US Asian Post November 11, 2015 by Balita Media Inc

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Vol. 5 No. 7

LOS ANGELES

A BALITA MEDIA PUBLICATION

Wednesday - Tuesday, November 11 - 17, 2015

Two years after ‘Haiyan’, 1-M still homeless: report TACLOBAN, Nov. 6 (Mabuhay) – Two years after a super typhoon devastated the Philippines and sounded a global alarm on climate change, a massive rebuilding program has had big successes but at least one million survivors are still without safe homes. In Tacloban, a major coastal city that was nearly completely destroyed and where thousands died, restaurants and shops are bustling again – showcasing the best of a remarkable resurrection for many communities. But on the city’s outskirts and elsewhere, many people endure deep poverty as they live in flimsy new homes that make them extremely vulnerable to future storms that will inevitably whip in off the Pacific Ocean. More than 7,350 people were MANILA, Nov 7 (Mabuhay) killed or left missing after super – The government is having typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck diffi culty acquiring lands that the Philippines on Nov. 8, 2013, would serve as relocation sites with the strongest winds ever refor the survivors of Typhoon corded on land. Yolanda that’s why there are Tsunami-like storm surges some delays on the transfer of higher than trees exacerbated the families who are still living in disaster, demolishing communibunkhouses especially in Taties on central Philippine islands cloban City, a Palace official that were already among the nasaid on Saturday. tion’s poorest. Deputy presidential spokes“I cry almost every night. Jeperson Abigail Valte said in a sus, Mary and Joseph, how are we radio interview on Saturday going to survive,” Esliba Bascal, that the tracts of land initially 59, who lost her son and home in

Acquiring land hampers gov’t relocation program

Environmental activists light candles at UP Diliman on Thursday, to commemorate the second year since Typhoon Yolanda hit the central Philippines on November 8, 2013. The Category 5 super typhoon claimed the lives of more than 6,300 people and caused severe damage in Eastern Visayas.(MNS photo)

Tubbataha Reef named ASEAN Heritage Park MANILA, Oct. 20 (Mabuhay) flood waters coming down from – The Department of Social Wel- high places,” Soliman said. fare and Development (DSWD) Based on the records of DSWD, reiterated on Tuesday its call for “Lando” has affected 37,455 famityphoon “Lando” evacuees wish- lies equivalent to 182,946 persons ing to return home to heed the ad- from Regions I, II, III, IV-A, V, visories of concerned government and Cordillera Administrative authorities to ensure their safety. Region (CAR). According to DSWD Secretary Of this number, 12,125 families Corazon J. Soliman, it is impor- or 55,554 persons are in 255 evactant that the evacuees wait for uation centers managed by the the go-signal of national and lo- Local Government Units (LGUs). Airport security screeners wear pink armbandsAduring at the Ninoy Aquino cal government officials before total aofMass PhP1,322,040 worth International Airport on Friday. The security screeners appeal for public understanding returning to their places of origin. of humanitarian assistance was while investigation of the “tanim-bala” scam is underway. (MNS photo) “This is to ensure their safety provided by the LGUs of Regions against possible landslides and I, II, III, and V.

Lowly airport workers reap bitter fruits of ‘tanim-bala’ scam

MANILA, Nov. 6 (Mabuhay) – Workers holding lowly jobs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) have been reaping the bitter fruits of the “tanim-bala” (bullet-planting) scheme that victims suspect was an extortion scheme of unscrupulous airport personnel. Maintenance workers, porters and security guards at Naia reported being subjected to suspicious glances, cruel jokes and sharp words by an unforgiving public, with two death threats becoming the latest aggravation phoned in at the airport. The first death threat was received by the Airport Police Department (APD) office at Naia Terminal 3 around 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. According to the APD, an unidentified male caller said, “I will plant bullets in the head of [Manila International Airport Au-

MANILA, Nov. 6 (Mabuhay) – The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park has been officially declared an ASEAN Heritage Park. The naming of Tubbataha as an ASEAN Heritage Park highlights the importance of the reef not just in the Philippines but in all of Southeast Asia. There are about 37 ASEAN Heritage Parks and Tubbataha is the only underwater marine park so far. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Center for Biodiversity said Tubbataha’s inclusion on the list will greatly benefit the park, as it will now have access to funding, capacity building training for staff and park rangSee TUBBATAHA REEF, page 3

thority or MIAA] officials. You have to fix the extortion [in your office]. One among you will fall. If I hear of another tanim-bala victim, one of you will fall. There will be no warning.” The second threat came a little past noon on Wednesday, from a man who claimed to be an overseas worker in Saudi Arabia. It was received by the MIAA, and coincided with the press conference called by transportation and aviation security officials. Tracing the threats The caller expressed outrage over the tanim-bala scheme and said, “We will blow your heads off.” Although the death threats were not directed at any particular person, David de Castro, spokesperson for MIAA General Manager Jose Angel Honrado, said they “will not be taken light-

