Us asian post june 4, 2014

Celebrating

T H E

ENTERT

INMENT

Jackie Forster’s daughter ‘cured’ See PAGE 8

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Vol. 3. No. 38

LOS ANGELES

A Balita Media Publication

Wednesday - Tuesday, June 4-10, 2014

PHL nabs rebel linked to US soldiers’ bombing death MANILA, June 2, 2014 (AFP) – Philippine security forces have arrested a Muslim rebel linked to a 2009 roadside bombing that killed two US soldiers on the volatile southern island of Jolo, a police official said Monday.

Mihaji Hamjuda, also known as Mahang, was arrested in a joint operation by police and military intelligence on Sunday, said Benjamin Magalong, chief of the national police’s criminal investigation and detection group.

“Mahang was involved in the 2009 bombing that killed three military men, including two US servicemen,” Magalong said.

Jolo is a known stronghold of Al Qaeda-linked Islamic militants specializing in bombings and kidnapping for ransom.

Mahang is described as a “bomb expert” and had been wanted by police, Magalong said.

He said troops had swooped on Mahang’s hideout in Jolo’s remote

Indanan town.

The slain US servicemen were among hundreds of American troops rotating in the south to help the Philippine government’s fight against Islamic militants.

They were on a military vehicle that rolled over the roadside bomb, which Mahang helped to manufacture, Magalong said.

Magalong said Mahang belonged to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), a rebel group that is the forerunner of the smaller Abu Sayyaf.

The Abu Sayyaf, consisting of several hundred armed members, are believed holding several foreign hostages on Jolo, including two European bird-watchers and a Japanese citizen taken captive in separate incidents over recent years.

The militants recently freed a Chinese woman and a Filipino resort worker seized from a MalaySee BOMBING, page 3

President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited Board of Directors, headed by group chairman David Gonski and group chief executive officer Michael Smith, during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall Receiving Area of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (May 30). (MNS photo)

More US traders eye PHL

A U.S. special operations forces soldier talks with a Philippine special operations forces soldier during fast-rope training on Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, May 6, 2014. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Pete Thibodeau

AFP eyes letting US troops use Ulugan, Oyster Bays under EDCA MANILA, May 31 (Mabuhay) – Pristine Ulugan and Oyster Bays in Palawan province do not only have great value not only as a haven for nature lovers, but great strategic potential for the military.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is considering allowing the United States military to use the venues for training, under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). “(K)asi nakita natin ang potential niya at kailangan magkaroon ng paraan para ito ma-develop into a naval facility,” AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

EDCA, signed earlier this year by the Philippines and the US, expands cooperation between the two countries and allows the US military to build military facili-

ties in “agreed locations.”

It is seen to help the Philippines deter incursions by countries like China to disputed parts of the South China Sea, which the Philippines refers to as the West Philippine Sea Ulugan Bay is a harbor for sea vessels especially in bad weather.

The military’s Naval Forces West had moved its headquarters there while the Navy has a detachment in the area, he added.

On the other hand, Oyster Bay is a potentially strategic area considered for US troops’ use, as one can get to the West Philippine Sea from there via Ulugan Bay. Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez noted such a potential setup could be a deterrent to outsiders.

“Aba e presence lang nila rito, See EDCA, page 3

Int’l raid targets data-stealing computer virus: US WASHINGTON, June 2, 2014 (AFP) – An international dragnet has dismantled a global computer hacker network which used a sophisticated computer virus to steal millions of dollars from companies and consumers, the US Justice Department announced Monday.

Gameover Zeus, which first appeared in September 2011, stole bank information and other confidential details from victims.

According to FBI investigators, the virus infected between 500,000 and a million computers in 12 countries, creating a network of “bots” the hackers could “infiltrate, spy on, and even control, from anywhere they wished.”

“Gameover Zeus is the most sophisticated botnet the FBI and our al-

PHILADELPHIA – More investors from the United States are now seriously considering doing business in the Philippines after hearing leading Filipino private sector figures talk about a country brimming with numerous investment opportunities.

“A growing number of American investors are convinced that with its unprecedented economic growth, the Philippines will be a good place for their investments,” Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said at the end of a successful week-long private sector-led investment roadshow that visited Houston, Atlanta and Philadel-

Donaire takes world featherweight title MACAO, May 31, 2014 (AFP) – Nonito Donaire became the new world featherweight champion Saturday after defeating South Africa’s Simpiwe Vetyeka in Macau in a fight that saw the Filipino boxing star take victory after an anti-climactic technical decision.

The bout was stopped after four rounds due to an “accidental headbutt” which left 31-year-old Donaire’s left eye swollen and cut.

According to the rules of the World Boxing Association, if such an incident happens after four rounds, the match goes to the scorecards.

A trio of judges scored 49-46 for Donaire.

See DONAIRE, page 3

phia.

Ambassador Cuisia said investors heard the positive projection made by noted economist Dr. Bernardo Villegas of the University of Asia and the Pacific, who led the private sector delegation from Manila that participated in the 3rd Philippine Investment Roadshow.

In his presentations, Dr. Villegas, who is also known as the “Prophet of Boom,” described the Philippine economy as being at a “tipping point,” citing the positive investment climate in the Philippines, which he predicts to grow up to 15 percent in the next 10

years.

“The 2014 roadshow could not have been scheduled at a better time, now that the Philippines is considered one of the best performing economies in Asia,” Dr. Villegas said. “The Philippines is now regarded as an investment haven by international investors.”

“There is no more any need to prophesy. It is a reality – the Philippines is booming,” said Dr. Villegas. He added that the sustainability of the high growth rates is assured because of the institutionalization of the reforms that have taken place over the See TRADERS, page 3

NBI ordered to secure documents corroborating Napoles affidavits MANILA, June 2 (Mabuhay) – Now that Janet Lim-Napoles has turned over her controversial list and affidavits on the P10-billion pork barrel scam, investigators are hard at work in securing corroborating documents to back up her claims.

“The NBI is now trying to get those documents from her, as part of the ongoing vetting and factfinding process into the veracity of her allegations in the two affidavits,” Justice Sectary Leila de Lima told reporters in a text message Monday.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Virgilio Mendez had earlier said unless Napoles’ affidavits are corroborated by evidence, they are mere “scraps of paper.”

Mendez said the NBI is trying

to secure from Napoles her supposed “red book,” which supposedly contains records of her transactions with lawmakers and other government officials.

2 affidavits Apart from her controversial list, Napoles, through the Department of Justice, had earlier submitted two affidavits.

In her latest affidavit, Napoles named the three senators already facing plunder raps in connection with the pork barrel scam—Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Revilla Jr. The others she named were Senators Gregorio Honasan, Loren Legarda, Vicente Sotto III, Manuel Villar and the late Robert Barbers.

New names of senators were also dragged in the mess, includSee AFFIDAVITS, page 3

Palace blames new classroom backlog on calamities, growing population

lies have ever attempted to disrupt,” said FBI Executive Assistant Director Anderson.

The FBI blamed the Gameover Zeus botnet for the theft of more than $100 million, obtained by using the stolen bank data and then “emptying the victims’ bank accounts and diverting the money to themselves.”

The bust also targeted another computer virus, dubbed “Cryptolocker,” which appeared in September 2013.

The virus encrypted the computers of its victims and demanded a ransom—often in excess of $700 -- in exchange for the password to unlock it.

Investigators say the cyber criminals amassed more than $27 million in just the first two months.

MANILA, June 2 (Mabuhay) – Following reports of classroom shortages nationwide despite the government’s earlier pronouncement that the backlog has already been addressed, Malacañang said on Monday that recent calamities and the country’s growing population have resulted in a new backlog.

“The student population is growing, and also there were considerable damage from the typhoons that were incurred from the various typhoons that we experienced, and therefore, the construction goes on,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a press briefing.

If not for these, he said they

See VIRUS, page 3

See CLASSROOM, page 3

Students pray on the first day of classes at Casili Elementary School in Rodriguez, Rizal province, east of Manila June 2, 2014. Around 23 million students were present for the opening of the new school year in the Philippines, the Department of Education reported on Monday. (MNS photo)

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Bangsamoro law not Tacloban building back being watered down, better after Haiyan Palace assures MILF MANILA, June 2 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Monday assured the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that it will not release a watered-down version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, a piece of legislation aimed at ending the decades-old armed conflict in Mindanao.

“We can assure Chair Iqbal that the Bangsamoro Basic bill will reflect the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its annexes,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a press briefing.

MILF chief negotiator Mohaquer Iqbal was earlier quoted in news reports as saying that he is worried the government is going to water down the draft bill and delay its release.

Lacierda, however, said they have not yet released the draft as they are still studying it.

“We are here to review that it complies with the provisions of the CAB,” he said, referring to the

Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

“We are also making sure that this will stand judicial scrutiny. So, in both cases, we want to make sure that... to a large extent, we want to make sure that when it goes to Congress, it will be as smooth as possible,” he added.

Lacierda also assured the MILF that after they submit the BBL to Congress, President Benigno Aquino III will certify it as urgent.

