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Vol. 2. No. 49

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Wednesday - Tuesday, August 21-27, 2013

8 dead as Maring, monsoon rains hit PHL By Jason GUTIERREZ

MANILA, August 20, 2013 (AFP) – More than 200,000 floodbattered residents of the Philippine capital fled their homes on Tuesday as relentless monsoon rains, which have killed eight people, submerged more than half of Manila. Streets turned into rivers with water rising above two-meters (seven feet) in some parts of the megacity of 12 million people, while vast areas of neighboring farming regions on the main island of Luzon were also inundated. “I was crying when I saw my house being filled with water,” said Edita Selda, 68, a sidewalk vendor who was forced to evacuate from her home in a shantytown along a major river in Manila that burst its banks. “I chained the door shut so our belongings wouldn’t be washed away. But... the water is moving so fast.”

More than half of Manila was flooded on Tuesday morning although that figure subsided to about 20 percent by the evening, authorities said. In one part of the capital, 47.5 centimeters (18.7 inches) of rain fell in the 24 hours to Monday morning, according to Esperanza Cayanan, a meteorologist in charge of Manila for the state weather forecaster. She said this was the same amount which normally fell for all of August, already one of the wettest months of the year. More than 200,000 people have sought shelter in evacuation centers, the head of the Philippine Red Cross, Gwendolyn Peng, told ABS-CBN television. Countless others were forced to wait out the floods in their waterfilled homes, while the less fortunate sat on sidewalks with only plastic sheets for protection from the rain. See 8 DEAD, page 6

Residents follow instructions from rescuers as 5-foot flash flood hit near the Palico area in Imus, Cavite on Monday (August 19, 2013). (MNS photo)

Heavy rain brings floods Coast Guard teams to PHL; markets, offices shut checking for oil spill MANILA, Aug 19 (Mabuhay) work. – Heavy rain in the Philippine At least three people were from Cebu site of capital forced the closure of gov- killed and two were missing in ernment offices, schools, banks accidents caused by the rain and deadly vessel collision and most private companies on Monday, and residents in parts of the city and nearby provinces had to flee from their homes because of floods. The monsoon rain, intensified by tropical storm Trami, also led to the closure of the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Philippine Dealing System foreign exchange platform and the secondary debt market via the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp after government offices suspended their

flooding, disaster and government officials said. The flooding was the worst this rainy season in the Philippines, which is regularly battered by heavy weather including at least 20 typhoons a year. The governor of Cavite province, southwest of Manila, declared a state of calamity after 395 mm of rain fell on parts of the province in a day, equivalent to 86 percent of a month’s aver-

MANILA, Aug 17 (Mabuhay) – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Saturday deployed teams to the site of a deadly vessel collision in Cebu Friday night, to check for and contain possible oil spills. PCG vice commandant for operations Rear Admiral Luis Tuason Jr. said, “May team na pinadala natin ... Pinaghahandaan din natin para hindi makadulot ng malaking epekto.” On Friday night, the passenger

See HEAVY RAINS, page 6

See COLLISION, page 6

Mayweather on Pacquiao – ‘He’s not going to get a chance to fight me’

Philippine Coast Guard divers transfer a rubber boat as they prepare to be deployed to augment rescue operations in Cebu from their headquarters in Manila, Philippines on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013. A ferry with more than 800 people aboard sank near the central Philippine port of Cebu after colliding with a cargo vessel, killing at least 28 people. Hundreds have been rescued but more than 200 are still missing, the coast guard said Saturday. (MNS photo)

Ferry disaster death toll rises to 64 The confirmed death toll from a ferry disaster in the Philippines rose to 64 on Tuesday as more bodies were found, some of them inside the sunken ship itself. Boats searching nearby islands for survivors found only the dead, while divers pulled out more bodies from the waters off the central island of Cebu, where the St Thomas Aquinas ferry collided with a cargo ship on Friday night and quickly sank. Many of the remaining 56 people still missing from the disaster are believed to have drowned with their bodies still trapped in the ship’s interior, Cebu coastguard commander Weniel Azcuna said. “We found more bodies in nearby islands. We found around nine inside the vessel,” he told AFP.

Strong currents and bad weather as well as the difficulty of reaching the sunken ferry, lying at a depth of about 30 metres (98 feet) has slowed down recovery efforts, he said. But the divers will be back under water Wednesday morning even as government boats and aircraft search the seas in hope of finding anyone either alive or dead, he said, adding: “We’re still optimistic. We’re not losing hope.” Over 200 military, coastguard and police are also helping mop up a large oil spill that has leaked from the sunken ferry, polluting valuable mangroves, fishing grounds and popular beach resorts. See FERRY DISASTER, page 6

MANILA, Aug 19 (Mabuhay) – The on-again, off-again, on-again with conditions bout between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao looks to be off again, after the undefeated American boxer told Michigan Live reporter David Mayo, “He’s [Pacquiao] not going to get a chance to fight me.” Speaking in an interview in Las Vegas, where Mayweather is training for his upcoming bout against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, Mayweather said, “Me and Pacquiao had a chance to make a fight in the past, and basically that’s the best place I’d like to leave it [in the past]. “As of right now, I’m not reSee MAYWEATHER, page 6

Aquino’s allies named in pork barrel COA report MANILA, Aug 19 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday avoided detailing his course of action in the case of political allies named in the Commission on Audit report on pork barrel, pointing media only to a line in his July 22 State of the Nation Address where he said his “Daang Matuwid” administration will go where the evidence is. “Kaya tutungo tayo kung saan tayo ituturo ng katotohanan; ebidenysa ang magdidikta sa ating mga hakbang,” is the exact line from his SONA, which the President invoked in response to reporters’ queries

on what will happen to his partymates and political allies. Mr. Aquino spoke to reporters following his speech at the Pambansang Kongreso ng Wika at the Ateneo de Manila University. The question has hounded the President amid initial observations the special audit, covering years 2007,2008 and 2009, seemed to focus mainly on opposition figures. Palace officials have insisted the COA, as an independent constitutional body, is “color blind.” The COA report named key non-allies of the President as See PORK BARREL, page 6

‘Congressman got P3-B PDAF, 74 exceed pork’ MANILA, Aug 16 (Mabuhay) – At least 74 lawmakers exceeded their pork barrel allocations from 2007-2009, with one congressman getting nearly P3 billion in pork barrel funds, the Commission on Audit said Friday. Senators are each given P200 million in pork barrel funds every year while congressmen receive P70 million each. “Pag sinabi nating labis labis hindi lang po P1 million o P5 million, ang labis hundreds of millions and at least one lawmaker got almost P3 billion allocation for PDAF,” COA chairwoman Grace Pulido-Tan told reporters. “Paano nangyari na isang kongresista ay halos 3 billion ang na-release sa kanya? Ano itong mga proyekto na ito,” she added. Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya, the budget secretary during the period, said it is possible

that some lawmakers got higher pork barrel allocations. “In the past, there was no rule that you cannot exceed a certain amount,” he said. Asked if one congressman got P3 billion pork, he said: “Not in a single release but probably in an aggregate amount. But yes, I would confirm that. All the records are there. Some legislators got more than others.” “Once approved, we are left to release these things to the legislators with the knowledge that all of these will be audited,” he said. Speaking to reporters, PulidoTan also said 12 senators and 180 representatives allocated P6.156 billion in priority development assistance funds to 82 non-government organizations from 20072009. See CONGRESSMAN, page 6

Megan Young is Miss World 2013

Megan Young, a local actress, poses for photographers after being crowned as the Miss World Philippines 2013 during the pageant coronation night in Manila August 18, 2013. Megan, 23, who bested 24 other contestants will represent the country in the upcoming Miss World 2013 pageant to be held in Indonesia on September 28, local media reported. (MNS photo)

MANILA, Aug 19 (Mabuhay) – Actress Megan Young lived up to her frontrunner billing and won the Miss World Philippines 2013 title Sunday night at the Grand Ballroom of the Solaire Resort and Casino-Manila in Pasay City. In what was probably the most lopsided contest in the history of the prestigious beauty pageant, Megan won eight special awards en route to her official coronation. The 23-year-old Filipino-American beauty represented Olongapo City in the competition and also won Best in Fashion Runway, Miss Sports by FILA, Miss Reducin, Miss Olay, Miss Laguna, Miss Bold and Glamorous by Revlon, Miss Figlia and Miss Bench

Body. She is also the only known showbiz personality in the pageant that paraded 25 candidates from all over the Philippines. With her win, Megan will represent the Philippines in the Miss World 2013 pageant to be held on September 28, 2013 at the Sentul International Convention Center in West Java, Indonesia. Young is an alumna of Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 and starred in several ABS-CBN shows including “Precious Hearts Romances,” “Maalaala Mo Kaya” and “Betty La Fea.” She earlier said that joining the Miss World Philippines was one of the things she had always wanted to do.

Wednesday - Tuesday, August 21-27, 2013

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Palace: Government ready to repatriate OFWs in Egypt MANILA, Aug 16 (Mabuhay) – Malacañanang has advised overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Egypt to take extra precaution and avoid areas where supporters of ousted Pres. Mohammed Morsi converge to hold rallies. “We appeal to continue to heed the warnings and avoid areas known to have rallies and protests,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte told a media briefing Friday.

