Us asian post march 12, 2014 by Balita Media Inc

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INMENT

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Vol. 3. No. 26

LOS ANGELES

A Balita Media Publication

Wednesday - Tuesday, March 12 - 18, 2014

PHL to take steps following MH370 incident: Palace MANILA, Mar 10 (Mabuhay) – Following the recent disappearance of a commercial Malaysian airplane, Malacañang on Monday said that the Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration (BI) might consider reviewing its own procedures. Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in Monday’s Palace briefing that while he has not yet heard of security measures the BI plans to improve, he said that measures remain strict. “Right now, I think our security measures are very strict but certainly it gives us a cause to look again into our security measures,” Lacierda said. “I’m sure the Bureau of Immigration will see this incident as a way of reviewing our procedures,” he added. The Malaysian airlines plane, (Boeing 777-200) disappeared

from radar screens some 40 minutes into its flight to Beijing, China on Saturday morning. It was last detected over the seas between Malaysia and Vietnam. Neighboring countries, including the Philippines is helping in the continuing search operations. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is patrolling the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) in hopes of locating the missing Malaysian airplane. Reports showed that there have been at least two passengers on board holding fake passports which reveal the airlines’ flawed security system. Lacierda, meanwhile, said that he will also ask BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison what procedures are in place with respect to stolen passports.(MNS) GULF OF THAILAND (March 9, 2014) A U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78, Det 2, assigned to the guided-missile Destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91), lands aboard Pinckney during a crew swap before returning on task in the search and rescue for the missing Malaysian airlines flight MH370. The flight had 227 passengers from 14 nations, mainly China, and 12 crew members. According to the Malaysia Airlines website, three Americans, including one infant, were also aboard. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Chris D. Boardman/Released)

PHL lodges protest over ships ‘blocked’ by China By Mynardo Macaraig

Ms. Hasmin Mama, one of the 37 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated from Syria, expresses gratitude to the Philippine government and Embassy personnel who helped them come home. These 37 female OFWs arrived Friday (March 7) afternoon via EK 332 of Emirates Airlines at the Gate 3 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.(MNS photo)

MANILA, March 11, 2014 (AFP) – The Philippines said Tuesday it had lodged a formal protest after two Filipino vessels were prevented from bringing supplies to marines by the Chinese coastguard on a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. The foreign ministry said the Chinese charge d’affaires was summoned over the March 9 incident on Second Thomas Shoal,

which sits around 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan and is part of the contested Spratly island group. “China’s actions constitute a clear and urgent threat to the rights and interests of the Philippines,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. It said the two Philippineflagged civilian ships had been contracted by the Philippine navy

to deliver supplies and equipment as well as replacement troops to the isolated outcrop. China’s foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said the two vessels “infringed China’s territorial sovereignty” and “violated” the code of conduct for the South China Sea. Philippines Foreign Department spokesman Raul Hernandez later told reporters that two ChiSee PROTEST, page 12

Malaysia Airlines: No Pinoy Binay is 2016 front-runner, says Chiz MANILA, Mar 10 (Mabuhay) – mored to be a possible runningaboard missing plane Vice-President Jejomar Binay is mate of Binay in his presidential

MANILA, Mar 8 (Mabuhay) – No Filipino was aboard a Malaysia Airlines flight that went missing while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing early Saturday. A statement released by the airline before noon (Manila time) did not indicate any Filipino aboard Flight MH370. “The flight was carrying a total number of 239 passengers and crew – comprising 227 passengers (including two infants), 12 crew members. The passengers were of 14 different nationalities,” it said, adding these included: 1. China: 152 plus 1 infant 2. Malaysia: 38 3. Indonesia: 12 4. Australia: 7

5. France: 3 6. United States: 3 people plus 1 infant 7. New Zealand: 2 8. Ukraine: 2 9. Canada: 2 10. Russia: 1 11. Italy: 1 (Might possess stolen passport) 12. Taiwan: 1 13. Netherlands: 1 14. Austria: 1 (Might possess stolen passport) Earlier, airline officials said in a statement that Flight MH370 disappeared Saturday at 2:40 a.m. local time. The plane, a Boeing 777-200, left Kuala Lumpur just after midnight Saturday, and had been due See NO PINOY, page 12

the frontrunner in the 2016 presidential race for a number of reasons, Sen. Francis Escudero said Monday. Escudero, who endorsed Binay’s vice-presidential bid in 2010, said the current VP is leading the presidential race because no one else has openly declared their intention to run. He also said Binay is a logical choice for President because he is already vice-president. “The only reason why that is the case is because nobody has actually announced na yung outright. Definitely, Vice-President Binay is the frontrunner dahil siya ang unang nag announce. Siya yung logical kasi vice-president na siya but people haven’t really made up

See OCHOA PRAISES, page 12

their minds for 2016. Matagal pa kasi,” he said. Escudero, who was earlier ru-

See BINAY, page 12

Miriam: Cunanan can still be a state witness even if he’s lying about kickbacks

Ochoa praises Filipino women in calamity-hit areas as nation celebrates women’s month MANILA, Mar 8 (Mabuhay) – Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Saturday lauded all the women in areas affected by super typhoons and earthquake for their contribution to help the country rise above the challenges brought about by a series of calamities last year. On the occasion of the National Women’s Month celebration, Ochoa expressed his admiration to these women who serve “as pillars of strength and solidarity in their respective families, communities, and our nation.” The Executive Secretary said

Binay

bid, said he has yet to talk to the vice-president about the 2016 election. The last time they talked was in 2012, he said. This is amid rumors that Binay is now choosing between Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos for a possible running-mate. Asked if he would be willing to be Binay’s running-mate, he said: “Unfair because he hasn’t made any offer and I haven’t made any declaration for me to say I am open. Para ka namang nag-aapply or nagvo-volunteer. I do not want to give that impression.” The senator denied that he is a shoo-in for the vice-presidency, saying that nothing is certain at

A helicopter hovers above a large human women symbol at the Quirino Grandstand on the celebration of International Women’s Day in Manila, the Philippines, March 8, 2014. According to the Philippine Commission on Women, more than 10,000 participants joined the human formation to set a new Guinness World Record as the “Biggest human formation on women’s symbol.” (MNS photo)

MANILA, Mar 10 (Mabuhay) – On-leave Technology Resource Center (TRC) head Dennis Cunanan can still be a state witness despite his supposed lie about not receiving kickbacks from the pork barrel scam. This was according to Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who on Monday said the state witness rule “is an exception to the rule that when a witness is caught lying in one detail, he should be presumed to be lying in all details.” In a statement, Santiago cited several jurisprudence from the Philippine and United States Supreme Court to show that Cunanan’s application to be a state witness should not be thrown out even if it can be shown that he is not telling the entire truth.

For instance, Santiago, a former trial court judge, cited the 2008 case of Tarapen v. People, where the Philippine Supreme Court ruled: “The testimony of a witness maybe believed in part and disbelieved in another, depending on the corroborative evidence or the probabilities and improbabilities of the case.” Last Thursday, Cunanan testified before the Senate blue ribbon committee, where he repeatedly denied pocketing public funds from the alleged pork barrel scam. This was contrary to the affidavit executed by principal scam whistleblower Benhur Luy, who revealed during the same hearing that he saw Cunanan carrying a paper bag which supposedly conSee CUNANAN, page 12

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US sends second ship to help search for Malaysia plane

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100) has joined USS Pinckney (DDG 91) in the search efforts of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, March 10. Kidd brings the same Arleigh-Burke Class capabilities as Pinckney with its two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters which are designed for search and rescue, as well as anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, surveillance, communications relay, naval gunfire support and logistics support. (Official U.S. Navy file photo of the Arleigh Burkeclass guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100)

Solons propose special license for public utility drivers MANILA, Mar 8 (Mabuhay) – Lawmakers have filed a bill requiring all public utility drivers to secure a Utility Driver’s License before being allowed to drive any form of public utility transportation. Reps. Mariano Piamonte, Jr. and Julieta Cortuna (Party-list, A TEACHER) said House Bill 3832, to be known as Public Utility Driver’s Licensing Act, would pave the way towards improving the skills, attitude and safe driving habits of public utility drivers. “This is due to the fact that their skills, attitude and driving habits will be considered prior to the issuance of a public utility driver’s license,” Piamonte said. Piamonte said the number of bus or any other public transport accidents lately has come to alarming rates that leave doubts on the safety of public transport. In most cases, Piamonte said, drivers have been blamed for negligence that leads to these accidents. On the other hand, Cortuna underscored that under current regulations; any driver without

the necessary experience and inherent attitude or habit of safe driving could drive or operate public utility vehicles. “It is about time that we introduce an improved system of allowing any person to drive or operate a public utility vehicle,” Cortuna stressed. Under the bill, no public utility driver’s license shall be issued unless the applicant has complied with the mandated 15 days of actual driving examination for public utility train, five days for bus drivers, five days for public utility jeeps and three days for tricycles that will show the actual safe driving habits of the utility bus, jeep or tricycle driver applicant. The driver applicant should also provide a certificate of safe driving habits issued by an accredited private driving evaluation entity. The measure mandates the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to create a Special Driver’s Licensing Division that will administer the issuance of Utility Driver’s Licenses. The bill further provides that before a driver applicant can be

issued a Public Utility Driver’s License, the applicant shall have purchased or contracted an insurance agreement with a reliable insurance firm to compensate damages, injuries or death to passengers or third parties in case of intentional, wrongful, negligent or accidental injuries in the course of driving a utility vehicle. Moreover, all public utility vehicles are prohibited to run faster than 60 kilometers per hour of speed. All drivers and or operators of public utility vehicles must ensure that speed meters are functioning while in operation. Violators will be penalized with three months license suspension and fined with P50,000 for driving without the Utility Driver’s License. For violation of any traffic regulation, violators will be slapped with a penalty of three months license suspension and fine of P10,000 for first time offenders; P20,000 fine and six months license suspension will be meted for the second offense and one year license suspension and P50,000 fine for succeeding violations.(MNS)

WASHINGTON, March 10, 2014 (AFP) – The US Navy has sent a second ship to the South China Sea to help in the desperate search for a missing Malaysian jet, officials said Monday. The naval destroyer USS Kidd has joined another American destroyer, the USS Pinckney, as Malaysian authorities announced they were doubling the size of the search area for the airliner that vanished without a trace Saturday with 239 on board. “We are continuing to assist the Malaysian government in search and rescue operations in conjunction with the disappearance of Flight 370,” Pentagon spokesman Colonel Steven Warren told reporters. The two US naval ships are equipped with MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters, which are equipped with infrared cameras for nighttime search operations, he said.