The BBL will formalize the creation of the Bangsamoro political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Its draft, which was crafted by the 15-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission, was based on the CAB signed late March.

Once approved by Congress, the BBL will be put through a plebiscite involving Mindanao provinces that want to be part of the new Bangsamoro political entity.

(MNS)

ATLANTA, Georgia – In order to move forward, it is not enough to just build back. We need to build back better.

This was the message of Philippine Chamber of Mines President Phillip Romualdez American corporate executives and investors who attended the 3rd Philippines Private Sector-Led Investment Roadshow here early this week.

In his remarks during the Philippines: Asia’s New Emerging Tiger business forum, Romualdez provided a situation report on the devastating effects of Typhoon Haiyan, which struck Tacloban City and other parts of the Eastern Visayas in November, and shared with attendees the Proposed Tacloban Recovery and Rehabilitation Plan (TRPP).

“Nine out of 17 regions, covering 44 provinces and 59 cities in the Philippines were hit by Typhoon Haiyan. Over 16 million people were affected, with over 4 million displaced,” said Romualdez.

“The most severely damaged region is Eastern Visayas with over 4 million people affected by the typhoon and suffering 35 percent of total damages.”

Romualdez said Haiyan also greatly affected the social sector, which sustained the most damage at 65 percent, followed by the economic sector at 31 percent, and infrastructure at 6 percent.

He said agriculture also took a big blow, with the effects of Haiyan threatening the role of Eastern Visayas as the second highest coconut-producing region in the country. Almost 34 million trees were damaged by the typhoon, either partially or totally. Over 29 million hectares of coconut fields were also damaged.

Despite this, Romualdez remains optimistic that with the TRRP, “which emphasizes on thebuilding back better principle and actions consistent with long-term development visions and plans,” Visayans can play a large and active role in the country’s economy.

“Taclobanons are highly educated, self-reliant and hopeful. Taclobanons are resilient and able to rise above serious difficulties; they immediately started rebuilding their lives and economy after

the typhoon,” said Romualdez.

According to him, the strategic location of Tacloban and its huge market of over 4 million people also gives the city an edge at recovery.

“The region is a commercial center. Due to our strategic location, Tacloban City is the premier city of Eastern Visayas -the gateway to the region, and the center of trade, commerce, industry, education, communication and technology,” said Romualdez.

Romualdez encouraged investors to help build back better by developing economic sectors that will help bring about a sustainable economy.

“Given their crucial roles in advancing economic and inclusive growth, the recovery and development in the social sectors, infrastructure, business, and employment must be prioritized.

In developing these, the goal should be to build a disaster-resistant and sustainable economy,” said Romualdez.

He also stressed the importance of integrating disaster education assistance initiatives with community support services and long-term recovery programs, promoting green infrastructure through policies and legal framework, and building businesses that are more likely to recovery from disasters.

Romualdez was in Atlanta as a member of the private sector delegation taking part in the investment roadshow organized and hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Washington, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Philippine Honorary Consulate Genral in Georgia, in collaboration with UPS, World Chamber of Commerce, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce and the World Affairs Council of Atlanta.

Other speakers included Consul General Raul Donato, Dr. Bernardo Villegas of the University of Asia and the Pacific; Rey Montalbo, Senior Vice President of First Metro Investment; Alfredo Austria, President of DMCI; and Bong Borja, President of Expert Global Solutions Philippines.

Larger health warnings on cigarette packs pushed MANILA, June 2 (Mabuhay) – Tobacco control advocates are pushing anew for larger and picture-based health warnings on cigarette packs amid fears of interference from tobacco companies in the passage of the law in Congress.

The Bangkok-based Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) said the pictorial health warning bill currently being discussed in both houses of Congress may be made ineffective due to weak provisions introduced such as small, ineffective warnings at the bottom of the pack, and a long phase-in period.

“This is a public health measure and legislators and policymakers in the Philippines cannot hand over implementation of this legislation to the tobacco industry or any agency which promotes the interest of this industry over the health of the people. This would be like asking the wolf to ensure it does not misbehave. The Department of Health is the appropriate authority to enforce the PHWs legislation,” said SEATCA Initiative on Tobacco Tax (SITT) head Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo.

SEATCA earlier provided Congress evidence as to why large picture-based health warnings are effective in controlling tobacco use.

SEATCA called on Philippine lawmakers to subscribe to worldwide practices such as large warnings of up to 80% at the top portion of the pack, phase in period of no longer than 6 months, stiff penalties for non-compliance, etcetera.

Among the ASEAN countries, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam have picture-based warnings. Studies and experience in countries like Brunei (which has one of the largest PHWs in the world at 75%) and Thailand (55%)

have shown that larger picture-based health warnings are more effective, particularly in discouraging children from starting to smoke.

Meanwhile, the New Vois Association of the Philippines said that while increasing tobacco prices is the most effective means of changing smokers’ behavior, this should also be backed by effective information.

“A year after Congress approved the sin tax law, tax collections jumped to P48 billion. A big chunk of these collections from the tobacco industry would be used to enroll 10.5 million poor families to the PhilHealth. The economic goals of the sin tax may have been achieved but the health objective of the law is yet to fully materialize. This is going to happen if our legislators approve the graphic health warning law,” said New Vois President Emer Rojas. (MNS)

Palace steers clear of Ombudsman statements MANILA, June 2 (Mabuhay) – A Palace official steered clear of questions on the forthcoming decision of the Ombudsman in connection with the plunder and graft cases against three opposition senators.

The Ombudsman is expected to decide soon if it will send the pork barrel scam cases against Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Juan Ponce Enrile and Bong Revilla to the Sandiganbayan for trial.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda was asked during today’s briefing if Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales was being selective after she reportedly told a forum overseas that there is sufficient evidence against the three.

“It’s difficult for me to comment on that… So (it’s) better for the Ombudsman to answer… If there is probable cause against those respondents, we believe that the Ombudsman will not hesitate to file the necessary charges,” he said.

Lacierda also sidestepped a question on whether Makati Rep. Abigail Binay also used her pork barrel funds in the National Livelihood Development Corporation, one of the government agencies that allegedly served as a conduit to allow Janet Lim Napoles to siphon government funds towards bogus projects.

“If it’s found within the 2007-2009 Commission on Audit report, which is not related to the Napoles NGOs, they are now being looked into by the [Inter-agency Anti-Graft Coordinating Council], which is comprised of the Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima, COA Chair Grace Tan, and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.

So ano ang nangyayari ngayon? What is the update on that? They are still evaluating those— that part of the report which is not related to the Napoles NGOs,” he said. (MNS)

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, June 4-10, 2014

LOS ANGELES

AFFIDAVITS

CLASSROOM

From page 1

From page 1

ing those of Estrada’s mother Luisa “Loi” Ejercito; Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon, a former military chief; and Robert Jaworski, a former basketball player.

The other former senators Napoles named for the first time were Tessie Aquino-Oreta, an aunt of President Benigno Aquino III; Ramon Magsaysay Jr., the son and namesake of the late former President; and Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., a former

Senate President and father of incumbent Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. Napoles also identified Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Francis Escudero as recipients of campaign contributions from her funds.Napoles likewise listed as her alleged conspirators 100 other former and incumbent members of the House of Representatives, including current Budget Secretary Florencio Abad. (MNS)

DONAIRE From page 1

The fight had started off slow, but Donaire floored his opponent in the second round with a right hook. Another left hook connected in the fourth round, knocking Vetyeka down again and sending the crowd wild.

But Donaire admitted he was disappointed with how the fight ended.

“It’s disappointing that things ended the way it did and hopefully we can do it again, “ he said at a press conference after the match.

VIRUS From page 1

Russian Evgeniy Mikhailovich Bogachev, 30, an alleged administrator of the network, was charged in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with 14 counts including conspiracy, computer hacking, bank fraud and money laundering in the Gameover Zeus and Cryptoblocker schemes.

Bogachev, sometimes called “Slavik” or “Pollingsoon,” was also charged in Omaha, Nebraska with “conspiracy to commit bank fraud” in relation to an earlier incarnation of Gameover Zeus.

“Evgeniy Bogachev and the members of his criminal network devised and implemented the kind of cyber crimes that you might not believe if

you saw them in a science fiction movie,” said Leslie Caldwell, deputy attorney general.

US investigators worked with counterparts in Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, New Zealand, Canada, Ukraine, and Britain, as well as the European Cybercrime Center, according to a statement.

They were also aided by private companies, including Dell, Microsoft, Afilias, Deloitte and Symantec.

Victims are urged to contact a site created by the Department of Homeland Security: https://www.us-cert. gov/gameoverzeus

EDCA From page 1

marami nang matatakot di papasok. Tama na yan, that alone is a deterrent by itself,” he said.

As for concerns that the development could disrupt the natural beauty there, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron said there should be a balance between development and nature.

“(P)wede naman magkaroon ng balanse,” he said.

For their part, local fishermen said any development of the area should not affect their livelihood.

“Okay lang naman yan ‘di makasagabal sa hanapbuhay ng mga mangingisda sa malapit,” said one. (MNS)

BOMBING From page 1

sian dive resort in April.