MANILA, Nov 7 (Mabuhay) – Nine people were hurt after a Philippine Air Force (PAF) helicopter crash-landed in Malapatan, Sarangani Province on Saturday morning. Capt. Alberto Caber, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Eastern Mindanao Command, said a PAF’s UH-1D helicopter crash-landed in Sitio Lamsalo, Barangay Upper Suyan at around 9:40 a.m. Caber said strong winds caused the chopper’s crash. He said that the PAF chopper was on a casualty evacuation mission for members of the

See LOWLY AIRPORT, page 3

See PAF CHOPPER, page 3

9 hurt as PAF chopper crash-lands in Sarangani

See 1-M HOMELESS, page 3

See ACQUIRING LAND, page 3

Palace denies street dwellers ‘hidden from view’ for APEC meet MANILA, Nov. 6 (mabuhay) – Malacañang on Friday denied the allegation that it plans to hide street dwellers from the view of state leaders attending the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit from November 16 to 20. Quoting Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman, the Palace denied that the department is giving out P4,000 to the homeless to rent temporary homes while the APEC summit is ongoing. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said all initiatives for the homeless of the agency are under their regular programs. “Again, hindi po ‘hidden from view.’ Naipaliwanag po natin na ‘yung modified CCT (conditional

cash transfer) ay isang programang matagal na, ‘yung ginagawa ng DSWD, at ‘yung pagtulong po nila ay hindi po limited sa tuwing mayroon malaki pong event ngunit nakikita po natin itong pagkakataon na simulan ‘yung pagtulong sa kanila para makapag-transition naman po sila from the streets into dignified living quarters,” Valte said. Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo on Thursday criticized the government for its supposed plan to hide street dwellers during the APEC Summit by giving them money to rent a temporary home. Instead of providing permanent solutions to the plight of the poor, the government just conceals homeless families every See DWELLERS, page 3

Bus rapid transit, ‘inclusive mobility’ may solve traﬃc woes – experts MANILA, Nov. 6 (MABUHAY) – There may be hope for the vehicular traffic situation in Metro Manila, which has been ranked the worst on Earth by users of a road navigation application. Amid growing public clamor to improve the deteriorating railway systems in the country, transportation experts said investing on a bus rapid transit (BRT) system and mobilizing people instead of vehicles may help in easing road congestion in the bustling metropolis. Robert Siy, senior adviser of the Department of Transportation and Communications, admitted that traffic congestion “is taking our lives away from us.” “I think we all recognize that. Unless we have quality public transport that is reliable, we will have worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila,” Siy said during the 24th national convention of the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners in Makati City on Wednesday. “Our vision is to have public transport as the number one choice of every person for their daily commute, even if they have the option of using a car or motorcycle,” he said, highlighting the increasing See INCLUSIVE MOBILITY, page 3

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Pacquiao names four possible opponents for farewell fight MANILA, Nov 7 (Mabuhay) – Despite claiming that there are ongoing negotiations for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao did not mention the brash American as a possible opponent for his farewell fight. Pacquiao, 36, also trimmed down his choices to four names and excluded Juan Manuel Marquez, who recently stated he won’t fight Pacquiao again reRepresentatives of the Makabayan bloc led by Rep. Neri Colmenares link arms with Sen. Grace Poe and Sen. Chiz Escudero during a solidarity event at the Quezon City Sports Club on Thursday. The group declared support for Team Galing at Puso in the 2016 election.(MNS photo)

Poe’s husband now processing renunciation of US citizenship MANILA, Nov 5 (Mabuhay) -- The husband of presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe is already in the process of renouncing his American citizenship, her camp said Thursday. Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian said Neil Llamanzares has started taking “concrete and proactive” steps to fulfil the requirements necessary to give up his United States passport. “Sinimulan na ni Mr. Llamanzares ‘yung mahabang proseso ng pagre-renounce. ‘Di simpleng proseso ito at maraming hinihinging dokumento. Medyo voluminous ang dokumentong hinihingi. Gayunpaman, he’s already taking concrete and proactive steps to renounce his American citizenship,” he said at the sidelines of the

Makabayan coalition’s formal endorsement of Poe and her running mate, Senator Francis Escudero, in Quezon City. In a separate interview, Poe told reporters she has no doubt about her husband’s desire to renounce his American citizenship. “‘Yung prosesong kailangan ay kailangang may makalap tayong mga dokumento para isumite. Wala naman akong duda at ‘wag kayong magduda,” she said. The senator, whose citizenship is also being questioned before the Senate Electoral Tribunal and the Commission on Elections, stressed that her husband is a good man. “Assurance lang na mabait ang aking asawa, hindi nakikialam, at isang Pilipino,” she said.