Valte said the government is ready to conduct the repatriation of OFWs. “Due to the fact that this has happened in the past, contingency plan has always been ready,” she said. The Department of Foreign Affairs had raised the alert level amid the escalating civil unrest in the northern African country. The DFA said alert level 3 is a call for the voluntary repatriation of the

estimated 6,000 Filipinos living or working there. “The deployment of new workers, as well as the return to Egypt of vacationing worker, spouses of Egyptian nationals, Islamic university students and their dependents, is likewise suspended,” the DFA said. The Egyptian interim government declared a month-long state of emergency and conducted a deadly crackdown on Morsi’s supporters. (MNS)

PHL economy now meeting global challenges – Belmonte MANILA, Aug 17 (Mabuhay) – The country’s steady economic growth should not be taken lightly as the global economic giants continue to grapple with recession, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. declared before an international business forum. “Recession sweeps many parts of the world, including Europe. Tentative growth appears to be the best news from large economies like China, India, and Brazil. Against this backdrop, our country’s strong economic performance is not a small feat,”Belmonte told the recent Wallace Business Forum held last Monday. Citing the determined efforts of government to pursue institutional reforms, Belmonte was gratified by the business sector’s continuing and growing support that allowed the 15th Congress to pass historic and game-changing laws. “With your support, we in Congress have once again earned the trust and confidence of our people,” the Speaker said as he anticipates that the 16th Congress could equal or even surpass the feat of the previous Congress. The Speaker cited the overhaul of the appropriations process, creating the habit of promptly enacting transparent and responsive

national budgets, the first ever Reproductive Health Law and the Sin Tax Law which for about 15 years languished in the dust bin of the legislative process. Buoyed by the positive prognosis on the country’s continued economic growth by international development institutions, Belmonte noted the steady improvement in the nation’s competitiveness rankings, jumping by 22 notches since 2009. Even as the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 7.8 percent in the first quarter of 2013, erasing the image of the Philippines as the “sick man of Asia,” Belmonte stressed “more has yet to be done.” “Our growth rate has even outpaced the rest of Asia. With all these positive developments, we can never be complacent. The work is not yet done,” he said. To attain sustained growth, Belmonte stressed the need to extricate the economy from being a consumption-driven system to that of production-driven or dynamically mobilized by investments. “These investments need to be sustainable, industryexpanding, and job creating,” he said adding that the country still has the lowest investment-toGDP ratio, and the lowest share of

foreign direct investments among its regional peers. To create an environment that is conducive to investments, Belmonte said, “we need to maintain macroeconomic stability, while pursuing structural reforms that reduce risks and increase returns on investments.” One vital reform avenue the government is pursuing is the adoption of a prudent fiscal policy to enable it to contain its budget deficit and reduce its outstanding debt, he said. “Together with the effective management of our monetary aggregates by the I, we kept our inflation rates low, built up healthy foreign exchange reserves, and stabilized our exchange rate,” Belmonte added. The Speaker cited the proposed 2014 P2.268-trillion national spending bill now being deliberated by the House as one vital measure that complies with the same basic tenet of promoting macroeconomic stability and productive capacity through investment in human capital formation and economic infrastructure. “The overarching truth that will thread together all reforms is ‘and will always be’ good governance. Unwavering and staunchly committed leadership will win the day,” Belmonte concluded.(MNS)

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Aquino wants more strict control, closer monitoring of Priority Development Assistance Fund MANILA, Aug 19 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III maintained his earlier stand against the outright abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) saying he wanted stricter control and closer monitoring on the use of the fund to ensure that it goes to its intended use. In an interview after keynoting the first Pambansang Kongreso ng Wika held at the Leong Hall of the Ateneo De Manila University in Quezon City on Monday, the President said the recent Commission on Audit report finding irregularities in the use and disbursement of the PDAF did not mean that the whole fund was “bad.” He pointed out that the government is stepping up its efforts to bring the individuals involved in the scam to justice. “Ang premise siguro ‘nun lahat ng paggamit of pork barrel mali. Pero palagay ko naman, ‘pag tiningnan natin ‘yung COA report, hindi nilalahat,” the President said. “May tinutukoy na parte ng pork barrel o iyong paggamit ng PDAF na mali; at ‘yon tinutuluyan natin ng Number One, imbestigasyon. May kaso ng naisampa laban kay Ginang (Janet Lim) Napoles, may warrant of arrest na para sa kanya,” he added. He cited as an example his stint as a congressman of Tarlac province where he used his pork barrel to fix a portion of the McArthur Highway that had frequently been left damaged due to rains and had greatly eased travel time to and from his province. “For instance, noong ako po’y kongresista, ginamit ko ‘yung PDAF ko para maayos iyong MacArthur Highway. Alam naman po natin national road ‘yan. Hindi po dapat saklaw ng Congressional funds pero walang nag-aasikaso,” the President said.

Palace on Nur’s declaration of independence: ‘There’s only 1 government in PHL’ MANILA, Aug 16 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang does not recognize the declaration of independence of Mindanao from the Philippines made by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari. “There’s only one government in the Republic of the Philippines,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte told a media briefing. Misuari, the former governor of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), has declared independence of the entire Mindanao, including Palawan and Sabah, into what he called the “Bangsamoro Republik.” He also declared Davao City as the “Republik’s” temporary capital. Misuari made the move as he expressed his disgust to authorities for allegedly ignoring him in the ongoing peace negotiations. “I don’t think it’s fair to assume that we’ve ignored him. If we were to ignore, we wouldn’t issue any statements,” Valte said as she noted that ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Sec. Teresita “Ging” Deles have been in constant contact with Misuari. “I understand Gov. Hataman has already spoken to him. Sec. Ging Deles continuously coordinate with the MNLF that’s why several MNLF have expressed support for the peace process,” she added. The Palace official said elected officials of areas which Misuari declared as independent should be asked if they support the Moro leader’s claim. “It’s time to go to people there if they support this call and what they think of this claim of independence,” she said.

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, August 21-27, 2013

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Increased presence of US troops in PHL needs Senate approval MANILA, Aug 16 (Mabuhay) – The government must get the Senate’s approval first before it can proceed with its plan to increase the presence of American troops in the Philippines, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago said Friday. In a speech, Santiago said a framework agreement on the US rotational presence in the country must still get a go-signal from the Senate regardless of its name or form. “The Senate’s concurrence is indispensable. To the Department of Foreign Affairs, do not try any tricks. I am right here,” the feisty senator said. Santiago explained that the executive department effectively lost its authority to enter international agreements on its own due to an executive order signed in 1997 by thenPresident Fidel Ramos. Executive Order 459 states the guidelines for negotiating an international agreement, which it defined as “a contract or understanding, regardless of nomenclature, entered into between the Philippines and another government in written form and governed by international law.” “Under this definition, an executive agreement falls under the category of international agreement. Under the Constitution, any international agreement requires the concurrence of two-thirds of all senators,” Santiago, a constitutional law expert, said. Section 21, Article 7 of the 1987 Constitution states that “no treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate.” Increased US presence Last Wednesday, the Philippine government started negotiations for the proposed increase in the US forces’ rotational presence in the country despite questions on its constitutionality and the possibility that it may become a magnet for anti-US sentiments. Malacañang, however, maintained that the proposal for increased US presence in the country will be within the bounds of the Constitution and the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). Despite this, Santiago said the government and the US should not just use terminologies to circumvent the constitutional ban on foreign military bases and troops in the country, except under a Senate-approved treaty. “Itong mga Amerikanong ito talaga mahilig gumawa ng ibaibang salita na hindi mo naman maintindiha. Ano ang ibig sabihin ng rotational presence? Umiikot sila? Paaano sila iikot?” the senator said. In 1991, the Philippine Senate voted to expel US military bases from the country by a historic 12-11 vote. Eight years later, the Senate ratified the VFA between the US and the Philippines. The VFA is a bilateral agreement which specifies how the Philippines and the US will determine jurisdiction of an American soldier involved in a crime committed on Philippine soil. Congressional briefing In a separate statement, Senate President Franklin Drilon, for his part, demanded that the DFA and the Department of National Defense brief Congress on the proposed expansion of the American military presence in the country. “The devil is in the details. As a senator, it is my obligation to our people to ensure that any agreement the government will enter into is legal and in accordance with our Constitution. I will examine the outcome of the negotiations to see to it that it will not infringe on the lives of our people and their guaranteed rights,” Drilon said. He also demanded that the current negotiations on the increased US presence in the Philippines be done transparently and under “strict compliance” with the Constitution and the VFA. “There was not part in the VFA that allows permanent basing. The framework agreement should be in accordance with the restrictions set forth under the VFA,” the Senate leader said. More study In Malacañang, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigal Valte, however, said the matter still needs to be studied. “I understand that is the opinion of some of our more experienced legislators, however, tingnan po muna natin,” she said at a press briefing in Malacañang. Valte noted that they don’t have details yet regarding the final agreement. “It’s a little hard to really put finality on it considering that the negotiations are still ongoing,” she said. She also said that the negotiating panel will brief congressional leaders about the details on the agreement. “Whatever they agree on will be discussed with Congressional leaders,” Valte said. (MNS)

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Drilon: No to permanent presence of US troops MANILA, Aug 16 (Mabuhay) – Senate President Franklin Drilon on Friday told the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of National Defense (DND) to ensure that permanent presence will not be given to US troops. Drilon also reiterated that negotiations for increased rotational presence of American troops in the country should be in line with the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). He also called on the DFA and DND to brief the Senate on the outcome of initial talks between the Philippines and United States, and ensure transparency. “There was not part in the VFA that allows permanent basing. The framework agreement should be in accordance with the restrictions set forth under the VFA,” he said. Drilon said that he would scrutinize every detail

of the agreement to make sure that it will not infringe on the Constitution. “The devil is in the details. As a senator, it is my obligation to our people to ensure that any agreement the government will enter into is legal and in accordance with our Constitution. I will examine the outcome of the negotiations to see to it that it will not infringe on the lives of our people and their guaranteed rights.” Nonetheless, Drilon assured the two departments of the Senate’s cooperation in the government’s resolve to bolster its defense and security capabilities. “The Senate can be counted upon as an active partner in the diplomatic and national defense concerns our nation, in the context and within the confines of our Constitution, laws, and treaty obligations,” he said. (MNS)

Should gov’t offer reward for Napoles’ capture? MANILA, Aug 16 (Mabuhay) – Should the Philippine government offer a reward for the capture of businesswoman and fugitive Janet Lim Napoles? According to Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, Malacañang is leaving that decision up to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. “Hahayaan na po namin sa [Department of Justice] at [National Bureau of Investigation] ang pag-aaral kung kailangan magpataw ng pabuya para madakip si Janet Napoles,” she said.