Thousands of US soldiers have served in the southern Philippines since 2001, helping Filipino forces to cut down the Abu Sayyaf’s strength from about 1,000

fighters to roughly 300 at present.

Manila and Washington signed a deal in April allowing a greater US military presence in the Philippines over the next decade, much to the chagrine of many.

wouldn’t have a shortage of classrooms since they have already addressed the backlog left by the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2010.

“We have already fully completed [that] and, in fact, we are a bit more than the backlog. That was the 2010 backlog that was present when we came in,” he said.

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President Benigno Aquino III had earlier promised to wipe out the classroom backlog of 66,800, which Education Sec. Armin Luistro said his department had surpassed by 13. Lacierda, however, said he will still have to ask the Department of Education regarding the new backlog. “We will ask DepEd as to the total number of classrooms set to

be constructed,” he said. The Palace official, meanwhile, said that Monday’s opening of classes was “generally peaceful and orderly.”

“As of this time and date, school opening from the PNP’s standpoint has so far been generally peaceful and orderly,” Lacierda said, citing information from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

pines is well-placed in expanding its pharmaceutical and biotech industries given its access to the ASEAN market of over 600 million people. Pascual added that the country has also done an excellent job in protecting intellectual property rights and has no compulsory licensing requirements.

Prospects also remain bright for the information technology and business process management industry, which according to Borja is expected to create more than 1.3 million direct employment opportunities and reach $26 billion in revenues by 2016.

Borja said the IT-BPM industry is growing at a rapid rate of 25 percent annually not only because of the scalable educated talent pool available in the Philippines but also because of the country’s cost competitiveness, excellent infrastructure, government support, public private partnerships and the industry’s proven track record.

In his presentation, Romualdez sees potentials in the mining industry following the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“It is a step in the right direction and will bring us closer to developing the mining potential of Mindanao,” he said. “The mining sector will likely contribute up to 2 percent of GDP if mining projects will be approved and implemented.” Based on the large turnout and positive response of American corporate executives and investors during the business forums of the 3rd Philippine Private Sector-Led Investment Roadshow, Ambassador Cuisia said he is optimistic that there will be more American investments pouring into the country.

“Trade between the Philippines and the US has grown from $13 billion in 2009 to $15 billion in 2010, and up to $22 billion in 2011. We are definitely on the right track,” the country’s top diplomat in Washington said.

In Philadelphia, Ambassador Cuisia and the delegation, accompanied by Consul General Mario de Leon, Deputy Consul General Zaldy Patron, First Secretary and Consul Lilibeth AlmonteArbez and Trade Representative Michelle Sanchez, also met with city officials and members of the local business community as well as the Filipino-American Community, particularly the PhilippineAmerican Chamber of Commerce of Philadelphia and South New Jersey led by Dr. Rommel Rivera and Brad Baldia.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter personally met with the Philippine delegation to emphasize his city’s interest to explore more trade and investment relations with the Philippines. Other officials present were Councilman David Oh; Chair Ken Wong and Nina Ahmad of the Commission on Asian American Affairs; Deputy Secretary Will Muskens; and Rob Wonderling of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

After speaking at the business forum held at the University of Pennsylvania and sponsored by Ayalaland, the Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress and the Wharton Lauder institute, members of the delegation had eight one-on-one meetings with US companies that are seriously pursuing business in the Philippines.

Ambassador Cuisia said he expects the roadshow to further improve trade and economic ties with the US as well as mobilize the Filipino-American community to play an active role in the growth of the Philippine economy.

TRADERS From page 1

past 25 years, particularly during the first four years of President Benigno S. Aquino III who implemented a policy of transparency and good governance.

“The economy is showing so much potential and there are numerous sunrise industries to look out for, developing sectors which are increasingly contributing to the economy of the Philippines.

These include agribusiness, mining, automobiles, education, the triple T’s: transport, telecom, and tourism, and the four F’s: food, fashion, furniture, and fun,” said Dr. Villegas.

The same optimism was shared by the other members of the private sector delegation: Alfredo Austria, President of DMCI; Rainerio Borja, President of Expert Global Solutions Philippines; Martin Pascual, Director of Pascual Laboratories; and Benjamin Philip Romualdez Jr., President of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.

During the roadshow, Austria gave a detailed and compelling presentation on the attractive investment opportunities for American investors in real estate, construction, infrastructure, engineering and architectural services.

“There is a resurgence in the industrial sector. While in the past 10 years there were problems selling industrial lots, we found that industrial estates sold out lots last year alone,” Austria said.

“This sudden uptake requires new development of manufacturing zones to meet increasing demand from manufacturers seeking to set up in the Philippines.”

For his part, Pascual said the continuing rise in the health and wellness consumption of the Philippines is good for pharmaceutical companies and health service providers. He also mentioned the growth in research in genomics, herbal and natural products, marine biodiversity and stem cell.

According to him, the Philip-

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Interfaith dialogue set vs. ‘spoilers’ of Mindanao peace MANILA, June 2 (Mabuhay) – To ensure that there will be real reconciliation in Mindanao following the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, Muslim and Christian religious and political leaders are set to meet over the weekend to discuss and promote the culture of peace.

European Ambassador Guy Ledoux said the peace conference, to be held on June 6 to 7 in Cotabato, will be a way to ensure that “there is no opportunity for spoilers to damage” the benefits brought by the historic signing of CAB. At a press conference Tuesday, Ledoux said the peace conference “is one way to ensure that the people on the ground are still committed to peace.”

“There have been scars because of the decades-old war and scars need to be healed,” he said.

The conference is convened by Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo with the Community of Sant’Egidio of Italy and in cooperation with Muhammadiyah from Indonesia.

Some 200 to 400 people are expected to attend the conference, entitled “Peace is Living Together Religions and Cultures in Dialogue for Peace and Reconciliation in Mindanao.”

Expected to attend are ational and local government officials, as well as those from Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Mindanao universities, diplomats, and non-government organizations from the Philippines and other countries.

Some 1,000 youths are also expected to join the event.

Alberto Quattrucci, secretary general of Peoples and Religions, Community of Sant’Egidio, said they will give everyone a chance to talk.

“Dialogue is important, it is essential protection from war. When the voice of dialogue is interrupted, the voice of knives starts. People are very tired of war,” he said. (MNS)

Napoles willing to return money to government – lawyer MANILA, June 3 (Mabuhay) – The lawyer of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles said his client is willing to return the amount she allegedly earned from the scam.

Napoles’ legal counsel, lawyer Stephen David, said that based on their calculations, his client only gained P2 billion from the pork barrel scam.

“Dapat talagang ibalik iyon. Willing naman si Mrs. Napoles na ibalik iyon,” David said.

He also noted that while his client is willing to return the amount, Napoles would not be able to pay in cash as her assets are currently frozen.

“Wala siyang pera,” David said.

Napoles has suggested to go after the lawmakers who owe her, noting that she can prove their debts through documents, he added.

Last April, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 22 had issued a freeze order on the bank accounts and properties of Napoles, effectively preventing her from having access to these assets during the duration of a forfeiture case filed by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) against her and more than 70 other people.

Other assets However, sources said that Napoles has assets that have yet to be frozen.

A whistleblower said that Napoles allegedly has three condominium units in Makati amounting to P200 million.

It added that she also has shares of stocks in some corporations and memberships in exclusive clubs. These are Manila Polo Club, Manila Golf Club, Palm Country Club, Tower Club, Tagaytay Highlands, Club Punta Fuego, JTKC Group of Companies, Las Piñas Doctors Hospital.

JTKC, a holding firm with interests in real estate, hospitality, financial services, mining and manufacturing, owns the Discovery Suites in Ortigas, where the office of Napoles’ JLN Corporation is located.

Napoles also has properties in the United States, which includes an inn, a Ritz Carlton Residences condominium unit in Los Angeles, and a residential lot and preschool in California, it added.

Aside from that, Napoles allegedly also has 30 cars, only 10 of which are included in the preservation order.

Among those not included in the preservation order are luxury vehicles like BMW, Hummer, Land Rover, Mercedes Benz, and a Range Rover.

David, however, declined to comment on the allegations, the same television report said.

Earlier, Ruby Tuason, who was among those recommended to be charged with plunder in connection with the supposed anomaly, returned to the government the P40 million she allegedly received from the scam.

At the same time, the Office of the Ombudsman has granted her immunity in exchange for her testimony and documents related to the P10-billion pork barrel scam.

However, Tuason is not yet off the hook as she remains a respondent in the alleged P900-million Malampaya gas fund scam.

On the other hand, Napoles has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to endorse her to the Ombudsman as a state witness not only on the pork barrel scam case but also on other irregularities.

Meanwhile, a separate source, who claims to be Napoles’ former aide, revealed that her former boss has an expensive jewelry collection that were not included in the preservation order.

However, the camp of Napoles has denied the allegations, the report said.

THE US ASIAN POST

OPINION

Japan plans more proactive role in Asian security

BY MARTIN ABBUGAO

SINGAPORE, May 30, 2014 (AFP) – Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed Friday that his country would play a larger role in promoting peace in Asia, and called for the rule of law to be upheld in the region.