Poe confirmed in an earlier radio interview that Llamanzares has decided to renounce his American citizenship after a discussion with her. According to the US State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, a person who wishes to renounce his American citizenship must appear in person before a US consular or diplomatic officer, do the act of renunciation in a foreign country (normally at a US Embassy or Consulate), and sign an oath of renunciation. While Llamanzares holds an American passport, Gatchalian said Poe’s husband is a dual citizen of the Philippines and the US. He noted that Llamanzares is a natural-born Filipino since both his parents are Filipinos who studied and worked in the US.

gardless of the money. “We have Amir Khan, Danny Garcia, Terrence Crawford or Timothy Bradley (as potential opponents),” Pacquiao said. “But I don’t know yet, a lot of names have been given to me by my promoter Bob Arum. We are yet to finalise anything.” Recent reports circulated that Pacquiao and his former sparring partner Amir Khan have agreed to fight

in April next year. While Pacquiao’s camp vehemently denied that a fight has been agreed upon, the Filipino ring icon says he’s not closing his doors for a possible matchup. “I’ve not talked to Bob Arum yet, but it’s possible,” said Pacquiao, referring to a potential showdown with Khan. “Of course if there is no problem about the negotiation then why not?” (MNS)

Ombudsman dismisses 8 Zambo del Sur employees for overpriced medicines

MANILA, Nov 5 (Mabuhay) -- The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of eight municipal employees in Molave, Zamboanga Del Sur over the alleged procurement of expired and overpriced medicines in 2009 amounting to P1.8 million. In a ten-page decision recently signed by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, the respondents were found guilty of administrative offenses of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. Ordered dismissed were eight members of the Molave Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) namely, Gasmelba Felicitas, Marcos Bahinting, Melita delos

Santos, Nikki Omboy, Jerry Gene delos Santos and Lina Lou Gitalan. Morales ordered Molave mayor Ireneo Glepa to implement the order. Aside from dismissal from service, the respondents were also meted with the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification from re-employment in any government office. In ordering the respondents’ dismissal, the antigraft body gave weight to a Commission on Audit (COA) report which found several irregularities in the procurement of the questioned items, such as the lack of public bidding, failure of the respondents to

conduct eligibility check of the suppliers, and that no bids were ever submitted by the supposed bidders. The COA also said that the purchased medicines were also overpriced by as much as 152 percent to 836 percent. The COA report also revealed that the medicines were already expired upon purchase. The COA investigation also revealed that P1.2million worth of the purchased medicines were still undelivered. The state audit body further noted that the purchased medicines also included Vitamin A capsules amounting to P645,000 even if the vitamins were provided for free by the Department of Health. (MNS)

Former Isabela governor posts P40,000 bail for perjury raps

ISABELA, Nov. 6 (Mabuhay) – Former Isabela goveror and poll commissioner Grace Padaca on Friday posted a P40,000 bail as she faces perjury charges before the Sandiganbayan for alleged failure to submit her Statements of Assets and Liabilities Networth (SALN) for the years 2007 to 2010. Padaca personally appeared in the antigraft court Second Division to undergo the usual booking procedures and pay P10,000 bail for each of the four counts of perjury. She posted bail after the court issued a resolution finding probable cause to hold her on trial, paving the way for the issuance of an arrest warrant. “It appearing from an evaluation of the Resolution of the

Office of the Ombudsman… that probable cause exists for the issuance of a Warrant of Arrest against accused Maria Gracia Cielo Magno Padaca in these cases for violation of Section 8 of the Republic Act 6713 (4 counts), let the corresponding warrant of arrest and hold departure order against her be immediately issued,” the court said in an Oct. 29, 2015 resolution. The court then ordered the temporary liberty of Padaca after she posted bail from her charges. “You are hereby directed to discharge from custody accused Maria Gracia Cielo Magno Padaca, she having posted the required bail for her temporary liberty in the amount of P40,000…only, unless there be other valid

reason/s for detaining her,” the court said in an order. Ombudsman prosecutors filed four informations of perjury against Padaca for violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which require public officials to declare a truthful statement of their wealth, liabilities, properties, and business interests. The Isabela provincial government supposedly only had on file Padaca’s 2004 and 2006 SALN. In an earlier statement on its indictment against Padaca, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said Padaca should have her own receiving copies of her SALN because it is “customary and essential” for proper record-keeping.

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, November 11 -17, 2015 From page 1

From page 1

One janitor assigned at the Terminal 1 arrival area restroom recalled being asked by a passenger to mind his luggage while he relieved himself last Tuesday. “When he came back for his luggage, he looked at me from head to toe and asked, ‘You didn’t put any bullet in there, did you?’ I told him I wouldn’t do that and just walked away,” the janitor said. Distrust Since then, he has de-

clined any request for him to mind the luggage of passengers while they use the restroom. “I just tell them it might be better if they took their luggage with them.” A cleaning woman previously awarded for her honesty, said she was saddened by how people have been treating them after the tanim-bala scheme surfaced. “They look at us with distrust and say hurtful things. [But] we are just doing our jobs. We are not doing anything wrong.”

TUBBATAHA REEF From page 1

ers, and attracting tourists from ASEAN neighbors. Angelique Songco, head of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, is happy with the new international recognition, noting that they badly need financial assistance to protect nearly 100,000 hectares of the marine park. She said Tubbataha remains to be one of the best in the world. However, climate change and El Nino are damaging the corals. There is also the possible

grounding of ships, similar to what happened two years ago when USS Guardian and a Chinese vessel ran aground, damaging hectares of coral reefs. Pollution from cities like plastics and other garbage have also reached Tubbataha, which is home to endangered species, both fish and birds. Efforts are now being done to further protect Tubbataha, including the construction of a new ranger

station which will include a visitor center, research building and a helipad. Aside from being an ASEAN Heritage Park, Tubbataha is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Meanwhile, just a few weeks ago, the mountain range in Camiguin has also been included on the list of ASEAN Heritage Parks, but the official launch has not been scheduled yet. (MNS)

part, denied hiding poverty from the Pope, insisting that the “family camping” was part of the government’s modified CCT program. “Alam ninyo, ‘nung pagkatapos po dumating ng Pope, nagkaroon pa po sila ng isang ganitong activity.