At least 12 teams from the NBI are looking for Napoles and her brother Reynald Lim, who are wanted for serious illegal detention of pork barrel scam whistleblower Benhur Luy. De Lima earlier said Napoles was tipped off about the issuance of the arrest order, prompting her to go into hiding. “There are reported sightings [of Napoles]... nakita mga sasakyan nila... but these have not been validated... she is a high-profile fugitive from justice,” she said. (MNS)

Govt’ urged: Rethink distribution of resources MANILA, Aug 16 (Mabuhay) – The Human Development Network is urging the government to rethink its system of distributing resources including the pork barrel funds of lawmakers. The group said resources should not be distributed equally because under-developed provinces need more resources compared to urban areas. “The rationale for the pork barrel is it allows the national government to be more responsive to the needs of the local governments. But the problem here is that where is the control on that? Rather than it emanating from more organic developmental plans and priorities at the local level, you leave it up to the national level,” said. Dr. Noel de Dios, president of the Human Development Network. Asst. Prof. Toby Monson, coordinator of the the group, also said: “There’s been a mismatch. The local government code was designed with good intention, except if you really look at what was assigned

to provinces, cities and municipalities and barangays versus how much money they got under the law, there’s a very severe mismatch.” “For example, provinces are assigned 37 percent of expenditures...but they only get 23% of the [Internal Revenue Allotment]. Cities on the other hand get 23 percent of the IRA but are assigned only 5 percent of the responsibility. So you really have a bad mismatch,” Monson added. The network also believes the government should exert more effort in providing the basic needs of people in rural areas as this could spur development. “What we are saying is that there ought to be a minimum guaranteed type of expenditure... First of all the basic services, health and education, because even if you are in a very depressed area if you have health and education, you can at least get out. That opportunity ought not be removed from you,” De Dios said. (MNS)

Aquino lauds Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino for holding Filipino Language Congress MANILA, Aug 19 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) for holding the first Pambansang Kongreso ng Wika which he said was an important tool for enhancing our love and understanding of our national language. In his speech keynoting the event held at the Leong Hall of the Ateneo de Manila campus in Quezon City on Monday, the President expressed confidence that the participants to the congress would be able to find ways and means to uplift our understanding of the Filipino language. “Kaya naman isang malaking hakbang ang pagtitipong ito sa pagpapayabong ng ating wikang pambansa. Nananalig akong sa pagtutulungan ng mga kalahok na sektor, maitutulay ng Unang Pambansang Kongreso sa Wika ang ilang mga hamon at suliraning pangwika na matagal nang

nabalewala sa ating lipunan, at magsimulang maitaas ang antas ng pakikilahok at diskurso ukol dito,” the President said. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa kasalukuyang pamunuan ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, sa inisyatibang likumin ang mga kaisipan at opinyon ng mga eksperto sa pagtitipong ito, gayundin sa masigasig na pagpapatupad ng mandato ng komisyon. Nananalig akong magiging mabunga ang Unang Pambansang Kongreso sa Wika, at magagamit tungo sa paghubog ng mas progresibong lipunan ang anumang resulta ng inyong talakayan,” he added. The Filipino Language Month, which is embodied in Presidential Proclamation No. 1041 of 1997, is commemorated by the KWF every August. This year’s theme is “Wika Natin ang Daang Matuwid.” Joining the President were KWF chairman Virgilio Almario and ADMU president Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, S.J. (MNS)

US expats flee taxman’s reach by giving up citizenship BY JEREMY TORDJMAN

WASHINGTON, August 19, 2013 (AFP) – The decision was not easy for the Gulf War veteran. After 20 years living in Switzerland, Scott Schmith renounced his American citizenship, to escape the obligation to report his income and assets to the US government despite living overseas. “I have nothing to hide. But I don’t want to be punished because I chose to live outside the US,” said the new Swiss passport holder, a photographer who lives near Zurich. Schmith is just one of a rising number of Americans giving up their citizenship to avoid the increasing efforts of US authorities to collect taxes on its citizens who keep money offshore, even those who live and work outside the country. Starting next January, the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act – now known worldwide as Fatca – has required banks in a rising number of countries, including Switzerland, to report to US authorities all accounts held by Americans. Americans discovered to be not reporting their offshore accounts, and not paying taxes on them where due, face stiff penalties. The US is the only major country that requires its citizens resident abroad to report their income to their country’s tax authority, the Internal Revenue Service. For years, Americans abroad have mostly been able to ignore that requirement. But Fatca, by requiring their banks to report the accounts, is now serving as a painful reminder of the obligation. US expats “are now learning that not only are they going to be reported by their local banks, but also that the IRS could treat them as criminals,”

said Allison Christians, a tax law professor at Canada’s McGill University. Increasingly, US expats are choosing another way out: renouncing US citizenship entirely. In the second quarter of this year, the number of Americans that gave up their marine-blue US passport hit a record of 1,131. That was 66.5 percent higher than the previous quarter and up nearly six-fold from a year earlier, according to official data tabulated by AFP. While still a small part of the seven million US citizens living overseas, experts are certain the rise is driven by the new tax and account reporting rules. “Fatca is an aggravator to the renunciation figures. It’s making it very difficult for Americans to live overseas,” said Marylouise Serrato, executive director of American Citizens Abroad, which lobbies the government on expatriate issues. Some banks around the world have already stopped taking new accounts from US citizens, to avoid having to report them or falling into the sights of US regulators, as happened to the Swiss bank UBS in 2009. Schmith said his bank closed his two accounts in the summer of 2012 due to Fatca. “More and more US expats are finding themselves abandoned in a financial black hole,” Nigel Green, chief executive of deVere Group, a financial consultancy, said in a statement. Peter Spiro, professor of law at Temple University in Philadelphia, said Fatca is “creating a terrible dilemma” for US expats. “If you make a rational calculation, you wonder if it’s worth it to keep your US citizenship in the face of the higher administrative burden and the risk of higher penalties,” he told AFP. And that solution could still prove problematic.

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UTREACH Kuala Lumpur and Bohol 5 nights + air via Philippine Airlines from $1,799 MALAYSIA AND PHILIPPINES - RICH HERITAGE & EXOTIC FAUNA Experience Malaysia and the Philippines in a fivenight trip to each country’s iconic scenery and natural wonders. In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, enjoy a tour that includes the National Monument, Independence Square (the heart of downtown Kuala Lumpur surrounded by impressive historical buildings), and a drive around Chinatown (a vibrant bustling destination with tasty delicacies and bargain shopping). The charming city of Melaka is a UNESCO world heritage site and the historical state of Malaysia, rich with heritage buildings, ancient landmarks and colonial structures. The Melaka tour includes St. Paul’s Hill (the ruins of the Portuguese fortress), The Stadthuys (a historical Dutch architecture), and The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum (home to a fine collection of antique that portrays a truly unique cultural heritage). Continue your adventure and have fun in the Philippines, which is also known as the “Pearl of the Orient Seas.” In Bohol, travelers will visit the world-renowned Chocolate Hills, the Historical Blood Compact Shrine, and the Baclayon Church. They will also get to see the world’s smallest primate, the Tarsier. Other equally exotic flora and fauna may be found in the province’s forests. INCREDIBLE VALUE

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prior notice. ABOUT MALAYSIA AND THE PHILIPPINES Malaysia: Rich in cultural diversity, Malaysia offers a truly Asian experience. The country is made up of a unique fusion of three of the continent’s oldest civilizations: Malay, Chinese and Indian. It is further enriched with the indigenous tribes of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as influences from the British, Dutch and Portuguese, who once colonized the country. These various traditions have interweaved to create a mesmerizing multicultural destination. The colorful influences can be seen in Malaysia’s festivals, architecture, handicrafts, and most notably, in their cuisine. The Philippines: The Philippines stands at the crossroads of the developed western world and the Orient. It lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, composing of 7,107 islands. The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world. It has a rich history combining Asian, European, and American influences. Filipinos are a fun-loving people. Throughout the islands, there are fiestas celebrated everyday and foreign guests are always welcome to their homes. CONTACT INFORMATION To start booking, please call Travel International Group at 310-327-5143. For more information on the special deal, please visit their website at http://www. travelinternational.net/398.html

Muay Thai kickboxing set to strike fan excitement at Pechanga Resort & Casino this summer Women fighters take center stage in fights to be broadcast on FSN PrimeTicket TEMECULA, Calif. – Ten hard-hard hitting WCK Muay Thai Kickboxing fights with several major titles on the line are set for Saturday, August 24 at Pechanga Resort & Casino. Muay Thai fans should mark their calendars for the World Championship Muay Thai Hot Summer Fights. As the 20 contenders train and condition for what could be career-changing bouts, fan excitement ramps up with comments posted on Facebook such as “Nice card of fights” and “Got My Tickets!” The bouts are scheduled to be broadcast on FSN PrimeTicket and FSN San Diego. Tickets for the full night of Muay Thai action are $40 and $100 and are on sale at the Pechanga Resort & Casino Box Office between 12:00p.m. and 8 p.m., via telephone at (877) 711-2946 or online at www.Pechanga.com/Entertainment. Starring in the main event are Miriam “The Queen of Mean” Nakamoto (14-0) from the San Francisco Bay Area and Aleide Lawant of the Netherlands. In 2010, Nakamoto became the first American woman to win the WBC Muay Thai World Title. She is considered to be one of the best female

strikers in the world. Lawant is the winner of the 2011 Enfusion tournament, a women-only reality show tournament filmed in Thailand. Luis Bio of Ensenada, MX is an industrial engineer and business analyst in a GPS and sonar manufacturing plant by day and spends his other waking hours training and preparing for fights that will move him up the circuit ranks. Bio is defending his WBC Muay Thai title. He takes on Raul Rodriguez of Bakersfield, Calif with a record of 11-1. Hailing from the San Diego, Calif. area, Mike Lemire, (9-1) a current WCK Muay Thai World Champion, professional MMA fighter and Muay Thai and boxing instructor, steps in the ring with Ryan Madigan, a former UFC competitor (286),to face off for the cruiserweight WBC title. Rounding out the top fights of the night are Josh Aragon vs. Guilherme Silva and Dave Pacheco vs. James Steelsmith. Five other fights, one including Lena Ovchynnikova vs. Emily Beardan for the IKKC Muay Thai World Title, are on the card for the same night at Pechanga Resort & Casino. For tickets and more information, call (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com/Entertainment. Members of the media are invited to cover the bouts. To request an interview with a fighter before the event or for a credential form, please send an email to Pechanga Resort & Casino PR Manager, Ciara Green at cigreen@pechanga.com. The Pechanga Public Relations office may request

19th Annual Hooptown Int’l Youth Basketball Summer Camp Aug. 24-25 at St. Genevieve High School Los Angeles, CA – Hooptown International Youth Basketball will host its 19th Annual Summer Basketball Camp at St. Genevieve High School (13967 Roscoe Blvd., Panorama, CA 91402). The Camp will start be held on Saturday and Sunday August 24-25, 2013 from 9am to 4pm both days. Boys and girls ages 7 to 16 are welcomed to attend. Campers will learn the fundamentals of basketball and develop the skills necessary to improve their game. The Hooptown Basketball Camp provides a solid foundation for beginners and a very intense challenge for advanced players. Campers will be exposed and learn the latest drills as well as techniques from guest college coaches/clinicians. The Hooptown Basketball Camp will teach each camper the fundamental skills to be a well-rounded basketball player. The camp will teach proper defensive technique and footwork, intense, specialized game situation dribbling and accurate, quick release shooting skills. The camp will provide campers of all ability levels a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Individuals compete in shooting, free throw, and 3-on-3 team competitions as part of camp activities. Hooptown Alumni have gone on to play professionally overseas in the PBA (Alex Cabagnot, Petron Blaze Boosters) and PBA D-League (JR Buensuceso, Cebuana Lhuiller Gems) and for various universities such as: Air Force Academy, Hofstra University, Brigham Young University (Hawaii), Cal State University Chico, Whittier College, Pomona-Pitzer College, Cal State Maritime, University of Great Falls (Montana), University of Hawaii (Hilo), Howard University, Walla Walla University (WA), University of Puget Sound, and others. For more information, please visit www.hooptown-bball.com. Johnny Garcia, Hooptown International Youth Basketball Tel. (818) 262-5485 Email: hooptownbball@gmail.com About Hooptown International Youth Basketball Hooptown was established in 1993 to assist in the development and success of student-athletes on and off the basketball court. The coaching philosophy focuses on teaching players the importance of life skills such as leadership, communication, responsibility, teamwork and a strong work ethic. Hooptown coaches are committed to the success of every individual player, however, the goal must be the successof the team and not just individual accomplishments. Hooptown focuses on academic achievement while teaching proper basketball fundamentals. Hooptown competes in competitive basketball

tournaments across Southern California and Las Vegas.

further information on any story assignments. About Pechanga Resort & Casino Pechanga Resort & Casino offers the largest and most expansive resort/ casino experience anywhere in the western United States. Rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2003, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering more than 3,000 of the hottest slots, table games, worldclass entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort & Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @ PechangaCasino.