Laying out a vision of Tokyo as a counterweight to the growing might of China, Abe offered Japan’s help to regional partners “to ensure security of the seas and skies”.

He said Japan and the United States stood ready to bolster security cooperation with Australia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“Japan intends to play an even greater and more proactive role than it has until now in making peace in Asia and the world something more certain,” he said in a keynote speech at an annual Asia security forum in Singapore.

Abe said Japan will provide 10 new coast guard patrol ships to Philippines, which has one of Asia’s most poorly equipped security forces.

He said three such vessels have already been provided to Indonesia and Vietnam may receive similar assistance.

Abe delivered his speech as tensions simmer over territorial disputes, involving China and some Southeast Asian states in the South China Sea as well as between Tokyo and Beijing in the East China Sea. Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, even waters approaching the shores of neighboring countries, and has become more aggressive in enforcing what it says are its historical rights.

‘Dangerous’ maneuvers In the latest tensions, Vietnam on Thursday accused Chinese war ships of pointing their weapons at Vietnamese vessels during an escalating standoff near an oil rig in contested waters in the South China Sea. The Philippines has also faced increasingly tense disputes with China for control of islets and reefs in the sea.

In one high-profile incident in 2012, the Philippines lost control of a rich fishing ground 220 kilometers (135 miles) off its main island to China after a standoff.

China is also in dispute with Japan over islands in the East Sea, which Tokyo calls Senkaku and Beijing refers to as Diaoyu. Tokyo has control over the outcrops.

On May 25, Japan accused China of “dangerous” maneuvers in the area after a Chinese fighter flew within roughly 30 meters (100 feet) of a Japanese military aircraft.

“We do not welcome dangerous encounters by fighter aircraft and vessels at sea,” Abe said, reiterating a call for both countries to establish a maritime and air communication mechanism in order to prevent unexpected situations.

Abe repeatedly used the phrase “rule of law” during his speech, urging nations to respect international norms in dealing with territorial rows, avoiding coercion in enforcing claims and settling disputes by peaceful means.

“I urge all of us who live in Asia and the Pacific to each individually uphold these three principles exhaustively,” he said at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a security forum involving defense chiefs, military officials and security experts.

“Movement to consolidate changes to the status quo by aggregating one fait accompli after another can only be strongly condemned as something that contravenes the spirit of these three principles,” he said, without mentioning any country.

Abe told the forum that talks were under way in his country about Japan’s pacifist armed forces taking on a more pro-active role in security.

US defense secretary Chuck Hagel told Abe during bilateral talks on the sidelines in Singapore that he welcomed the initiative, Japan’s Jiji Press news agency reported.

Japan’s Self Defense Forces have not fired a shot in battle since a battered and broken country surrendered in 1945, accepting a US-led occupation that would last until 1952.

Its once-huge armed forces were emasculated, stripped by the foreign-imposed constitution of the right to wage war and restricted to a defensive role.

Chinese state media said Abe had “played with international law to advance his thinly-veiled nationalist goals” in the address.

Speaking ahead of Abe on the sidelines of the Singapore meeting, Fu Ying, the head of the foreign affairs committee of China’s parliament, said the Japanese leader did not appear “to show any interest in addressing” their bilateral dispute.

Fu said Abe was trying to use the dispute as an excuse to “amend the security policy of Japan”, adding that this is “what is worrying to the region, and for China”.

Prisoner swap raises questions in US and Afghanistan

BY MATHIEU RABECHAULT

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2014 (AFP) – Relief at the release of the only US soldier taken prisoner in the Afghan war gave way on Monday to concern and in some cases anger over the price paid for his freedom.

Five years after his capture, Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl was freed on Saturday after Washington agreed to hand five senior Taliban prisoners into the custody of Qatar, which brokered the deal.

The agreement was warmly welcomed by US President Barack Obama and the 28-year-old soldier’s parents at an emotional White House ceremony.

The Taliban’s supreme leader Mullah Mohammad Omar also hailed the prisoner swap, thanking Qatar and calling the release of his comrades a “big victory” for his movement.

But the deal quickly sparked controversy.

In Washington, Obama came under fire for failing to consult Congress about a deal some Republican lawmakers said was both illegal and a gift to America’s Taliban enemy.

And in Afghanistan, many expressed disgust that Taliban figures accused of some of the bloodiest crimes in the country’s civil war had been freed in exchange for a single US soldier.

Deserting his post? Several senior US lawmakers accused the White House of having negotiated and cut a deal with “terrorists,” and warned that it would put American troops in the field at even greater risk.

And Bergdahl himself was criticized in US media by some of his former comrades in arms, who alleged he had only been captured after deserting his post.

Writing in the Daily Beast, a member of Bergdahl’s unit – the 1st Battalion of the 501st Infantry – accused him of putting fellow soldiers at risk by his actions.

“Every member of my brigade combat team received an order that we were not allowed to discuss what happened to Bergdahl for fear of endangering him,” Nathan Bradley Bethea wrote. “He is safe, and now it is time to speak the truth. And that the truth is: Bergdahl was a deserter, and soldiers from his own unit died trying to track him down.”

The Taliban detainees – Mohammad Fazl, Norul-

lah Noori, Mohammed Nabi, Khairullah Khairkhwa, and Abdul Haq Wasiq – were transferred from Guantanamo Bay to Qatar.

The gas-rich Gulf emirate is a US ally but maintain links to the Taliban, which operates a Qatar office as a mouthpiece to the outside world.

Of the five, Noori, former governor of the northern province of Balkh, is seen as the most controversial.

In his former fief, he is accused of taking part in the 1998 genocide of thousands of Shiites.

“Our close relatives and loved ones and neighbors were killed during Noori’s term as governor,” Hussain Ali, a taxi driver in the Balkh provincial capital of Mazar-i-Sharif, told AFP. The allegations around Noori center on an August 1998 massacre of up to 8,000 Shiites at the hands of the Taliban, who in turn had set out to avenge the killing of 2,000 of their own men the year earlier.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has not officially commented but his government has criticized the release as “illegal” for transferring the men to a third country.

Outside Balkh, in Pashtun-dominated parts of the south of the country, there was more understanding of the release. A senior government negotiator said it could help in the search for peace.

Prisoner of war “I think it shows all sides’ goodwill for trust-building and start of the peace talks in near future,” Ismail Qasimyar, of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council, said of the deal Sunday.

White House and State Department officials insisted Bergdahl’s status as a prisoner of war was a special one and that the deal did not herald a new policy of US negotiations with terrorists.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said there had been an “opportunity to save his life” which arose “only in the last week.”

“We took steps needed to secure the return and release of a prisoner of war who was a member of the military, and that’s why we made the decisions we did,” she said.

When asked if he was a deserter, Psaki replied: “We would characterize him as a member of the military who was detained while in combat.”

On Sunday, Bergdahl arrived at the US military medical center in southern Germany.

Free WiFi across NCR can be done in a year’s time

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MANILA, June 3 (Mabuhay) – The government can provide free WiFi connection in Metro Manila in a year’s time if provided sufficient funds, a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) official told a Senate hearing on Tuesday.

Louis Casambre, executive director of the DOST Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO), said the bill proposing free wireless connection in public areas in the country’s capital region is “very implementable.”

“If you consider in Metro Manila, the broadband infrastructure is quite in place, as provided by telecommunications companies. The investment will be more on operating cost and not investment cost,” Casambre said during a Senate science and technology committee hearing on Tuesday.

The panel is deliberating a measure filed earlier

by Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto requiring the government to provide free wireless In-

ternet in government buildings, national highways and train stations in Metro Manila.

Casambre further said that providing free public WiFi in Metro Manila is “absolutely” necessary for economic growth.

He cited a World Bank study showing that the gross domestic product (GDP) of a country grows by 1.23 percent for every 10 percent growth in broadband penetration.

The ICTO official further said that the government may need to shell out P1 billion a year to support the free WiFi service in Metro Manila.

“For the estimates that we did, the cost of, let’s say, P1 billion a year will support 90,000 simultaneous users. Of course when people access the Internet, it’s not always simultaneous. If you go to that cost, it would be able to support 180,000. With a population of Metro Manila at 11 million, the amount is feasible,” Casambre said. (MNS)

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UTREACH Fil-Ams urged: Invest in the PHL ATLANTA – Saying prospects for the Philippines have never been brighter, a high-level business delegation from Manila called on Filipino-Americans to also do their share by playing an active role in maintaining the country’s upward trajectory.

In their meeting with members of the Filipino-American Community in Atlanta, members of the 3rd Private Sector-Led Philippines Investment Roadshow led by noted economist Dr. Bernardo Villegas urged FilipinoAmericans to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the improved business climate in the country.

The meeting with the FilipinoAmerican community was part of the Philippines: Asia’s New Emerging Tiger business forum that was also participated in by Fred Austria, President of DMCI; Bong Borja, President of Expert Global; Martin Pascual, Director of Pascual Laboratories; and Phillip Romualdez, President of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.