Ilang taon na pong nangyayari ito at hindi po naitataon... Baka naitataon lang pong nai-re-report kapag mayroon malaking event pero ang katotohanan po diyan ay ilang taon na pong ginagawa ng DSWD ang programang ito,” Valte stressed. (MNS)

DWELLERS From page 1

time there are visitors to the country, Pabillo said in a radio interview. The DSWD was also heavily criticized back in January when it brought street dwellers to a luxurious resort in Batangas during the five-day visit of Pope Francis. The department, for its

ACQUIRING LAND From page 1

identified by the government have some problem forcing it not to buy the land. “Hindi po nagkatuluyan (land purchase) dahil mayroon po palang problema doon sa mga lupa na inidentify para naman po sa national government,” she told dzRB Radyo Ng Bayan. “Malaki po talagang challenge ang land acquisi-

tion pagdating doon sa pagtatayo po natin ng mga permanenteng pabahay para po doon sa mga biktima.” Asked to compare the post-‘Yolanda’ rebuilding problems to US government efforts to rebuild communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina, Valte said even a wealthy country as the US has struggled to rehabilitate disaster areas.

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INCLUSIVE MOBILITY

LOWLY AIRPORT ly especially in a place of public convergence such as the airport.” “We are currently tracing the calls and investigating the threats received,” he added. The phone calls were the latest backlash that airport workers have received amid public outrage and paranoia over the tanim-bala scam. Airport workers reported being the butt of jokes, insults and harsh words from suspicious passengers over the controversy.

LOS ANGELES

Typhoon Yolanda was also devastating compared to Hurricane Katrina that hit the US. But the Philippines fairs well in its rebuilding initiatives, Valte said noting that even multilateral agencies like the United Nations and the World Bank have praised the government for its very effective process of rebuilding.

car volume on the road. Dr. Primitivo Cal, executive director of the UP Planning and Development Research Foundation Inc., cited recent research findings on the number coding scheme – 77 percent of cars were bought as alternative vehicles during coding days; 45 percent of car owners had more than one car; 76 percent of those who owned a single car intended to buy a new one; and 33 percent of car owners used an alternative vehicle on coding day. Stressing the importance of transforming road-based transport, Siy said “we have to go beyond rails” in coming up with solutions to traffic. “Road-based public trans-

port should be sufficient, high quality, reliable, affordable, and safe,” he said. “Transformation is required from low-quality, highemission public transport to high-quality, low-emission public transport, and the BRT is part of the solution.” DOTC’s proposed BRT will feature a dedicated roadway for system buses in the middle lanes of major thoroughfares, while both right and left lanes would be for private vehicles. Siy said the design of stations, fair collection and IT systems, and buses themselves would allow fast boarding and alighting of passengers. “Urban rail development is essential but it requires

more time and funding. BRT can be implemented with less cost and in shorter time,” Siy said, adding BRT could be a “precursor” to rail or subway and could complement rail on the same corridor.

PAF

From page 1

Philippine Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion, when the incident happened. He said nine members of the PAF, including the helicopter’s pilot, suffered light injuries and that they have been secured. Additional helicopters have been dispatched to the same area to continue the casualty evacuation mission, Caber said.(MNS)

1-M HOMELESS From page 1

the disaster and now lives in a makeshift dwelling just outside Tacloban. Like many others, Bascal’s hopes for a new government-provided house in a safe place have not come true. She lives with her husband, widowed daughterin-law and six grandchildren in a brick-and-tin structure built on the same site as their previous home that was wiped out by the storm surges. “We were poor, but now we’re poorer. Life is hard but I have to be strong for my grandchildren,” said Bascal, who earns about 20 pesos (50 cents) a day selling biscuits, chips, soap and other daily goods from her home. Mixed success President Benigno Aquino III’s government launched a 150-billion-peso ($3.2 billion) reconstruction program for the disaster zones, which the United Nations has praised for its efficiency in some key sectors. About 60 percent of that money has been spent, much of it on roads, bridges and schools, according to Economic Planning Sec-

retary Arsenio Balisacan, who is in charge of the recovery program. Money has also been used for start-up capital for survivors to start small businesses, as well as farm and fishing supplies. A resilient local private sector and hundreds of millions of dollars in aid from the international community has also been extremely important. The Red Cross, for example, said it had given cash assistance to more than 90,000 families and rebuilt or repaired 65,000 homes. Yet, the government has come under fire for not doing enough to help the more than one million survivors it identified as living in coastal areas who were vulnerable to future storms and needed to be resettled. Out of the 205,128 families living in the path of future storms, just 928 have been transferred to permanent shelters, according to the government. The government calculates an average of five people per family. Many of the others who have yet to receive new homes are simply living in repaired or rebuilt homes,

like Bascal. The government is aiming to relocate nearly 100,000 families by next year, with the project to be completed by 2017, Chito Cruz, chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, told reporters this week. Cruz said one of the reasons it was taking so long to relocate people was because buying safe new land from private title holders was extremely difficult. Locals also complain that the proposed resettlement areas are in isolated locations well away from the coast. The coastal areas are the main hubs of the regional economy, and people cannot afford to travel long distances. “We have accomplished much over the last two years, but there is still a lot that must be done,” Balisacan said in a briefing on the recovery program this week. But he also emphasized that Yolanda had turned cities and towns into “wastelands,” and that even the US government struggled after Hurricane Katrina caused massive damage in 2005.

