Us asian post january 29, 2014

Celebrating

T H E

ENTERT

INMENT

Vhong Navarro: ‘I’m not a rapist’ See PAGE 13

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Vol. 3. No. 20

LOS ANGELES

A Balita Media Publication

Wednesday - Tuesday, Jan. 29 - Feb. 4, 2014

MNLF ready to ‘decolonize’ Mindanao

Thousands have died between Muslim and government troopers since the 70s. The Moro National Liberation Front or MNLF (shown above are some of its Muslim rebels) says it considers the breakthrough in the peace talks between the Moro Islamic Liberation (MILF) and the Philippine government as a signal for it to finally pursue full independence for Mindanao. (Photo from the MNLF Facebook page)

MANILA, Jan 27 (Mabuhay) – The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) considers the breakthrough in the peace talks between the Moro Islamic Liberation (MILF) and the Philippine government as a signal for it to finally pursue full independence for Mindanao.

MNLF spokesperson Absalom Cerveza said the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), whose fourth and final annex (Normzalization) was jointly signed over the weekend by the MILF and the Philippine government, effectively abrogates the 1996 final peace agreement and the 1976 Tripoli Agreement.

“Mayroon nang umiiral na agreement, hindi lang gaanong natutupad ng mahusay. Ito ay pinag-uusapan na ayusin pero habang naguusap pa, the government again entered into another agreement involving the same geographical area, involving the same people, and involving approximately the same amount of power to be vested,” Cerveza said.

“I am beginning to fear that we did not sign in Jakarta an agreement with the government. It

would appear the agreement that we have signed was only between [then] President Fidel Ramos and [MNLF], because the next president did not give any respect to this very honorable agreement.”

The signing of the four annexes on power sharing, revenue generation and wealth sharing, transitional arrangements and modalities, and normalization, as well as the addendum on Bangsamoro Waters, paves the way for the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

Cerveza said the the recent breakthrough is considered the “final nail in the coffin” for the talks between the MNLF and the government. The MNLF takes this as a signal for it to pursue its plan to reclaim Mindanao.

The MILF, whose peace panel is led by Mohagher Iqbal, is a breakaway group of the MNLF. “We are very happy because ngayon, tinanggal na sa aming mga kamay ang tali, [dahil] nakatali kami sa gobyerno to honor our commitment in the negotiations on the Tripoli agreement. So See MINDANAO, page 14

MILF downplays threat from other groups after signing peace annex MANILA, Jan 26 (Mabuhay) – After signing the last of four annexes to a peace agreement with the government, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Sunday downplayed the threat from other armed groups fighting for the Bangsamoro in Mindanao.

MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said there is no reason for such groups to continue fighting since the peace agreement between the government and the MILF will benefit the Bangsamoro.

“Ito, una, may iba pang mga

grupo ng Bangsamoro combatants nakikipaglaban sa gobyerno ng Pilipinas nguni’t lahat na Bangsamoro na nakikipaglaban, ang layunin nila maitatag ang gobyerno ng Bangsamoro,” Jaafar said.

“Kung ang agreement na ito lalagdaan ng gobyerno ng Pilipinas at MILF for and in behalf of the Bangsamoro, susuportahan ito,” he added.

He also said that barring any untoward development, a comprehensive peace agreement could be signed as early as mid-2014.

Jaafar said they are optimistic the talks will go smoothly now that the Annex on Normalization was signed Saturday in Malaysia.

“Maaring malagdaan ito sa kalagitnaan ng taong 2014 (If all goes well, we can sign a comprehensive agreement by the middle of this year),” Jaafar he said.

On Saturday, presidential peace process adviser Teresita Deles noted the Annex on Normalization is the last of four annexes to the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro.

See MILF DOWNPLAYS, page 14

PHL to file US suit to retrieve Marcos’ Monet

Claude Monet’s “Le Bassin aux Nymphease” (also known as “Japanese Footbridge Over the Water-Lily Pond at Giverny”), 1899, (the Water-Lilly”) as published by the Presidential Commission on Good Government in 2012 that was sold by Marcos aide Vilma Bautista.

POEA bans deployment of OFWs to 4 areas in Thailand MANILA, Jan 27 (Mabuhay) – The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s (POEA) governing board has issued a ban on the deployment of newly-hired overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to four areas in Thailand.

“The POEA Board, in a meeting after consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, has approved a resolution to this effect,” Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda DimapilisBaldoz, Chairman of the POEA Governing Board, said in a statement.

The resolution was signed by members of the board – Hans Leo

MANILA, January 27, 2014 (AFP) – The Philippines will file a civil suit in the United States to recover a Monet painting that vanished after the 1986 revolution which forced former first lady Imelda Marcos into exile, an official said Monday.

The painting, one of more than 150 missing masterpieces the Philippines authorities are trying to recover, was sold by a one-time secretary of Marcos, said Andres Bautista, head of the watchdog body tasked with recovering the Marcos wealth.

“We are initiating a civil lawsuit in order to recover the painting, (and) also to recover the proceeds of the (sale of the) painting including bank accounts of more See MARCOS’ MONET page 14

Nancy wants stronger laws vs abusive embassy execs

J. Cacdac, POEA Administrator and Governing Board Vice-Chair; and members Felix M. Oca; Estrelita S. Hizon; Alexander E. Asuncion; Milagros Isabel A. Cristobal.

Under Republic Act 10022, the POEA governing board is authorized, after consultation with the DFA, to impose a ban on the deployment of Filipino migrant workers in pursuit of national interest or when public welfare so requires.

Last week, the DFA raised crisis Alert Level 2 (restriction phase) in Bangkok, Nonthaburi Province; Lad Lum Kaew District (Pathumthani Province); and

MANILA, Jan 27 (Mabuhay) – Senator Nancy Binay wanted more teeth to existing laws that would strengthen the powers of the government in dealing with unscrupulous public officials who prey on distressed migrant workers.

Article 2 of the Revised Penal Code states that sanctions will be “enforced not only within the Philippine Archipelago, including its atmosphere, its interior waters and maritime zone, but also outside its jurisdiction, against those who while being public officers or employees, should commit an offense in the exercise of their

See THAILAND, page 14

See NANCY, page 14

The first time these two titans met on June 9, 2012, Manny Pacquiao (left) thought he won the fight, but judges “saw” it otherwise and Bradley “defeated” the eight-time champion. A subsequent review by officials said Pacquiao did win, but didn’t retain the crown. A rematch is slated for April this year.

‘Let’s Play Two’: Pacquiao vs. Bradley rematch April 12 NEW YORK (January 25, 2014) – Bob Arum and Todd duBoef, CEO and President of Top Rank, respectively, and Michael Koncz of MP Promotions are pleased to announce that an agreement was reached today for undefeated twodivision world champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title against Fighter of the Decade Congressman Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, Pacquiao-Bradley 2 will take place, Saturday, April 12, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. It will be produced and distributed live

by HBO Pay-Per-View.

Both fighters and their teams will embark on a U.S. media tour the week of February 3, including press conferences in Los Angeles and New York on Tuesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 6, respectively. Ticket information and other details on the promotion and the media tour will be released shortly.

When Pacquiao and Bradley rumbled the first time, on June 9, 2012 at the MGM Grand, Bradley’s hand was raised via a controversial split decision, ending Pacquiao’s welterweight title reign as well as his seven-year, 15-bout winning streak. Though See PACQUIAO, page 14

Horror in PHL online child sex abuse village

BY JASON GUTIERREZ

IBABAO, January 26, 2014 (AFP) – In a remote Philippine village, toddlers played oblivious at a nursery as the house next door became part of a horrifying child pornography ring, with live footage of children performing sex acts being streamed online to pedophiles around the world.

The depraved scenes in the bungalow were being repeated in many homes throughout Ibabao, a secluded community on Cebu island where Internet child pornography had for some of its 5,000 residents become more lucrative than fishing or factory work.

“In the beginning I was shocked, I could not believe this was happening in my town,” mayor Adelino Sitoy told AFP last week, shortly after police announced they had cracked a global livestreaming pedophile ring in which Ibabao was a key source of the child pornography.

But while the village is currently in the spotlight, authorities See CHILD ABUSE, page 14

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Swedish King visits Laguna Jamborette, says scouting can change the world LOS BANOS, Laguna, Jan 26 (Mabuhay) – Visiting Swedish monarch King Carl XVI Gustaf joined thousands of boy and girl scouts here participating in the 3rd One Regional Scout Jamborette saying scouting offers a lot of possibilities to change the world. The Southern Luzon scouting event started January 22 and will continue until January 26.

During Saturday’s event, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) National Court of Honor conferred on King Carl XVI Gustaf the Mt. Makiling Award. The awarding ceremony was spearheaded by Vice President Jejomar Binay, the president of the BSP. The king said he is deeply honored by the award conferred on him noting that what all scouts should do is to work together to change the world and make it better, he said.

“I think what you are doing here in your country is fantastic.

But what we can do together not only here but also around the world to work together and that will be possible to many, many young boys and girls, to make a difference for them and to all the possibilities to start a new life,” the Swedish monarch said in a message during the awarding rites.

“And we can all do that together. And I will promise that I will continue to work for the scout movement international and in Sweden and elsewhere in the world. And I want to wish you all, everybody good luck for the future.”

King Carl XVI Gustaf, whose major advocacies is scouting, visited several areas in the scout camp site and met with scouts as they participated in the different activities and exercises.

After his event at the Philip-

pine scouting center, the Laguna provincial government hosted a lunch for the visiting European monarch.

King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed his gratitude to Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito for supporting the conduct of the scouting event in Los Banos.

After his visit in Laguna, the Swedish king went to the Catholic Center of the Our Lady of Remedios in Malate, Manila for another scouting event. Boy and girl scouts from different high schools and colleges in Manila welcomed the king in a program for him. King Carl XVI Gustaf joined them in different activities at the center.

Showing deep interest on how scouting reformed and improved the lives of the youth in Manila, the king toured the areas near the Catholic Center to see the places where poor scouts earned their living.

Endangered Philippine eagle killed by falling branch MANILA, January 25, 2014 (AFP) – A rare Philippine eagle, whose species is on the brink of extinction, was killed inside a conservation group’s breeding centre when a branch fell on its cage, the centre said Saturday.

The 15-year-old male bird, named ‘Arakan’, was one of about 250 adult Philippine eagles remaining according to the Swiss-based International Union for the Conservation of Nature, which lists the species as “critically endangered”.

Days of non-stop rain caused the huge branch of a tree to fall on Arakan’s cage at the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s centre in the southern island of Mindanao, crushing the raptor on January 18, the founda-

tion said.

Numerous large trees are planted inside the centre because the conservation group is “trying to simulate the natural environment of the eagles,” said the foundation’s communications officer Beauxy Auxtero.

The eagle, also known as the ‘Monkey-eating Eagle’, is one of the largest birds of prey in the world and is the most critically endangered of all the world’s raptors, the IUCN says on its website.

Famed for its elongated nape feathers that form into a shaggy crest, the Philippine eagle is found only on four of the Philippines’ largest islands but mostly on Mindanao and grows to a meter (3.3 feet)

with a two-metre wingspan.