On Sunday, the Pinckney spotted debris in the water but officers determined it was not wreckage from the missing airliner and merely “an old shipping crate,” he said. A P-3C Orion surveillance aircraft was already in place and was conducting nine-hour flights from a base in Subang Jaya, Malaysia. An oiler vessel also was deployed to provide logistics support, Warren said. The US government over the weekend sent a team of investigators and experts from the FBI and the National Transportation Safety Board to help with the probe into the missing plane. US officials say it remains unclear if there was any terror link behind the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which had taken off from Kuala Lumpur en route to Beijing.

Visa waiver deal eyed in FVR friendship visit to Taiwan MANILA, Mar 8 (Mabuhay) – Philippine traders and prospective overseas Filipino workers may benefit from a visa waiver deal reportedly being worked out between the Philippines and Taiwan. The deal is said to be among the issues to be tackled during former President Fidel Ramos’ visit there, Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported. Ramos arrived in Taiwan on

March 5 for a five-day “friendship visit” aimed at bolstering ties between the Philippines and Taiwan. He led a 60-member delegation, the CNA report said. The CNA report quoted Philippines-based trader Chen Wenju, president of the Taiwanese Chamber of the South Philippines, as saying the mutual visawaiver agreement was one of the goals of the visit. (MNS)

De Lima sees ‘honest mistake’ in Delfin Lee’s removal from PNP arrest list MANILA, Mar 10 (Mabuhay) – Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Monday said the police may have committed an “honest mistake” when it removed businessman Delfin Lee from the list of people with standing warrants of arrest. In an interview with reporters, De Lima said the Department of Justice maintained its position

2 lawmakers want military and police daily subsistence allowance raised to P150 MANILA, Mar 8 (Mabuhay) – Two lawmakers have proposed to raise the daily subsistence allowance of the personnel, officers and cadets of the military and police forces to P150 from the present P90 to provide them with decent living and adequate compensation. Magdalo Party-list Reps. Ashley Acedillo and Gary Alejano raised the proposal through House Joint Resolution 11 which seeks to hike the daily subsistence allowance of all officers, enlisted personnel, candidate soldiers, probationary second lieutenants, Cadets and Civilian Active Auxiliaries (CAA) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and of all commissioned and non-commissioned personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) cadets. According to Acedillo and Alejano, the present P90 subsistence allowance per day can hardly support the subsistence of the family of soldiers and police personnel as the National Statistics Office (NSO) stated officially that the monthly cost-of-living for a family of five should be at least P13,200 per month in order to recoup a decent living. Acedillo said despite lofty constitutional precepts providing for adequate remuneration and benefits of members of the AFP and PNP as the prime State concern, military and uniformed personnel of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the PCG receive measly salaries, inadequate allowances and insufficient benefits, and are among the lowest paid in the government. “It is high time that we recognize and honor the very vital role played by our soldiers and policemen by looking after their welfare and providing them with decent and adequate compensation as well as reasonable and standard benefits,” said Acedillo, a vice chairman of the House Committee on Globalization and WTO. Alejano, a vice chairman of the Committee on National Defense and Security, said the joint resolution is a step in the direction of the State policy to promote professionalism in the AFP, the PCG, PNP, BFP, BJMP and PNPA, and to provide adequate remuneration and benefits of their members as a prime concern. Alejano said the amount to implement the higher subsistence allowance shall be charged against the savings of the Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the DILG for the current year or the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund, or both. Thereafter, the national government shall appropriate annually and include it in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). House Joint Resolution 11 is now pending at the House committee on appropriations chaired by Rep. Isidro Ungab (3rd District, Davao City).(MNS)

that the arrest warrant against Lee, property firm Globe Asiatique president, for syndicated estafa remains in effect despite a certification from the Philippine National Police (PNP) indicating otherwise. “Ang posibleng reason – but I don’t want to be speculating – is baka akala nila [PNP] that is because of the quashing of the warrant of arrest. So that is a mistaken notion and that cannot bind anyone,” De Lima said. The Court of Appeals (CA) lifted the arrest warrant against Lee in November last year, but according to De Lima, it can not be considered final and executory yet as there is a pending appeal before the Supreme Court. “Hindi pa final and executory ang Court of Appeals decision na iyan, quashing the warrant of arrest, because of the timely appeal filed by the DOJ through the Office of the Solictor General,” De Lima said, adding that the PNP should be made to explain its issuance of such delistment. She said the PNP might have “erroneously” interpreted the CA ruling, although she admitted that she was not aware of any PNP protocol on such delisment procedure. “Unang-una hindi naman korte and PNP. Baka ano lang iyon, honest mistake,” she said. “Baka akala nga nila ay binding na or effective na and executory na iyong CA decision pero mali nga iyon.” De Lima said under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court, which the OSG used as basis for contesting the CA ruling, “An appeal for certioriari, as long as it is timely made, as long as it’s perfected on time, it stays, the subject of judgment.” De Lima said the lifting of the arrest warrant by the CA would only have been executory even without a temporary restraining order if the remedy that Lee’s camp sought was a “special civil action for certiorari under rule 65,” which she claimed Lee’s camp did not seek. Earlier in the day, Lee filed with the CA a petition for the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus, which contested his arrest and sought his immediate release. Habeas corpus is a legal action that gives a person the right to seek relief from unlawful detention. It serves as an instrument for the safeguarding of individual freedom against arbitrary government action. Lee’s lawyer, Willy Rivera, said the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s (CIDG) Warrant of Arrest Information System Section had already issued a certification of Lee’s delistment effective November 20 last year.

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UNICEF: Road to full recovery long for Yolanda child survivors MANILA, Mar 8 (Mabuhay) – Four months after Super Typhoon Haiyan ripped through the central Philippines on 8 November 2013, a growing sense of recovery is notable in the reopening of health centers, clean water flowing again through community taps, children back to learning in temporary schools. Yet the needs of children remain great and the signs of destruction brought on by Haiyan persist as an overwhelming reminder that much more needs to be done to restore devastated lives and communities, according to a report issued today by UNICEF. “The Typhoon hit some of the country’s poorest areas, where before the disaster some 40 per cent of children were living in poverty,” said Mr Abdul Alim, UNICEF’s acting Representative in the Philippines. “Children were amongst the worst affected by the disaster, and they are at the centre of our response.” “We are now on the long road to full recovery.” The report, Four Months After Typhoon Haiyan, documents UNICEF and its partners’ work in providing 930,000 people with access to safe water and delivered hygiene supplies to more than 231,000 children across schools and child-friendly spaces. Some 83,200 children were vaccinated against measles, and 55,300 received vitamin A supplements while 97,000 children were also screened for malnutrition. UNICEF has also supported the reestablishment of a protective environment for affected children, reaching 17,000 with psychosocial support to help address the psychological damage caused by the disaster and reduce elevated risks of abuse and violence. But the report also makes clear that the road to recovery is likely to be long. It may be years before communities fully re-emerge from this disaster, and a host of immediate risks still looms largely on children, ranging from epidemic outbreaks, disruption and loss of access to learning, greater exposure to violence, exploitation and abuse and risks for both women and children of sliding into malnutrition. UNICEF and its partners are focused on ensuring that aid efforts improve the resilience of affected communities, in addition to providing urgently needed humanitarian assistance and restoring essential services. Relief efforts are targeted at children most in need, and emphasis is placed on help for the 40 worst-affected local government areas. UNICEF works hand in hand with government partners, civil society and communities on the ground, with mechanisms in place to give affected populations a say in the delivery of relief – so help reaches those most vulnerable. “We are very grateful for the massive global support for those affected by the Typhoon, which has made real progress possible and helped save children’s lives,” Mr Alim said. “So much has been achieved in four months, thanks to the indomitable spirit and hard work of the people of the Philippines, and truly remarkable and generous global support.” “We know from experience that it takes time and sustained effort to rebuild children’s strength and help them reclaim their lives. UNICEF will be here for the long haul, supporting affected children through the whole recovery process,” he added. UNICEF has strengthened its humanitarian monitoring in response to Typhoon Haiyan and developed an integrated Humanitarian Performance Monitoring Information System (HPMIS). The system provides information on humanitarian supply inputs, tracks distribution to partners, monitors UNICEF partner results, and assesses appropriateness, quality and beneficiary satisfaction. Since December 2013, more than 7,200 households in communities and evacuation centres were queried on humanitarian services in water sanitation and hygiene, education, health, child protection and nutrition. Further data collection is ongoing in the 40 priority municipalities for the UNICEF response. To date, UNICEF’s humanitarian assistance includes the following: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) UNICEF restored access to safe water for 930,000 people through distribution of water storage and treatment supplies. More than 76,000 people recovered access to sanitation. To keep child illnesses at bay – especially diarrhoea – UNICEF and partners delivered hygiene supplies to more than 231,000 children in schools. Education UNICEF and partners provided 430,000 children with learning materials in affected areas. Close to 153,000 children received backpacks and school supplies and some 132,000 children benefitted from 1,320 UNICEF-supported ‘temporary learning spaces’ equipped with schoolin-a-box kits, and recreational and early childhood and development materials. Health Over 83,200 children under five were vaccinated against measles and more than 82,100 against polio. Efforts focused on most at-risk areas, including evacuation centres and communities with confirmed and suspected measles cases. UNICEF’s support also emphasizes disaster-resilient approaches, with one initiative focused on equipping 50 health centres with solar-powered fridges – a climate-smart move to avoid disruptions in case of power outages. Child Protection Some 17,000 children now benefit from 89 child friendly spaces in typhoon-affected regions, through UNICEF and partners. Children in these spaces have an opportunity to engage in activities – play, recreation or informal learning – that promote psychosocial recovery. Teachers were trained to support children in classroom environments, and over 350 social work professionals and caregivers were reached with training on psychosocial support for children and prevention of violence, exploitation, abuse and trafficking.