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Aquino gov’t ‘bigger disaster’ 2 years after ‘Yolanda’ – Anakbayan MANILA, Nov 7 (Mabuhay) – A militant group has slammed the administration of President Benigno Aquino III for supposedly being the “bigger disaster” two years after super typhoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan) pummeled the Visayas and claimed thousands of lives. In a candle-lighting event in Manila on Saturday, youth group Anakbayan protested the Aquino government’s “criminal neglect, corruption, and exploitation of typhoon victims.” “It has been two years now after Yolanda, but the people are suffering from the bigger disaster that is the Aquino government. Instead of helping the victims, the government pocketed the funds allotted for the victims and paved the way for private contractors and big businesses to profit from the misery of our kababayans,” said Anakbayan national chairperson Vencer Crisostomo. Citing a report by the Commission on Audit, Anakbayan said at least P382 million local and foreign cash donations were locked in the bank accounts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, while P932 million were kept idle in the Office of Civil Defense. “The continuing neglect for the welfare of victims of Yolanda shows the heartlessness of the Aquino ‘tuwid na daan’ (straight path) government,” Crisostomo said, alluding to the administration’s slogan on good governance. Crisostomo also criticized the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) and accused the 21-member economy of “using the disaster victims” to supposedly advance its “anti-people and neoliberal agenda.” “The failed Yolanda rehabilitation aimed to benefit big business and corrupt bureaucrats is proof of the failure of the Apec-type model of ‘disaster management’ and ‘disaster resiliency.’ Is this what they are set to adopt for the region? To use the disaster victims for their neoliberal agenda is an insult to Filipinos especially the Yolanda victims,” he said. The Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting will be held in Manila next week, with leaders of the world’s top economies expected to arrive in the country. One of the topics that will be discussed in the summit is disaster risk reduction and resiliency. “Biktima na nga, binibiktima pa ulit. Hindi na nga tinulungan, ginagamit pa. Aquino and [Manuel] Roxas should be jailed for their crimes against the Yolanda victims,” Crisostomo said. (Victims who had been victimized twice over. As if being denied of help wasn’t enough, the victims have also been used [to serve their agenda].) The Aquino government has drawn flak for its supposedly slow and inefficient rehabilitation efforts in Yolanda-hit areas. People Surge, and alliance of Yolanda survivors, has lamented the lack of permanent shelters and the presence of “small and cramped” bunkhouses even two years after the disaster. A United Nations representative also previously called the government’s response as inadequate, saying that the Philippines has not done enough in rebuilding typhoon-hit areas. Reacting to criticism on slow distribution of cash assistance to Yolanda survivors, DSWD officials said they had already released nearly P995 million of donations that the department received since November. (MNS)

Wednesday - Tuesday, November 11 -17, 2015 THE US ASIAN POST

OPINION

California’s new paid sick leave law Recently, the California State Legislature passed the Healthy Workplace, Healthy Family’s Act of 2014 (HWHFA) requiring employers to provide paid sick leave to their employees. An employee who on or after July 1, 2015 works in California for 30 or more days within a year, and satisfies a 90-day employment period before taking any sick leave, qualifies for paid sick leave. An employer may limit the use of paid sick days to 24 hours or three days in each year of employment, through a written sick leave policy. An employee begins accruing paid sick leave on the first day of employment or July 1, 2015, whichever is later, and may use accrued paid sick days beginning on the 90th day of employment. Employees may carry over accrued sick leave to the following year of employment and employers may cap an employee’s ability to carry over sick time to 48 hours or 6 days. An employer must provide paid sick days upon oral or written request of an employee for themselves or a family member for the diagnosis, care or treatment of an existing health condition or preventative care, or specified purposes for an employee who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The HWHFA prohibits an employer from retaliating or discriminating against an employee who requests paid sick days or uses paid sick days. An employee can file a complaint with the Labor Commissioner against an employer who retaliates or discriminates against the employee. Also, HWHFA requires employers to inform employees of their right

Atty. Jacob M. Krall

to paid sick leave by displaying a poster in a conspicuous place at the employee’s place of work outlining the substantive portions of the law. Many employers already had sick leave policies in place before California adopted HWHFA and may keep those policies in place if they satisfy the requirements of the new law. Employers without a written policy should put one in place to comply with this new law. The sick leave law is complicated and the Department of Industrial Relations has recently updated its website to assist employers with compliance. For additional information, please go to

www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/sick_leave_law_FAQs. pdf, or contact an employment attorney experienced in sick leave law. Article written by Jacob M. Krall, Employment Law Attorney of Rehwald Glasner & Chaleff. Mr. Krall advocates for clients in cases involving discrimination, harassment, unpaid overtime and Labor Code violation. He can be reached at (818) 7037500.