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8 DEAD From page 1

“We have had nothing to eat, nothing to wear. A few people went to houses on higher ground, but most of us had nowhere to go,” Dinah Claire Velasco, 44, a resident of a blue-collar coastal district on the outskirts of Manila told AFP. “My children and other people were able to seek refuge on the second floor of my house but a lot of others had to just sit on their roofs... We’re waiting for rescue, for help, even just food.” While no-one was reported killed in Manila, five more people were confirmed to have drowned in flooded farming provinces to the north, according to the government’s disaster management

LOS ANGELES council. Among them were a one-yearold baby and a 64-year-old man, both of whom drowned in the rural province of Pampanga about an hour’s drive north of Manila. This brought the confirmed death toll from two days of flooding across Luzon to eight. The economic toll has also started to grow, with the stock exchange, government offices and schools in Manila closed for a second consecutive day. More than 160 domestic and international flights at Manila’s airport were cancelled. The state weather agency said the rain would continue into Wednesday, raising the prospect of another day of paralysis in Manila.

HEAVY RAINS From page 1

age rainfall. That and a high tide caused flooding in many parts of the province. Santa Rosa town in Laguna province also declared a state of calamity, with most of its neigh-

borhoods flooded, said its mayor, Arlene Arcillas. Weather forecasters said more rain was expected in coming days as tropical storm Trami moved north towards Taiwan.(MNS) and navy divers had found bod-

FERRY DISASTER ies trapped in the debris near From page 1

An AFP reporter saw a bloated body, which had been found floating in the water, being towed to shore by a coastal patrol boat on Monday morning. Town coastal patrol watchman Zaldo Cabao-cabao, 37, said he had been assigned to find survivors and collect the dead. “We saw this man floating on the water near the site of the accident. We decided to tow him because our boat is small and there is barely enough room for the four crewmen,” he told reporters as he brought the body in. Cebu coastguard commander Weniel Azcuna said coastguard

the ferry, but had not been able to penetrate the interior of the ship due to unfavorable weather. As hope of finding more survivors faded, the government began concentrating on another problem: bunker fuel oil leaking unchecked from the ferry which was polluting nearby fishing grounds and beach resorts. Authorities said the ferry was carrying 120,000 liters (32,000 gallons) of bunker fuel when it sank. Malayan Towage, a company hired by the ferry operator to contain the oil spill, had told the coastguard that up to a quarter of the oil had already leaked out, Azcuna said.

COLISSION From page 1

ship MV Saint Thomas Aquinas 1 collided with the MV Sulpicio Express 7 cargo vessel off Cebu. Earlier Saturday, the Philippine Red Cross’ Cebu chapter noted an oil spill amid visibility problems in the area. Meanwhile, Tuason said they are also continuing operations to rescue survivors. As of

8:00 a.m. on Saturday, the death toll remained at 24 while 629 had been rescued, while 217 are still missing. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council earlier reported that the crew of the Suplicio Express 7 were safe and accounted for.

Wednesday - Tuesday, August 21-27, 2013

MAYWEATHER From page 1

thinking of Pacquiao. Good luck to whatever he’s doing. “He handled his career like he handled his career, and I handled my career like I handled my career.” Last month, Mayweather had told Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports that he’d fight Pacquiao if the latter left Top Rank Promotions and signed up with his own outfit, Mayweather Promotions. Earlier in August, Pacquiao responded to Mayweather calling him a has-

PORK BARREL From page 1

non-allies of the President as among those who funneled millions from their Priority Assistance Development Fund (PDAF) to projects that were effectively hijacked by allegedly bogus nongovernment organizations tied to businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles. However, the same COA report also listed some of the President’s allies among those with PDAF or other fund transactions that warranted further scrutiny, or possibly subsequent prosecution. In his talk with reporters Monday morning, Mr. Aquino said he had instructed the Department of Justice to ensure any cases filed against Napoles and other bigtime pork barrel scam cohorts are airtight. Prematurely filing a weak case, he added, is like “giv-

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been, in an interview with Marco Villegas of the Boxing Channel, by challenging him again, saying, “That’s good for you [my being a has-been] because you can easily beat me in the ring. However, Mayweather brushed off his earlier comments by saying, “That’s probably how I was feeling at that particular time. “How are things today? He’s not going to get a chance to fight me. I was feeling that way weeks ago. Now I’m feeling like I wouldn’t even give him a chance. He had a

chance, he blew it, so that’s what it is.” Mayweather (44-0, 26 KO) and Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KO) are two of the most decorated boxers in recent history, but feuds over the split of the money, and drug testing conditions, among others, have prevented the two from ever facing off. The Mayweather-Alvarez bout is set for September 14, in Las Vegas, while Pacquiao takes on Brandon Rios in Macau on November 23.(MNS)

ing them a “get-out-of-jail-free” pass, referring to the Monopoly board game. He noted that any one absolved on account of a weak case is practically immune to further prosecution because of the constitutional bar to double jeopardy. Aquino said he is confident the cases built up by the DOJ against Napoles are backed by solid evidence. The DOJ is looking for the “three biggest cases,” and “two to three” main charges are being prepared. At the same time, the President affirmed his stance that the pork barrel system merits a thoroughgoing reform, but not abolition. He noted that gaps earlier spotted in the use of pork barrel in the past administration had been inputed in budget reforms that remain one of the priorities of his administration. Earlier, the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan had said the

arrest warrant issued against Janet Napoles for serious illegal detention “is just an initial step in making her accountable.” Bayan added: “The bigger test for the Department of Justice is still the multi-billion peso PDAF scam, and whether those involved, including allies of the Aquino administration, will be held to account.” Bayan said people keenly await the results of the probe conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation, parts of which have been leaked the past three weeks to certain media outlets, prompting calls for COA to clear the air and release the results of its two-year special audit on the last three years of the Arroyo administration. Bayan said, “it remains to be seen if Napoles and the politicians and other government officials who disbursed the PDAF will actually be charged for the scam.”

sa isang proyektyo in the amount of P20 million.” 2. Funds were released for projects outside of the legislative districts of sponsoring congressman 3. No endorsement from the agencies for which the funds were released, which violates the DBM’s own rules. “The releases were essentially at the behest of the sponsoring legislator. The agencies merely relied on endorsement of legislators. The money was given to the agencies and the agencies gave it to the NGOs,” Pulido-Tan said. 4. Many of the NGOs were found to be of dubious existence, either unknown or could not be

found in the given addresses or gave non-existent addresses, nonexistent phone numbers or were traced to mere shanties or informal settlers communities or highend residences but which turned out not to be the offices of the NGOs but residence of the owner, officer or congressmen. 5. Procurement of goods and services aggregating to billions of pesos were not made through public bidding. “When the funds were downloaded they were free to spend it any way they wanted unlike when it is in government maraming patakran na dapat sundin especially those required by our Procurement Act,” she said.

CONGRESSMAN From page 1

Of the 82 NGOs, 10 groups that received P2.157 billion in PDAF are presently linked to Janet Lim Napoles. Pulido-Tan bared a list of irregularities in the use of the pork barrel funds from 2007 to 2009. 1. The release of P20 million for a certain “Luis Abalos” who is not a congressman. Explained Pulido-Tan: “Sa amin pong pagsusuri, hindi naman po siya naging mambabatas during the 13th and 14th Congress. Hindi po namin malaman at hindi rin po mai-eksplika ng Department of Budget and Management kung papaano ang isang tao na hindi naman mambabatas nung panahon na yun ay nai-release-an pa rin apparently para

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Tupas blames DA for pork barrel scam MANILA, Aug 19 (Mabuhay) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Iloilo 5th District Rep. Niel Tupas Jr. on Monday broke his silence on a Commission on Audit report that said he gave funds to bogus NGOs connected to businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles. Tupas confirmed that he gave some of his priority development assistance funds for rehabilitation and agricultural projects in Iloilo after the onslaught of Typhoon Frank (Fengshen) in 2008. However, he denied knowing the NGOs or even one supplier, BB Vergara Plant Nursery. He also said he released the pork barrel funds to the Department of Agriculture with the understanding that it was the DA Region 6 that will implement the projects â&#x20AC;&#x153;and not any organization.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;No. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know them. Sometime, after the appointment of the COA Chairperson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the new COA Chairperson â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

these things came to my knowledge. Nagulat ako at that time so I met with the COA chairperson. Sabi ko I released because of Typhoon Frank and other calamities in Iloilo,â&#x20AC;? he said. Tupas said he saw the letters that purportedly authorized the release of the funds to the NGOs. He said his signatures in the letters were forged. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ibang-iba yung signature ko...Hindi ito yung gusto kong maimplement. All the signatures were forged. I wrote several letters to her , informing her and asking her to investigate. I also wrote to the Department of Agriculture, telling them to stop the payment of money to the organizations,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Na-victimize ako niyan sometime 2009. That is why, henceforth, hindi na ako nagbigay sa DA.â&#x20AC;? The COA report earlier showed Tupas and other legislators gave millions of pesos in PDAF to questionable NGOs with alleged links to businesswoman Janet Lim

Napoles. Some of the NGOs include the Pangkabuhayan Foundation, Inc. (Pang-FI), Kabuhayan at Kalusugan Alay sa Masa Foundation, Inc. (KKAMFI), Kapusoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. (KapKFI), Gabay at Pag-asa ng Masa Foundation, Inc. (GPMFI), Kagandahan ng Kapaligiran Foundation Inc. (KKFI), UPFI and KMBFI. In the interview, Tupas, who is also House justice committee chairman, said he believes there was a conspiracy between the DA and the NGOs that allowed the release of the pork barrel funds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Definitely, may kasabwatan yan. The DA should be responsible. It is DA and the foundations,â&#x20AC;? he said. The lawmaker, meanwhile, denied that he exceeded his P70 million pork barrel allocation for the years 20072009. â&#x20AC;&#x153;According to COA, nag-exceed ako but to my knowledge hindi ako nag-exceed. They have to verify it. To my knowledge, tama lang ako,â&#x20AC;? he said. (MNS)