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DFA: PHL entitled to exercise sovereignty March 11, 2014 – With reference to the March 9, 2014 incident reported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Government protested China’s recent actions in the Ayungin Shoal. Ayungin Shoal is part of the continental shelf of the Philippines and therefore, the Philippines is entitled to exercise sovereignty rights and jurisdiction in the area without the permission of other States. Furthermore, the civilian vessels contracted by the Philippine Navy were only conducting rotation of personnel and resupply operations.

China’s actions constitute a clear and urgent threat to the rights and interests of the Philippines under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Department summoned the Chinese Charge d’Affaires this afternoon to handover a note verbale to express the Government’s objection to China’s actions and urged China to desist from any further interference with the efforts of the Philippines to undertake rotation and resupply operations at the Ayungin Shoal.

Reducing income tax rates needs to be studied – BIR chief Henares

MANILA, Mar 10 (Mabuhay) – Before lowering the rate on income tax as proposed by Senator Sonny Angara, a number of studies will have to be made, the Bureau of Internal Revenue said Monday. “Wala namang problema [sa pag-pababa ng income tax rate] pero maraming pag-aaral ang dapat gawin dyan,” BIR Commissioner Kim JacintoHenares said. “Pag-aaralan ‘yung profiting, kung mula saan hanggang saan. Pangalawa, kung gagawin natin ‘yan meron tayong... mga deduction na hindi na puwede,” she said. On February 27, Senator Angara filed Senate Bill No. 2149 seeking to adjust individual income tax

brackets and lower the rates on individual income tax starting January 2015. Angara said the measure is in preparation for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) integration, noting the Philippines has the highest income tax rate of 32 percent – next to Thailand and Vietnam. By 2017, the bill seeks to lower tax rates to 10 percent from 15 percent for those earning between P20,000 to P70,000 and to 25 percent from the current 32 percent for those earning over P1 million. “Parati ko namang hong sinasabi na kung lahat naman po ay nagbabayad ng tamang buwis, pwede nating pag-aralan kung paano ira-rationalize ‘yung rate,” Henares said. (MNS)

DSWD targets to improve the lives of 2.3 million poor families by 2016 through SLP MANILA, Mar 10 (Mabuhay) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Monday it aims to improve the well-being of 2.3 million poor families nationwide by 2016 through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). SLP Director Georgina Ann Hernandez said that while the task is daunting, the DSWD is optimistic that through the help of public and private sectorpartners for an external convergence, its commitment to help the poor families become self-sufficient through livelihood programs that are resourcebased and market-driven will be more fruitful. She said that through SLP’s partnering with public and private sectors, more assistance can be provided to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s) beneficiaries as these partners will join them in their effort to conduct trainings, provision of financial services, and contribution of physical resources, among others, to the poor families aspiring to fight the inter-generational cycle of poverty. SLP is one of DSWD’s poverty reduction strategies where primary participants are beneficiaries of the 4P’s to help them become self-sufficient and successful entrepreneurs or gain employment that will

empower them as productive members of society. It offers the Micro-Enterprise Development track or Employment Facilitation track, depending on the livelihood assessment to be made. As of December 2013, at least 334,158 indigent families under the 4P’s have been benefited by the SLP since it began in January 2011. The DSWD targets to benefit about 600,000 poor families under the program by the end of 2014. Also known as Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), 4P’s is a human development program of the government that invests in children’s health and education. SLP is a supporting arm program of CCT which seeks to improve the socioeconomic mobility of poor families. As part of the effort to improve further its strategies, SLP sought the help of public and private partners by conducting consultation workshop attended by 60 of its partner-institutions last March at the DSWD’s Central Office in Quezon City. The workshop was facilitated by DSWD Assistant Secretary Teodulo Romo along with SLP and other participants. (MNS)

Missing Malaysia jet draws comparisons to AF447 case PARIS, March 10, 2014 (AFP) – The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which on Monday was yet to be located three days after it dropped off the radar, has drawn comparisons with the 2009 crash of Air France flight AF447. Here are main the similarities and differences: SIMILARITIES Still missing three days into the search. The Air France plane was located nearly two years after its disappearance. Only a few pieces of the tail were retrieved a week after the crash. Cruising. Airliner was above sea and at cruising altitude. Number of passengers. MH370 had 239 and AF447 had 228, including 12 crew in both cases. Safety. Both the Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777200 and Air France Airbus A330 have outstanding safety records. No mayday call. Aviation experts say that is not surprising, arguing that in the event of a sudden technical problem the crew’s priority is to find a solution. Repairs. Both jets suffered minor damage on the ground and underwent repairs. In the case of flight AF447, it was established there was no correlation with the crash. DIFFERENCES

ACARS. The Airbus had sent 24 automatic messages listing technical “events” in four minutes through the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS). The Malaysian jet was equipped with ACARS but the airline has not yet said whether any messages had been received. Cruise phase. Both planes were cruising when they disappeared but in the case of flight MH370, the cruise phase had just begun, meaning the captain was likely in command of the flight deck. On the Airbus, the captain was resting and only returned to the cockpit moments before the jet went down. Weather. Conditions appeared good on the Malaysian aircraft’s path while the Air France flight encountered major turbulence. Radar. Flight MH370 went missing in a busy area for air traffic, likely to be well monitored as it is close to several countries. The Rio-Paris flight went down over the Atlantic, outside of radar coverage. Recovery. The Air France jet crashed further away from the coast and into very deep waters, a complicating factor for the investigation. Relevant authorities. The AF447 crashed in international waters, allowing for French investigators to take the lead. Since the MH370 has yet to be located, it is unclear whether the Malaysians, the Vietnamese or other authorities should be in charge.

‘Social news’ no panacea for ailing media: study

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WASHINGTON, March 10, 2014 (AFP) – News organizations get the most engaged readers by working on their own to build brand loyalty, not through referrals from social media or search engines, a study showed Monday. The Pew Research Center found that “direct visitors” who use the news outlet’s specific address or have it bookmarked stay about three times as long as those who come from a search engine or Facebook. “Facebook and search are critical for bringing added views to individual stories, but, the data suggest it is hard to build relationships with those users,” said Amy Mitchell, Pew’s director of journalism research. “For news outlets operating under the traditional model and hoping to build a loyal, paying audience, it is critical for users to think of that outlet as the first place they should turn.” The study underscores the challenges of news organizations trying to make a transition from print to digital—and keep revenues flowing. It also suggests limits to the idea of “social news” helping traditional media organizations. The study, in collaboration with the Knight Foundation, found a higher level of engagement from direct visitors across the full mix of sites studied. Even sites such as Buzzfeed and NPR, which have an unusually high level of Facebook traffic,

saw greater engagement from those who sought them out directly, the researchers said. The study found it is difficult for news outlets to convert a “social” referral to a permanent direct visitor. Of the sites examined, the percentage of direct visitors who also came to the site via Facebook was extremely small, ranging from 0.9 to 2.3 percent, with the exception of Buzzfeed at 11.3 percent. Similarly, the percentage of direct visitors who came to a site through a search engine ranged from 1.3 percent to 4.1 percent, with one notable exception – examiner.com at 8.6 percent. The researchers studied traffic using comScore data from April to June 2013 at 26 major news sites including CNN, BBC, The New York Times, Huffington Post and others. Most people accessed the news on their computers using three methods – direct access, search or social media. But a small percentage came from other sources including email, message boards and other websites. For mobile news, Pew found the browser was used more than a dedicated mobile app, although it noted that only half of the news sites studied had such an app. (For more news, please visit our websites: www. usasianpost.com and www.balita.com. - Ed)