In his presentation, Dr. Villegas gave a comprehensive overview of the positive investment climate in the Philippines and predicted that the country’s economic growth of 7.5 percent last year could even expand to 10 percent to 15 percent in the next 10 years. “The economy is so strong that even if the people decide to elect a movie star to succeed President Aquino, the Philippines will survive and continue to prosper,” Dr. Villegas predicted.

The delegation, which also included Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., said big businesses and corporations are not the only ones

that can invest in the Philippines and that the Filipino-American Community also has a special role to play in the country’s economy.

In his remarks, Ambassador Cuisia said the Philippines is ripe for business and investment for the estimated 3.5 million Filipinos currently in the United States.

“I encourage you to consider ‘development investment’ as you make your remittances. You can be a small angel investor to small- and medium-size enterprises in the Philippines that actually comprise the backbone of Philippine business and drivers of growth and employment in your country,” Ambassador Cuisia said.

In the forum at the United Parcel Service auditorium that was attended by top Atlanta executives, the delegation presented investment opportunities in business process and knowledge process operations; information technology; pharmaceuticals and biotechnology; and real estate and construction.

The forum was organized by First Secretary and Consul Lilibeth Almonte-Arbez, Trade Counselor Maria Roseni Alvero and Honorary Consul General Raul Donato in collaboration with United Parcel Service, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia. The delegation were also hosted by Coca Cola and the World Affairs Council in a breakfast roundtable attended by Council founding members like UPS, Crawford and Company, AJC Corporation and the Georgia University School of Law.

JFAV calls on Fil-Am youth orgs to join HFT Kalayaan 2014 Parade Los Angeles – More and more organizations have joined as the preparations for the 2nd Historic Filipinotown Kalayaan 2014 Parade on June 07, 2014 revs up. with 2 weeks to go on its D-Day. This developed as the Justice for Filipino American Veterans National Coordinator and also 2nd Historic Filipinotown Parade Coordinator Arturo Garcia called on the different Filipino American youth and student organizations in California led to participate in the 2nd HFT Philippine Independence Day Parade.

“We call on the Filipino American youths and students to attend and participate on this parade on June 7. This is the good opportunity for patriotic and progressive Fil-Am youths to get out of their cozy academe and enclosed communities and from the ritual of their socials and PCN’s and be with the real community in Historic Filipinotown of Los Angeles. Be proud and let us celebrate the declaration of Asia’s first republic and its independence against a European colonial power –Spain in June 12, 1898. Let us all celebrate our freedom from colonialism.” Garcia said.

PTI Mayor Jerry Esguerra also said, “ we call on all FilipinoAmerican organization and our allied organizations among the Asian Pacific Islander Community to participate in our celebration and commitment for freedom at the parade on June 07 in Historic Filipinotown.

The 2nd HFT Independence Day Parade will start and end at Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) in Historic Filipinotown of Los Angeles. Assembly time will be at 7 a.m. Parade will start promptly at 9 a.m.

Participating Organizations The groups who will participate are; The Filipino American Community of Los Angeles Inc. (FACLA),

Mag

Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. (left standing) speaks with businessmen for the Houston leg of the 3rd Philippine Investment Roadshow in the United States held late last month. The investment roadshow, initiated by Ambassador Cuisia, seeks to highlight the remarkable feat and success the Philippine economy achieved by highlighting positive macroeconomic developments under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III, encouraging international investors to do business in the Philippines.

PHL Consulate General kicks-off 3rd Investment Trade Roadshow in Houston Los Angeles, 30 May 2014 – Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. together with a topnotch investment mission from the Philippines kicked off the Houston leg of the 3rd Philippine Investment Roadshow in the United States on 22 to 23 May 2014.

The Philippine delegation, headed by prominent Filipino economist Dr. Bernardo Villegas, will also visit Atlanta and Philadelphia to promote the Philippines as an investment destination. The Houston investment forum was held at the BBVA Compass Tower headquarters. The Forum was sponsored by the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Texas led by Honorary Consul Ethel R. Mercado and Houston Chapter President Tess Tuazon, the Houston International Chamber of Commerce and BBVA Compass.

The private-sector investment roadshow, initiated by Ambassador Cuisia, seeks to highlight the remarkable feat and success the Philippine economy achieved by highlighting positive macroeconomic developments under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III, encouraging international investors to do business in the Philippines.

The first day of the roadshow, Amb. Cuisia and the Philippine delegation met with officials from the Houston City Hall, MD Anderson Medical Center, and the Port of Houston. At Houston City Hall, Ambassador Cusia met with Councilmember Richard Nguyen discussing developing economic ties and also to thank him and the Vietnamese-American Community for their continued support to victims of Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda.

The second day was the highlight of the Roadshow with a 2-hour Investment Forum held at the BBVA Headquarters followed by business-

Philippinetown Inc (PTI), the Philippine Consulate General of Los Angeles, Historic FiIipinotown Neighborhood Council (HFNC) , The Justice for the Filipino American Veterans (JFAV),People’s CORE, FILAMTV/ TRIBUNE USA,The Insider Productions/Binibining Pilipinas-USA, Seniors 4 Pilipino American Community Empowerment (S4PACE), LA Pilipino Women’s Club, Knights of Rizal – HFT, , Pilipino Ministry -United Methodist Church (UMC) of Wilshire, Lord of Harvest, Silverlake CBAS, Knights of Columbus (KOR), HIFI California Expo (HIFICALI), BANTAY PILIPINAS-USA, Philippine’s Best, MS FILAM INTERNATIONAL LLC, Filipino American Chamber of Commerce-Orange County (FACCOC).

Other organizations are SMR Productions, USA, LACFAS, Golden Agers of Los Angeles (GALA),Filipino American Press Club of California (FAPCCA), GEPENC, Echo Park Community Council (EPCC), Rampart Village Neighborhood Council (RVNC), Phil.American Association of Professionals Inc, Los Angeles Seniors of Immigration rights for same California Inc.,Pilipino Instisex married couples. tute of Language Arts and CulContact us for details. ture (PILAC), Samoan Affairs, Temple-Westlake Development Corporation (TWDC), and othAttorney Gali Koren is the er regional and provincial assofirm's founder and managing ciations of Southern California like the United Bicolandia of attorney. She received her Los Angeles (UBLA) and Cebu Juris Doctor Degree, Magna Brotherhood.

C u m L a u d e , f r o m We s t e r n This will be the second time State University. She obtained that the HFT PH Independence her LLM in International Law Day Parade will be held in Hisfrom the University of San toric Filpinotown where FilipiDiego Law School, majoring in nos lived since 1945. There are Immigration Law. Ms. Koren is more than 30,000 Filipinos who a member of the State Bar of live in Historic Filipinotown Temple-Beverly Corridor, GarCalifornia and is authorized to cia said. represent clients on immigration matters in all 50 states.

matching meetings.

Speakers during the forum included Consul General Leo Herrera Lim, Honorary Consul Mercado, Dr. Bernardo Villegas of the University of Asia and the Pacific and Alfredo Austria, President of DMCI, moderated by Trade Representative Jose Dinsay.

In Dr. Villegas’ presentation, he cited three (3) factors for the rapid growth of the Philippine economy during the past two years. These are the $25 billion remitted by overseas Filipinos working in over 200 countries and territories around the world; the $15 billion earned by the BPO-BKO industry which continues to grow dramatically; and increased government spending on essential infrastructures.

Outlook for Philippine construction and real estate remain positive, with civil construction expected to grow 61

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percent in 2014 and real estate development at 35% according to DMCI President Austria. He further said that developments in the office, retail, residential, industrial, and hotel and tourism sectors have all contributed to positive growth in the economy. An example of this is the rise in office space needed by businesses, including business process outsourcing.

He gave a detailed and compelling presentation on the attractive investment opportunities for American investors in real estate, construction and infrastructure, engineering and architectural services, as well as Call Centers, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO). He described the building and construction boom in the Philippines which does not show any signs of slowing down.

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US plans 30% cuts in power carbon emissions

BY SHAUN TANDON, JEROME CARTILLIER

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2014 (AFP) – The United States on Monday proposed ordering cuts of up to 30 percent in carbon emissions from power plants in President Barack Obama’s most ambitious action yet on climate change.

The Environmental Protection Agency gave states the leeway to choose their own plans but said that they must include enforceable restrictions to curb emissions by a national average of 30 percent by 2030 from 2005 levels.

Power plants account for some 40 percent of US emissions of carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Cuts are politically sensitive as coal, among the dirtiest energy sources, remains a major US industry.

The move comes amid mounting signs of climate change. A UN panel of scientists warned in April that polluters needed to act urgently to avoid worst-case scenarios, which could include increased droughts, storms and coastline destruction.

“For the sake of our families’ health and our kids’ future, we have a moral obligation to act on climate,” said Gina McCarthy, the agency’s administrator.

The environmental regulator said that the cuts would prevent up to 6,600 premature deaths and up to 150,000 asthma attacks in children.

Boosting the message that the plan is good for public health, Obama is scheduled to speak later Monday on a conference call of the American Lung Association.

“This is not just about disappearing polar bears or melting ice caps. This is about protecting our health and our homes. This is about protecting local economies and jobs,” McCarthy said.