NBI taps Coast Guard in hunt for fugitive Shameful: Group rues â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;priests on payrollâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; businesswoman Janet Napoles MANILA, Aug 17 (Mabuhay) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday tapped the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in its hunt for businesswoman Janet Napoles, the central figure in a multibillion-peso pork barrel fund mess. NBI director Nonnatus Rojas wrote the Coast Guard for assistance, asking its units to inform the NBI if they spot Napoles or her brother Reynald, radio dzBBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Carlo Mateo reported on Friday afternoon. Coast Guard spokesman Cmdr. Armand Balilo said instructions have been sent to Coast Guard stations to be on alert for Napoles and her brother, who are subjects of an arrest warrant issued by a Makati court. The arrest warrant for the Napoles siblings stemmed from the alleged illegal detention of who would turn out to be the whistleblower in the pork barrel scam. Earlier on Friday, the Philippine National Police joined in the hunt for Napoles after receiving a copy of the arrest warrant. An updated dzBB report said the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group deployed 19 tracker teams nationwide to go after the siblings. Napoles, the woman at the center of an alleged P10-billion pork barrel scam, has been ordered ar-

rested for the serious illegal detention case involving whistleblower Benhur Luy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Warrants of arrest (were) issued this afternoon by Br. 150, RTC-Makati vs Janet Lim Napoles and her brother Reynald â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Jojoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lim in the serious illegal detention case,â&#x20AC;? Justice Secretary Leila de Lima told GMA News Online on Wednesday. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has charged Napoles and Lim for the alleged illegal detention of Luy, lead employee of Napolesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; JLN Group of Companies, which has been linked to anomalies involving the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), or pork barrel, of several lawmakers. Napolesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; company was alleged to have been tapped in ghost projects of the government, pegged in one report as totalling P10 billion worth of projects, and these ghost projects were allegedly used by lawmakers for kickbacks. The Department of Justice (DOJ) had earlier cleared Napoles and Lim of illegal detention charges, but the NBI moved for the reversal of the decision. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The motion for reconsiderations of NBI and Benhur Luy were granted,â&#x20AC;? De Lima said. De Lima said the case was non-bailable, and that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;NBI team (is) on its way to implement (the arrest warrants).â&#x20AC;? (MNS)

MANILA, Aug 19 (Mabuhay) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; An official of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines believes it is shameful that some priests were allegedly receiving money on a regular basis from businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles who has been linked to the multibillion-peso PDAF scam. Fr. Marlon Lacal, AMRSP executive secretary, said some priests must practice prudence and discernment on which individuals to approach to ask for help. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mahirap na magnanakaw ang linalapitan natin. Nasama tayo sa pagnanakaw. Nakakahiyang isipin na - nakita ko yung isang paring nakakatanggap ng malaki marahil ginamit for medical reasons...Hindi siya katanggap tanggap,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You should be the responsibility of the church, your congregation and your bishop. Hindi ka dapat nanghihingi ng pera or be part of a payroll of anyone,â&#x20AC;? he added. He said some of the priests may not have known that Napolesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; donations came from public funds. He said the AMRSP does not ask money from politicians but from the congregation. Meanwhile, Lacal said it is high time that MalacaĂąang learns about the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indignation about the pork barrel scam, noting that Palace officials have been indifferent about the issue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kailangang mai-push ngayon na gawin ay i-abolish na ang PDAF at pork barrel kasi nakikita namin yung indifference ng Malacanang sa usapin. Parang kibit balikat lang, wala lang,â&#x20AC;? he said. At least one gathering is scheduled on August 26 that will push for the abolition of the pork barrel. (MNS)

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Leave case to the courts,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Speaker says SC junks petition questioning as colleagues rally round Dimaporo 2010, 2013 paper-based polls MANILA, Aug 16 (Mabuhay) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said Friday he would rather leave the case of Lanao del Norte Representative Abdullah Dimaporo to the courts. Belmonte made the statement after members of the House urged the Speaker to ask the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court to grant the chamber custody of Dimaporo. Dimaporo is currently under â&#x20AC;&#x153;hospital arrestâ&#x20AC;? at the Cardinal Santos Memorial Center in San Juan City, where was confined for a mild heart attack a few days before the Sandiganbayan ordered his arrest on graft and malversation charges. The Lanao del Norte representative is accused of the ghost purchase of some P5 million in fertilizer and farm inputs in 2004, part of the so-called fertilizer fund scam that saw hundreds of millions in government money supposedly diverted to the campaign kitty of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Earlier, 105 lawmakers signed House Resolution No. 206 asking that Dimaporo be allowed to post bail â&#x20AC;&#x153;so that he can discharge his duties as a lawmaker while the criminal cases are pendingâ&#x20AC;? and pointing out that â&#x20AC;&#x153;he is not in danger of flight.â&#x20AC;?

But Belmonte said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the grounds (for seeking Dimaporoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s temporary freedom) are legal, the lawyers should bring it up to the court. If political, we should not be interfering with the judicial process.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We resented it when the Comelec (Commission on Elections) and the SC (Supreme Court) appeared to be infringing in the jurisdiction of the HRET (House of Representative Electoral Tribunal),â&#x20AC;? he pointed out. Nevertheless, he added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will think over the pros and cons.â&#x20AC;? Last month, members and officers of the House took on the Comelec and the high court over the issue of Marinduque Representative Regina Ongsiako Reyes. The poll body voided the proclamation of Reyes and said her seat should be given to her opponent, Lord Allan Jay Velasco. This came after the Supreme Court granted Velascoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s petition to cancel Reyesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; candidacy over citizenship issues. Velasco is the son of Supreme Court Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr. The House members said the HRET acquired sole jurisdiction of the case against Reyes after she was proclaimed the winner in the May 13 elections by the Marinduque board of canvassers. (MNS)

Grizzly bear attacks at famous Yosemite park LOS ANGELES, August 16, 2013 (AFP) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Four people suffered minor injuries in separate grizzly bear attacks in the world-famous Yellowstone Park and nearby forests, US authorities said Friday. The first incident occurred on Thursday when a group of four hikers came face-to-face with a young bear cub on a trail in Yellowstone. The mother of the cub appeared almost immediately and charged the hikers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One person was treated at the scene, while the second injured hiker was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with bite and claw wounds,â&#x20AC;? Yellowstone Park authorities said in a statement. The confrontation lasted around one minute, with the hikers cheating death after spraying bear repellent.

Park officials said it was the first attack by a bear on humans in Yellowstone this year. In a separate incident on Thursday, two employees of the Bureau of Land Management in Idaho were attacked while performing a forest health assessment, The Los Angeles Times reported on Friday. One of the two men needed treatment for bite wounds on his thigh and buttocks while the second man was bitten on the hand as he attempted to use bear spray. A spokesman for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game said the bear had probably been disturbed by the men while resting. Yellowstone park officials advise hikers to stay at least 90 meters away from black and grizzly bears at all times.

MANILA, Aug 19 (Mabuhay) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition filed against the use of paper-based election (PBE) system through Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines in the 2010 and 2013 national elections. In his petition, Manuelito Luna claimed that a direct recording election (DRE) system was better than a PBE system, because he said the latter violates the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to â&#x20AC;&#x153;free, orderly, honest and peaceful, credible and informed elections.â&#x20AC;? In a PBE system, a voter marks a specially printed ballot to indicate his or her preferences. The ballot is then fed into a scanner that will record the vote and store the result in the machine. Meanwhile, a DRE allows the voter to indicate his choices on a

screen, which the machine immediately records. In its ruling, the SC junked the petition for being â&#x20AC;&#x153;unavailing,â&#x20AC;? saying the right being invoked by Luna was â&#x20AC;&#x153;too broad to be the subject of an injunction.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The adoption of direct recording election system over paperbased election system is a question of policy, which is not a justiciable controversy, and it cannot be taken cognizance of by this Court,â&#x20AC;? the SC Public Information Office said in a summary on Monday. The high court said it cannot rule on the matter being the Commission on Elections (Comelec) action being contested did not involve a judicial or quasi-judicial function, and the issue of constitutionality was not â&#x20AC;&#x153;squarely raised.â&#x20AC;?

MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOREVER.

Napoles asks CA to stop her arrest MANILA, Aug 16 (Mabuhay) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The camp of businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles has filed a petition before the Court of Appeals to stop her arrest. Napoles and her brother, Reynald Lim, are wanted for serious illegal detention of her former employee Benhur Luy. The petition for certiorari was filed by Napolesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lawyers before the appellate court. It urges the CA to immediately halt and stop the implementation of the arrest warrant issued by the Makati Regional Trial Court branch 150 against Napoles and Lim. Lorna Kapunan, Napolesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lawyer, said she is also asking the CA to nullify the resolution of the Department of Justice that indicted Mrs. Napoles.

She said there was originally a dismissal of the same charges but a motion for reconsideration led to a reversal although NBI and Luy presented no new evidence in the serious illegal detention case. Kapunan said the decision was â&#x20AC;&#x153;arbitrary and suspicious.â&#x20AC;? She also noted that the Makati RTC did not rule on their motion to temporarily hold the issuance of an arrest warrant pending a ruling on their plea to determine probable cause. She also denied they were tipped off about the issuance of the arrest warrant. The lawyer said Mrs. Napoles signed the verification for the latest plea last Wednesday. (MNS)

No reward for hacking Zuckerberg Facebook page SAN FRANCISCO, August 19, 2013 (AFP) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A researcher who hacked into Facebook chief Mark Zuckerbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s profile to expose a security flaw wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the customary reward payment from the social network. While Facebook offers rewards for those who find security holes, it seems that Palestinian researcher Khalil Shreateh went too far by posting the information on Zuckerbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own profile page.

Shreateh said on his blog he found a way for Facebook users to circumvent security and modify a userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s timeline. He said he took the unusual step of hacking into Zuckerbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s profile after being ignored by the Facebook security team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So i did post to Mark Zuckerbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s timeline , as those pictures shows,â&#x20AC;? he said, including screen shots of the posting.