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UTREACH Chicago ConGen Herrera-Lim Powerful 6.9 quake hits California coast to replace De La Vega LOS ANGELES, March 10, 2014 (AFP) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck late Sunday off the coast of northern California, the US Geological Survey said, but there were no immediate reports of damage or a tsunami threat. The quake struck at 0518 GMT with an epicenter located 77 kilometers (48 miles) west-northwest of the town of Ferndale and at a depth of seven kilometers (4.3 miles), said the USGS, which monitors earthquakes worldwide. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, but early reports indicate the quake was felt as far away as San Francisco, around 400 kilometers south of Ferndale. Authorities in Humboldt County, the part of sparsely-populated northern California some 250 miles up the coast from San Francisco, said they had no calls about damage of injuries, local media reported. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a bulletin announcing the quake, but downplayed any danger. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A widespread destructive tsunami threat does not exist based on historical earthquake and tsunami data,â&#x20AC;? the Center said. The USGS said there is a 90 percent probability of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;strong and possibly damaging aftershockâ&#x20AC;? of magnitude 5 or more in the next seven days, and a 5-10 percent chance of a quake equal to or great than Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s temblor. Up to 300 small aftershocks can be expected over the next week, it added. A series of mostly 3-3.5 magnitude shocks, and one of 4.6, were recorded in the hour after the main quake, according to the USGS. California has long braced for the Big One. It is on the so-called Ring of Fire, which circles the Pacific and has produced a number of devastating quakes including Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s March 2011 quake-tsunami, which killed thousands of people. Geologists say a quake capable of causing widespread destruction is 99 percent certain of hitting California in the next 30 years. A magnitude 7.8 quake could kill 1,800 people, injure 50,000 more and damage 300,000 buildings. A 6.7-magnitude earthquake in Los Angeles left at least 60 people dead and did an estimated $10 billion damage in 1994, while a 6.9 quake in San Francisco in 1989 claimed the lives of 67 people.

MEMORIES

Los Angeles, 10 March 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Consul General Ma. Hellen Barber De La Vega is pleased and honored to announce the appointment by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Albert F. Del Rosario of the current Philippine Consul General in Chicago, Hon. Leo Herrera-Lim, a career diplomat as the new Philippine Consul General in Los Angeles with jurisdiction over Southern California, Southern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Prior to his posting in Chicago, Consul General Herrera-Lim has represented the Philippines in the United States as Second Secretary and Consul at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. from 1991 to 1998 and had frequent interaction with the World Bank Group, Intelsat, U.S. Department of State and U.S. Treasury and in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as First Secretary and Consul and later Minister and Consul General at the Philippine Embassy in London from 2000 to 2007 dealing with government, international organizations and the private sector. Consul General De La Vega is delighted and welcomes warmly the assignment of Attorney Herrera-Lim

Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim

to Los Angeles. She describes the incoming Consul General as a cool, humorous and witty person with strategic vision and leadership of great value and benefiting the Fil-Am community and the overall excellent ties between the U.S. and the Philippines. He studied economics and law at the University of the Philippines. In the Philippines, he previously served in the Department of Foreign

Affairs in various capacities, such as Special Assistant in the Office of the Undersecretary for Policy (OUP) and in the Office of the Undersecretary for Administration (OUA), as Director of the U.S. Division of the Office of American Affairs, and Assistant Director of Treaties Division of the Office of Legal Affairs. He was with the Office of Senator Edgardo Angara and the Regional Trial Court of Bulacan. He has extensive experience with foreign governments, international organization and financial institutions. He was intricately involved in the crafting and formulation of Government policies and positions on bilateral, multilateral and special issues. He was also a member of Philippine delegations to the United Nations (UN), Association of South East Nations (ASEAN) and treaty negotiations. He attended trainings, seminars and programs at the Foreign Service Institute in Manila, the United States, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Italy. Consul General Herrera-Lim comes from Manila. He is married to Fidelis CariĂąo and is a father to Leonardo Ignatius and Frances Leanne.

CCA 5k Walk for increasing colorectal cancer awareness and screening among Filipino Americans The Cabanatuan City Association in southern California sponsored a Five-Kilometer Walk event on Saturday, March 8, to increase colorectal cancer awareness and screening among Filipino Americans.. Colorectal cancer is the third most common and the third most deadly cancer found in men and women of any racial or ethnic group, age 50 or older in the United States (Cancer Facts and Figures 2014. ACS). This cancer occurs in the colon more commonly known as the large intestines and rectum, the passageway connecting the colon to the anus. In the early stage of colorectal cancer it is typical to have no symptoms. Symptoms include rectal bleeding, blood in stool, change in bowel habits or stool shape (narrowing of the stool), cramping pain in the lower abdomen, decreased appetite, or weight loss, and in some cases, weakness and fatigue secondary to anemia, caused by blood loss from the cancer. Aside from â&#x20AC;&#x201C; age, the other non-modifiable factors that increase the risk for colorectal cancer include personal or family history of colorectal cancer and/or polyps, a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis or Cronh disease), certain inherited genetic conditions (e.g., Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis), and type 2 diabetes. The modifiable factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer include a diet high in red meat or processed meat , lack of exercise, obesity, , long-

term smoking, alcohol consumption and very low intake of fruits and vegetables. Colorectal screening is highly recommended beginning at the age of 50 for both men and women who are at average risk for colorectal cancer. Screening can detect colorectal cancer at an early stage when treatment is more successful; it can also detect and allow removal of polyps that might become cancerous. . The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends three colorectal cancer screening tests for the early detection of colorectal cancer namely: Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or stool blood test, for short, once every year; Sigmoidoscopy once every 5 years; or Colonoscopy once every 10 years. Talk to your doctor or provider about the colorectal cancer screening test that is right for you. The 5K Walk event is part of the CCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategic plan to increase colorectal cancer screening in collaboration with the UCLA Filipino-American Health Research Study Group. For more information about colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer screening, CALL your CCA Community Health Advisors: Aurora and Ely Garcia @ 626.357.3018 Aurea Briones @ 310.836.6028 Priscilla Nanong @ 626.358.4415 Cynthia Reyes @ 626.404.4581. (Noel Castorillo In collaboration with CCA and the UCLA Filipino American Health Research Study Group. Castorillo is not affiliated with UCLA and is not a CCA member. He is a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;kapamilya â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; of a CCA member through church affiliation.)

THAT WILL LAST FOREVER.

The Sto. Tomas Batangas Association of Southern California celebrated their Annual Town Fiesta last March 9, 2014 at Bill Blevins Park in Rowland Heights, CA. An upcoming big event will be on July 19, the 32nd Anniversary & Coronation of Ofie Villanueva, Mrs. Sto. Tomas 2014 at Los Serranos Country Club in Chino Hills. For inquiries about the association please contact Willie Manacsa at 747-202-035 or Ofie Villanueva at 626-960-8407.

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Washington, D.C. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) commends the Republican National Committee for appointing four Filipino American leaders to the Asian Pacific American Advisory Council. They include former U.S. Rep. Steve Austria of Ohio, Vellie S. Dietrich-Hall of Charlotte, Va., Cecilia Cortez Ramos of Los Angeles, Calif. and NaFFAA National Chairman Eduardo Navarra. In his letter of appointment, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said the party needs the â&#x20AC;&#x153;personal and professional insightsâ&#x20AC;? of Asian Pacific American community leaders to â&#x20AC;&#x153;help shape the vision of our efforts at the national, state and local levels.â&#x20AC;? The 31-member council, Priebus adds, â&#x20AC;&#x153;will lend their expertise towards a better, more effective engagement strategyâ&#x20AC;? between the RNC and APA communities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to ensure that the Republican Party is building sincere relationships in every community across the country, and our advisory councils will

help make that a reality,â&#x20AC;? Priebus further states. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are all true leaders in their communities, and each council member brings a unique perspective. I look forward to working with them to grow the Republican Party.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I gladly welcome this appointment as an opportunity for the nearly 4 million Filipinos in this country to voice their issues and concerns,â&#x20AC;? says Navarra. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We definitely want to play a significant role in helping shape public policy, notably on immigration reform. It is a critical issue that we all need to address now.â&#x20AC;? Adds Dietrich-Hall: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m grateful to have been invited to serve and represent our community. We have a lot to offer in terms of our experience, insights and ideas.â&#x20AC;? Dietrich-Hall served during the George W. Bush administration as one of 14 members of the White House Advisory Commission for Asians and Pacific Islanders. An active member of the Filipino American Republicans of Virginia (FARV), she was a delegate to the 2004 GOP convention in New York City.