The Philippine Eagle Foundation rescues stricken birds in the wild including Arakan who was turned over to the foundation in 1999. It also has a captive breeding program.

The eagle, which is the country’s national bird, is protected by law but authorities say the biggest threat is the loss of its habitat as humans encroach on the country’s dwindling forest ranges.

Efforts to release rehabilitated birds into the wild have had mixed success.

In October last year, a juvenile male eagle was found apparently shot to death just two months after it was freed by the foundation.

President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 24). This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. Sweden’s reigning monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects of the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

Filipino priests swap sermons for ‘selfies’

BY MYNARDO MACARAIG

MANILA, January 27, 2014 (AFP) – For some of the Philippines’ most powerful clergymen, stepping off the pulpit and into cyberspace felt impossibly daunting until they took their first “selfies” and posted them on Facebook.

Their initial forays into the brave new virtual world took place in a groundbreaking class for 50 of the Philippines’ top bishops and monsignors in Manila earlier this month, part of the Catholic Church’s strategy to remain relevant in the digital age.

Sean-Patrick Lovett, a program director with Vatican Radio who flew in from Rome to lead the seminar, said Social Media 101 had not been taught to such a group of senior Church figures anywhere in the world before and he was surprised

by his students’ reactions.

“I’ve never seen bishops so happy and so excited. They were taking pictures of themselves and putting them on Facebook,” Lovett told AFP after the three-hour session, which saw the priests partner with younger, more tech-savvy seminarians or nuns to show them the ropes.

“After half an hour on the web, one bishop became very emotional. People he hadn’t heard from in years were contacting him.”

Bishop Buenaventura Famadico, who leads the major San Pablo diocese near Manila, gave the impression the class was a lightbulb moment after years of largely avoiding computers.

“I am a very private person. I still have a very limited appreciation about the Internet and social media,” the 57-year-old told AFP.

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Death penalty for foreign nationals in drug-related crimes sought MANILA, Jan 27 (Mabuhay) – A lawmaker on Monday underscored the need to ensure that foreign nationals caught violating our laws be convicted and meted the harshest penalties, including death, that their countries’ laws impose.

“While there is no reason to question the laws of foreign countries, we must ensure that our countrymen do not suffer the short end of the stick,” Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District) insisted.

With Rep. Maximo Rodriguez (Party-list, Abante Mindanao) as his co-author, the Cagayan de Oro lawmaker urged the passage of HB 1213 or “An Act adopting the higher prescribed penalty, including death, of the national law of an alien found guilty of trafficking dangerous drugs and other similar substances, amending for the purpose R.A. No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.”

The authors also noted arguments against R.A. 9346 which abolished the death penalty in the country, saying many foreign national are now emboldened to establish their drug factories in the Philippines.

“Once convicted, these foreign nationals only suffer life imprisonment as opposed to the penalties that they suffer in their own countries which, in some cases like China, is death,” they pointed out.

The authors also cited constant reports of foreign nationals, including Chinese nationals, being caught selling drugs and operating drug dens and laboratories in the Philippines. And once caught and convicted, the penalty that our courts could impose is only life imprisonment.

“This is a sad, or even unfair situation, because when Filipinos are caught drug trafficking abroad, they may be meted the death pen-

alty, as seen in the most recent execution of the three Filipinos in China, namely Elizabeth Batain, 38 years old, Sally Ordinario-Villanueva, 32, and Ramon Credo, 42,” the authors said.

Just last July 3, Rodriguez recalled, a 35-year-old Filipina was executed despite pleas from the Philippine government. She was caught last January 25, 2011 with 6.198 kilos of heroin in her luggage at the Hangzhou International Airport and was sentenced to death in 2011.

“While the rationale for the passage of R.A. 9346 (abolition of the death penalty) was very clear and noble, there are some sectors of society who believe that this law is not just and equitable because while foreigners may not be executed in the Philippines for drug trafficking, Filipinos who commit the same are executed in other jurisdictions,” they argued.

It may be noted that HB 1213 was originally introduced as HB 4510 by the same authors during the 15th Congress and was passed by the House of Representatives and transmitted to the Senate where it died a natural death.

Section 1 of HB 1213 states that: “If the violator of any of the provisions of this Act is alien, the penalty to be imposed shall be the penalty prescribed by the alien’s national law for the act committed or the penalty prescribed by this Act, whichever is higher: Provided, that if the act committed is not punishable in the alien’s national law, then the provisions of this Act shall apply.”

Furthermore, the said Section states that: “Where the death penalty is not imposed by the national law of the offender, for the unlawful act committed, any alien who violates such provisions of this Act, after service of sentence, be deported immediately without further proceedings.

President Benigno S. Aquino III meditates as he celebrates the 81st birthday of former President Corazon C. Aquino, with families and friends at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City, Saturday (January 25). (MNS photo)

CIDG willing to assist Vhong Navarro in case he decides to file complaint MANILA, JaN 27 (Mabuhay) – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) on Monday expressed readiness to assist actor Ferdinand “Vhong” Navarro should he decide to file a formal complaint against his alleged attackers inside a posh condominium at The Fort in Taguig City.

Senior Supt. Roberto Fajardo, CIDG-NCR chief, said that as of Monday, authorities have yet to receive a complaint from Navarro, who complained during media interview on Sunday that he was attacked by a group of men inside a condominium last Wednesday. ”Unfortunately, there is still no complaint...Vhong Navarro is speaking to the media...but how can the PNP (Philippine National Police) act when there is no complaint?” said Fajardo.

Party in Vhong Navarro case wants to meet de Lima MANILA, Jan 27 (Mabuhay) – The Department of Justice (DOJ) wants to get to the truth behind the mauling of ABS-CBN talent Vhong Navarro last Wednesday, which has hit news headlines because of the various twists in the story.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said one of the parties has requested an audience with her.

She refused to divulge who is requesting the meeting.

Navarro was beaten up inside a condominium in Taguig City last Wedneday night by a group of men allegedly led by businessman Cedric Lee during a visit to a friend whom Navarro has identified as Denise Millet Cornejo.

“This is worth investigating because we have two different versions. Kailangan hustisya makuha kung sino tunay na biktima, makuha talaga ang hustisya,” De Lima said.

Cornejo and Lee’s group claimed Navarro attempted to rape the girl, a claim Navarro vehemently denies.

Navarro claimed Cornejo and Lee’s group wanted to extort P1 million from him.

De Lima said there is yet no request for investigation into the incident from either party, even as Cornejo and the condominium guards on duty at the time are scheduled to appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) today, Monday.

(MNS)

Palace supports tougher measures vs ‘riding-in-tandem’ crimes MANILA, Jan 26 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Sunday said it supports tougher measures against crimes by perpetrators who ride “in-tandem” on motorcycles.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said government will keep tab on the progress of such tougher measures in Congress.

“Nais naman po nating makita yung pagsulong ng mga inisyatiba...na makatutulong talaga sa pagtigil sa mga krimen.

At batid natin na ang pangkaraniwang modus na ginagamit, lalo na sa mga walang habas na pagpapaslang, ay ‘yung paggamit ng motorsiklo ng mga assailant na riding-in-tandem (We want to see such initiatives to curb crime take off. We are aware that many recent crimes including

murder involve the perpetrators ridingin-tandem on motorcycles),” he said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Some officials had reportedly proposed the banning of people from riding motorcycles tandem-style.

Coloma said they are hopeful laws that could help prevent such crimes will be passed soonest.

“Kaya po tinututukang maigi ‘yan ng ating mga awtoridad at umaasa po tayo na kung magkakaroon ng mas mahigpit na batas maaari ring maisulong ‘yung minimithi nating pagbaba ng krimen (Our authorities are closely monitoring the progress of such measures. We hope Congress could come up with measures that will help curb such crimes),” he said.

(MNS)

Officers suspended over ‘torture’ in jail MANILA, January 28, 2014 (AFP) – Ten Philippine police officers have been suspended for running a secret prison where jailors wearing wigs and masks beat and abused inmates, the government said Tuesday.

The Commission on Human Rights and global rights organization Amnesty International criticized the Philippine National Police and demanded the prosecution of the suspects and that the facility be shut down.

“The torture happens at time of arrest, a few days later, and every time the officers become intoxicated, or when they are forcing the inmates to admit to a crime,” Commission spokesman Mark Cebreros told AFP. “According to one of the complainants, the officers wear wigs and masks. There is a terror effect,” he said.

The torture had been going on since February last year, Cebreros said.

The prison, which is not in the official list of Philippine police detention facilities, is a con-

verted house in a gated residential community in Biñan town just outside of Manila.

It is run by an intelligence unit of the Biñan police, Cebreros added.

Its officers spun a “roulette” wheel to pick among a list of tortures to be meted out, he said.

One punishment, code-named “Manny Pacman” after the Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, has an officer continuously punching an inmate for 20 seconds.

Another had a prisoner hung upside down, like a bat, for 30 seconds, Cebreros said.

Investigators have seized the painted wheel and a brown woman’s wig as evidence as they carry out a criminal investigation, Cebreros said.

The officers face life in prison if convicted of torture, he added.

Fifteen inmates, most of them facing drugs charges, were moved to another detention facility earlier this month to head off possible reprisals after they agreed to testify against the officers, he added.

”We want them to come to us and we will be willing to assist them,” added Fajardo.

Fajardo stressed that the PNP needs a complainant for the case to prosper. ”We need the complainant because even if we file the complaint but without a complainant, this will not prosper...they are just talking to the media and not filing (any)complaint so it will not stand in court. We are very willing to assist them,” said Fajardo.

Fajardo said that police investigators are also willing to talk with Navarro’s lawyer regarding the case.

Media reports identified one of the alleged attackers of Navarro as one Cedric Lee. On the other hand, Navarro is accused of attempted rape by a 22-year-old student whom he vis-

ited at the condominium. The supposed victim’s group even went to the Southern Police District (SPD) Headquarters in Taguig City to report the incident.

Navarro reportedly signed the report as Ferdinand Navarro.

PNP Deputy Director General Felipe Rojas Jr., PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, said that there is now an ongoing investigation to establish whether the investigators of the Southern Police District (SPD) committed any wrongdoing in handling the case. ”Included in the investigation are the criminal aspect and administrative. Whether the policemen followed the procedures, if ever we found out that the policemen committed mistake, we will initiate appropriate actions,” said Rojas. (MNS)

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Have an open mind, Palace urges critics on peace efforts with MILF MANILA, Jan 25 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Saturday urged critics of the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to at least keep an open mind on the peace pact both sides are working on.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said there is nothing to lose if all Filipinos gave the peace process a chance to succeed.

“Siguro doon sa mga nagdududa, ang panawagan natin ay buksan ho natin ang ating puso’t isipan doon sa matagal ng pinag-uusapan, pinag-didiskusyunan ng parehong panel (To those still doubtful about the peace process, we ask you to open your hearts and minds to what the two panels have so far achieved),” Valte said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Besides, she said everyone will have a chance to analyze later on how the annexes to the peace pact were crafted.