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MOTORING Fuel cell and hybrid technologies: Toyota focuses on alternative energy (Relaxnews) – Toyota, aiming to maintain its notoriety as an innovator in the hybrid vehicle field, will present a new concept car, the Yaris Hybrid-R, at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. The vehicle is based on the same technology as the Toyota TS030 prototype, which raced in this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours competition. The manufacturer will also show off its latest strides in the field of zero-emissions fuel cell vehicles. Toyota’s stand at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show will be almost entirely devoted to hybrids. The Japanese manufacturer will highlight new technologies and solutions in the field, including those implemented in the Yaris Hybrid-R concept car. Based on a 3-door Yaris, the HybridR combines two electric motors with a high-performance 1.6 L Global Race Engine (GRE) created by Toyota Motorsport, reaching a total of 400 hp. Several of the Hybrid-R’s key technologies were implemented in the Toyota TS030, which

stood the test of both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the Le Mans 24 Hours race. The Hybrid-R has the distinction of being as suitable for the road as it is for the racetrack thanks to a dual mode control feature, allowing drivers to change settings to ensure optimal performance for either type of drive. Toyota has been marketing hybrid vehicles for nearly two decades, since 1997, and its hybrid range currently includes 23 models. The brand sold 1.2 million hybrid vehicles worldwide in 2012, in large part thanks to the international success of its Prius range. Between now and the end of 2015, Toyota plans to market a total of 16 new hybrid models, including some updates to previously released cars and some entirely new vehicles. A zero-emissions solution In addition to its research into hybrid technologies, Toyota is doubling down in its efforts to perfect zero-emissions

30,000 S.Africa auto workers strike, halting production JOHANNESBURG, August 19, 2013 (AFP) – Some 30,000 South African auto workers downed tools over pay on Monday, bringing production to a halt at BMW, Toyota and other manufacturers, unions said. “The strike started today at all the seven car manufacturing companies across the country,” Mpumzi Matungo, the treasurer of National Union of Metalworkers (NUMSA) told AFP. The workers are demanding at least a 14 percent pay increase, but employers have offered eight percent with effect from July 1. “That has been rejected, and that is why the workers have gone on strike,” he said. It’s an indefinite strike.” Workers at BMW started striking last Thursday.

“We are not producing cars at all,” said Guy Kilfoil, the BMW spokesman told AFP. The sector contributes around six percent to the country’s GDP and accounts for roughly 12 percent of the country’s exports. Last year South African exported 277,893 cars, including to the European Union market. Some of the world’s leading car makers – including Toyota, Volkswagen and General Motors - have production plants in South Africa. Work stoppages are common in South Africa in the middle of the year, when collective wage negotiations traditionally get underway. Last year the country registered a meagre 2.5 percent growth, hit by the effects of the post 2008 global financial meltdown and the eurozone recession.

The Toyota Hybrid-R concept car will be propelled by 400 hp.

technologies, such as fuel cell vehicles, which it hopes to market in 2015. To this end, the manufacturer is collaborating with BMW to develop a battery system that will equip a future sports vehicle. At the last Paris Motor Show, Toyota Europe’s Executive Vice-President Karl Schlicht informed Relaxnews that this

project was already in the pipeline: “An initial fuel cell hybrid vehicle should be ready soon ... This is why BMW teamed up with us.” In parallel, the two constructors aim to expand their research into lithium air batteries, which have a far greater energy density than the currently more widely used lithium-ion batteries.

Infiniti plans to launch its supercar by 2018

The Infiniti Emerg-E concept car could serve as the basis for the production of a new supercar.

(Relaxnews) – The premium car brand Infiniti, a joint venture between Renault and Nissan, plans to produce a supercar in the coming years, according to Fintan Knight, Infiniti’s Vice President for Brand Operations, who was interviewed by Autocar.co.uk.

Infiniti will launch a supercar based on its Emerg-E concept, presented at the 2012 International Motor Show in Geneva. The concept, featuring a hybrid motor that goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just four seconds, represents the technology of the cars of the future, according to the brand. “We are still evaluating the layout... It is still on the table for a decision. The same goes for the powertrain,” Fintan Knight told Autocar. co.uk. A decision should be made soon regarding whether the supercar will ressemble the Emerg-E or the Nissan GT-R, and production is planned for before 2018. Ahead of an anticipated launch within the next five years, the brand will present its new Q50 sedan at the Frankfurt Motor Show, taking place this September 12-22, 2013.

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Skoda offers two new versions of its new Yeti: urban and off-road (Relaxnews) – At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Skoda will reveal its next-generation Yeti SUV, available for the first time in two versions: one for all-terrain adventurers and the other for tamer city drivers. The main difference between the two versions can be seen in the shielding, in front and back, and in the ground clearance. The new vehicles will hit dealerships worldwide by the end of 2013. The range has had a facelift, and the most noticeable changes surround the position and form of its headlights (BiXenon lights are available as an optional feature) and of its front grill. The interior now includes a tri-spoke steering wheel and new materials for the seating and upholstery. The new Yeti will be offered with a choice of seven different powertrains, including four diesel and four fuel en-

gines, all with double-clutch gearboxes with 6 and 7 speeds. The diesel 1.6L TDI GreenLine with 105 hp is the most environmentally friendly motor in the series, with just 119 g of CO2 emissions per kilometer. Buyers will also have the choice of two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Finally, this is Skoda’s first model to feature a rear-view camera for parking assistance, as the Optical Parking Assistant is available as an option. Skoda is not the first manufacturer to produce two different versions of its SUV. Volkswagen, for example, employed a similar strategy with its Tiguan. The two new Yeti models are expected to hit the market by the end of 2013, although for the time being there is no information on pricing. (65the Frankfurt Motor Show, September 12 to 22, 2013, Website: iaa.de)

The new Skoda Yeti is available in a version specially designed for city driving.

Mercedes GLA: A new compact SUV with cutting-edge technology (Relaxnews) - At the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, Mercedes will present a brand new compact SUV. The Mercedes GLA will be offered in four models, with horsepower ranging from 136 (GLA 200 CDI 4MATIC) to 211 (GLA 250 4MATIC). The new vehicle will be available through Mercedes dealers from 2014. The most eco-friendly model in the new range is the Mercedes GLA 200 CDI, whose 136 hp diesel engine emits just 114 grams of CO2 per kilometer. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the most powerful model is the Mercedes GLA 250 4MATIC, which goes from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.5 seconds. With a maximum speed of 235 km/ hour, the top performer consumes 7.1 liters of fuel per 100km, emitting the equivalent of 151 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC, with its 211 hp engine, is the most powerful option in the new range.

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This new SUV will be the first equipped with the next-generation 4MATIC system, which ensures an even distribution of power to all four wheels. In terms of assisted driving, the Mercedes GLA offers an accident prevention assistance, which alerts drivers of potential collisions when rolling at speeds of 7km/h or higher, and automatically slows down the car when its speed exceeds 200km/h. The system also helps to prevent accidents when the car is in reverse. The Mercedes GLA will make its debut in a more and more competitive market, joining the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. The first pre-orders can be placed in November for delivery in 2014. Watch the video preview of the Mercedes GLA: youtu.be/9KbGfaiYSSI (65th Frankfurt Motor Show, September 12-22, 2013, Website: iaa.de)

Opel ramps up its Cascada convertible with a new 200 hp engine (Relaxnews) – At the Frankfurt Motor Show, car manufacturer Opel will exhibit a new, never before seen version of its Cascada convertible, packing a new 1.6L SIDI turbo engine with 200 hp – 30 hp more than the Cascada currently on the market. The new revved-up convertible is expected to arrive on the market before the end of fall 2013. With this new four-cylinder fuel injection powertrain, Opel has given the Cascada top speeds of around 235 km/h. Obviously, the new motor is also less efficient, consuming 6.7 liters of fuel per 100 km for an equivalent CO2 output of 158 g/km. This new 1.6L SIDI turbo joins the other powertrains available for the Cascada, which now includes three fuel engines (1.4L turbo with 140 hp, 1.6L SIDI with 170 and 200 hp) and two diesel engines (2.0L turbo with 165 hp and 2.0L CDTI bi-turbo with 195 hp). With the Cascada, unveiled in fall of 2012, Opel aims to provide a convertible combining high-end comfort and features with an affordable price. The model includes a more rigid chassis, for example, than many of Opel’s other cars, increasing driving comfort and limiting noises, vibration and bumps. The top can be opened or closed while moving at speeds of up to 50 km/h. (65th Frankfurt Motor Show, September 12 to 22, 2013, Website: iaa.de)

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Coffee and tea may protect your liver: study (Relaxnews) – Your morning cup of coffee or tea may do more than just perk you up. A new study finds that the caffeinated beverages may protect your liver from disease. In a study announced last week, an international team of researchers led by Duke University School of Medicine in North Carolina suggests that increased caffeine intake may reduce fatty liver in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Worldwide, 70 percent of people diagnosed with diabetes and obesity have NAFLD, the major cause of fatty liver not due to excessive alcohol consumption, the researchers said. Currently, there are no effective treatments for NAFLD except diet and exercise. Using cell culture and mouse models, head researcher Dr. Paul Yen and

his team found that caffeine stimulated the metabolization of lipids stored in liver cells and decreased the fatty liver of mice that were fed a high-fat diet. According to the findings, researchers said that the equivalent caffeine intake of four cups of coffee or tea a day may be beneficial in preventing and protecting against the progression of NAFLD in humans. The findings appear online and will be published in the September issue of the journal Hepatology. “This is the first detailed study of the mechanism for caffeine action on lipids in liver and the results are very interesting,” Yen said. A new study finds that your morning coffee or tea may protect your liver from the risks of fatty liver disease. “Coffee and tea are so commonly Photo: discpicture/shutterstock.com consumed and the notion that they Last year, a separate study pubPrior research has already associmay be therapeutic, especially since ated caffeine with decreased risk of lished in the same journal found that they have a reputation for being ‘bad’ liver disease and reduced fibrosis in drinking coffee reduces the risk of for health, is especially enlightening.” patients with chronic liver disease. advanced fibrosis in those NAFLD.

Haute-couture hiking in South Korea

This picture taken on August 3, 2013 shows a South Korean climber walking past a shop selling standout designer gear at a trailhead of Mount Bukhansan in Goyang, north of Seoul. AFP PHOTO / JUNG YEON-JE

(SEOUL-AFP) – If you want to go hiking in South Korea, you’re going to have to spend a substantial amount of money on stand-out designer gear if you want to blend in. While jeans and a T-shirt will draw attention – mainly in the form of thinly-disguised pity – a $650 North Face jacket with the latest ultra-light, three-ply Gore-Tex technology, will barely merit a second glance. Hiking is close to a national pastime in South Korea, and millions throng the country’s many mountain parks and trails every weekend. Their ages, stamina and motivation may vary wildly, but one thing that binds the vast majority together is a near-obsession with having the lat-

est brand-name outdoors clothing and equipment. “It’s not cheap, but everyone dresses this way and I don’t want to look out of place,” said Chung Da-Hee, a middle-aged housewife decked out in branded gear, right down to a pair of brightly-coloured fingerless gloves. “Anyway, it’s good quality and comfortable,” Chung said. South Korea experienced an initial surge in the popularity of outdoor activities in the late 1980s as living standards improved and people were inspired by the country’s hosting of the 1988 summer Olympic Games. According to Jung Juno, who heads the grandly-named World Walking Headquarters based in Seoul, a second boom was triggered by an unlikely source – the 1997 Asian financial crisis. “They had nowhere to go in the daytime,” Jung told AFP. “At that time, the slogan was for South Koreans to ‘remain healthy for comeback,’ so a lot of them went walking in the hills and mountains.” The national and local governments have encouraged the trend, opening up trails and creating new hiking courses all over a country that boasts spectacular mountain and coastal scenery. South Koreans take their hobbies and pastimes seriously and the spectacular growth of what is now Asia’s fourthlargest economy means they have the disposable income to spend money on what they enjoy. As a result, the outdoor apparel market has exploded from $1.1 billion in 2006 to $5.3 billion in 2012. Seoul is surrounded by mountains, and every major trailhead is approached through a mass of retail outlets selling global brand wear like Merrell, North Face and Berghaus, as well as Korean makes like Black Yak and K2. Yang Moon-Young of Kolon Industry, a leading South Korean outdoors manufacturer, said the boom was partly attributable to the fact that most companies now allowed staff two full days off a week, rather than oneand a half days as in the past.