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Over 10k Pinoys form women symbol at Luneta for Women´s Month MANILA, Mar 8 (Mabuhay) – More than ten thousand Filipinos formed the “Women Symbol” at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta on Saturday, to kick off activities for the Women’s Month. Philippine Commission on Women executive director Emmeline Verzosa said the event is a “show of force” for women in the Philippines. “Para mapakita rin natin na napakarami ang sumusuporta, show of force ito ng kababaihan,” she said. “Lalo na dito sa Pilipinas, marami tayong nakitang hamon sa buhay, lalo na ang mga kababaihan, maraming mga kalamidad, disaster, marami silang nararanasan na karahasan at abuso.” “Gusto natin ipakita sa kababaihan na hindi sila kailangang magpaabuso; kailangang magpakatatag at alam nating marami namang ang matatag,” she added. She said violence against women is still a big problem in society. “Karahasan sa kababaihan, marami pa rin tayong naririnig na may karanasan sa rape, binubogbog ng asawa o mahal sa buhay, naha-harass sa work place,” she said. “Sa kalusugan, access to reproductive health services, nakabinbin pa rin ang reproductive health law natin sa Korte. Kailangang may access sila para sila mismo ang nakakapagplano kung gusto nilang mag-anak,” she added. She also noted the recent disasters that hit the country and

have affected many women. “Unang-una, bago pa man maganap ang disaster, hinihikayat natin na makisama ang mga kababaihan sa disaster preparedness,” she said. Verzosa added that after a disaster hits, “bukod sa tubig at pagkain, dapat kasama rin ang special hygiene needs ng kababaihan, lalo na kung nasa reproductive age, they would need special hygiene products.” “In evacuation sites, we are also particular about in making sure there are no traffickers, or abusers, na nagsasamantala sa kanila. Mayroon kasing mga balibalita na mayroong recruiter. At dahil mahirap ang kalagayan, kakapit sa kahit ano ang mga babaeng ito,” she added. Guinness World Record The event is also an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the biggest human gender symbol. “Layunin natin ngayon ay tipunin ang 12,000 kababaihan at kalalakihan para magbuo ng human gender symbol,” Verzosa said. It has yet to be determined if a new world record has been set, however, officials noted that more than 10,000 people have joined in the formation. Verzosa said only 250 people are needed to set a new record as there are no other countries who attempted in forming the biggest human gender symbol. “Minimum lang ang 250 (people).” (MNS)

Binay, Pimentel rift deepens as Nene resigns from University of Makati

Filipino forms a large human women symbol at the Quirino Grandstand on the celebration International Women’s Day in Manila, the Philippines, 08 March 2014. According to the Philippine Commission on Women, more than 10,000 participants join the human formation to set a new Guinness World Record as the ‘Biggest human formation on women’s symbol’.(MNS photo)

President Aquino salutes Pinays on Women’s Day MANILA, Mar 8 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday joined the world in paying tribute to women on International Women’s Day, particularly saluting Filipinas who showed strength and offered hope in the face of calamities. In his message for the occasion, the President said Filipino women have a major role to play in helping the country recover from recent tragedies. “Sa mga kababaihang nagpaalab ng liwanag ng pag-asa sa mga panahong iyon na walangpagod na nag-aruga sa pamilyang nasalanta at nakilahok sa pagbangon, saludo ako sa inyo.

Maging daan nawa ang pagdiriwang na ito upang mapanibago ang inyong pagtataya sa tuwid na daan,” he said. He also said recent natural calamities showed the need for everyone to be prepared to face the challenges of nature. Also, Aquino said International Women’s Day should be an occasion as well to renew their commitment to work for a just society and a better future. “Sa araw na ito, mapagtibay nawa natin ang panatang itaguyod ang isang patas na lipunang nagkakaisa sa pagbuo ng maliwanag na bukas,” he said. In saluting Filipinas, Aquino

MANILA, Mar 10 (Mabuhay) – The rift between Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III grew deeper when the latter’s father, former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., resigned as chairman of the College of Governance and Public Policy at the University of Makati (Umak). The former lawmaker, current president of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), announced his resignation over the weekend and gave no explanation for his decision, it was learned Monday morning. This latest development came a day after PDP-Laban announced its withdrawal from the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) coalition. This followed Binay’s resignation as PDP-Laban party chair. Together with former President Joseph Estrada’s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), Binay formed UNA for the 2013 midterm elections. UNA’s senatorial candidates included Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who earlier resigned on charges that he benefited from election cheating in the 2007 elections that saw him edge out the younger Pimentel from the winning list. Binay had been a stalwart of PDP-Laban since the 1983 merg er of the PDP of elder Pimentel, who was then Cagayan de Oro City mayor, and the Laban of then Sen. Benigno “Ninoy Aquino Jr. The younger Pimentel, when asked about his father’s announcement, said he has yet to talk to him about the matter. “Hindi ko po alam yun. Hindi ko pa po confirmed yun (I don’t know about that. He confirmed on air)...He announced on air, I was told. I will ask him when I see him later in the day,” he said. ALL NEW 2013 The Sen. Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. Center for Local Gover& 2014 nance (SAPCLG) that occupies in an entire building within the MODEL #1223, 1225, 1227, 1229 premises of Umak was reportedly established by Binay himself for the former senator and long-time party mate. At the website of the Pimentel Institute for Leadership and for up Governance, the former senator said the SAPCLG began with an to 60 months auspicious phone call from then Makati Mayor Jojo Binay some two years before his term ended as local chief and before Pimentel retired from the upper chamber. OFF “He asked if I could head a center at the University of Makati MSRP (Includes $1,500 Factory Rebate) to help upgrade the skills on governance of local executives. I Valid 03/05/14 thru 03/31/14 * In lieu of factory rebate replied that I could not because I was still a senator. Skillfully, he said, then, we should take up the issue again when I would ALL NEW 2014 no longer be a legislator. To be polite to him, I said, why not? AUTOMATIC And we left it at that. Many things had happened since that teleALL MODELS AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY phone conversation of ours took place.

lauded them for showing their strength in the wake of the Zamboanga City siege in September, the magnitude-7.2 quake in Central Visayas in October, and super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November. On the other hand, he said women have an important role as well in working toward inclusive growth for the nation. “Kasama ng ating mga kababayan, patuloy nating buuin ang isang bansang handang kumalinga sa mga mamamayan at walang iniiwan sa kanyang pag-arangkada tungo sa minimithing malawakang kaunlaran,” he said.(MNS)

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Typhoon-hit PHL farmers to reap harvest: UN BASEY, March 10, 2014 (AFP) – Farmers in the Philippines will soon reap a harvest after using emergency seed supplies to grow crops following a devastating typhoon that struck during planting season, the UN food agency said Monday. Super Typhoon Haiyan raked across the central Philippines last November, killing at least 6,200 people with around 2,000 others still missing, while also displacing four million and leaving tens of thousands of farmers withA nun joins the women’s advocacy group GABRIELA and victims of Typhoon Haiyan, during a International Women’s Day protest rally outside the residence of President Benigno Aquino in Quezon city, metro Manila March 8, 2014. The protesters are denouncing what they say is the government’s neglect of disaster victims in central Philippines. On March 8 activists around the globe celebrate International Women’s Day, which dates back to the beginning of the 20th Century and has been observed by the United Nations since 1975. The UN writes that it is an occasion to commemorate achievements in women’s rights and to call for further change. (MNS photo)

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Bill filed to make malunggay for national vegetable MANILA, Mar 11 (Mabuhay) – Malunggay, the highly nutritious vegetable, might soon be getting the recognition it deserves with Pangasinan Rep. Gina de Venecia pushing for its declaration as the country’s national vegetable. House Bill 2072 or Act Declaring Malunggay (Moringa) as the National Vegetable of the Philippines and the Month of November of Every Year. “Known as miracle vegetable or nature’s medicine cabinet by scientists and health care workers from around the world, malunggay is loaded with vitamins and minerals that can be an effective remedy against many kinds of ailments,” according to the bill’s explanatory note. For the past 20 years, the World Health Organization has been promoting it as a low-cost health enhancer in poor countries, it added.

out their livelihoods. Haiyan hit at a “terrible time” between rice planting seasons but timely seed replacements have ensured a second harvest is not lost, said Jose Graziano da Silva, director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Last year the agency had voiced concerns that without the harvest, vulnerable farmers would not have been able to collect rice for almost a year – until October or November 2014. “I am pleased to say that our support got there in time,” he said in a speech to local farmers who received 1.76 million tons of seeds from the FAO after the typhoon. “When the crop is harvested (in March or April)... it should yield enough rice to feed 800,000 people for more than a year,” he added. “This means that they will not only be able to feed their families, but also sell the surplus and generate extra income which is crucial for them to fully recover.” Graziano da Silva said Haiyan had destroyed 1.1 million tons of crops, along with 33 million coconut trees in a major farming region described by the Philippine government as among the poorest. He said providing coconut farmers with other sources of income, such as helping them plant faster-yielding crops, was a top FAO priority in the six to eight years it will take for new coconut trees to start bearing fruit. Meanwhile, more employment opportunities need to be encouraged in areas where victims of disasters tend to migrate to look for work, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). This statement came after the Philippine Statistics Authority released the results of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) for January 2014. The survey shows that total employment grew by 0.8 percent year-on-year, translating to 283,000 jobs generated, but slower than the labor force growth of 1.2 percent during the period. As a result, the unemployment rate went up to 7.5 percent in January 2014, higher by 0.4 percentage point from the year-ago rate of 7.1 percent. However, the underemployment rate went down to 19.5 percent for the period, or approximately 7.1 million employed persons in January 2014. This is lower compared to 20.7 percent or about 7.5 million in January 2013.

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ENTERT

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Jasmine doesn’t mind being compared with Anne Jasmine Curtis-Smith does not mind being compared with her sister, Kapamilya star Anne Curtis, now that she is beginning to make her own mark in the local entertainment industry. Jasmine said she is happy to have been given the opportunity to step out of her sister’s shadow. “I’m not afraid to say that because I’m different from her. I’m just glad that people are noticing that and I am given the opportunity to show that. Regardless if that happens or not, I feel it so yun ang pinakaimportante,” she said. “I am so thankful to god kasi hindi nawawala yung spark ko sa mga tao. They are still interested, they are still contacting us for projects and endorsements so praise God, tuluy-tuloy siya,” she added.