“Siguro wala pong mawawala sa atin at this point if we give peace a chance (There is nothing to lose if we give peace a chance),” she said.

In the meantime, Valte said the government is both confident and optimistic that there will be “good news” on the peace process while both panels are in Kuala Lumpur.

“Kahapon medyo guarded optimism ang nararamdaman nila. Kanina iba ang tono ng nakausap ko. Parang naramdaman na rin ang kasiyahan na malapit na magkaroon ng good news (On Friday, there was guarded optimism. But earlier today when I talked to some of those in the talks, you could feel they are optimistic there will be good news),” she said. (MNS)

Palace: Freedom House report on PHL shows reforms bearing fruit MANILA, Jan 26 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Sunday welcomed the results of a study by US-based non-government organization Freedom House, saying this shows reforms by the present administration to uphold basic freedoms are bearing fruit.

Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said the Philippines stood out among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in terms of political rights and civil liberties.

“Malugod na tinatanggap ng Pilipinas ang ulat ng Freedom House, isang pandaigdigang non-governmental organization na naka-base sa Washington, D.C. sa Estados Unidos, na sa ikaapat na sunod na taon napanatili ng ating bansa ang puwesto nito bilang isa sa 59 na bansang itinuturing na partly free sa buong mundo (The Philippines welcomes the report of Freedom House, an international NGO based in Washington D.C., for its report where the Philippines maintained a ‘partly free’ status),” Coloma said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

He noted the Philippines was tops among ASEAN member countries when it got a score of 3 in the categories of political rights and civil liberties.

Under Freedom House’s rating system, a score of one meant the most free and seven meant least free. Coloma pointed out other Asian nations got a score of 4.

Coloma pointed out the Philippines’ scores may also be due to the reforms the Aquino administration had adopted to uphold democracy and human rights.

“Ang resulta ng nagsabing pag-aaral o survey ay pagpapatunay lamang na nagkabunga ang mga isinagawang reporma ng pamahalaan upang mapangalagaan ang demokrasya at maitaguyod ang karapatang pangtao at kalayaan sa pagkilos ng ating mamamayan na siyang susi sa pagpapatatag ng mga pampublikong istitusyon ng isang progresibong bansa (The results of the survey showed the fruits of the reforms by government to uphold democracy and human rights, which are key to a progressive nation),” he said. (MNS)

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OPINION Drilon: Signing of normalization annex a major milestone in the nation’s quest for peace in Mindanao MANILA, Jan 27 (Mabuhay) – Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today hailed the peace panels from both the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in their recent signing of the Annex on Normalization, and said that the Senate is “more than prepared to work on legislation capacitating the peace accords,” which would end four decades of armed conflict in central Mindanao.

“The completion of all the annexes has proven that we Filipinos are not ruled by our differences, but by our shared desire for peace, equality and prosperity as a nation,” he said.

“The admirable commitment and hard work of both parties- the government, the MILF panel, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process- have led to a historic stride in this decadesold quest for peace in Mindanao,” he added.

The normalization annex- the last of the four documents that make up the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro – dictates the deactivation of the 11,000-strong MILF fighting force, and the eventual turnover of their arms.

Drilon stressed that the cessation of using arms and violence is “arguably, the most vital step in the

comprehensive peace agreement process.”

“Without the threat of reckless violence, the various infrastructure projects and socio-economic activities can then be implemented properly in parts of Mindanao that have long needed genuine political, social and economic development,” he explained.

“Peace in Mindanao will bring about political stability and socio-economic development in the entire country,” he pointed out.

The Senate President said that the Senate “looks forward to seeing and finally scrutinizing the proposed Bangsamoro law that will institute the necessary reforms called for in the Agreement,” and that the law will be given utmost priority in the Senate.

“The Senate is more than ready to work on the new Bangsamoro basic law – one that would be universally fair, practical and Constitutionally-consistent,” Drilon emphasized.

“We would absolutely welcome the chance to be a part of this historic undertaking, and we look forward to cooperating with the various stakeholders in building the legislative tenets of what would finally represent our collective capacity for harmony and cooperation,” he concluded. (MNS)

PHL to strive to improve civil, political freedoms, says Palace MANILA, Jan 25 (Mabuhay) – The Philippines on Saturday vowed to improve its standing in the international community as far as the protection of civil and political rights is concerned.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said this after the US-based NGO Freedom House deemed the Philippines “partly free.” “(K)ailangan umakyat pa rin ang ating ranking pagdating sa civil and political rights. Siyempre demokrasya tayo at gusto natin everybody takes full advantage of the (rigths) accorded to them under our Constitution (We have to improve our standing when it comes to civil and political rights. Of course we are a democracy and we want everyone

to take full advantage of their rights under our Constitution),” Valte said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

She also noted the Philippines stood out among its fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members in political rights and civil liberties.

Freedom House’s “Freedom in the World 2014” report tagged the Philippines as one of 59 countries deemed “partly free.”

It gave the Philippines three points each in terms of political rights and civil liberties on a scale of 1 to 7, with one being most free and seven being least free. (MNS)

MANILA, Jan 27 (Mabuhay) – Lawmakers who are clamoring for the impeachment of Supreme Court justices should focus instead on passing priority bills as any impeachment complaint against them will fail to gain ground in the House of Representatives, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said Sunday.

In a statement, Belmonte appealed to congressmen to respect the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government. “Let [us] let them do their jobs as we must do ours,” he said, adding that now is not the right time for Congress to preoccupy itself with unseating officials as several important pieces of legislation need to be passed at the soonest possible time.

“This is a time where we must focus on the many concerns confronting our people. It is not a time for more impeachment bids that sacrifice vital legislation that need our urgent attention,” Belmonte said.

Earlier this month, Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali announced his plan to impeach Supreme Court justices after the Court upheld the disqualification of Marinduque Rep. Regina Reyes for being an American citizen.

Umali, the vice chairman of the House justice committee, said the Supreme Court should not have issued a ruling on the case since she is already proclaimed and thus, all electoral protests against her should be resolved by the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal.

Last December, some lawmakers vowed to impeach Supreme Court justices for declaring the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) unconstitutional.

More urgent matters Without naming any of his colleagues, Belmonte said congressmen should spend their time passing bills and working with concerned government agencies for the rehabilitation of the areas hit by typhoon Yolanda.

“Apart from measures that need to be passed there are other more vital issues that should be addressed like our rehabilitation efforts post Yolanda, as well as peace, social services and other issues.

I am sure our people see this as more urgent than gathering signatures for impeachment complaints and the time and expense this process involves,” Belmonte said. (MNS)

Belmonte: Impeachment attempt vs. SC justices won’t prosper

CBCP defends bishops’ Mass for Arroyo MANILA, Jan 27 (Mabuhay) – The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines sees nothing wrong with the decision of some Catholic bishops to visit and hold Mass for former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Archbishop and CBCP head Socrates Villegas said the bishops have every right to visit the ailing former president. “They are there in their individual capacities as bishops. It is left to their prudent judgment,” Villegas was reported as saying.

Retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz also sees nothing wrong with bishops visiting and holding Mass for the ailing lawmaker.

“Those are their own personal decisions. We have our own options,” said Cruz who also visited Arroyo last January 4 and gave her rosary.

Asked why the bishops are now paying Arroyo a visit, Cruz said it could be because of the need to join calls for a more humanitarian treatment for the former president.

On Sunday, retired Tuguegarao Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan, Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena, Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar, Lucena Bishop Emilio Marquez and Nueva Caceres Archbishop Ro-

lando Tirona visited Arroyo, who is currently under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center on a plunder charge.

The five prelates held Mass for the ailing former president and now Pampanga representative, who has been detained in the hospital since December 2011.

Arroyo has received a string of well-wishers at the VMMC, where she is under hospital arrest for alleged plunder. The former leader is suffering from cervical spondylosis (chronic wear of the spine).

Other critics of Arroyo have also visited the past few months, including Jesus is Lord leader Eddie Villanueva, former AFP chief of intelligence service Victor Corpus, Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz, and Lipa City Archbishop Ramon Arguelles.

Former Presidents Joseph Estrada and Fidel Ramos already visited Arroyo at the hospital, triggering reactions from pundits of a brewing alliance against the incumbent administration.

Former First Lady Imelda Marcos, who went to the VMMC last week, called her situation at the VMMC as “inhumane.” (MNS)

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MANILA, Jan 28 (Mabuhay) – Over a year after taking a pro-life stance against the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Law, Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III is pushing for the revival of death penalty in the Philippines.

In Senate Bill 2080, Sotto cited the “influx of heinous crimes... in the country nowadays” and the “indiscriminate and horrendouse brutality happening everywhere” to justify the reinstatement of death penalty.

Sotto said the imposition of life imprisonment was a “non-deterrent against criminality.” His measure is particularly pushing for the revival of death by lethal injection for those found guilty of heinous crimes.

When asked on Tuesday if his proposed law will conflict with his pro-life stance, Sotto texted, “Nope.

That’s different. I am pro-life for the unborn and the Filipino family. I am pro-death to heinous crimi-

nals.”

“Ang layo, di ba? I’m not pro-life for heinous criminals?” he added.

In 2006, then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved the commutation to life imprisonment of death row convicts, and eventually signed a law abolishing the death penalty.

Sotto was among the senators who staunchly opposed the RH Law, which was enacted in December 2012.

The implementation of the RH Law, however, was halted by the Supreme Court pending legal questions on the legislation.

The death penalty issue has always been one of the most controversial criminal penalties in the Philippines, which is a Christian country. Previous administrations said a death penalty is a deterrent to heinous crimes.(MNS)

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UTREACH San Diego Red Cross recognizes Pala’s support of worldwide disaster relief PALA, CA, January 27, 2014 – The San DiegoImperial Counties chapter of the American Red Cross recently expressed its gratitude and appreciation to the management and all the team members of Pala Casino Spa & Resort for the casino’s ongoing financial support of its worldwide disaster relief program.

The Pala casino team members, with matching donations from the Pala Band of Mission Indians, has donated almost $45,000 to help the Red Cross provide relief to the earthquake in Hatii, the tsunami that struck the main island of Japan, Hurricane Sandy in the Northeastern United States, the tornadoes that ravaged the State of Oklahoma last spring and typhoon Haiyan that struck the Philippines.

Anthony Young, chief executive officer for the San Diego-Imperial Counties Red Cross, recently presented the award of appreciation to Pala Chief Executive Bill Bembenek and Pala Director of Human Resources Lynda Jackson at the casino.

“We sincerely appreciate this recognition by the American Red Cross. And like they always do, our entire team continues to come through to help those in need. This is a real tribute to their efforts,” Bembenek said..

About Pala Casino Spa & Resort Pala Casino Spa & Resort includes a Las Vegas-style casino with 2,000 slot machines, 13 poker tables and 87 table games; a 507-room hotel; a 10,000-square-foot, full-service spa and salon that features 14 treatment rooms; a stateof-the-art fitness center; swimming pool with 12 private poolside cabanas, and dual-temperature outdoor Jacuzzi. Pala also offers 10 restaurants and 40,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Pala Casino Spa & Resort is an AAA FourDiamond Award winner for 10 consecutive years.

