinese market and enjoyed sales increases of 20 percent (BMW), 18 percent (Daimler) and 21 percent (Audi) last year. Audi, the sector leader, sold nearly 492,000 cars in China – its biggest market – and will this year surpass half a million, according to Audi chairman Rupert Stadler. A new wave of consumers With officials bound by austerity measures, Audi can no longer rely on the tinted-black window crowd, and is turning to younger

Luxury and large cars claim China auto show spotlight BEIJING, April 21, 2014 (AFP) – Factfile on new and concept cars at the Beijing auto show, which opened to the public Monday and spotlighted sport utility vehicles (SUVs), luxury cars and large sedans: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES Mercedes-Benz of Germany’s Daimler presented a Coupe SUV concept, aimed at competing with BMW’s X6, which was the first to combine the utility of an SUV and the attractiveness of a coupe, with great success. Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group, likewise presented the TT Offroad, a five-door model with traditional Audi features such as a prominent single-frame grille, trapezoidal headlamps and a heavily curved roof line. Lexus, the premium brand of Japan’s Toyota, displayed a compact 4x4, the NX, which will be available in two versions, one with a traditional engine and a hybrid-powered one France’s PSA Peugeot Citroen showcased the first premium SUV from its DS line. The DS 6WR was inspired by the Wild Rubis, a concept car unveiled in 2013. Citroen offered a small SUV concept, dubbed

the C-XR it has a wide front grille. The vehicle is expected to be launched in China at the end of the year. SEDANS AND OTHER TYPES French brand Peugeot presented a concept for a large sedan, the Exalt, featuring a hybrid engine America’s Ford, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of its iconic Mustang brand on Saturday, presented its latest incarnation of the model just as China happens to be marking its year of the horse Britain’s Rolls-Royce, the leading luxury automaker, unveiled its Pinnacle Travel Phantom, the new edition of its flagship luxury sedan, which boasted intricate marquetry in its interior and can be customized at the buyers’ request.

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drivers, women and those buying their cars for leisure purposes. “In the past, our customers were very much associated with the government, we had a majority of senior management,” said Dominique Boesch, president of Audi’s sales division in China. “Now, over 90 percent of Audi customers are private ones, a third are women, and 70 percent are younger than 40 years old.” But rivals are sharpening their strategies, such as the UK-based group Jaguar Land Rover. China was the top market for Land Rover and Jaguar last year, group sales operations director Andy Goss told AFP. “We provide an alternative to these German brands,” he said, adding that a new joint-venture plant was due to open later in 2014. Also targeting the nation’s gilded youth is Japan’s Nissan, which has announced the introduction of a compact crossover model exclusively for the Chinese market. Audi, as well as Jaguar Land Rover and other luxury brands, is aiming to push beyond its traditional base on China’s prosperous east coast to other more developing regions. There is even a hint of such a strategy by Rolls-Royce: its 21st retail space opened in recently in the southwest, in Kunming. Four more are to follow. Finally, the luxury used car market, still in its infancy in China compared with Europe and the US, is also being eyed by luxury brands such as Audi and Jaguar Land Rover, who both said they want to increase this segment amongst their dealerships. With an ambitious new wave of consumers from a wider geographical area, China’s auto sector is motoring forward despite setbacks – and if consultancy firm McKinsey is correct, by 2016 it will have become the largest car market in the world.

Automakers in China eager to sell – and resell BY LAURE FILLON

BEIJING, April 21, 2014 (AFP) – China’s car market is just gearing up as the world’s largest, yet automakers are already eyeing the next big thing – the market for reselling them. Their eagerness to attract buyers in the world’s largest car market is on full display at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, which opened to the public on Monday with more than 1,000 vehicles on show. Motor enthusiasts crowded around the displays with their spouses and children in a festive atmosphere to seek inspiration from the new models, while executives representing brands from across the globe also made appearances at the show, China’s biggest. China has become a vital market for foreign brands as business in other regions flags. Yet the boom in sales – which last year rose 14 percent to 22 million vehicles – only took off a decade ago. And the nation only overtook the United States in 2009 to become the world’s biggest auto market. With such a brief period for new cars to hit the market and for China’s

still-expanding middle class to make the costly purchases, the second-hand market has yet to develop. Also lacking is the necessary infrastructure such as dealerships and, in particular, guarantees of quality. But by setting up the systems to provide such assurances, automakers hope to win over second-hand buyers and sellers who have otherwise largely resorted to doing informal deals among themselves. “This is a massive new car market in China, which creates a bywave of a pre-owned car market as well, so all our retailers should be ready for this,” said Andy Goss, director of group sales operations for Jaguar Land Rover. The second-hand market is “a fundamental part of our footprint”, he added. Jaguar Land Rover is setting up the systems needed to support such a market, including insurance, vehicle checks, presentation standards and marketing, Goss told AFP. Used-car sales lag behind At present used-car sales in China lag far behind new ones, although estimates are rough because of the large informal market.

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