Jasmine Curtis-Smith

Jasmine said she and Anne always have each other’s backs,

adding that they do not mind people pitting them against each other. “We listen to each other. We comfort each other at home. We don’t actually say much when we comfort each other. We just show that we are there,” she said. Meanwhile, Jasmine said she is very proud of her sister who gets to play a mermaid in ABSCBN’s fantasy series “Dyesebel.” “I’m very proud of her. It’s every girl’s dream. She’s played a mermaid before but now her character is solely a mermaid. Happy ako. Everyone’s excited and it’s creating such a buzz so congrats ate,” she said. Asked if she also wants to play a mermaid someday, Jasmine said: “Hindi kasi ako marunong lumangoy so sa kanya na. Sa kanya lang yun talaga.” (MNS)

Emotional Piolo says he almost gave up on career Piolo Pascual turned emotional during the thanksgiving party of his movie “Starting Over Again”, admitting he almost gave up on his career. When it was his turn to take the stage to thank the people behind the success of the Star Cinema movie, Pascual suddenly became teary-eyed, revealing that he thought of quitting showbiz until this project turned out to be a blockbuster hit. Addressing the ABS-CBN executives in particular, Pascual said: “I was seriously considering quitting this year pero

when the movie became a big hit, I said the joke is on me. I guess hindi pa po time para umalis ako sa showbiz.” “Thank you for always being there para sabihin sa akin na huwag akong tanga at huwag ko isipin na umalis kasi hindi ko talaga alam. This was hard for me. Inayos ko na ang buhay ko. I was ready to settle down in the States. This could be my last. Maraming salamat sa tiwala kasi hindi ko talaga alam na aabot ako dito,” he added. Three weeks since it was released in theaters, Pascual’s first big screen team-up with

Piolo Pascual

Angelica: Kailangang pag-isipan lahat ng projects Angelica Panganiban admitted that it took some time before she agreed to do her upcoming movie with Gerald Anderson. Panganiban said she is not the type who simply accepts any project that is offered to her. “To be honest, syempre kailangan mo naman talagang pag-isipan lahat ng projects. Hindi naman pwedeng kapag sinabi sa’yo okay na, okay ka na agad,” she said. “Syempre madami kang dapat i-consider. Paano mo ba to gagawin? Nagawa ko na ba to? Nakita na ba nila akong ganito?” she added. The Star Cinema-produed film is set to be directed by Ruel Bayani. It is a drama film that promises an “adult and restrained” take on romance on the big screen. Bayani also said the movie will feature “a story of great love.” Panganiban said she has no worries about working with Anderson because she trusts Bayani, who personally picked both of them. “I’m sure magiging madali rin kasama si Gerald,” Panganiban

said. “Kumbaga kino-consider ko na kami talaga mga paborito ni Direk Ruel. ‘Diba, kung gusto niya si Gerald, at gusto niya ako, I’m sure meron kaming something in common.” While other cast members have yet to be announced, the still untitled project of Panganiban and Anderson is reportedly set to be released in a few months. (MNS)

Toni Gonzaga already earned P375 million. Saying this is his biggest movie to date, Pascual said he is still in awe as to how people supported “Starting Over Again.” “Nung lumabas na ganun ang kita ng pelikula, hindi talaga ako makapaniwala because back during my time, maka P100 million ka lang okay ka na. For the movie to make more than a hundred

million in four days, it was really overwhelming for me. I never thought na it would still happen,” he said. Saying he chooses to just trust God’s plan for him, Pascual said: “Kasi roller coaster ang pinagdaanan ko. Kumbaga binigay ko na lang kasi for me, hindi ko na alam kung saan ako pupulutin after nito. Hindi naman na ako bata. With my team-up wih Tin, quota na ako.” (MNS)

Angelica Panganiban

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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 -RZ

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. â&#x20AC;&#x153;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. -TRISTAN

PRAYERS PRAYER to the BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail)

Oh most beautiful Ă&#x20AC;ower of Mt. Carmel, fruit wine splendor of Heaven.Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea. Help me and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you. Grateful Thanks. -WSN

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Hi-tech isn’t complicated, it’s child’s play (Relaxnews) – Pre-school kids are better than university students when it comes to figuring out how gadgets, gizmos and unusual toys work. Or so say the results of research undertaken by the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Edinburgh. The researchers tested how 106 four-to-five-year-olds and 107 college undergraduates faired in getting to grips with something they called “Blickets,” a game with both physical and electrical elements that functioned in an unusual way. The object of the game is to place clay geometric shapes (Brickets) on a box in certain numbers or combinations in order to activate a light and play music. The researchers found that because children are more flexible and less biased than adults when it

comes to concepts such as cause and effect, they were quicker in solving the problem at the heart of the game. For example, following game demonstrations, the preschoolers quickly figured out that combinations of shapes placed on the box would trigger the music, while the students persisted in trying to figure out which individual geometric shapes made the music play. They stuck to a common and obvious rule even though through demonstrations, the researchers had indicated that said rules didn’t necessarily apply. “As far as we know, this is the first study examining whether children can learn abstract cause and effect relationships, and comparing them to adults,” said UC Berkeley developmental psychologist Alison Gopnik, senior author of the paper published online in the journal Cog-

nition. The paper highlights that on the whole, children are more likely to follow Bayesain logic, or in layman’s terms, to entertain unlikely possibilities in order to understand how something functions. Therefore it’s little wonder that the average five-year-old can crack a smartphone’s passcode and run up a huge bill thanks to in-app purchases in a matter of minutes. “One big question, looking forward, is what makes children more flexible learners—are they just free from the preconceptions that adults have, or are they fundamentally more flexible or exploratory in how they see the world?” said Christopher Lucas, lead author of the paper and a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh. “Regardless, children have a lot to teach us about learning.”

Children can outperform college students when it comes to hi-tech problem solving. ©Samuel Borges Photography/shutterstock.com

Blood test can predict Alzheimer’s: study

Cut down on caffeine with Up Coffee (Relaxnews) – A new iPhone app from Jawbone, maker of the Up fitness trackers, helps you keep tabs on coffee intake and how long you’ll have to wait for its effects to wear off in order to get a good night’s sleep. Easy to use as a standalone smartphone app or paired with an Up or Up 24 band, Up Coffee helps users log daily caffeine intake, from the aforementioned coffee to cola and any number of energy drinks. Using information about the user’s sex, age and weight, it can work

out how the stimulant is affecting their body on a spectrum that runs from “wired” to “sleep ready.” The idea is that after roughly a week to 10 days’ use, the app will be able to show how much impact 100mg of caffeine has on a user’s body and when to stop drinking it in order to be able to get to sleep when it’s time for bed. It will be able to show how many hours of sleep a week are being lost to drinking coffee and will even be able to set challenges and make suggestions, such

as when to stop taking coffee and when to try only drinking coffee. And although it is a standalone product, when paired with the Up 24 Band, which tracks sleep patterns, the Up Coffee app will be able to offer even deeper levels of insight and understanding. Up Coffee is available as a free download on iOS. The company currently has no firm plans regarding an Android version of the app.

Omega-3 consumption linked to better sleep (Relaxnews) – A new pilot study from the University of Oxford indicates increasing children’s intake of omega-3 fatty acids may improve their sleep. The study is said to be the first to analyze the potential link between sleep and fatty acid status in healthy children. Findings will be published in the Journal of Sleep Research. Researchers provided 362 children from 74 Oxford primary schools with daily 600 mg supplements of algal sources or a placebo over a 16-week period to determine if sleep would improve. Participants were between 7 and 9 years old. The children weren’t selected based on sleep issues, although all had problems with reading. Previous research has shown an increase in omega-3 consumption can improve children’s ability to concentrate, read and spell in addition to lowering disruptive behavior. At the beginning of the study, parents filled out a questionnaire, with results revealing that four in ten of the children dealt with regular sleep disturbances. The researchers fitted the 43 children rated as poor sleepers with wrist sensors that monitored movements in bed over five nights. The study found children who took the daily omega-3 supplements enjoyed 58 minutes more sleep and seven fewer awakenings per night than those who took the placebo. Higher blood levels of the long-chain omega-3 DHA was linked to improved sleep, including “less bedtime resistance, parasomnias and total sleep disturbance.” “Various substances made within the body from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have long been known to play key roles in the regulation of

sleep,” said lead study author Professor Paul Montgomery of Oxford University. “For example, lower ratios of DHA have been linked with lower levels of melatonin, and that would fit with our finding that sleep problems are greater in children with lower levels of DHA in their blood.”

While further research is needed given the relatively small number of participants, researchers say that if the study results are confirmed implications will be “profound” for children struggling with behavioral and learning issues. Omega-3s are associated with a number of other health benefits, including their ability to lower blood pressure. A study announced this week and published in the American Journal of Hypertension found omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are as effective, if not more so, in lowering blood pressure than commonly rec-

ommended lifestyle changes, such as exercising more, consuming less sodium and drinking less alcohol.

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PARIS, March 10, 2014 (AFP) – Researchers in the United States say they have developed a prototype blood test that can tell with 90-percent accuracy whether a healthy person will develop Alzheimer’s disease within three years. The test looks for 10 signatures of fatty proteins called lipids, according to a study published on Sunday in the journal Nature Medicine. It could help families of people developing the cognitive disorder make early decisions on how best to care for them and may also aid the search for treatment, the authors said. Several years of clinical trials are likely to be needed to assess the prototype technique, the first blood “biomarker” to predict the tragic degenerative disease. Alzheimer’s, caused by toxic proteins that destroy brain cells, is a currently incurable and fatal degenerative disease. Around 35 million people have the disease, a tally that is expected to reach 115 million people by 2050, according to the World Health Organization. “Our novel blood test offers the poten-

tial to identify people at risk for progressive cognitive decline and can change how patients, their families and treating physicians plan for and manage the disorder,” said Howard Federoff, a professor of neurology at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington. It could also help efforts to treat the disease, he said in a press release. Attempts to develop drugs for Alzheimer’s have failed possibly because they are tested when the disease has progressed too far, Federoff said. These treatments may have a better chance of braking or reversing the disease if they are trialled at a much earlier stage, he said. The researchers started by taking blood samples from 525 healthy volunteers aged 70 and older. Three years later, they looked at a group of 53 volunteers who had developed symptoms of early Alzheimer’s or a memory-affecting condition known as amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).