Its state-of-the-art Pala Spa was named the number one spa on the West Coast and one of the top 100 spas in the United States for 2013 by Spas of America. Previously, Pala Spa was named the 2009 Best Casino Spa by Spas of America, the 2009 Best Casino Spa by the Southern California Gaming Guide and in 2012 received a spaAward and was selected by Spas of America as one of the top 100 spas in the United States. In 2011, Pala Casino Spa & Resort was voted Best Casino in San Diego by the public in the 10News.com annual AList poll sponsored by KGTV-TV 10 News in San Diego. For more information, visit http://www. palacasino.com.

TFC’s newest Lifestyle Network joins DIRECTV Jan. 22 DIRECTV’s FilipinoDirect package now provides 11 Filipino channels, including six exclusive channels not available on any other TV Provider in the U.S. EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Jan. 22, 2014 – DIRECTV continues to expand its international programming lineup with the addition of TFC’s Lifestyle Network, which is now available as part of TFCDirect™ and FilipinoDirect™ Packages. DIRECTV is already the provider of the largest Pinoy entertainment package, and with the addition of the Lifestyle Network, DIRECTV raises the bar even higher in popular Filipino programming.

The Lifestyle Network is one of TFC’s premium channels offering an indispensable guide to Filipino daily life, with programs dedicated to music, fashion, travel, home, food and design. The channel provides viewers an opportunity to explore and experience Pinoy’s best in lifestyle and popular culture.

“We are thrilled to be adding the Lifestyle Network to our Filipino programming line-up,” said Emma Brackett, vice president of Content and Programming, DIRECTV. “The channel further enhances the variety and breadth of content we provide to our Filipino customers, and shows our continued commitment to delivering the best television experience available.”

Viewers can enjoy shows such as: “Curiosity Got the Chef” exhibiting celebrity chef Sharwin Tee’s exquisite culinary skills The award-winning “The Kitchen Musical,” featuring a mix of international talent, music, drama and food Real-life pilot and producer Joy Roa’s “Asian Air Safari” travel-adventure show, which invites viewers to travel the globe With the addition of the new channel, DIRECTV offers a total of 11 Filipino channels and the most expansive and comprehensive range of Filipino entertainment including TFC, TFC Lifestyle Network, GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Lifestyle TV, Myx TV, and the DIRECTV-exclusives ANC, C1NEMA

ONE Global, Bro, DZMM, MOR101.1 and INCTV. The new channel is available to subscribers of DIRECTV TFCDirect and FilipinoDirect™ packages.

DIRECTV also provides access to more than 285 other channels, including popular English-language networks such as CNN, Discovery Channel, The Travel Channel, The Food Network, Animal Planet, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, and more than 195 HD channels. For more information on package selections, consumers can call DIRECTV’s Filipino customer service at 1.888.291.1335 or visit http://www.directv.com/filipino.

About DIRECTV DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV) is one of the world’s leading providers of digital television entertainment services delivering a premium video experience through state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming and industry leading customer service to more than 37 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its over 20 million customers access to more than 190 HD channels and Dolby-Digital® 5.1 theater-quality sound, access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET™, Emmy-award winning technology and higher customer satisfaction than the leading cable companies for 13 years running. DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, leads the pay TV category in technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to more than 17 million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include two Regional Sports Networks (Rocky Mountain and Pittsburgh), and minority ownership interests in Root Sports Northwest and Game Show Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit www.directv.com.

Filipino veteran Dominador C. Cabatu, 1926-2014 Los Angeles – The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV announced with sadness the passing of one of its founder and stalwart leader Dominador C. Cabatu of Los Angeles.

Domindor Cabatu was born on January 11, 1926 at Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. During World War II he was with the “T’ Company, 3rd BN of the 121St Regiment of the United States Armed Forces In North Luzon (USFIP-NL), the largest guerilla force in Luzon.

His Batallion Commander was Major Eduardo Borje. He started as a guerilla bolo commander in his hometown in October 1944. He acted as guide for guerilla forces and was tasked to do demolition duties to blow up Japanese installations and communications lines and fetch ammunition and supplies delivered by American submarines in Ilocos Sur for the use of guerilla forces during the resistance period.

Fighter in the Battle of Bessang Pass, 1945 When the Americans came back, he joined the regular USFIP-NL forces that fought the Japanese on the western front of North Luzon.

On March 1945, he was assigned to the 1st Bn, 121st Rgmt under Maj. Borje.

During the Battle for Bessang Pass, he was severely wounded. He was hospitalized from April 1 to November 1945. He was discharged from the service on January 21, 1946.

As a civilian , he also served as the post Commander for the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) for Nueva Vizcaya. He also became the acting manager of Agricultural Credit Administration (ACA) in Nueva Vizcaya.

In the United States, he was active for the veterans struggle for justice and equity since 1985.

Veteran Cabatu was the president of the Coalition of Filipino Veterans and Community Organizations (COFICVACO) which maintains a food distribution program for the veterans during the 1990’s.

His wake will be from January 30.

2014 from 5:00 PM to (;00 PM and on January 31.

2014 from 10;00 AM to 9 a.m. at Forest Lawn, Glendale.

He will be laid to rest at around 10:00 AM on February 1, 2014 at Forest lawn, Glendale CA. He will be given a gravesite military honor.

For more information please call (213)2410995 or email us at unrecognizedvets@yahoo.com.

Mabalacat Residents of Socal reunion Feb. 1 The Mabalacat Residents of Southern California, Inc. (MRSC, Inc) is celebrating its 39th Annual Reunion on Saturday, February 1, 2014. The annual event is expected to be graced by hundreds of city folks who at one time or another called Mabalacat, Pampanga Philippines home. MRSC, Inc is one of the oldest Fil-Am organizations in the southern California area.

No invitation is needed at the door. The event takes place at the Arcadia Community Center, 365 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91066. Doors open at 11 AM. This is a potluck event and members

are expected to bring a special dish to the event.

Kitchen facilities are also available.

Event Chairman Eduard David has scheduled special presentations and talents to perform. He is also welcoming additional talents from members to show up and showcase their wares. Audio/ Video/Wi-fi/DJ facilities are available David sends a special invite to members who have not attended the event in a while as this is the occasion to re-kindle old ties with “kabalens”.

Contact Eduard David at 310-560-1448 edavid357@cox.net.

Celebrate Lunar New Year at Pala, Jan. 31-Feb. 15, with $30,000 good luck, good fortune drawing PALA, CA, January 21, 2014 – Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker and Baccarat players at Pala Casino Spa & Resort can celebrate the Lunar New Year, The Year of the Horse, January 31 to February 15, and win extra cash in the casino’s $30,000 Good Luck & Good Fortune Drawing.

Privileges Card Club members can start earning entries into the $30,000 Saturday, February 15, cash drawing from 9 a.m., Friday, January 31, until 2 p.m., Saturday, February 15, by playing Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker or Baccarat. Privileges Card Club membership is free.

Players will receive one drawing entry for every same-suit Blackjack, every full house or better in Pai Gow poker or every tie bet with a natural eight or nine in Baccarat. Guests will be required to fill out each entry legibly and enter them in the $30,000 Good Luck & Good Fortune drawing drum that will be located at the casino’s North entrance.

Drawings to win a share of $30,000 will start at 3 p.m., Saturday, February 15.. Winners must be present. The schedule includes: 3 p.m. - $200 5 p.m. - $300 6 p.m. - $500 7 p.m. - $1,000 8 p.m. - $2,000 9 p.m. - $5,000 10 p.m.-$6,000 11 p.m.-$7,000 Midnight - $8,000 Pala also will celebrate the Year

of the Horse with traditional Lion dances through the casino at 7:30 p.m., Friday, January 31 and Friday, February 14 and will offer traditional Asian dishes at Choices the Buffet. The menu will include: Lucky Roasted Duck, Golden Baked Chicken, Fu-Chi Fish, Supreme Shrimp,Fried Rice with Sausages, Golden Cheese Wonton, Jade Ramen, Whole Suckling Pig, Fried Chinese Rice Cake and Sweet Red Bean Soup.

Pala Casino Spa & Resort reserves the right to alter any promotions. Drawings will be conducted in accordance with the rules. In the case of force majeure, safety factors, equipment malfunction or extenuating circumstances, Pala Casino reserves the right to modify procedures in keeping with fairness and the best interests of all participants.

About Pala Casino Spa & Resort Pala Casino Spa & Resort includes a Las Vegas-style casino with 2,000 slot machines, 13 poker tables and 87 table games; a 507-room hotel; a 10,000-square-foot, full-service spa and salon that features 14 treatment rooms; a state-of-the-art fitness center; swimming pool with 12 private poolside cabanas, and dual-temperature outdoor Jacuzzi.

Pala also offers 10 restaurants and 40,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Pala Casino Spa & Resort is an AAA Four-Diamond Award winner for 10 consecutive years.

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Aquino: Problem with Romualdez is not politics MANILA, Jan 26 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III lambasted Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez anew, saying the local executive’s tiff with Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas is “still a continuing problem.”

Aquino said the problem with Tacloban and how it has reacted to the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda is not about “politics” at all.

“A week after [Yolanda], he told me, ‘We have the money, but the banks are not open. If the banks were open, we could have the contractors, garbage collection, etc. move already,’” Aquino said, who then tasked the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Department of Finance to expedite the processing of the finances to ease the burden of the most-hit city in the Visayas.

But more than two months after Yolanda, garbage is still a problem in Tacloban, Aquino noted.

He also stressed that not all fatalities have been buried.

“Why were the dead not yet buried? The arrangement was they were to talk to a memorial park and discuss the burial. Who has land in Tacloban anyway? It’s the local government unit,” Aquino said.

President Benigno S. Aquino III as he celebrates the 81st birthday of former President Corazon C. Aquino, with families and friends at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City, Saturday (January 25). (MNS photo)

“So what’s the problem? It’s not politics anymore,” he said.

Aquino noted that Tacloban’s neighbors have reacted so fast after the havoc of Yolanda. “That was not the case everywhere,” he said of Tacloban.

The tiff between Roxas and Romualdez has been highlighted in the media, with some analysts saying the slow government action in Tacloban had something to do with politics. Videos also surfaced showing their differences

over the rescue and relief efforts.

At a congressional hearing in December, Romualdez broke down in tears and accused Aquino and Roxas of politicking instead of immediately responding to calls for help.

On Thursday, however, Romualdez and Roxas were seen shaking hands at the Senate floor.

Roxas claimed he would seek a meeting with the mayor to determine what Tacloban still needs.

(MNS)

Construction of an int’l airport in the center of M’danao pushed MANILA, Jan 28 (Mabuhay) – Two lawmakers proposed the establishment of an international airport in the center of Mindanao comprising the SOCCSKSARGEN region and Bukidnon to provide great opportunities for industries in which direct access to either air cargo or passenger flights is of paramount importance.

The proposal was raised by Reps. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City) and Maximo Rodriguez, Jr. (Party-list, Abante Mindanao) who both noted that airports facilitate commerce and serve as economic engines and their direct, indirect and induced benefits accrue throughout the rest of the community as well.