Palace hopes laglag bala issue won’t affect PHL image MANILA, Nov. 6 (Mabuhay) – A Malacañang official expressed hope Friday that the attention given by international media on the laglag bala controversy at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will not affect efforts to promote the country as a tourist destination. “Unfortunately, these are unattended consequences of the attention that this (issue) has generated and we are hoping that the effects will not be lasting,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte told a press briefing. “(We hope it) will not have a long-term effect on what our country is trying to do to promote the Philippines as a tourist destination. And sana po hindi ma-undo ‘yung naging trabaho at pagsisikap po natin doon sa mga nakaraang taon,” she added. The supposed extortion scheme through planting a bullet on the baggage of passengers has caught the attention of British Broadcasting Company, Daily Mail, Hong Kong news sites HK Free Press and The Standard, a Fox News anchor, and even a Japanese TV entertainment show. But at the press briefing, Valte said various government agencies have already taken actions to address the issue.

“Apart from the fact na lalagyan ng CCTV, iyong policy nila is talagang hindi na puwedeng hawakan ng mga inspektor ‘yung bagahe para maiwasan ‘yung contact. At kung magkaroon ng kaso na may makuha, kapag live ‘yung bullet, ituturn-over doon sa PNP Aviation Security Group para masimulan ‘yung proseso. Ngayon, kung hindi naman, malinaw din kung ano ‘yung puwede nilang dapat gawin,” she said. Earlier, a Tourism official maintained that despite the raging laglag bala controversy, the Philippines remained an attractive tourist destination. “We see no major impact of the latest reports and are confident the concerned authorities will be able to resolve the matter soon enough,” Tourism Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon Jr. said. “The numbers have remained upbeat with steady double-digit growth in visitor arrivals and revenue for the entire year,” Bengzon said. In January to September, the number of foreign visitors in the Philippines reached more than 3.98 million or 10.8 percent above the year-earlier figure while tourism revenues amounted to $3.7 billion. — (MNS)

Amid hate over laglag bala, inspectors show quiet love with purple ribbons MANILA, Nov. 6 (Mabuhay) – Despised by passengers over the laglag bala extortion some of their colleagues are suspected of committing, luggage inspectors and other personnel of the Office of Transportation Security on Friday came up with a show of quiet love. Screening officers from the OTS wore pink ribbons around their right arms as they went about their tasks. “Kahit na hindi love ang ipinapakita nila sa amin, love namin sila. Kasi ganu’n ang trabaho namin. Una muna ang pagmamahal namin sa mga pasahero dahil ‘yun po ang sinumpaan namin—na lahat po ng pasahero ay secure na makarating sa kanilang paroroonan,” OTS supervisor Nannet Ramos said. “Kung sino man po ang magsasabi [ng mga bagay] against sa amin, tatanggapin po namin ‘yun,” she added. Airport personnel, particularly screening officers, have been accused of carrying out the modus, which involves placing a bullet or several rounds of ammunition in the luggage of a victim without his knowledge. The victim would then be confronted with allegations of illegal possession of ammunition during the screening process. The perpetrators would then ask for cash in exchange for letting the apprehended passenger go. The scheme has drawn anger in the social media and attention from the international community. However, Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said the laglag bala scare appears to “have been blown out of proportion,” which may lead to “those tasked with our security to suffer from lower morale.” OTS administrator Roland Recomono said 11 of his personnel are already under investigation for the extortion scheme. Hopeful Still, Ramos said she and her colleagues are hopeful that the controversy will die down. “Medyo nabawasan na po ‘yung ganoong (negatibong) pagtingin sa amin dahil may nagpapatotoo na

kanila po ‘yung mga nakukuha sa bag nila na bullet,” she said. She added: “Tingin ko po matatapos rin po yan kasi may ginagawa naman po yung mga mataas sa amin, ginagawa naman kung paano kami ipagtanggol.” However, some airline passengers said they remain doubtful of airport personnel because of the issue. “They are not nice, they are very impolite,” said Vina Vagatsulon, a Filipina traveling to Thailand. Thumbs down “A big down for them,” she also said, with matching thumbs down, adding that she didn’t believe the officers are being demoralized. Christita Estopa, who is flying to Taiwan, said she believes some are really involved in the modus. “May gumagawa talaga. Imposibleng wala. Ika nga, kung walang apoy, walang usok,” she said. “Mas nakakatakot ngayon. Parang wala kang dapat pagtiwalaan.” First-time seamen Julius and Denmark said that not all security personnel are involved, though they would not trust the said officers, as in everyone else at NAIA. Syndicate? Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Jose Angel Honrado denied that a syndicate was operating to conduct the modus. However, a source from the National Bureau of Investigation cited initial findings of the probe for the issue that says otherwise. An ammunition interception report released to the media said 1,394 cases were recorded so far this year. Data from the OTS, meanwhile, said 3,325 bullets were found in passengers’ baggage at NAIA from January to August 2015. Five people arrested at NAIA for bullets found in their luggages have been released. However, three others were caught with bullets at Terminal 3 on Thursday afternoon. They were the bullets were used as anting-anting. (MNS)