Scientists grow human heart tissue (PARIS-AFP) – Scientists said Tuesday they had used stem cells to grow human heart tissue that contracted spontaneously in a petri dish – marking progress in the quest to manufacture transplant organs. A team from the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, used induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells generated from human skin cells to create precursor heart cells called MCPs. iPS cells are mature human cells “reprogrammed” into a versatile, primitive state from which they can be prompted to develop into any kind of cell of the body. The primitive heart cells created in this way were attached to a mouse heart “scaffold” from which the researchers had removed all mouse heart cells, they wrote in the journal Nature Communications. The scaffold is a network of nonliving tissue composed of proteins and carbohydrates to which cells adhere and grow on. Placed on the 3D scaffold, the precursor cells grew and developed into heart muscle, and after 20 days of blood supply the reconstructed mouse organ “began contracting again at the rate of 40 to 50 beats per minute,” said a University of Pittsburgh statement. “It is still far from making a whole human heart,” added senior researcher Lei Yang. Ways have to be found to make the heart contract strongly enough to pump blood effectively and to rebuild the heart’s electrical con-

duction system. “However, we provide a novel resource of cells – iPS cell-derived MCPs – for future heart tissue engineering,” Yang told AFP by email. “We hope our study would be used in the future to replace a piece of tissue damaged by a heart attack, or perhaps an entire organ, in patients with heart disease.” According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 17 million people die of cardiovascular ailments every year, most of them from heart disease. Due to a shortage of donor organs, “end-stage heart failure is irreversible,” said the study. More than half of patients with heart disease do not benefit from drugs. “Heart tissue engineering holds a great promise... based on the reconstruction of patient-specific cardiac muscle,” the researchers wrote. Last month, scientists in Japan said they had grown functional human liver tissue from stem cells in a similar process. Creating lab-grown tissue to replenish organs damaged by accident or disease is a Holy Grail for the pioneering field of stem cell research. Until a few years ago, when iPS cells were created, the only way to obtain stem cells was to harvest them from human embryos. This was controversial because it required the destruction of the embryo, a process to which religious conservatives and others object.

Scientists this week marked progress in the quest to manufacture transplant organs. Photo: Dariush M./shutterstock.com

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KITCHENOMICS Breakfast Taco Bar Servings: 7 to 10 14 6-inch Mission® Super Soft Tortillas Àour tortillas 2 12-ounce packages Johnsonville breakfast sausage links, cooked 12 eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded 2 medium tomatoes, chopped Other toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, chopped avocado Warm oven to 200°F. Prepare all condiments of your choice for the tacos: cheese, tomatoes, avocados, etc. Cover and set aside. Wrap tortillas in foil, place in oven to warm through. Cook sausage according to package directions. Transfer to baking dish, cover and keep warm in oven. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat add oil. When oil is hot add eggs and allow to cook until the bottom is just set. Pull edges to center and allow uncooked eggs to Àow to bottom and continue cooking until done but still moist. Transfer eggs to a baking dish, cover and keep warm, until ready to serve. To assemble, fold warm tortilla in half and ¿ll with a spoonful of scrambled eggs, two sausage links, top with cheddar, and toppings of your choice.

Chipotle Monterey Jack Cheese Sausage Quesadillas Servings: 6 12 8-inch Mission® Super Soft Tortillas Àour tortillas 1 package Johnsonville Chipotle Monterey Jack Cheese Chicken Sausage, chopped 1 red bell pepper, ¿nely chopped 3 green onions, chopped 3 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded Salsa, optional Place three tortillas on large, greased baking sheet. Sprinkle each with sausage, red pepper, green onion and cheese. Top each with a tortilla. Place baking sheet on center oven rack. Broil for two minutes on each side or until golden brown. Cut into wedges. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve with salsa, if desired.

Breakfast Taco Bar

FAMILY FEATURES

Chipotle Monterey Jack Cheese Sausage Quesadillas

Amazing Muf¿n Cups

Easy Sausage Roll-ups

etting kids back to school each morning can be exhausting and feeding them a good, hot breakfast often gets put on the back burner. Start them out right with easy, wholesome meals full of the protein necessary to fuel their day. A protein-rich breakfast — one that includes lean ham or pork sausage — reduces daily hunger, increases daily fullness, improves morning blood sugar control and leads to less latter-day snacking, according to a recent study by the University of Missouri. That means teenage boys and girls who chronically skip breakfast have a new, tasty weapon in the ¿ght against obesity. Studies show as many as 20 to 30 percent of adolescents in the United States skip breakfast, which is a habit associated with excess body weight. Keep breakfast well-balanced by packing it full of protein; using only egg whites; reducing fat intake with Johnsonville’s breakfast chicken sausage with 50 percent less fat; and rounding out the meal with whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Think you have no time for breakfast? Try recipes that can be prepared ahead of time, served as grab-and-go, or stored in the freezer and microwaved as needed. Use a slow cooker to prepare dishes before bedtime and your family will wake up to house ¿lled with the delicious aromas of a freshly-prepared breakfast. For more great breakfast ideas, visit www.johnsonville.com/recipes.

Amazing Muf¿n Cups Servings: 12 3 cups shredded hash browns, thawed 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 12-ounce package Johnsonville original breakfast sausage links 6 eggs 2 cups shredded 4-cheese Mexican blend cheese 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped Fresh chives or green onions, chopped In a bowl, combine hash browns, butter, salt and pepper. Press mixture onto bottom and up sides of greased muf¿n cups. Bake at 400°F for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Meanwhile, cook sausage according to package directions; cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Divide sausage among muf¿n cups. Combine eggs, cheese and bell pepper. Spoon over sausage. Sprinkle with chives or green onions. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until set.

Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Easy Sausage Roll-ups Servings: 14 1 12-ounce package Johnsonville breakfast sausage links 2 8-count containers refrigerated crescent rolls 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons sugar Warm maple syrup, honey, jam or preserves, optional Prepare sausage according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Unroll crescent roll dough according to directions on package. Place one cooked sausage onto one end of dough triangle. Roll dough around sausage according to directions on dough package and place on pan with seam side down. Repeat with remaining sausage and dough. (You will have two extra rolls. Bake and enjoy with jam.) Mix cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle evenly over roll-ups. Bake according to directions on croissant package. Serve hot. If desired, warm up maple syrup, honey, jams or preserves for dipping.

Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole Servings: 12 2 24-ounce packages Johnsonville Vermont maple or original breakfast sausage links 1 cup green onions, chopped 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped 1 4-ounce can diced mild green chilies 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1 30-ounce package frozen shredded hash browns 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 12 eggs 1 cup milk 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper Cook sausage according to package directions; cut into 1/2-inch pieces and set aside. In a bowl, combine green onions, bell pepper, chilies and cilantro; set aside. Spray a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Layer a third of hash browns, sausage, green onion mixture and cheese. Repeat layers twice. In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper; pour over casserole. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or until a thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F.

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Ruffa Gutierrez goes back to school Television host Ruffa Gutierrez was all smiles when she announced that she recently went back to school for a short course. The former beauty queen said she took a short course on Secrets and Spies, Modern Espionage and Intelligence in London. “Masarap. Parang na-miss ko ‘yung tshirt, jeans and sneakers araw-araw. It’s a very fascinating course. Siyempre alam naman natin ‘yung nangyari kay Edward Snowden. ‘Yung technology ngayon parang ibig sabihin we’re always being watched. Hindi ka na talaga puwede magtago,” she explained beaming. Gutierrez said she decided to go back to school because she never had the

chance to do it after graduating from high school. “I really wanted International Relations and Diplomacy. It’s more of like economics talaga with World Bank, GDP, a lot of numbers. But I wanted to also flourish not only academically but also socially [that’s why I took this course],” she said. Saying she considers it an “immersion,” Gutierrez had to stay in London alone for a month until she finished the course. “This is my journey. And even if this is just a summer course, it’s time well spent na hindi lang ako naglalakwatsa doon. It’s knowledge na magagamit ko in the future. If not for work, just something na you want to keep on learning. It’s some-

thing that I want to impart on my children – na education is important,” she said. Asked whether this is in preparation for a future plan to enter politics here in the Philippines, Gutierrez said: “With everything that’s happening now, no way. First lady na lang ako puwede?” Meanwhile, the TV host said she is still not closing her doors on love. However, she admitted that she really enjoys being single. “The person has got to be pretty amazing kasi I’m very happy with my life now. I’m not answerable to anyone, I can do my own thing. So for me to sit down and tame me, kailangan bongga siya. He has to love me and my kids,” she said.

Ruffa Gutierrez

Enrique no time to ask Julia on a date

Enrique Gil and Julia Montes

Unlike their characters in the primetime series “Muling Buksan Ang Puso,” it seems that a real date between Enrique Gil and Julia Montes is not yet in the horizon due to their hectic schedule. Gil said their supporters should just be content with the first date of Francis and Sarah in their soap. “Wala pa [kaming date ni Julia] kasi sobrang busy naming. Lagi kaming nagtetaping. Basta tignan natin [kung anong mangyayari] kapag may time,” he said. But the actor shared that they definitely have a closer relationship now, more than a month since “Muling Buksan Ang Puso” began. “Mas at ease na kami sa isa’t isa

sa mga eksena. Noong una kasi halatang nangangapa pa. Ngayon, mas okay na ngayon sa isa’t isa,” he said. In a previous interview, Gil said it is not impossible for him to fall for his leading lady. “Bukas lahat. Whatever happens, happens. Nothing is impossible,” he said. “There’s nothing wrong with it.” Montes, on the other hand, said she is not closing her doors on love, but maintained that she would rather focus on her career. “Gaya ng lagi kong sinasabi, wala po akong kino-close [na pinto]. Basta ngayon ay work, enjoy lang muna and go with the flow. Hindi priority [ang love life].