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Geneva Motor Show: When exclusive just isn’t exclusive (Relaxnews) – What Swiss tuning house Mansory does could be viewed as some car design purists an act of automotive sacrilege, but for a growing number of wellheeled car lovers and collectors, the services it provides are seen as the only way of ensuring that a supercar really is super. To some, the Lamborghini Aventador is perfect in every way. Its looks can even give onlookers levels of whiplash akin to actually driving it on a track. Then there’s the engine hidden by those incredible visuals, capable of 0-100km/ h in 2.9 seconds and a top speed in excess of 350km/h – making it as as good as or better than anything any other hypercar maker can offer. And it’s rare. Only 500 are built each year and only 4000 will ever be made. And don’t forget the price, around $350,000 before any optional extras are specified.

But to Mansory, the car is simply a good starting point for creating something that is more stunning, faster, rarer, and, of course, expensive. The result, the Mansory Lamborghini Aventador Carbonado GT, unveiled this week at Geneva, has had its entire body reimagined in carbon fiber. But it’s more than just a visual makeover: the new body is packed full of new aerodynamic elements culminating in a new rear wing and diffuser. Neither of which are there for show. That’s because under the hood, the Lamborghini’s 6.5-liter V12 has company, in the form of two turbochargers that when at full spin pretty much double horsepower from the stock 700hp (515 kW) to what Mansory describes as an “impressive” 1600hp. This drops the 0-100km/h time to 2.1 seconds (making it one of the fastest accelerating cars in the world) and as for top speed, the company will only say that it is comfortably over 370km/h. Sticking huge turbos on an engine will make any car faster,

once or twice. But then the engine will overheat or throw a rod and the fun will be over. Mansory has totally overhauled the engine – from the connecting rods, rod bearings, crankshaft, crank to cylinder head and there’s also a custom exhaust system designed to make the car just as reliable and user-friendly as a ‘stock’ Lamborghini. Inside, the cabin is decked in the finest hand-stitched leather, the doors get carbon fiber inserts, there’s a new steering wheel and a highly polished starter button has been fitted to the roof lining so that it feels like firing up a jet fighter, rather than a road-going vehicle every time you climb into the cockpit. As well as turning already potent Lamborghinis into firebreathing monsters, Mansory is just as comfortable working its magic on Ferraris, McLarens, Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Aston Martins and even Bugattis. And as for the cost, that’s down to exactly what you have in mind. The car on show in Geneva is simply the starting point.

(Relaxnews) – Officially unveiled at Geneva on Tuesday morning, the third generation coupé is, visually at least, a gentle evolution of the outgoing model; however, there are huge changes under the skin. That’s not to say the new car looks identical; it’s more angular and masculine especially at the front where the grille is very similar in design to the one found on the range-topping R8 supercar. Yet it’s still unmistakably a TT. Perhaps the cleverest trick is that Audi has managed to increase the car’s wheelbase – so that there’s more interior space, yet has somehow managed to make the car itself smaller –

it’s 20mm shorter and 8mm slimmer. And, thanks to an aluminum chassis, it’s 50kg lighter too. As well as more interior space, the new car comes with more power – thanks to an improved range of three four-cylinder engines offering outputs of up to 310PS, a 2-liter turbodiesel unit and for the range-topping TTS model, permanent Quattro all-wheeldrive. Inside, the TT is the first Audi car to get the company’s much-hyped virtual cockpit, whereby all main control switches and multimedia functions are combined in a single digital unit. The TT will go on sale in Europe this autumn.

McLaren surprises Geneva crowds with new convertible

(Relaxnews) – The British supercar company had already announced that it was set to launch a new super-fast sports coupe at the motor show, but then proceeded to take the wraps off a spider version too. Like the McLaren 650S, the 650S Spider has an output of 650PS (641bhp) and combines elements of the company’s existing range of supercars to create something faster than the 12C, yet more comfortable than the rangtopping P1. McLaren describes the car as a ‘no compromise’ high-performance open-top sports car, and looking at the performance figures, that’s no exaggeration. With a 0-62mph (100km/h) time of 3.0 seconds, it is equally as fast as the hardtop version off the line but does lose out by 0.2 seconds in the 0-124mph (200km/h) – 8.6 seconds compared with 8.4

seconds for the coupe. However, it’s still good for a top speed of 204mph (329km/h) and 24.2mpg (11.7 l/100km) on the combined cycle. The fact that the figures for the spider are so close to those for the hardtop are a testament to McLaren’s engineering expertise. The convertible is only 40kg heavier and most of this weight is due to the two-piece roof and the motor that retracts it. And that motor is no slouch either. The roof can be raised or lowered in under 17 seconds and at speeds of up to 19mph (30km/h). No one ever doubts McLaren’s technical abilities, but sometimes the company is criticized for its lack of adventure. For example, the traction control systems in its cars are difficult to turn off, and sometimes the cars, though fabulous to drive, can lack personality.

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In a driverless future, drivers will do anything else (GENEVA-AFP) – Brew an espresso, watch a movie on a large screen, surf the Internet or simply sit and chat with friends? As automakers and technology firms steer towards a future of driverless cars, a Swiss think tank is at the Geneva Motor Show this week showing off its vision of what vehicles might look like on the inside when people no longer have to focus on the road. “Once I can drive autonomously, would I want to watch while my steering wheel turns happily from left to right?” asked Rinspeed founder and chief executive Frank Rinderknecht. “No. I would like to do anything else but drive and watch the traffic. Eat, sleep, work, whatever you can imagine,” he told AFP at the show, which opens its doors to the public Thursday. Google is famously working on fully autonomous cars, and traditional carmakers are rapidly developing a range of autonomous technologies as well. With analysts expecting sales of self-driving, if not completely driverless, cars to begin taking off by the end of this decade, Rinderknecht insists it’s time to consider how the experience of riding in a car will could be radically redefined.

Patting his shiny Xchange concept car, Rinderknecht says he envisages a future where car passengers will want to do the same kinds of things we today do to kill time on trains an airplanes. So Rinspeed has revamped the interior of Tesla’s Model S electric car to show carmakers how they might turn standard-sized vehicles into entertainment centres, offices and meeting spots wrapped into one. The seats can slide, swivel, and tilt into more than 20 positions, allowing passengers to turn to face each other or a 32inch screen in the back. Up front too, an entertainment system lines the entire length of the dashboard, and the steering wheel can be shifted to allow passengers a better view of the screens. Espresso anyone? And of course there is an espresso machine. While brewing coffee, video conferencing and keeping an eye on your email at 120 kilometres an hour may sound like a fantasy today, Rinderknecht is convinced it could happen in the not too distanced future. “We think this is what things could look like in a few years time,” he said.

A hostess poses inside the new Rinspeed “XchangE” concept car displayed at the Swiss carmaker’s booth ar the Geneva Motor Show. ©AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI

Driving, he said, is on the cusp of being redefined, allowing people to take the wheel for pleasure, for instance while going over an Alpine pass, but handing over control of the car on tedious stretches. “If I have to go three hours from Geneva to Zurich and it’s congested, I’m not doing anything... I want to be doing something else,” he said. Carmakers at the Geneva Motor Show seemed to agree that vehicles that drive themselves, at least to a certain extent, are on the horizon.

“Autonomous driving is an inevitability that we are approaching very rapidly,” Hyundai Europe COO Allan Rushforth told AFP. He stressed though that “full automation” was not a priority. Ford Europe chief Stephen Odelle also said the technology was speeding forward, but added that he believed “the technology will be ready before legislation and consumers are.” “How comfortable will consumers be with fully automated cars?” he asked, adding that legislating for liability would be

quite tricky with no driver behind the wheel. Rinderknecht acknowledged there are obstacles, but insisted “they can be overcome.” He pointed out that accident reduction is actually a major argument for automation, since once the technology is finalised the machines should be far more reliable than humans. And while it will be an upward battle to redefine liability legislation, “I think it can be done, because laws must adapt to life, and life as we all know changes,” he said.

Consumers driving demand for in-car technology (Relaxnews) – From navigation systems to hands-free smartphone kits and reversing cameras, high-tech options are playing a bigger role in US drivers’ decision-making process when choosing a new car. The research, by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), found that 42 percent of US consumers are planning on buying some form of in-vehicle technology device over the next 12 months and that for 59 percent of respon-

dents that have bought a new car over the past year, the in-car tech on offer was an important factor for making the purchase. The CEA also notes that ownership of most categories of in-vehicle tech has been growing over the past six years. As well as being offered as cost or no-cost options directly by automakers, everything from in-dash sound systems and remote vehicle starters are available from a host of aftermarket companies.