Republicans vow challenges Obama has turned to executive action on climate change as he sees little prospect of action in Congress. A proposal to mandate greenhouse gas cuts died in the Senate in 2010.

Obama’s plan was swiftly denounced by lawmakers of the rival Republican Party, which is friendly with the energy industry.

Republicans accused Obama of raising energy bills for low-income families, although the administration predicts that the proposal would reduce costs by increasing energy efficiency and reducing demand.

Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate who represents the coal state of Kentucky, said that the plan amounted to a “unilateral dismantling of our own economic supremacy and the selfimposed destruction of one of our nation’s main competitive advantages in the global

Miss Philippines USA 2013 Jasmine Sabio wearing a Lou Razon Couture gown for the 4th Annual Fashion For a Cause fashion show and charity event benefiting Bantay Bata or Child Watch program that provides relief and surgery for sick kids with medical cases in the Philippines. Photo by Rob Ryan

economy.”

“These new rules will cheer the far-left patrons of Washington liberals, but there is simply no question that our competitors around the world will eagerly replace whatever industry we lose as a result of these new rules,” he said.

Representative Fred Upton, the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, noted that the US economy shrank for the first time in three years in the third quarter.

“Why in the world is the president pushing regulations that will serve to increase utility rates for consumers, send manufacturing jobs overseas and hamstring our economic recovery?” Upton said.

With states required to submit plans during the 2016 election season, Republican governors may try to throw legal challenges to the plan, although the Supreme Court has held up the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate carbon dioxide.

The regulator’s proposal would go into effect after a public review period. States would be required to submit a plan to Washington by the end of June 2016, although they would have more time if they work on programs with other states.

Boost for global efforts Obama’s push comes as the clock ticks on a UN-backed goal of reaching a new global treaty on climate change at talks in Paris in late 2015. Negotiators meet in Bonn, Germany, from Wednesday to prepare for the talks.

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Wikipedia unreliable source for health info, study says (Relaxnews) – At the first signs of illness, many of us don’t hesitate to look up our symptoms and corresponding conditions on Wikipedia. But according to a study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, the vast majority of health-related pages on the open online encyclopedia are laden with errors.

Carried out by a group of 18 doctors with various affiliations around US, the study identified the ten most costly conditions

in the country, in terms of both public and private spending. The Wikipedia entry on each of these conditions was then scoured line by line and compared to trusted, peer-reviewed sources of medical information.

And the results are discouraging for fans of the online encyclopedia: errors were found in nine of the ten articles. Coronary artery disease, lung cancer, osteoarthritis, hypertension, diabetes, back pain... The only exception to the rule was the

article on trauma-related disorders, which was accurate at the time of review, according to the experts, although errors could of course be added at any time.

These conclusions underscore the necessity of double-checking information found on Wikipedia, which allows anyone to add to and modify entries. Alarmingly, the study also revealed that 47% to 70% of doctors and medical students admit to using the online encyclopedia as a reference.

New therapy wipes out cervical cancer in two women

BY KERRY SHERIDAN

BETHESDA, June 2, 2014 (AFP) – Aricca Wallace knew she was nearly out of time.

For more than three years, she had suffered cramping and irregular bleeding, which her doctor thought was a side effect of her birth control implant, known as an intrauterine device, or IUD. Her annual Pap smears were always normal, so no one suspected cancer. Except it was cancer, and by the time the 34-year-old mother of two had the IUD removed and was finally diagnosed, her tumors had reached stage three and the disease was spreading through the lymph nodes in her abdomen and chest.

“I was told by a specialist that there wasn’t any chemo that could kill it,” Wallace told AFP. “And that I’d be gone in a year.”

That was in February 2012. A few months later, Wallace’s doctor

told her about an immunotherapy trial at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, a research hospital just outside the US capital.

Wallace enrolled. Doctors removed one of her tumors and collected some of the immune cells that were surrounding it. They selected specific T-cells that would attack human papillomavirus.

HPV is a common sexually transmitted disease, and most adults get it at some point in their lives. While HPV is often harmless, some strains can cause genital warts or lead to cancers of the cervix, anus, head, neck and throat.

Some 70 percent of cervical cancers are caused by HPV types 16 and 18.

The idea behind HPV-targeted adoptive T-cell therapy is to boost the body’s immune response to HPV in the tumors.

Worst fever ever Wallace first endured a week-

long regimen of strong chemotherapy to knock out her immune system. Then came the infusion, which aimed to rebuild her defenses with more than 100 billion of her labgrown T-cells that targeted the tumors.

After that, she was given two doses of aldesleukin, which helps the immune cells grow.

The treatment can lead to serious side effects like bleeding, vomiting, low blood pressure, fluid retention, confusion, fever and infection.

“It was the worst fever I ever had,” recalled Wallace.

But it worked. Her tumors grew steadily smaller. Four months after the infusion, all the tumors were gone.

On May 29, Wallace visited the NIH Clinical Center again for scans, which showed no disease, marking 22 months since the start of her experimental treatment.

A diverse exercise program showed the best results in a newly published trial. ©Kiselev Andrey Valerevich /shutterstock.com

For best results, make exercise about quality, not quantity: study (Relaxnews) – When it comes to reaping the benefits of exercise, new research confirms the age-old adage that quality, not quantity, is the key.

And by quality, exercise scientist Paul Arciero means a multi-dimensional program that includes resistance training, interval cardio sprints, yoga or pilates and endurance training.

The findings suggest the need to reassess national health guidelines around the world that currently make recommendations based on minutes or hours spent exercising a week, as opposed to the types of activities that people undertake.

“It’s not about simply doing more exercise,” Arciero said in a statement. “It’s about doing the appropriate range of exercises and activities that most effectively promote health and fitness.”

For their paper published in The Journal of Applied Physiology, Arciero and colleagues from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York recruited 36 females and 21 male volunteers between the ages of 35 and 57 who were obese or overweight.

Divided into three groups, the participants underwent a 16-week trial in

which all the subjects consumed the same amount of whey protein – 60 g a day – but were put on different exercise regimens.

The first group was sedentary, the second group was put on an intense resistance training program four times a week, and the third group followed a multi-dimensional regimen that mixed cardio and strength training.

While all the participants recorded improvements, the last group, which undertook the most diverse exercise program, lost the most weight (2.6 percent) and the most fat mass (6.6 percent) and gained a greater percentage of lean body mass (2 percent) than the rest of the participants.

The findings also demonstrate the importance of protein in people’s diets and suggest upping intake to 35 percent to reduce body fat.

Similarly, a recently published study in the Journal of Nutrition also highlighted the importance of protein in our diet. To build optimal muscle mass, US researchers found that protein should be distributed evenly throughout the day, rather than being consumed primarily at night, common in Western diets.

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Actor-director Zoren Legaspi Jackie Forster’s daughter asks DOJ for more time to ‘cured’ of leukemia draft counter-affidavit Actor-director Zoren Legaspi has asked the Department of Justice for more time to prepare his counter-affidavit on a P4-million tax evasion case filed against him by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

In his motion, Legaspi asked the DOJ to reset the June 6 preliminary investigation to June 20. His camp also sought 14 more days or two weeks to prepare his counter-affidavit.

The actor’s camp explained his legal counsel has prior engagement in Tacloban City on June 1 and would only be back in Manila on June 9.

His lawyer Ricardo Ribo said he was going to Tacloban to coordinate ongoing livelihood and recovery efforts in Barangay San Jose, as well as rehabilitation programs in San Joaquin, Palo and Jaro to mark 200 days since Super Typhoon Yolanda hit Central Philippines.

“Further, upon perusal of the complaint, respondent would need to secure documentary evidences (sic) from alleged withholding agents and some government agencies to enable respondent to prepare and submit his counteraffidavit,” read the motion.

The actor’s camp further said: “While steps have already been commenced to secure vital controversial documentary evidences, undersigned counsel would need an additional period of time within which to draft and submit his counter-affidavit.”

Legaspi did not attend the preliminary investigation last Wednesday, and the DOJ gave

him nine more days or until June 6 to submit his counter-affidavit on the BIR complaint.

In a subpoena Assistant State Prosecutor Stewart Allan Mariano issued earlier, Legaspi was required to appear before the DOJ last week and file a counter-affidavit.

According to the summons, failure to submit the requirement may be construed as waiving the right to respond to the charges and for the matter to be resolved without the Legaspi’s side.

From the “Alpha Lists” provided by the BIR Information Systems and Development Operations Service or ISDOS, the BIR found out that Legaspi earned P9.64 million in 2010 and P6.49 million in 2012.

However, Legaspi merely declared an income of P6.79 million in 2010 and P1.82 million in 2012, according to the BIR. Those numbers showed Legaspi under-declared his income

by P2.85 million or 42 percent in 2010 and by P4.67 million or 256 percent in 2012, the bureau said.

(MNS)

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Former actress Jackie Forster believes that her daughter, who is battling leukemia, is already cured.

Forster said three-year-old Caleigh is already in remission but still needs to undergo two years of chemotherapy.