The elder Rodriguez said Central Mindanao comprises the provinces of Lanao del Sur, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat as constituent provinces and with the addition of South Cotabato and Sarangani; the region was renamed as SOCCSK-

SARGEN. Rodriguez said SOCCSKSARGEN’s component cities are vital to the region’s existence. Cotabato City is the regional center of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) while General Santos City is dubbed as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines” because of its bountiful existence of yellow fin tuna in Sarangani Bay, and serves as the center of the Metropolitan and the center of trade and industry of SOCCSKSARGEN. Rodriguez said that central Mindanao boasts of other business and tourists attractions such as Kidapawan City which is hailed as “A Spring in the Highland,” found at the bottom of the majestic Mt. Apo and is placed in the middle of three other major cities of Davao, Cotabato, General Santos and Koronadal, which is dubbed as the “Sports Mecca of the South” because of the hosting of 2 Palarong Pambansa.

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Lacson: No overpricing of bunkhouses but...

MANILA, Jan 27 (Mabuhay) – Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR) Panfilo “Ping” Lacson would not name the local politicians who he said were getting in the way of reconstruction efforts in communities affected by typhoon “Yolanda.”

“On a positive note, yesterday, we found out na medyo nag-lie low na ‘yung mga nakikialam doon sa bunkhouses,” Lacson told reporters.

“Hindi naman masyadong importante iyong mga pangalan dito, ang importante iyong mensahe na hindi kayo lulusot kasi maraming nagbabantay.”

Lacson agreed that there is no overpricing of the bunkhouses being built as temporary shelters for typhoon victims but said substandard materials were used for the bunkhouses. He cited an instance in Eastern Samar where the roof of a bunkhouse was blown away by a relatively weaker typhoon “Agaton.”

Previously, a probe was launched to look into reports that politicians wanted to extract kickbacks from the project.

“Well, there’s no question, walang overpricing. Kasi pinatingnan ko rin ito, meron kaming pool of civil engineers who went to the area, and took a look at the standard specifications prepared

by DPWH. Walang overpricing, ito rin ‘yung sinasabi ni Secretary (Rogelio) Singson, and we agree.

But ‘yung substandard materials, ‘yung under specifications, even substituting of materials – hindi sumunod talaga doon sa specs ng DPWH. There’s no question about it,” Lacson said. Lacson is proposing to Congress that the procurement law be amended, citing a provision that is being used as a “scapegoat” by contractors to use substandard materials.

Contractors are given under the law 90 days to repair, at their own expense, “any defect or damage to the infrastructure projects on account of the use of materials of inferior quality.”

Government is considering giving typhoon survivors construction materials instead to fix their homes but Lacson reiterated that

they would eventually be relocated to permanent settlement sits.

“Kung humihingi sila ng 40,000 pesos, halimbawa, para mag-construct… Actually, doon na ‘yung direction ng DPWH ngayon. Nagconfer kami ni Secretary Babes na parang we’ll do away with the bunkhouses na. Bibigyan na lang talaga ng construction materials ‘yung mga tao na gustong magkumpuni ng transition shelters.

Kasi ‘pag kinumpuni nila ‘yung mga dating bahay nila, in effect those are temporary shelters, kasi ire-relocate din naman sila eventually ‘pag nakakita na ng relocation sites at nagawa na ‘yung mga housing units,” he said.

Lacson meantime continues to appeal to local politicians to set aside politics, saying it is the people who suffer.

“Ang mga challenges mostly sa local, ‘yung mga local politics.

Alam naman natin doon, medyo mababaw ‘yung politika doon, ‘pag kalaban ang mayor ay hindi pinapansin ‘yung bayan. So the other day I told them, during a meeting with the LGUs, kung gusto niyong parusahan ‘yung kalaban ninyong mayor ang madadamay kasi ‘yung mga constituents na hindi naman nila kalaban,” he said.

A number of private companies have volunteered to develop towns.

“Kaya nga in-engage namin ‘yung private sector because they will outlive this administration and even the next administration.

Maski tapos na ‘yung administration nandyan pa rin ‘yung private sector becase andyan naman talaga sila e. And once they had been set in motion, hindi na sila kakalas doon because it is their social responsibility to the people. After all, meron silang corporate social responsibility na talagang, more or less, permanent.”

Lacson is also proposing the creation of a department that would be headed by a secretary who would oversee relief and rehabilitation of areas that would be affected by future calamities.

“From a practical standpoint, kailangan natin ‘yon dahil suki naman talaga natin ‘yung mga bagyo,” he said.(MNS)

Trillanes: All groups to be consulted before OK on Bangsamoro law

MANILA, Jan 27 (Mabuhay) – Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Monday vowed that Congress will ensure that all stakeholders are consulted before the proposed basic law for the envisioned Bangsamoro political entity is enacted.

“We just have to consult with the stakeholders to make sure that nobody will be marginalized or will be affected negatively with the peace agreement,” Trillanes, chairman of the Senate committee on national defense and security, told reporters.

Panels of both the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed the Annex on Normalization, the fourth and last annex of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), over the weekend in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The next step for the Transition Commission is to craft the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law and submit it to Congress. The proposal will then be subjected to a plebiscite.

“It’s a welcome development; however, we should approach this with caution dahil kailangan nating pag-aralan ng maayos ang agreement to make sure na hindi ito mag-ccreate ng isang malaking problema later on,” Trillanes said.

“Dahil may legislation na kailangan, ide-deliberate natin ng maayos ‘yan so mahaba pa ang proseso pero it’s a good start so maganda na kahit papaano, nagkaroon ng agreement,” the senator added.

AFP attacks hardline Muslim renegades MANILA, January 27, 2014 (AFP) – The Philippine military attacked a Muslim renegade faction Monday, two days after the country’s main Muslim rebel group successfully ended negotiations to end a decades-long insurgency that has killed tens of thousands.

Soldiers, backed by artillery, attacked guerrillas of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in a remote village on the southern island of Mindanao, triggering fighting that sent hundreds of civilians fleeing, the military said.

Regional military spokesman Dickson Hermoso told AFP the attacks were launched in a bid to arrest about 25 leaders of the BIFF, a small group of between 250 and 400 militants that is opposed to the peace process.

The attacks began on Monday morning and were continuing throughout the day, according to Colonel Hermoso, who said there were no immediate casualties.

Hermoso said the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the 12,000-strong rebel organisation that wrapped up peace talks with the government on the weekend, was helping the military.

“The MILF are part of the law enforcement operations.

They are just securing their communities so those (BIFF fighters) cannot enter. They are also angry at the BIFF,” he told AFP. MILF military spokesman Von al-Haq confirmed that the military had coordinated with the MILF before the attack.

“The BIFF cannot enter (our territories.) We have a line where we have re-positioned (personnel). If they run there, they cannot enter there unless they are surrendering,” he told AFP. Brigadier General Edmundo Pangilinan, one of the commanders of the operation, said it was a coincidence the attack came just after the conclusion of the peace talks with the MILF.

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Gov’t TV network eyed for mass coaching of English MANILA, Jan 27 (Mabuhay) – House Assistant Majority Leader and Cebu Rep. Gerald Anthony Gullas Jr., has urged Malacañang to harness the state-owned People s Television Network Inc. (PTV) to provide distant learning programs that would build up the English communication skills of Filipinos.

“Government has been spending a lot of money subsidizing PTV. We might as well tap the network to forcefully teach English on the side,” said Gullas, vice chairman of the House committee on higher and technical education.

“TV is a potent tool for the mass coaching of English. One hour of coaching every day via PTV will go a long way in bridging our English gap,” he pointed out.

Gullas is author of a bill that seeks to reinforce the English skills of the nation’s future labor force participants by reinstating the language of technology as the medium of instruction in all school levels.

The Visayan solon said that to get the remote English learning programs up and running, PTV should now consider forming partnerships with the Philippine Business for Social Progress and the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines.

He proposed multiple levels of English instruction—for toddlers, for out-of-school youth and adults learning English for the first time, for elementary grade and high school students, and for college students, graduates and young professionals.

In other countries,

Gullas noted that TV networks, whether state-run or privately owned, are increasingly engaged in the mass teaching of the world’s working language.

He cited the case of the Australian Broadcasting Corp., which has a TV service that facilitates the learning of English in all school levels.

Surveys have shown that many Filipinos are now aware of the need to master English for them to be able to compete in the more lucrative job markets here and abroad.

Those wanting to learn or improve their English would be naturally drawn to the distant learning programs, Gullas said.

Congress recently passed Re-

public Act 10390, An Act Revitalizing the People’s Television Network Inc. The Cebu solon said the new law increased PTV’s authorized capital from P1 billion to P6 billion, to be fully subscribed by the national government.

Of the P5-billion capital increase, he said P3 billion shall be funded via new appropriations by Congress, while P2 billion shall be paid for by the proceeds from the privatization of Radio Philippines Network Inc. and Intercontinental Broadcasting Corp.

Besides the fresh capital injection, the new law authorizes PTV to generate commercial revenues from advertising and airtime sales. (MNS)

President Benigno S. Aquino III does a high five with Miriam College High School Grade 11 students during the courtesy call at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (January 07). (MNS photo)

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KITCHENOMICS

FAMILY FEATURES

ectic family schedules don’t have to get in the way of serving up tasty and healthy weeknight dinners,” explains leading nutrition expert, cookbook author and television star Ellie Krieger, author of “Weeknight Wonders: Delicious, Healthy Dinners in 30 Minutes or Less.”

Krieger notes that pairing the unique sweetness of healthy, fresh pears with savory proteins like pork or chicken makes for a satisfying supper that can be made in a snap.

“Pears are a perfect pick for weeknight dinners,” says Krieger. “Their distinctive flavor goes well in savory main dishes that are simple to make and will be enjoyed by the whole family.”

Krieger’s recipe for Pork Chops Check the Neck with Pears in Port Wine Sauce from her new “Weeknight for Ripeness Wonders” cookbook will help add Pears are best enjoyed at the peak variety to the weeknight dinner of ripeness. The best way to judge routine, as will these other supperwhether a fresh pear is ripe, sweet time recipes that feature juicy and juicy is to “check the neck”: USA Pears.

Press the neck, or stem end, of For more great recipe ideas, visit the pear with your thumb, and www.usapears.org. if it yields to gentle pressure it is ripe and ready to eat.

To ripen your pears at home, Pork Chops with Pears keep them at room temperature. in Port Wine Sauce Display these beautiful fruits in Makes 4 Servings a decorative bowl as you wait 3 large firm-ripe USA for them to ripen.

Pears, such as Bartlett To slow ripening, simply put the or Anjou pears in the refrigerator.

Cooking spray 4 1/2-pound center-cut bone-in pork loin chops (about 3/4 inch thick) 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth 3/4 cup tawny port wine 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Peel and core the pears, then slice them into 1/2-inch-thick slices.

Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and preheat over medium-high heat. Add the pears and cook, stirring once or twice, until warmed and slightly softened but they still retain their shape, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer the pears to a plate.