Kagaya ng sinabi ko, boyfriend ko ang work ko so kailangan ko munang i-ano (focus) ang attention,” she explained. The Kapamilya stars also took the opportunity to thank viewers for their support. “Siyempre bukod sa sobrang saya namin [na mataas ang rating], mas gusto naming magpasalamat sa lahat ng viewers kasi kung wala sila, wala naman kami dito,” the 18-year-old actress said. Gil added: “Nagsimula ang story ng ‘Muling Buksan ang Puso’ after mareveal lahat ng katotothanan, paano naman ang mga pamilya ngayon.” “Muling Buksan Ang Puso” airs weeknights on ABSCBN’s Primetime Bida block.

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Rocco Nacino to play San Pedro Calungsod ACTOR Rocco Nacino is set to embark on his most challenging role on the big screen, portraying the life and martyrdom of Filipino saint, San Pedro Calungsod of Cebu. The actor was officially introduced as the lead actor in “San Pedro Calungsod, Batang Martir,” an official entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Rocco said he’s flattered to be given an opportunity to play someone who touched so many lives in such a young age. “It’s very humbling and I feel so honored to be part of this. I’m just one of the many actors out there and yet ako pa rin ang na-consider nila to play the role. I keep on saying thank you to direk and the production crew,” he said. The movie, which is directed by Francis Villacorta, aims to raise awareness on the life of the young Filipino saint who was martyred in the name of the Christian faith. The film won’t entirely be just about Calungsod’s martyrdom as it will also tackle the role he played in the San Diego

Mission at the Marianas Islands (Guam) led by Father Diego de San Vitores between 1668 and 1672. It will show what virtues he practiced to serve the propagation of Christianity at a time of paganism, doubt and disbelief. The role was initially given to JM de Guzman, but a few months back, the latter’s father decided to pull the Kapamilya actor from the movie because of personal reasons. Rocco doesn’t have any qualms being the second choice for the movie. He believes the production staff saw something in him which could help in spreading the kind of life led by Calungsod. “I think they see potential in me na kaya ko naman i-deliver yung character. Nag promise ako sa kanila na I will dedicate my time and I will learn Spanish, Latin and Bisaya, I will do my research and study the role.” He added, “There’s more pressure on me but when I thinking about it, I don’t really want to be bothered (by that idea). I will just do my best, make sure to deliver what’s expected of me and give a

good performance. It doesn’t matter kung second choice ako.” The Kapuso star accepted the role as he’s looking forward to new learning and an opportunity to play someone who is special in the lives of many Filipinos. Rocco said no one in their right mind will turn down this kind of project. On the prospect of competing in the MMFF with big show biz names, like Vic Sotto, Richard Yap, Jodi Sta. Maria, Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo, Vice Ganda, Eugene Domingo and Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, Rocco said he’s nervous on what will happen on December, but prayers can move mountains. “Kinakabahan na ako. Basta I’ll do my best and be optimistic lang. Pantay-pantay naman kami dito (MMFF),” Nacino said. Rocco counts the movie as one big miracle of his career. “I can consider it as a miracle. San Pedro Calungsod is looking after me. Through this project mas naging God fearing ako, I appreciate my family more and I’m optimistic,” shared Nacino.

Rocco Nacino

Also part of the movie are Christian Vazquez, Jestoni Alarcon, Ryan Eigenmann, RObert Correa, Carlo Gonzalez, Arthur Solinap, Victor Basa, Ruby Ruiz and Mercedes Cabral. “San Pedro Calungsod, Batang Martis” is produced by HPI Synergy Group in association with Wings Entertainment.

Judy Ann Santos has new Kapamilya project

Judy Ann Santos

ABS-CBN has offered a new project to Judy Ann Santos, an executive of the Kapamilya network said, as the primetime series starring the actress nears its conclusion. Director Laurenti Dyogi, ABS-CBN’s TV Production Head, shared the news early this week in a series of posts on micro-blogging site Twitter, amid speculations about Santos’ ongoing series “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala.”

Jodi lauds Jolo’s efforts to spend time with her

Addressing concerns brought up by Santos’ fans on the social networking site, Dyogi explained that the soap’s relatively short run reflects the “actual length of the story.” “It was as planned by the creators of the soap. Short but powerful story... What the creators don’t want to happen is to extend the story unnecessarily. [’Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala’] is one of the best crafted soaps of [ABS-CBN],” he said. Directed by Malu Sevilla, Jerry Lopez Sineneng and Tots Mariscal, “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala” premiered on ABSCBN’s Primetime Bida block on June 17. It will run for two more weeks, according to Santos, before airing its final episode on August 23. Dyogi said Santos has already been offered a new Kapamilya project, which he said will be “new” for the actress dubbed the “Queen of Pinoy Soap Opera.”

“Hopefully Judai (Santos) accepts the new project we offered her. Bago na [naman] for her... Judai is well-loved! Thanks for giving her your full support,” the director said, addressing a follower on Twitter. On her own Twitter page, the 35-yearold Santos said early this week she is “processing things,” when asked if she is considering switching networks after “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala” ends. Dyogi, in another tweet on Wednesday, likewise addressed a follower who brought up Santos’ possible move to another station. “I think she will stay. Will pray for that,” he said. Finale nears Santos, meantime, expressed her excitement over the unfolding of the story of “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala” as it approaches its conclusion. Her character, Anessa, has resurfaced as

Paul Jake speaks up on split with Melissa

Actress Jodi Sta. Maria appreciates Jolo Revilla’s efforts to spend time with her despite his hectic schedule as the vice governor of Cavite. Sta. Maria admitted that they rarely see each other as she and Revilla are both busy with their respective careers. “We are so busy with work, sa mga kanya kanya naming buhay. Dapat lang talaga mag-spend ng time kasi kung hindi, hindi na kami magkikita,” she said. Sta. Maria added: “Yung tao namang ‘yun, basta wala siyang ginagawa, tina-try niyang dumaan. Ume-effort naman siya ng bongga. Dapat we should always spend time.” While Sta. Maria was all praises for Revilla’s efforts, she noted that their relationship is always a two-way street. “Basta we support each other sa mga bagay na ginagawa namin. Nirerespeto niya ang ginagawa ko, at nirerespeto ko ang ginagawa niya,” she said. Responding to insistent questions, the actress also reiterated that a wedding will not happen soon. “Wala pa. Agad agad? We are just taking things slow. We are not in a rush naman sa kahit anong bagay,” she said. On the day of the interview, Sta. Maria had a commitment with a new endorsement. It was noticeable that Revilla was in the audience to supporting the actress.

Former “Pinoy Big Brother” Paul Jake Castillo talked about his breakup with actress Melissa Ricks. Castillo admitted that he initiated the split, saying that their relationship is “not working.” “I think it’s mutual, pero more of me. It’s not working,” he explained. “She was really perfect, sobrang bait niya, sobrang supportive. I don’t know how to put it in words, pero siguro it’s the small things that I get annoyed with. It’s not her, it’s a me kind of thing.” “[We’re] not fighting all the time but, you know, ‘yung kapag nasa car medyo quiet lang [kami]. I guess that’s my problem also. For example nag-aaway ‘o sige, my fault na. O sige, para matapos na,’” he added. Castillo said he and Ricks still get to see each other after the breakup. “We still go out together, watch a movie, papa-foot massage pa kami. I guess it’s better that way [kasi] hindi na kami laging nag-aaway,” he said. “There’s no reason to burn bridges,” he added. Castillo went on to give advice to women, sharing what he thinks they should avoid when they are in a rela-

tionship. “The girls in general, I guess I will be speaking for my friends and I na lang. Siguro it’s being clingy. I guess sa mga married friends ko naman, when I talk to my friends, I guess walang life. He doesn’t have his own life, she doesn’t have her own life. Dapat she has her own life, he has his own life. ‘Yung huwag magsusumbat sa oras,” he said. Last month, Castillo confirmed that he and Ricks amicably ended their relationship, which lasted for more than a year.

Melissa Ricks and Paul Jake Castillo

Michael V recovers from dengue

Michael V

Comedian-singer Michael V is now out of danger after he was diagnosed with dengue fever. Michael V posted a photo on his Instagram account with the caption: “Today we win one battle through the power of prayer and science. I thank all who fought beside me and hope to win more.” In an earlier post, he said he was slowly recovering from dengue. “We’re slowly but steadily seeing progress in my condition. I DO NOT require transfusion anymore at this point so I’d

like to thank all those who helped out. If all goes well, I may be able to go home tomorrow and continue bed rest for a week. I thank the good Lord for listening to our prayers,” he said in a post on Sunday. Last week, Michael V asked his fans to pray for him after his platelets declined. “Much as I’d want to, I don’t think I can accommodate visitors at the moment but your payers are very welcome. In God’s grace, I’ll let you know as soon as my condition gets better,” he said.

Angela Balaguer on a quest for revenge on her abusive husband, Eros (Sam Milby), and his family for keeping her apart from her son. “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala,” which airs after “Muling Buksan ang Puso,” maintained its lead in national TV ratings over its rival shows aired on GMA-7 and TV5 in the first week of August. According to the latest TV ratings data of multi-national market research group Kantar Media, the Kapamilya series continued its winning streak in nationwide ratings against GMA-7’s “My Husband’s Lover” on August 2 (28.1% vs 14.4%), August 5 (26.1% vs 15%), August 6 (24.9% vs 14.1%), and August 7 (24.9% vs 14.4%). Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,609 urban and rural homes, representing 100% of the total Philippine TV viewing population.

Maja urges fans to ignore her bashers Actress Maja Salvador urged her followers to just ignore her bashers who continuously post critical comments about her online. In a post in her Instagram account, Salvador said: “To all my fans and supporters, thank you sa lahat ng pagtatanggol. Salamat po at na-appreciate ko yun.” She added: “Pero mas pipiliin kong tahimik na lang po tayo sana at maging deadma sa mga bashers at haters.” Instead of engaging with her bashers, Salvador told her fans to stay positive at all times. “Positive na lang po tayo lagi. Yun ang i-share and spread natin sa lahat! Thank you so much. Let’s choose to be the better person,” she said. In her recent interview with the July 2013 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine, Salvador for the first time addressed her bashers who continue to call her names in various social networking sites. Salvador earned some haters when actor Gerald Anderson admitted that they are in a relationship. “Ang daming puwedeng sabihin, pero ayaw ko nang i-defend ang sarili ko o iklaro kung ano ang tingin ng tao sa akin. Majarot? Ahas? Isipin na lang nila ‘yon. Pero sa akin, never akong naapektuhan dahil unang una, wala akong inagawan, at wala akong inagaw,” she said. Anderson is the former boyfriend of actress Kim Chiu, Salvador’s erstwhile best friend. Salvador said her bashers can say what they want but she will not waste time worrying over what others think of her.

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