“We believe she’s cured already. Medically speaking, she is in remission. She still has to undergo two years of chemotherapy.

But when we look at her, we pray, and she’s cured,” she said.

Forster discovered the condition of her daughter when they were staying in Malaysia and her daughter was constantly having fever attacks.

She initially thought her daughter had dengue fever, but when Caleigh checked by a doctor, they were told that she had symptoms of leukemia.

Forster admitted that at first, she was in denial, until more symptoms became apparent.

“Nu’ng una nilalagnat lang siya that was on and off. So I decided to bring her to a specialist.

I was scared it would be dengue.

I took her to a pediatrician one day, had her blood drawn. Of course he knew the symptoms [of leukemia]. I was even thinking ‘anong leukemia’… in denial pa ako nu’n,” said the former actress. Forster said her daughter, despite being aware of her condition, remains strong.

“She is aware. She only learned the word cancer from her brother.

But she doesn’t call it cancer.

What she has, tawag niya du’n aliens,” she said.

Caleigh’s older brother, Jared Alfred, meanwhile learned about his sister’s illness when she no-

Jackie Forster

ticed the three-year-old’s hair falling off because of chemotherapy.

Forster vowed to be behind Caleigh in her fight against leukemia, even though she knows many will still bash her, especially after a controversy involving her and her children from former basketball player, Benjie Paras.

Caleigh is her daughter with a Dutch businessman.

“No matter what happens, I’m going to fight this through with my head up high,” said. “ I know

people are going to say, ‘ayan ayan kasi.’ I prayed about it.”

The former actress said the worst comment she got on her Instagram account told her that what’s happening with her daughter is a form of karma.

But Forster does not believe so, saying “my God doesn’t work that way.”

“I’m over it. I didn’t go through it. I just needed to know why it needed to happen. But if they just know what kind of inspiration Caleigh is— even to the nurse, when they are tired, she sings for them,” she added.

Forster said her daughter has been so resilient throughout the

treatment.

“She’ll have chemo or surgery, she’ll wake up next day, ask me to open the window and tell me to look up and tell how beautiful the sun rises,” Forster shared.

“She’ll paint a boat on water and she’ll paint the sky pink. I’ll tell her, ‘No, it’s supposed to be blue,’ and she’ll say, ‘No mom, it’s pink and orange. Days later, she’ll tell me to look out and say, ‘See mom? I told you!’ She’s an angel,” she said. (MNS)

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, June 4-10, 2014

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MOTORING Meet the world’s most exclusive pick-up truck (Relaxnews) – Is it an act of supercar sacrilege or a super idea to take a Ferrari and turn it into a flatbed?

Clearly ‘Elo,’ the owner and founder of the London Supercar Workshop, feels it’s the latter as he’s taken an angle grinder to a classic 1989 Ferrari 412 in order to create the ultimate commercial vehicle for workers carrying out construction work on one of the UK’s most exclusive streets.

Elo claims he was inspired by Britain’s booming house market and by the increasing demand for ever more extravagant home improvements and felt that the people hired to carry out such projects should arrive in an equally booming and extravagant vehicle.

To turn the 2+2 coupé into a pick-up, 300mm of the roof was removed and the cabin fittings moved forward to maximize the load bay to nearly 1 meter. The pick-up’s bed is teak-paneled and the rear suspension has been overhauled in order to cope with the extra weight when carrying a full load.

The car was created by the London Supercar Workshop in collaboration with London Motor Museum for a History Channel TV show – “Ultimate Wheels” – and anyone who’s ever seen a program where experts take a car and customize it or ‘trick it out’ will know that the job’s not done unless a huge, booming sound system has been crowbarred into the creation. The Ferrari is no exception and under the teak decking is a huge speaker system.

Ensuring that the car is booming, even with the stereo switched off, is a two stage exhaust system that can be opened up manually simply by pressing a button. It means that the pick-up can arrive

quietly without disturbing the neighbors or can announce its arrival while it’s still several blocks away.

The car is finished in traditional Ferrari rosso red, and the final touch is a shotgun-shaped hood scoop that can be raised or lowered.

As for accusations of vandalism or sacrilege, only 576 Ferrari 412s were ever built and 1989 was the final year of production. As well as being the first ever Ferrari to come with ABS it also had a 4.9-liter V12 and room for two passengers in the rear. And although admired by many motoring journalists for its clean, simplistic styling, not every petrol head or supercar aficionado was a fan.

Jeremy Clarkson described it as “awful in every way”. So there will be a host of experts who will feel that Elo has actually improved on the car and added to its residual value.

However, if he’d done the same to a 365 GTB/4 Daytona or a Ferrari 250 GTO, there would have been copious outrage across all the social networks.

Ferrari pickup truck created by the London Motor Museum: The load bed is finished in teak. ©London Motor Group

Intel wants to drive the development of autonomous vehicles

(Relaxnews) – Being on the inside of the majority of the world’s computers clearly isn’t enough for the chip maker: it also wants to provide the hardware for the next generation of self-driving cars.

Intel has just taken the wraps off a suite of special hardware and software products that it calls Intel In-Vehicle Solutions and that it sees as playing a crucial role in the development of active driver safety technologies, including autonomous driving.

As Doug Davis, corporate vice president, Internet of Things Group at Intel, explains: “Our goal is to fuel the evolution from convenience features available in the car today to enhanced safety features of tomorrow

and eventually self-driving capabilities.”

At the moment, automotive manufacturers are in a race between each other and, to a lesser extent, with Google, to develop the technologies that will eventually let the car take the strain when it comes to everything from negotiating busy intersections to finding and safely maneuvering into an available parking space.

Intel’s plan is to offer a standardized platform with integrated, tested hardware and software that car makers can use to cut development time – the company claims by up to 12 months and the associated costs by as much as 50%. Adopting the technology would free up companies to focus on the technolo-

gies that are going to make the difference to the cars of the future rather than the processors and operating systems that will be needed to support them.

Intel processors already feature in a host of current cars: BMW uses Intel to power its in-car navigation systems and Infiniti and Hyundai also use Intel technology in their infotainment systems.

At the same time, Intel is also extending its own research and development in the area, focusing on how drivers interact with technology and on how to make increasingly autonomous cars or those that drive themselves sufficiently robust and safe from cyber as well as real-world threats.

10

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Wednesday - Tuesday, June 4-10, 2014

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PRAYERS

PRAYERS

NOVENA of CONFIDENCE

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

O Lord, Jesus Christ, to Your Most Sacred Heart I conÂżde this intention. (Here,

Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the way to

mention your request) Only look upon me, then do what Your Heart decides....I

reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the

count on You...I trust in You...I throw myself at Your mercy...Lord Jesus! You will not fail me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your love for me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked for many

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

favors, but I earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Your Sacred Heart.

ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. A person must pray this for three

When the Eternal Father sees it covered with Your Precious Blood, He will not

consecutive days without stating his wish. After the 3rd day the wish

refuse it. It will be no longer my prayer but Yours, O Jesus. O Sacred Heart

will be granted, no matter how difÂżcult it may be. Promise to publish

of Jesus, I place my trust in You. Let me never be confounded. Amen. - KERI

this as soon as your favor has been granted. Grateful Thanks -LIV

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11

KITCHENOMICS

FAMILY FEATURES

Y

ou’ve probably heard that eating seafood rich in hearthealthy omega-3 fatty acids can help protect against heart disease while delivering other important nutrients. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends eating seafood twice a week for such benefits. Salmon is one fish longheralded for its nutritional value, and Alaska canned salmon offers a convenient way to add more deliciously nourishing seafood to your diet.

Whether your tastes lean toward a traditional croquette drizzled with a light dill sauce, or a refreshing take on a pesto

Alaska Salmon Pesto Pasta Salad Prep time: 25 minutes Servings: 8 to 10 8 ounces dry, small shell pasta 2 to 3 teaspoons garlic, finely minced 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto 1/2 cup light Italian salad dressing 1 zucchini, cut in 1/2-inch half-moon slices 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 3/4 cup frozen peas, defrosted 1 can (14.75 ounces) traditional pack Alaska salmon or 2 cans or pouches (6 to 7.1 ounces each) skinless, boneless salmon, drained and chunked Salt and pepper, to taste Cook pasta according to package directions; drain well. Let cool slightly then toss with garlic, pesto and dressing.

Set aside.

Cook zucchini in covered microwavable container on high 2 minutes or until just tender and bright green.

Toss blanched zucchini, tomatoes, onion and peas into pasta and stir to combine. Gently fold in drained salmon; season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

Nutrients per serving: 310 calories (46% from fat), 16 g total fat, 3 g saturated fat, 30 mg cholesterol, 17 g protein, 26 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 485 mg sodium, 214 mg calcium and 1300 mg omega-3 fatty acids

Alaska Salmon and Chipotle Wrap Prep time: 15 minutes Servings: 4 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce 2 tablespoons chopped fresh

pasta salad, canned salmon is easy to prepare and surprisingly versatile.