Season the pork chops with the salt and pepper. Spray the skillet with cooking spray again, then add the pork chops and cook until just slightly blush in the center, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a second plate and cover to keep warm.

Add the broth and port to the skillet, raise the heat to high, and cook until the liquid is reduced by about half, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the mustard and whisk until dissolved, then return the pears to the pan and stir to combine.

Spoon the sauce over the chops and serve.

‘‘H

Recipe adapted and reprinted with permission from the publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, from Weeknight Wonders by Ellie Krieger. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved.

Asian Style Lettuce Wraps with Chicken and Crunchy Pears Makes 4 servings 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons peanut oil 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 1/2 tablespoons grated gingerroot 6 scallions, thinly sliced, green and white parts separated 1 pound ground chicken, dark meat 1 tablespoon chili sauce 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 large USA Pear, such as Red Anjou or Bosc, cored and cut in matchsticks Toasted sesame oil to taste 12 large tender lettuce leaves, such as bib, butter or red leaf Cilantro sprigs In small bowl, mix cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water to form smooth paste and set aside.

Warm peanut oil in skillet or wok over medium high heat.

Add garlic, ginger and white parts of scallion and stir-fry until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add chicken and cook, stirring frequently until it breaks into small pieces and is no longer pink, about 8 minutes.

Add chili sauce, hoisin, and soy sauce, stirring to combine and evenly distribute ingredients. Add reserved cornstarch slurry and stir until sauce is clear. Finish with reserved scallion greens, pear matchsticks, and a splash of sesame oil.

To serve, place heaping tablespoon of filling in middle of lettuce leaf with few cilantro leaves, if desired. Wrap lettuce around contents, pick up with hands and eat.

Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Pears, Shallots and Wilted Spinach Makes 4 servings 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided 2 shallots, thinly sliced 2 large USA Pears, peeled, cored and cut in 1/2-inch dice Juice of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 3/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock 4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme (about 4 sprigs) 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped flat leaf parsley 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 1/4 pounds fresh spinach, trimmed, washed and dried Place each chicken breast between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Using heavy skillet or mallet, pound breasts to 1/4-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper and lightly coat with dusting of flour.

Place 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and butter in large skillet over medium high

heat. When butter begins to foam, add two chicken breasts and sauté one side until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn chicken breasts over and sauté other side until cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer chicken to plate, raise heat to medium high and repeat with another tablespoon each of olive oil and butter and other 2 chicken breasts.

Add shallots and pears to pan and cook over medium-high heat until lightly translucent and golden, about 3 minutes. Add lemon juice, mustard, chicken stock and any juices on plate and deglaze pan, scraping to loosen any brown bits on bottom with wooden spoon. Simmer until sauce reduces by half, about 4 minutes. Add chopped thyme and parsley, and gradually stir in remaining butter until just melted.

For spinach, add remaining olive oil and sliced garlic to large sauté pan. Warm oil over high heat. When very hot, and before garlic has color, add spinach and cook, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes or until spinach is bright green and slightly wilted. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

To serve, divide spinach between four plates, placing a mound on each. Top spinach with cutlet and spoon shallot and pear sauce over top.

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Texting while walking impairs stride, poses risks: study (WASHINGTON-AFP) – Texting while walking impairs a person’s ability to follow a straight line and keep a normal pace, and may pose risks to pedestrians according to a study out Wednesday.

Researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia decided to study texting while walking since it appeared no one had actually scientifically analyzed how the modern preoccupation impacts a person’s gait.

Anecdotally, the evidence was clear, even among the 26 people they selected for the study: one in three admitted to having had some sort of texting accident, “including falls, trips and collisions with obstacles or other individuals.�

Previous research has shown that texting and walking in virtual environments can raise the risk of accidents.

The rise in the number of pedestrians injured while using their mobile phones to talk or text since 2006 has also raised concern, and some towns in the United States have gone so far as to ban the activity.

For this study, volunteers agreed to walk about nine meters (yards) without any distraction so their gait could be tracked with a three-dimensional movement analysis system.

Then, they did the same walk while reading on their mobile phones, and again while texting.

They swerved the most while

Tomatoes. ŠShebeko/shutterstock.com

The rise in the number of pedestrians injured while using their mobile phones to talk or text since 2006 has raised concern. ŠTyler Olson / shutterstock.com

texting. They also slowed down, and their heads and necks adopted a newly rigid posture that was not seen during their phone-free walks.

Posture and balance were also compromised.

Reading while walking was not quite as bad, but still worse than simply walking. “Texting, and to a lesser extent reading, on your mobile phone affects your ability to walk and balance,� said lead author Siobhan Schabrun. This may impact the safety of people who text and walk at the same time.�

No health shield from vitamin D pills: study (PARIS-AFP) – Vitamin D supplements have no significant effect on preventing heart attack, stroke, cancer or bone fractures, according to a review of scientific evidence published Friday.

Researchers led by Mark Bolland of the University of Auckland in New Zealand looked at 40 high-quality trials to see if supplements met a benchmark of reducing risk of these problems by 15 percent or more.

Previous research had seen a strong link between vitamin D deficiency and poor health in these areas.

But the new study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, strengthens arguments that vitamin D deficiency is usually the result of ill health – not the cause of it.

Its authors say there is “little justification� for doctors to prescribe vitamin D supplements as a preventive measure for these disorders. “Available evidence does not lend support to vitamin D supplementation and it is very unlikely that the results of a future single randomised clinical trial will materially alter the results from cur-

rent meta-analyses,� they write.

Vitamin D is a key component for healthy bones, teeth and muscles.

It is produced naturally when the skin is exposed to sunlight or derived from foods such as oily fish, egg yolks and cheese.

In March last year, British scientists, in a comparison of 4,000 women, found that vitamin D supplements taken in pregnancy made no difference to the child’s bone health. And in September 2012, researchers at New York’s Rockefeller University saw no evidence that vitamin D supplements lowered cholesterol, a factor in heart disease, at least over the short term.

In contrast, a November 2012 investigation into pregnant women who lived in high-latitude, northern hemisphere countries with long, dark winters found a link between low levels of natural vitamin D and an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in their offspring.

For these women, taking vitamin D supplements to offset the effects of long periods without sunlight could be advisable, according to that research.

Reducing fevers raises spread of flu: study

(OTTAWA-AFP) – Taking over-the-counter medication to reduce a fever might help a person to feel better, but may also be increasing the spread of the virus, according to a new Canadian study.

Higher body temperatures help to kill viral and bacterial infections and prevent bacteria and viruses from replicating.

But people are increasingly taking medications that contain ingredients including ibuprofen, acetaminophen and acetylsalicylic acid to suppress fevers and other flu symptoms.

And this may increase both the rate and duration of “viral shedding,� allowing sick people to pass more of the virus to others through coughing or sneezing.

According to the study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society, an individual whose fever has been reduced is also likely to feel better and is therefore more likely to interact with others, and spread the pathogen. “Even when treatment is not aimed at fever specifically, fever is likely to be reduced, because most common drugs that relieve other typical symptoms of infectious diseases also contain an antipyretic component,� said the study.

Researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, looked at several studies and crunched the data to conclude that up to five percent more people contract influenza each year because of widespread use of drugs to suppress fevers.

The percentage may seem small, they commented, but consider the number of people who contract the flu each year.

The researchers, in another example, suggested that widespread use of Aspirin during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic “may have increased the disease severity and consequently death rates.�

Top 5 detoxifying foods (Relaxnews) - There is no such thing as a truly detoxifying food, according to Nathalie Negro, a nutritionist at French weight loss resort Thermes de Brides-lesBains. Nonetheless, most fruits and vegetables are rich in potassium and low in sodium, which means that they have particularly effective diuretic properties.

They may also be rich in antioxidants, namely in the form of pigments, which can reduce damage to cells and slow the process of cell aging. When planning menus with a focus on health and wellness, these five foods are among those to include without hesitation.

Tomatoes In addition to being exceptionally rich in potassium, which accounts for around half of their total mineral count, tomatoes are also rich in lycopene, a bright red pigment and antioxidant known for helping to reduce the risk of

Keep touchscreen germs at bay with Taptool (Relaxnews) – A simple over-the-finger device cuts down on smudges and marks and even typos.

Just landed on Kickstarter, the Taptool has been developed by an orthopedic physical therapist to “precisely support the joints and the nerves of the fingertip,� but that’s just the start.\The shaped tip makes hitting a smartphone’s tiny virtual keys easier – so it’s great for gaming too or as a standin stylus – and because it forms a physical barrier between fingertip and screen, it’s a great way of reducing the spread of germs.

It also means that if the screen in question is clean, it will stay clean because the Taptool will stop your fingers from smudging it and leaving fingermarks all over it.

Conductive material is used in its construction so it will still work when worn over a glove (be it woolen for keeping out the cold or latex in a healthcare environment) and its makers suggest that it could also be the ideal little device for when we’re faced with having to use a communal touch screen – say, when at the gym and programming the treadmill.

Its crowd-funding campaign is looking for a mere $10,000 and after less than two days is only $700 away from hitting its target. Early-bird backers can snap up a set of two Taptools for just $10 but for $20 a pack of five in a carrying case is also on offer.

Taptool’s creators hope to start shipping the first devices in July.

prostate, stomach and other cancers. In addition, the acidity of tomatoes stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, which can help the rest of your meal go down easier. Although tomatoes are certainly not in season in the dead of winter, you can still enjoy their health benefits through canned puree and juice.

Spinach Also rich in potassium, spinach is a good source of a wealth of other vitamins and minerals, including provitamin A, magnesium, folate and vitamin K. And don’t forget vitamin C, which boosts the immune system to help stave off the bacteria and viruses that often strike during the winter season.

Fennel High in fiber and low in calories, the fennel bulb is one of many vegetables that can provide a feeling of fullness, reducing the temptation to indulge in higher-calorie

foods. The leaves and seeds of this vegetable, which are high in antioxidants, are often used in herbal teas that ease digestion.

Artichokes Artichokes offer a healthy dose of magnesium, a mineral that helps to manage sleep patterns, moods and stress. What’s more, their high fiber content contributes to a feeling of fullness and to maintaining healthy digestion.

Artichokes are also particularly rich in potassium, meaning that they have diuretic properties.

Black radishes Oblong or round, these roots have thick black skin that is peeled to reveal a crunchy, spicy white flesh. Black radishes contain sulfur, which stimulates the gallbladder and the liver, resulting in improved intestinal function. However, those who have suffered from gallstones should avoid them at the risk of triggering hepatic colic.

Taptool, the wearable accessory that improves your touchscreen experience and increases your productivity. ŠTaptool/Kickstarter

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PRAYERS PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank You for everything and conÂżrm once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. After the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how difÂżcult it may be. Promise to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted. Grateful Thanks - ALMOS

PRAYERS NOVENA TO ST. JUDE O most holy apostle, St. Jude, Faithful servant and friend of Jesus, people honor and invoke you universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. “Pray for me, for I am so helpless and alone. Please help to bring me visible and speedy assistance. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (state your request) and that I may praise God with you always. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you by publishing this request. Amen. -B.R

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MOTORING Toyota keeps world No. 1 title with record vehicle sales (TOKYO-AFP) – Toyota sold a record 9.98 million vehicles last year, it said Thursday, outpacing rivals General Motors and Volkswagen to maintain its title of world’s biggest automaker.