Santiago to sponsor resolution on PHL-US defense cooperation pact MANILA, Nov. 6 (Mabuhay) – Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago will sponsor a proposed resolution on the controversial Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) between the Philippines and the United States when she returns to the plenary session on Monday. In a statement on Friday, Santiago said the proposed resolution stated that any treaty or international agreement including the Edca requires a Senate concurrence. Santiago, chair of the Senate foreign relations committee, will submit the resolution for adoption by the majority of senators amid reports that the Supreme Court is set to rule on the validity of the Edca ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) world leader’s meeting this November. Once sponsored, the resolution will be opened to debate on the Senate floor where a simple majority of senators present in a quorum is required to

adopt a resolution. Santiago earlier sent to the Supreme Court a copy of the proposed Senate resolution signed by Santiago and 12 other senators. Among those who signed the resolution were Juan Edgardo Angara, Pia Cayetano, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, Teofisto Guingona III, Lito Lapid, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Sergio Osmeña III, Aquilino Pimentel III, Ralph Recto, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and Cynthia Villar. The resolution decried “how the Senate, with which the President shares treaty-making powers, was sidestepped on the EDCA signed by Manila and Washington in April 2014.” The resolution, however, clarified that “the Senate is not forcing the President to submit any treaty to the Senate for concurrence, abiding by the Supreme Court ruling in the 2005 case of Pimentel v. Office of the Executive Secretary.”

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UTREACH Promoting PHL economic credentials from Steel To City Of Innovation: 4th private sector-led business roadshow lays groundwork for increased us investments in PHL WASHINGTON, D.C. – From Pittsburgh, the city of steel, to Seattle, the city of innovation, a private sector business delegation from Manila showcased the Philippines as Asia’s new emerging tiger. On 19-23 October 2015, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. and prominent Filipino economist Dr. Bernardo Villegas led the Fourth Private Sector Delegation to the United States in business forums held in Pittsburgh (19 October), Dallas/ Fort Worth (21 October), and Seattle (23 October). The other members of the topnotch business delegation were Mr. Engelbert Camasura, Partner at Ward Howell International Consulting Firm; Mr. Ronaldo Elepaño, 1st Vice President for Business Development International at DM Consunji, Inc.; Mr. Jose Mari Mercado, President and CEO of the Information Technology & Business Process Association of the Philippines; and Mr. Juan Olondriz Peña, President of RAJI INC. Writing about the First delegation in 2012, Dr Villegas explained that the “apparent reticence of US investors to invest more heavily in the Philippines motivated me and a handful of top executives from the private sector to offer our services to Ambassador Jose Cuisia to organize a non-deal investment roadshow to three key cities in the US, i.e. Washington, D.C., New York City and San Francisco City. The results exceeded our expectations.” That first roadshow has since been followed by visits to Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston in 2013; and then Houston, Atlanta and Philadelphia last year. “The Philippines and the US are natural business partners because of our

shared values,” said Ambassador Cuisia in opening this year’s roadshow in Pittsburgh. And in a subsequent statement, the envoy also noted that “since our flagship private sectorled investment roadshow in the U.S. in 2012, I have experienced first-hand that the wave of optimism and business confidence in the Philippines continues today. Through these annual events, we are connecting not only prominent Filipino businessmen, but also great Filipino minds, with American partners in promoting the Philippines’ improving business image in the United States.” Dr. Villegas, who is also a Visiting Professor at IESE Business School, led off the presentations with an overview of the Philippine economy, and focused on the positive trends in growth and development. He also spoke on the weaknesses and challenges of the economy, while identifying the key industries for investments. In his presentation, Dr Villegas identified “a stable democracy, improved governance, strong macroeconomic fundamentals, an educated, young and English-speaking labor force, and OFW remittances as positive trends contributing to the Philippines becoming one of the emerging markets.” He also added that “the Philippines is in a demographic sweet spot with the young and growing population being the main source of our competitive advantage.” Throughout the roadshow, the delegates extolled the Filipino worker as a “global resource,” in the words of one, describing the talent pool as highly trainable, proficient in English, having an affinity with Western culture, hav-

ing good customer service orientation, and having a high level of commitment and loyalty. There was much interest in the Philippine ITBMP industry that has steadily grown to become an US$18.9 billion dollar industry, showing the continued and growing interest of international companies to invest and put up operations in the country. It is projected that 1.3 million people will be directly employed in IT-BPM by 2016, with the industry generating US$25 billion in revenue. Even after nearly four years since the first roadshow, infrastructure and public-private partnerships continued to be important topics for American business. The delegation informed participants at the various forums that the Philippine government is allocating increased resources to infrastructure improvement and expansion, opening up numerous opportunities for investment in the Philippines. In emphasizing the importance of infrastructure, Dr. Villegas expressed the hope that the next President in 2016 will be an “infrastructure President.” In the discussions following the presentations, whether with US businessmen or Filipino-Americans, a recurring theme was the leadership transition in 2016. Recalling his visit to Harvard in 2014, as part of the third roadshow, Dr. Villegas, said that “the questions were more penetrating about how sustainable will be the present high growth of 6 to 8% in GDP once a new leader takes over in 2016. What if the next President is not as committed to fighting corruption as President Benigno Aquino III?”