Because canned and pouched salmon is shelf-stable, you can always have some on hand for a quick, tasty meal or flavorful snack. At the grocery store, simply look for “Alaska� on the lid or label to ensure a top-quality, wholly natural product with nothing added but a pinch of salt for flavor.

These recipes showcase how Alaska canned salmon can be adapted to a wide range of meals and lifestyles, from the indulgent to the Ăźber-healthy. For additional preparation tips and recipes, visit www.wildalaskaseafood.com.

cilantro 2 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped red onion 1 teaspoon chopped garlic 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 can (14.75 ounces) traditional pack Alaska salmon or 2 cans or pouches (6 to 7.1 ounces each) skinless, boneless salmon, drained and chunked 3 tablespoons light cream cheese or light sour cream 1 teaspoon adobo sauce 4 whole wheat tortillas (8-inch) 4 large lettuce or cabbage leaves, shredded In bowl, mix lime juice, chiles, cilantro, bell pepper, red onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Gently stir in salmon until blended.

In small bowl, blend cream cheese and adobo sauce. Spread 1/4 mixture over each tortilla to within 1 inch of edge.

Spread 2/3 cup salmon mixture over cream cheese. Top with 1/4 of lettuce and roll up burrito-style. Repeat for remaining tortillas. ď Ž For appetizers, cut each wrap into thirds (makes 12 appetizer servings). ď Ž As a meal, cut each wrap in half (makes 4 entree servings).

Serve immediately.

Nutrients per serving (4 entrees): 305 calories, 8.5 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 25% calories from fat, 88 mg cholesterol, 32.5 g protein, 26.5 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 1228 mg sodium, 130.5 mg calcium and 1290 mg omega-3 fatty acids

Alaska Salmon Cakes with Yogurt Dill Sauce Prep time: 21 minutes

Servings: 4 1 egg

1/4 cup small-curd nonfat cottage cheese 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill weed 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning 1/4 cup sliced green onions 1 can (14.75 ounces) traditional pack Alaska salmon or 2 cans or pouches (6 to 7.1 ounces each) skinless, boneless salmon, drained and chunked 3 tablespoons garlic-and-herb bread crumbs Vegetable oil Yogurt Dill Sauce In medium bowl, whisk egg lightly. Add cottage cheese, dill, lemon pepper and green onions; mix well. Mix in drained salmon, then sprinkle in bread crumbs and mix well. Shape mixture into 4 patties, 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick and 3 inches in diameter.

Heat nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat and brush skillet with oil. Fry salmon cakes for about 2 1/2 to 3 minutes per side. Cakes should be crisp and golden on the outside and still moist on the inside.

Serve with Yogurt Dill Sauce.

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Yogurt Dill Sauce 1/2 cup nonfat yogurt 1 1/2 teaspoons finely minced fresh garlic Salt and pepper 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill weed 1/4 cup grated cucumber (squeeze dry) Mix yogurt and garlic, and add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in dill and cucumber.

Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.

Nutrients per serving: 217 calories (34% from fat), 8 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 112 mg cholesterol, 27 g protein, 8 g carbohydrate, 0.5 g fiber, 897 mg sodium, 320 mg calcium and 1800 mg omega-3 fatty acids

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Alaska Salmon Salad Sandwiches 1 can (14.75 ounces) traditional pack Alaska salmon or 2 cans or pouches (6 to 7.1 ounces each) skinless, boneless salmon, drained and chunked 1/3 cup light mayonnaise 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon capers, drained, chopped if large (optional) 1/3 cup finely diced celery 1/3 cup finely diced onion 1/4 cup dill or sweet pickle relish, drained Dash Tabasco sauce or pinch of black pepper 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried dill weed 8 slices whole-grain bread 24 thin slices cucumber 4 leaves green or red leaf lettuce In medium bowl, combine salad ingredients. Add salmon and stir to combine well.

Divide salad among 4 slices of bread. Top each with 6 slices of cucumber and a leaf of lettuce. Top with remaining slices of bread and cut in half, crosswise.

Nutrients per serving: 381 calories (36% from fat), 15 g total fat, 3 g saturated fat, 65 mg cholesterol, 27 g protein, 34 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 1236 mg sodium, 291 mg calcium and 1900 mg omega-3 fatty acids

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The Many Benefits of Salmon ď Ž

ď Ž

ď Ž

Alaska canned pink salmon has four times the omega-3s EPA and DHA, and 12 times the vitamin D as many popular canned meats and fish. It also has 25 percent of adults’ Recommended Daily Allowance for calcium and nearly meets the daily reference amount for selenium.

Traditional pack canned salmon contains skin and delicate, edible bones that are rich in calcium and magnesium.

Pressure-cooked in the can, they are so soft they can be easily blended into the salmon, adding extra nutrients and flavor. Skinless, boneless Alaska salmon is also available in cans and pouches.

Pink salmon — the variety commonly found in cans — has a light color and mild flavor, while red salmon (or sockeye) has a richer, more intense flavor and color.

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12

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Wednesday - Tuesday, June 4-10, 2014

LOS ANGELES

New income limits may help more SCE customers qualify for utility bill discounts ROSEMEAD, Calif., June 2, 2014 – Beginning June 1, changes in the maximumallowable income to qualify for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs could mean more Southern California Edison (SCE) customers are eligible for a discount on their electric bill.

The income limits for CARE and FERA programs have increased, meaning more SCE customers may qualify for one of the programs.

The CARE program can lower customers’ utility bills by approximately 30 percent, and FERA provides a reduced monthly discount for income-qualified households of three or more based on energy usage.

“We are pleased with the income criteria adjustments that will allow SCE to serve even more eligible customers who qualify for these programs, thus helping to reduce their utility bill,” said Jack Parkhill, SCE manager for the Income Qualified and Economic Assistance Program. “We encourage customers to learn more about these rates

and how to apply by visiting SCE at www. sce.com/billhelp or calling 1-800-655-4555.”

The new income guidelines for the CARE and FERA programs are listed in the box.

As summer nears, SCE encourages customers to be proactive by practicing energy conservation with the following tips: Reduce your energy use on hot summer days between 2 p.m.-6 p.m. when demand reaches its peak.

Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees when it is hot.

Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.

Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods.

Use appliances such as dishwashers and clothes dryers during morning or evening hours.

To learn about more ways to save energy and lower your bill this summer, visit www.

SCE.com/CoolSavings.

Customers can also get summer savings and efficiency tips via SCE’s Twitter feed and Facebook page.

Filipino comedians Pokwang, Pooh, K Brosas, Chokoleit In 4 Da Laffs, Oct. 25, at PALA

PALA, CA, June 2, 2014 – Popular Filipino comedians Pokwang, Pooh, K Brosas and Chokoleit will make a special appearance in the Filipino comedy show 4 Da Laffs at 7 p.m., Saturday, October 25 in the Events Center at Pala Casino Spa & Resort.

Tickets on sale at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 4, with no service charge, at the Pala box office, or call 1-877-WIN PALA (1877-946-7252). Tickets also available at Star Tickets, 1-800-585-3737, orwww. startickets.com. Ticket prices are $110, $88, $78, $68 each.

Pala is located in Northern San Diego County; from San Diego/Riverside, take I-15 to Highway 76 east five miles; from Los Angeles County and Orange County, take I-5 south to Highway 76 east, then travel 23 miles.

Pala is 15 miles north of Escondido, 12 miles south of Temecula.

A d d r e s s : 100% Customer Service Top Quality Work Affordable Prices 11154 Highway 76, Pala, CA 92059 Telephone: 1-877-WIN-PALA (1-877-9467252) Up to ount on Web site: disc http://www.palacd a is asino.com with th Other shows coming to Pala: C h i p p e n dales, 7 p.m., Saturday, June 7, Infinity. Tickets, $32, $22, at www.startickets.com Johnny Mathis OUR SERVICES: Exterior & Interior Painting Stucco Patio Cover with Gary Mule Electrical Work Plumbing & Re-piping Windows Doors Tile Work Driveways Deer, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June Cement Work Air Conditioning & Heating AND SO MUCH MORE... 28, Events Center. Tickets, $90, $80, $70, $55, at www.startickLicense #955584 ets.com

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Pala Majestic Vietnamese Concert, 7 p.m., Saturday, July 12, Events Center.

Tickets, $100, $45, $35, $25, at www. startickets.com Dru Hill, Silk, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 19, Events Center. Tickets, $65, $55, $45, $30, at www.startickets.com Dick Fox’s Golden Boys Starring Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell, 5 p.m., Sunday, August 3, Events Center. Tickets, $60, $55, $50, $35 at www. startickets.com Michael McDonald and Toto, 6 p.m., Sunday, August 10, Events Center. Tickets, $90, $80, $70, $55, at www.startickets.com Tim Braun, Psychic Medium, 8 p.m., Friday, October 3, Infinity Showroom.

Tickets, $35, $25, at www.startickets.com 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-squarefoot, full-service spa and salon that features 14 treatment rooms; a state-of-theart 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 11 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 A-List poll sponsored by KGTV-TV 10 News in San Diego.

For more information, visit http:// www.palacasino.com.

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17215 Studebaker Rd. Ste 380. Cerritos CA 90703