The Japanese auto giant’s highest-ever annual sales volume came thanks to a weaker yen as well as strong US and China sales, signalling it had recovered from a series of damaging safety recalls and Japan’s 2011 quaketsunami disaster.

The figures beat US-based GM, which said it sold 9.71 million cars last year, while Germany’s Volkswagen logged annual sales of 9.5 million.

Toyota broke GM’s decadeslong reign as world’s top automaker in 2008 but lost the crown three years later as the quaketsunami hammered production and disrupted the supply chains of Japanese automakers.

However, in 2012 it once again overtook its Detroit rival, which sells the Chevrolet and luxury Cadillac brands. GM’s strong results come after it emerged from bankruptcy and a government bailout during the 2008 global economic crisis.

Toyota, maker of the Camry sedan and Prius hybrid, also said Thursday it expects this year to become the first automaker to break the 10 million vehicle sales barrier.

That growth would be driven by overseas demand – Toyota expects volume at home to slip 5.0 percent this year as consumer demand takes a hit from an April sales tax hike.

Toyota has outmanoeuvred other automakers with a “com-

prehensive edge” in product lineup, sales network and cost structure, said SMBC Nikko Securities auto analyst Shotaro Noguchi.

“They have maintained that balance well, compared to its rivals,” he said.

“Toyota should have reached the 10 million mark sooner if they had not faced major negative factors like the impact of the quake disaster and flooding in Thailand.”

But he warned that the auto giant should not get complacent, adding: “If they only pay attention to production and sales figures, they could lose their competitive edge and wind up in trouble.”

China, emerging markets driving sales The sales figures cap off an impressive comeback for Toyota, which took a heavy blow from a series of mass recalls affecting millions of cars that damaged its once-stellar reputation for quality and safety and led to US congressional hearings in 2010.

The firm has said it expects a net profit of 1.67 trillion yen ($16.02 billion) in the fiscal year to March thanks to a sharply weaker yen and improving sales in North America.

Toyota has ramped up its drive to tap emerging markets while key US demand has also been on the upswing, helping the firm book ever-increasing profits with its half-year earnings surging 82.5 percent.

Japanese industry has benefited from the big-spending and easy-money policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with huge

Toyota Corolla: Toyota sold a record 9.98 million vehicles last year. ©Toyota

monetary easing measures from the premier’s hand-picked team at the Bank of Japan helping push down the currency.

The weaker currency boosts Japanese manufacturers’ bottom line by making them more competitive overseas and inflating repatriated overseas profits.

The latest sales also signal improving demand in China after Japanese automakers were hammered in 2012 by a damaging consumer boycott in the world’s biggest vehicle market that was sparked by a territorial spat be-

tween Tokyo and Beijing.

Toyota has also announced plans to develop components for hybrid vehicles with two Chinese automakers, in an unprecedented technology-sharing deal aimed at increasing green car sales in the fast-growing market.

The move marked shift away from Japanese carmakers’ traditional reluctance over such deals for fear of losing their competitive edge.

Previously, Toyota would make key components such as batteries and motors in high-

cost Japan and then ship them to joint ventures overseas. But that drove up the price of models such as its Prius, which has seen sluggish sales in China.

China’s pollution problem has stoked big demand for environmentally friendly cars, such as electric and fuel-cell vehicles, while officials have promised stricter emissions standards to deal with the mushrooming public-health issue.

Toyota’s shares fell 1.32 percent to 6,256 yen in Tokyo before the sales figures were published.

Nissan Leaf sales cross 100,000 mark (Relaxnews) – Nissan announced that it has now sold over 100,000 models of the Leaf, the world’s best-selling all-electric vehicle.

To celebrate this milestone, Nissan covered a Leaf in 100,000 coins: 50,000 two euro cent coins and 50,000 two pence coins. The choice of these coins is meant to symbolize the low cost of driving the Nissan LEAF, which operates on €0.02 per kilometer.

Launched in late 2010, the Nissan Leaf is a pioneer in the electric vehicle field. Currently in its second iteration, with more features and a better range than its predecessor, the city car is avail-

able in three trim packages.

Towards a 100% self-driving Leaf In 2013, Nissan equipped a version of its Leaf with a number of autonomous driving technologies, enabling it to make its way around Japanese roadways without the help of a human in the driver’s seat. This autonomous version of the Leaf is able to stay within in its lane, change lanes, pass slow or stopped vehicles and stop at red lights.

Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn personally accepted the car’s license plate in a ceremony while highlighting the ve-

hicle’s importance. This autonomous Leaf prototype will serve as a laboratory for the development of a future autonomous car for serial production, slated to arrive by 2020. Nissan’s goal is to provide a car that is as safe as it is environmentally friendly.

Mag

Tayo!

The buyers of the 100,000th Nissan Leaf, a British couple, pose with a commemorative version of the all-electric car, covered in coins. ©Nissan

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Ford, researchers to work on self-driving cars (WASHINGTON-AFP) – Ford Motor Co.said Wednesday it was teaming up with researchers at two US universities to work on obstacles, technical and otherwise, to automated driving.

“To deliver on our vision for the future of mobility, we need to work with many new partners across the public and private sectors, and we need to start today,” said Paul Mascarenas, chief technical officer and vice president at Ford.

The Detroit automaker said it would work with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University on Ford’s “Blueprint for Mobility,” its vision for transportation in 2025 and beyond.

Ford said in a statement the project will build on its automated Ford Fusion hybrid research vehicle unveiled last month and ex-

amine “potential solutions for the longer-term societal, legislative and technological issues posed by a future of fully automated driving.” “Working with university partners like MIT and Stanford enables us to address some of the longer-term challenges surrounding automated driving while exploring more near-term solutions for delivering an even safer and more efficient driving experience,” Mascarenas said.

The Ford research car unveiled last month uses the same technology already in some of today’s vehicles, but adds sensors to generate a real-time 3D map of the vehicle’s surrounding environment.

Ford’s research with MIT uses advanced algorithms to help the vehicle learn to predict where moving vehicles and pedestrians could be in the future, according

to the Ford statement.

Working with Stanford, Ford is exploring how the sensors could see around obstacle such as a truck to make evasive maneuvers if needed.

“Our goal is to provide the vehicle with common sense,” said Greg Stevens, global manager for driver assistance and active safety at Ford.

“Drivers are good at using the cues around them to predict what will happen next, and they know that what you can’t see is often as important as what you can see.

Our goal in working with MIT and Stanford is to bring a similar type of intuition to the vehicle.”

Google has been testing selfdriving cars in several states, and a number of automakers and suppliers have been developing semiautonomous driving systems, including for parking.

Slovak engineer Stefan Klein posing with his car models in Bratislava, Slovakia. ©AFP PHOTO/SAMUEL KUBANI

Flying car spreads its wings in Slovakia (BRATISLAVA-AFP) – Mankind’s primordial dream of flight is taking off with a new twist as a Slovak prototype of a flying car spreads its wings.

Inspired by the dreamy books about flying by French authors Jules Verne and Antoine de Saint Exupery, Slovak designer and engineer Stefan Klein has been honing his flying machine since the

early 1990s.

“I got the idea to start working on a vehicle of the future at university, but honestly, who hasn’t dreamt of flying while being stuck in the traffic?” Klein told AFP. “Flying’s in my blood – my grandfather and my father flew ultra-light aircrafts and I got my pilot’s license before I was old enough to drive a car,” said Klein, who has designed cars for BMW, Volkswagen and Audi and now teachEverybody knows.... es at the Bratislavabased Academy of Fine Arts and Design.

His elegant blue-andwhite vehicle for two is six metres (20 feet) long so it fits neatly in a parking space or a garage and tanks up at any filling station. But once it reaches an airport it can Pag-usapan natin ang makakaya nyo. Sa praktikal na kayo. unfold its wings within seconds becoming a Makaka-drive kayo nang panatag ang loob sa bagong KIA ngayon. plane.

Dubbed “the world’s Kayang-kaya ninyo ang KIA! Mag test drive na ngayon. prettiest and best-designed airborne automobile so far” by US aviation magazine FlyFinally, meet your soul mate... ing and Inhabitat.com At Car Pros KIA. design, an innovation website, the Aeromobil also has the distinction of originating in SlovaLEASE FOR NEW 2014 KIA kia, the world’s largest per-capita car producer.

“So far there have been about twenty at5Dr Wagon tempts to manufacture a flying car around the /MO+TAX globe,” the president of the Slovak Ultra Light Aviation Federation, Milan Ciba, told AFP. “Among them, Aeromobil appears very viable,” he said.

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THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, Jan. 29 - Feb. 4, 2014

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ENTERT

13

INMENT

Vhong Navarro: I’m not a rapist “IT’S Showtime” host Vhong Navarro appeared on television for the first time on Sunday, days after he was beaten up by unidentified suspects at a condominium unit in Taguig City last January 23.

In an interview over “Buzz ng Bayan”, the teary-eyed Navarro denied that he raped his female friend.

“Hindi po ako rapist, may takot po ako sa Diyos,” said Navarro, whose cheek and eyes were still swelling.

The television host said the incident happened at the Taguig condo of a certain Deniece Millet Cornejo, a friend whom he met some two years ago.

Navarro said the woman conspired with at least six assailants

to beat him up and extort money from him. They even brought him to the police station to file a complaint of attempted rape against the actor.

Cornejo, however, indicated in the police blotter that she was not interested to press charges against Navarro.

The comedian said he went to Cornejo’s condo unit twice. The first time was on January 17 at around 10:54 p.m.

“Nagpunta po ako doon ng may dalang white wine dahil ‘yon lang daw po ang puwede niyang inumin,” he said. “May nangyari po pero walang sexual intercourse,” he added.

Navarro narrated that while driving home from Cornejo’s place, the woman texted him say-

ing, “Bad boy ka.” “I’m sorry, bawi ako next time,” was his reply.

The “It’s Showtime” host said he returned to Cornejo’s condo unit last January 22 at around 10:45 p.m. and brought with him take-out food.

While he was putting the food, a suspect suddenly appeared and pointed a gun at him. Another suspect, who he identified as Cedric Lee, showed up.

Navarro said Lee tied him up, blindfolded and stripped him of his shorts and video-taped his private parts. Lee placed his head on the floor and started hitting him.

At one point, Navarro alleged that his assailants tried to cover his mouth but he refused and promised them that he will not make any noise. Four more sus-

Maja: ‘Never pa akong naging mistress’ Maja Salvador didn’t have seconds thoughts about accepting her role as Nicole in the upcoming primetime drama, “The Legal Wife.”

Salvador said she took the role to get a break from her usual “sweet” roles.

“Halos lahat ng ginagawa ko parang pa-goody-goody... kaya feeling ko kailangan ko nang mag-level up sa ibang role, sa ibang characters naman,” she explained.