However, despite growing popularity and growing competition only 54 percent of consumers said that they are satisfied with the technologies in their primary vehicles. Highlighting the importance of smartphones and staying connected, 47 percent of respondents are interested in using in-car versions of mobile device apps that are designed for safer and easier use while driving. When asked, two in five con-

sumers said they intend to purchase an in-vehicle technology device such as car alarms or remote vehicle starters to fitted sound systems. Plus, following on from their preference for smartphone apps, devices that facilitate mobile use in the vehicle, such as devices to connect smartphones and MP3 players to the vehicle, hands-free kits and smartphone mounting systems. The study, which polled the

opinions of 997 US residents of driving age, is published in the same week that Apple officially unveiled its CarPlay system for bringing iPhone features to the car dashboard. According to forecasted figures from ABI Research, demand for systems that give drivers car-safe smartphone functionality and app access is growing at such a rate that by 2018, half of all new cars sold globally will come with Apple’s new system on board.

Volkswagen: Cars driving into a new era of digitalization (Relaxnews) – The company’s chairman told the CeBIT IT fair in Hanover, Germany, that the convergence of the automobile and the computer will fundamentally change our concept of mobility during his keynote address. Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn said: “Information technology has been a key component of the automobile industry for some time. Our cars are already mobile computer centers, with 1.5 km of cables, more than 50 control units and the computing power of 20 highly advanced PCs. Now we face the considerable challenge of making mobility even more intelligent and more networked together with the IT industry.” In particular, the race is on for cars to be able to interact digitally and to network with other vehicles, and with the infrastructure around them, be it traffic signals, smart parking spaces or car parks, or with live information exchanges providing up to the moment alerts on weather or other potential problems for drivers. According to Winterkorn, no one can realize the intelligent car of the future working alone: “The challenges we face here are the modernization of infrastructure, the clarifica-

tion of legal aspects and the strengthening of Germany as an IT location. The automobile industry, the IT industry, business, scientists and politicians therefore need to join forces. The mobility of the future will be worthwhile for everyone concerned – especially for consumers, who will benefit from cars that are even safer, more comfortable and more intelligent.” Innovations in IT from smartphones and tablets to the promise of the Internet of Things are already changing consumers’ expectations when it comes to other aspects of their modern lives, and the car is no exception. “People’s expectations of mobility are changing fundamentally. And our customers’ wishes for their own cars are changing faster and faster. This is why the Volkswagen Group has recently launched a major new future-oriented initiative, ‘Future Tracks.’ This initiative will bring the brightest people in our Group together in order to find answers to the major challenges faced by our industry. Digitalization will play a key role in this process,” said Winterkorn, explaining that VW already employs 9,300 IT specialists and is currently investing €3.8 billion annually in information technology.

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nese coastguard boats blocked the Philippine vessels and used “signboard, sirens and megaphones” to order them to leave the area. A tiny unit of marines living on a decrepit, beached Philippine naval vessel and only connected to the outside world by satellite phones has been guarding the shoal since the late 1990s amid an increasingly tense territorial dispute. Hernandez said the Philippines had been supplying its forces to the shoal for 15 years without any interference from China. Referred to by China as Ren’ai Reef and by the Philippines as the Ayungin Shoal, the Second Thomas Shoal is claimed by the Philippines, China and Taiwan. Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam also claim other parts of the Spratlys, which lie near vital sea lanes, rich fishing grounds and are also believed to sit on vast mineral resources. Gang told reporters: “According to the Chinese coast guard, yesterday (its) fleets on regular patrol found two Philippineflagged vessels carrying construc-

tion materials approaching the Ren’ai Reef. He added “The Chinese coastguard’s vessels spoke to the two vessels, and the two vessels left the waters around the Ren’ai Reef that afternoon.” He insisted that the Philippines had repeatedly been asked to remove the grounded vessel on the reef, but had failed to do so. The incident comes amid heightened tensions between the two neighbors over their conflicting claims to territory in the South China Sea. On February 25, the Philippines formally protested China’s alleged use of water cannon to drive away Filipino fishermen who were approaching Scarborough Shoal, another South China Sea outcrop about 22 kilometers from the main Philippine island of Luzon. China is embroiled in several territorial disputes with its neighbors including the Philippines and Japan, with tensions centerd on rival claims in the South China Sea and East China Sea. The Philippine government has sought United Nations arbitration to settle the dispute, but China has rejected the move.

review next year. OCHOA PRAISESyearTheglobal BPfA is an international From page 1

the capacity of Filipino women to endure and prevail under demanding circumstances embodies women empowerment. “Heroines all, women in affected areas, though victims themselves, have inspired us with their efforts to keep their families together, extending assistance to others as volunteers in rescue and rehabilitation efforts, and ably performing their duties as leaders in their respective communities,” Ochoa said. The theme for this year’s observance of National Women’s Month is “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong.” Ochoa also took the opportunity to announce that the Philippines will begin this month the assessment of the progress of its commitments under the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA) of 1995 in preparation for the 20-

accord of women’s rights created during the Fourth World Conference on Women of the United Nation in Beijing in 1995, which has the backing of some 189 countries including the Philippines. The BPfA includes key areas of concern needing action such as women and poverty, violence against women, and access to power and decision-making. According to Ochoa, the Philippine report will be crafted by stakeholders in the government and non-government sectors and will be tackled during the Women’s Consultative Conference this month. “The Philippine experience can very well be a major contribution to this review as the world looks at more opportunities for gender equality and empowerment, and for broadening advocacy in the promotion and protection of women’s rights after 2015,” Ochoa said. (MNS)

NO PINOY to arrive in Beijing at 6:30 a.m. local time. It also branded as “speculation” information that the aircraft has landed in Nanming. The airline said the flight was piloted by Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah, 53, a Malaysian working for the airline since 1981 and who had logged 18,365 flying hours. It said First Officer Fariq Ab.Hamid, a Malaysian, 27, logged 2,763 flying hours and joined Malaysia Airlines in 2007. Malaysia Airlines ‘shocked’ by report on co-pilot Malaysia Airlines said it was “shocked” by allegations aired in an Australian news programme of a past cockpit security breach involving the co-pilot on its missing passenger jet. Malaysia Airlines MH370 vanished early Saturday on an overnight flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people aboard. No trace of the plane or evidence of its fate have been found. Among those aboard were First Officer Fariq Abdul Hamid, 27, who along with a fellow pilot violated airline rules in 2011 by allowing two young South African women into their cockpit during a flight, one of the women told Sydney-based Nine Network. The report included photos of the women in the cockpit, with one appearing to show them posing with a man resembling Fariq.

Passengers have been prohibited from entering the cockpit during a flight after the 9/11 attacks on the United States. The encounter took place during the one-hour flight from the Thai beach resort of Phuket to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, the report said. “Malaysia Airlines has become aware of the allegations being made against First Officer Fariq Abdul Hamid which we take very seriously. We are shocked by these allegations,” a statement by the airline said. “We have not been able to confirm the validity of the pictures and videos of the alleged incident. As you are aware, we are in the midst of a crisis, and we do not want our attention to be diverted,” the airline said. “Our focus now is to work with the emergency responders and authorities and mobilize its full support. Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected passengers and crew and their family members,” the airline said. Earlier, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs on Saturday said it is now checking if Filipinos were among the 239 people aboard a Malaysian Airlines flight bound for Beijing that lost contact with air traffic control after leaving Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur. Terrorism not ruled out in missing Malaysia jet: CIA The head of the US Central In-

BINAY

CUNANAN

this point. He said he sees nothing wrong with Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s announcement that he also wants to become President. Escudero said that if he does run for vicepresident in 2016, he will not be joining any political party. “I don’t plan to join a political party at this point in time. If ever I do run, pwede ka naman i-adopt o ampunin ng anumang partido,” he said. He also debunked talk that he is being groomed as a possible running-mate of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, who is being rumored as the possible Liberal Party standard-bearer in 2016.

tained almost a million pesos in pork barrel kickbacks. Santiago, who interpellated Cunanan during the inquiry, expressed doubts about his denial on receiving kickbacks, saying the TRC official could have easily exposed anomalies in the agency if he was indeed innocent. On Friday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima gave Cunanan the chance to rectify his statements on pork kickbacks. Under Republic Act 6981, or the Witness Protection Program (WPP) law, for an individual to qualify as state witness, he or she must have testimony on a grave offense that is of “absolute necessity.” In addi-

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THE US ASIAN POST

telligence Agency said Tuesday that terrorism could not be ruled out in the disappearance of a Malaysian airliner, describing the plane’s fate as a “mystery.” CIA Director John Brennan said there had been reports of claims of responsibility for downing the missing jet, but stressed that these were far from confirmed. “I think there’s a lot of speculation right now – some claims of responsibility that have not been, you know, confirmed or corroborated at all,” he said. “We are looking at it very carefully.” Brennan provided no further details, but his comment was the first reference by a US official to any alleged claim of responsibility over the jet’s fate. When asked if he could rule out a terrorist link, Brennan said: “No, I wouldn’t rule it out.” The former counter-terrorism adviser to President Barack Obama stressed that it was too early to draw any conclusions about the Malaysia Airlines plane that vanished Saturday with 239 people on board after taking from Kuala Lumpur en route to Beijing. “Clearly this is still a mystery,” he said. There were a host of unanswered questions including why the plane’s transponder stopped emitting signals and what was the role of passengers carrying stolen passports, he said.

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tion to this, the witness must also be not the most guilty, and must not have been convicted of any crime in the past. Senator Grace Poe said Cunanan may be slapped with perjury by the Senate blue ribbon committee if he indeed lied about not receiving pork kickbacks. “Ngayon nasabi niya [Cunanan] na iyan, kapag binawi pa niya iyan... parang perjury na yan kasi nag-swear na siya diyan,” Poe said. Poe also maintained that the Department of Justice (DOJ) should be cautious about admitting individuals as government witnesses.

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