Salvador said it would be a challenge to play a mistress for the first time.

“Big challenge din sa akin kasi never pa naman akong naging mistress sa buong buhay ko,” she said. “Malayo naman siya sa kung anong nangyari sa totoong buhay.”

“Ang nagiging problema ni Nicole, lost kasi sya eh.

Maja Salvador

Parang, feeling niya palagi nalang siyang pangalawa sa lahat, So parang ano bang kaya niyang gawin para maging first naman sya sa lahat?” she explained.

When asked if she is still affected by her bashers after she entered into a relationship with actor Gerald Anderson, Salvador said she is just being professional.

“Nagtatrabaho lang ako, artista ako. Ang laking project nung in-offer sa akin so bakit ko tatanggihan?” she said.

“The Legal Wife,” which will premiere on January 27 on ABS-CBN, also stars Angel Locsin, Jericho Rosales and JC de Vera.

(MNS)

pects entered the unit and started beating up him up.

“Pinaupo rin nila ako at kinuhanan ng video na nagsasabing ‘ako si Vhong Navarro at ni-rape ko ang kaibigan ko,’ para pangblack mail nila sa akin,” said Navarro. He recalled that the suspects threatened to hurt his family if he will not give them money “for damages.”

He said the group demanded P200,000 to as high as P2 million.

“Dahil daw po ni-rape ko si Deniece, na hindi ko naman ginawa kaya pinagbabayad nila ako.

From P200,000 umabot ng P2 million ang hinihingi nila sa akin na ibibigay ko daw dapat kinabukasan (January 24),” he said.

Navarro said he voluntarily signed the blotter report for fear

Vhong Navarro

for his life. But he clarified that he did not rape the woman.

He said will file charges against the suspects as he do not want the same incident to happen to other people, including his showbiz friends. (MNS)

JC doesn’t mind fewer scenes on ‘Legal Wife’ ew Kapamilya actor JC de Vera said he does not mind having fewer scenes compared to Angel Locsin, Maja Salvador and Jericho Rosales in their upcoming series “The Legal Wife.”

De Vera said he feels he is not in the position to complain because ABS-CBN has been really nice to him since his transfer.

“Para sa akin talaga, the fact na nakasama ako sa show with these award-winning actors, okay na ako. Hindi na ako nagrereklamo pagdating sa mga ganung issue, like ‘yung sa trailer na kulang [ang exposure] or na baka ‘yung role ko maliit lang. ‘Yung fact lang na nakasama ‘yung pangalan ko sa mga magagaling na aktor na ito, pakiramdam ko magaling na din ako,” he said. De Vera said he is content with his role in “The Legal Wife” and it will be up to him to make his mark on the viewers when the series begins

airing later this month. “’Yun ang test sa akin ngayon, kung gaano ko kayang palakihin ang storya ko. Right now, kung saan kami nagshu-shoot pa, nakadikit na ako may Maja and Angel. Part na rin ako ng story nila so malaki na rin siya for me, hindi ko lang alam paano ite-take ng audience but okay na ako doon,” he said. De Vera added he also feels fortunate to be working with Salvador, who was his first Kapamilya crush. “Masaya ako pero] na-outgrow ko na ‘yung crush ko sa kanya kasi nakaka-work ko na.

Hanggang doon lang ako. Masaya lang ako na nakikita ko ang mga taong ito,” he said.

Reiterating how grateful he is for this project, De Vera said: “Hindi ko na pinapansin [ang mga issues]. Very grateful lang ako pagdating ko sa ABS-CBN kasi pagkapasok ko pa lang, nagbigay na sila agad eh.

14

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MINDANAO From page 1

ngayon, that will open to us the opportunity to start a new movement to decolonize the whole of Mindanao,” he said.

Hostilities a possibility Cerveza said hostilities could occur as a result of the breakthrough in the GPH-MILF peace process, but he noted that this is not the course the MNLF is planning to take.

“The moment you take away the rights of people in the place where they are, ang resulta nyan ay gulo.

But I hope there will be more prudence on those who are drafting the law na hindi maging ganoon.

But I do not know how they will be able to do it,” he said.

Cerveza said the MNLF, whose Nur Misuari faction was blamed for the Zamboanga City incursion that left over 200 dead, will still

Wednesday - Tuesday, Jan. 29 - Feb. 4, 2014

LOS ANGELES “work for a peaceful process”.

One of the steps being considered by the separatist group is to bring the matter before the United Nations.

“Ang hirap kasi, ang perception ng marami na mag-gyera na tayo.

Hindi po iyon eh. Naghahanap tayo ng mapayapang paraan para makamtan natin ang kinabukasan,” he said.

Cerveza also clarified that the MNLF has no plans of campaigning against the Bangsamoro Basic Law once the bill creating the Bangsamoro region is enacted into law and then submitted to the people for a plebiscite.

“We would not like to be a party sa ginagawa ng gobyernong ito.

We are just going to pursue ano mang mga paraan na makamtan natin ang kapayapaan at makamtan natin ang pagkasarinlan ng Mindanao,” he said.

Deles said the signing “paves the way for the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).”

Meanwhile, government peace

panel head Miriam Ferrer said Saturday’s signing is a sign of the MILF’s trust in President Benigno Aquino III. (MNS)

MARCOS’ MONET down any ill-gotten wealth from From page 1

than $50 million,” he told foreign correspondents.

Marcos’ former secretary Vilma Bautista, 75, was convicted by a US court in November of trying to sell part of the Marcos family’s hoard of artworks and other luxuries accumulated during the corrupt rule of strongman President Ferdinand Marcos.

Andres Bautista, the government official, said the former secretary “said she was just holding monies for Mrs Marcos,” who is now a congresswoman in the Philippines. He also said the government wanted to recover five million dollars paid to two of the secretary’s nephews in Hong Kong for facilitating the sale of the Monet. The painting, one of the famous impressionist’s water lily series, had been taken along with three other works in late 1995 from the walls of a New York townhouse owned by the Philippine government.

Manila had created an entire government department to track

From page 1

Bang Phli District (Samutprakan Province). This was in light of the Thai government’s declaration of a 60-day state of emergency due to the escalating civil unrest in those areas.

“In view of this, the Governing Board decided to impose a temporary suspension on the processing and deployment of newly-hired OFWs bound for these areas in the Kingdom of Thailand,” she said.

Under Crisis Alert Level 2, only the processing and deployment of returning OFWs with existing employment contracts shall be allowed and the processing and deployment of newly-hired OFWs shall be suspended.

PACQUIAO From page 1

MNLF DOWNPLAYS From page 1

THAILAND

the Marcos regime, much of which disappeared in the aftermath of the 1986 revolution.

Andres Bautista said his agency, the Presidential Commission on Good Government, had recovered about four billion dollars in assets from the Marcos family and their allies but that large amounts were still missing or being contested in court.

“There are over 150 missing paintings. We don’t know where they are located, paintings of all the masters: Rembrandts, Van Goghs, Picassos. We have a list... (but) we think there are paintings that are not on list,” he said.

He also said a huge collection of jewelry, seized from the Marcos family after their downfall, would be put on display although the items might eventually be auctioned off.

“It (the display) will teach people that crime does not pay. It will be a statement against excesses committed in the past. There is also the potential tourist draw,” he said.

both fighters claimed victory neither was satisfied. Destiny may have played a hand in their first battle but it will be survival of the fittest that determines the winner of this exciting rematch.

Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KOs), the lone congressional representative from the Sarangani province in the Philippines (he was reelected to a second term, running unopposed last year), is the only fighter to win eight world titles in as many different weight divisions. A three-time Fighter of the Year and the Boxing Writers Association of America’s “Fighter of

NANCY From page 1

functions.”

But Binay expressed “serious doubt” whether the Revised Penal Code’s extraterritorial effect can protect migrant workers from erring government officials assigned abroad.

In Senate Bill No. 2068 or “An act enhancing protection for overseas Filipino workers in the custody of government officers/employees, amending for this purpose Republic Act 8042”, the lady senator is seeking a law that will cover those who are stationed outside the Philippines.

Case in point was the recent sexfor-flight scandal wherein government officials stationed abroad to serve OFWs themselves where linked

THE US ASIAN POST

“We strongly advise our OFWs in Thailand to be vigilant and avoid going out as much as possible, especially if they have nothing important to do outside. They should also stay alert and monitor the events in those areas. If they feel that their security and safety is compromised, they can always go to the Philippine Embassy,” Baldoz said.

Based on records, POEA said the annual deployment of OFWs to Thailand has declined from 9,204 in 2012 to 6,021 in 2013. Of the 6,021 OFWs deployed to Thailand last year, only 252 are new hires, while 5,769 are re-hires.

On Sunday, a Thai anti-government protest leader was shot and killed in Bangkok when violence erupted as demonstrators blocked early voting in many areas of the

capital ahead of a disputed election next week.

It brought the death toll to 10, with scores wounded, since protesters took to the streets in November, vowing to shut down the capital and force Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from office.

The protests are the latest eruption in a political conflict that has gripped Thailand for eight years and is starting to hurt growth and investor confidence in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy.

The conflict broadly pits Bangkok’s middle class and elite, and followers in the south, against mainly poor rural backers of Yingluck and her brother, ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, in the populous north and northeast. (MNS)

the Decade,” Pacquiao’s resumé features victories over future Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Márquez. From 2008 to 2010, five of his seven victories were world title victories in five different weight classes, from 130 to 154 pounds.

No active boxer has sold more live tickets in the U.S. than Pacquiao, who is also credited with over eight million pay-per-view buys. He returns to the ring after a scintillating beatdown of former world champion Brandon Rios. Bradley (31-0, 12 KOs), from Palm Springs, Calif., a twodivision world champion who uni-

fied the junior welterweight titles twice during his previous fouryear reign, returns to the ring after three consecutive career-best victories.

After moving up in weight and beating Pacquiao in 2012, Bradley co-starred in the 2013 Fight of the Year last March, winning a brutal 12-round decision over Ruslan Provodnikov though Bradley was suffering from a concussion throughout most of the fight.

In his most recent fight, in October, Bradley gave a virtuoso performance in defeating three-division world champion and Mexican icon Juan Manuel Márquez proving that Bradley is indeed one of boxing’s elite pound for pound fighters.

to various abuses.

“Nakakalungkot na kung sino pa ang mga inatasan ng gobyerno na magtanggol at tumulong sa ating mga kababayan ay siya pang umaabuso sa kanila,” lamented Binay Under the said provision, officials or employees of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and other government agencies stationed abroad who commit violations to any of the following laws while in charge of the custody of distressed migrant workers will be criminally prosecuted.

CHILD ABUSE From page 1

and child rights advocates say the fast-growing global industry is infecting many parts of the mostly poor Philippines, with thousands of children having been abused.

At first look the coastal community of Ibabao, 550 kilometers (340 miles) south of Manila, is a typical close-knit rural Philippine village, where many of the longtime residents are relatives or enjoy close and longstanding ties.

In scenes echoed across the devoutly Catholic Philippines, its residents regularly attend masses held in quaint chapels along narrow footpaths and dirt roads.

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