APIAVote, AAJC launch election hotline in multi-languages For this year’s elections, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC partnered once again to support AANHPI voters through our national election protection hotline, 1-888-API-VOTE. Bilingual assistance was available to voters in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. Calls were fielded from across the country, including from states with APIAVote grantees, such as Virginia, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Texas. This was thanks to the voter mobilization efforts of APIAVote’s partners, who over the last few weeks sent mailers and phone banked into their communities, highlighting language assistance through the hotline. Most questions that came

through the hotline asked for Election Day information, including the location of polling places, voter registration information, voter ID requirements, and general voting procedures. Notably, many callers wanted information on the election itself, such as what races are taking place and who or what is on the ballot. “Many voters expressed a desire to vote, but did not have access to translated, in-language materials about specific races or what and who was on the ballot,” said Christine Chen, Executive Director of APIAVote. “This emphasizes the critical need of in-language ballots and other election information for our communities, to give them the access they deserve to the political process.” The influx of calls throughout the last week and on Election Day

highlights the importance of voter outreach and mobilization efforts, and that AANHPI voters are noticing our efforts to reach out to them. “The National Asian Language Election Protection Hotline helps voters know their rights at the polls,” said Mee Moua, President and Executive Director of Advancing Justice | AAJC. “Reducing language barriers is extremely important for Asian Americans to turn out the vote because roughly one in two Asian American adults (44 percent) have difficulty speaking English.” Ultimately, as we head into the 2016 elections, we must ensure that all AANHPI voters feel apart of the political process, and continue to provide this critical in-language assistance for our communities.

AARP returns as title sponsor of 5th Annual TOFA-NY Awards WASHINGTON, D.C., November 3, 2015 – For the second consecutive year, AARP presented The Outstanding Filipino Americans in New York (TOFANY) Awards on Saturday, October 31 at Carnegie Hall in New York. Created to recognize and celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations that have raised the profile of the Filipino American community in a unique way, TOFA honored 15 exceptional individuals and organizations. AARP presented the TOFA award for ‘Senior Welfare and Advocacy’ to the Philippine Aging Group for Active Seniors of America (PAGASA), a non-profit

that helps the growing number of isolated elderly Filipino Americans and provides a place where they can gather and interact with others. “Supporting organizations like TOFA-NY and PAGASA is an example of how AARP is strengthening communities,” said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director. “The honorees embody AARP’s belief in turning possibilities into realities.” “We are extremely fortunate to have AARP head our list of sponsors this year and applaud them for their support to our community, especially during Filipino American History Month,”

said Elton Lugay, Founding Chair of TOFA. “We’re very proud of our colleague Steven Raga, honored by TOFA for his commitment to the community and his achievements working with the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro), and Forest Hills Asian Association,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience. “As our AARP Consultant, Steven bringsAARP’s resources to the Filipino American community as well as brings the community toAARP!

Dr Villegas argues that “President Aquino himself acknowledges that the strong recovery of the Philippines under his watch can be attributed to a series of reforms that spanned at least the last 27 years since the Administration of his mother. Gradually through more than a quarter of a century, the Philippines has been undergoing reforms towards more inclusive political and economic institutions.” In a statement, Ambassador Cuisia also says, “I am confident that the Filipinos will choose wisely. And I am confident that no matter who succeeds President Aquino in June of 2016, the pace and the substance of reforms, of good governance, can no longer be reversed.” This year’s roadshow is the fourth and last in a series of a non-deal investment roadshows that Dr. Villegas and leading business executives in Philippine growth industries have organized during the Aquino Administration in partnership with the Phil-

ippine Foreign Service Posts in the United States, led by the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC. “Perhaps, it was only right that we started in Pittsburgh, the city of steel, and ended in Seattle, the city of innovation. Such a journey seems to parallel that of the Philippines, a developing country that built much of its economic development in the past on the shoulders of manufacturing, but has over the last few years ridden the succeeding waves of innovation and information technology,” Ambassador Cuisia commented on the itinerary of the recently concluded roadshow, “The year 2015 is a fitting end to these investment roadshows under the Aquino Administration because hundreds of world leaders will congregate in key cities of the country for the APEC Summit and at the same time, the end of the year will see the launching of the final phase of the ASEAN Economic Community,” observed Dr. Villegas. ASEAN has a combined

nominal GDP of US$2.4 trillion, and would collectively rank as the world’s seventh largest economy. GDP growth for 2015 is forecast by the Asian Development Bank at 5.1 percent. And with a combined population of some 625 million people, its transformation into a single market will unlock a massive amount of economic opportunities. As early as the first roadshow in 2012, Dr. Villegas’s message has been that the Philippines is part of the large free market of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and is a most strategic gateway to a total population of close to 700 million consumers. “Since our geographic location also puts us at the center of the most dynamic region for the next 50-100 years, we can be the gateway of the Pacific to South East Asia, and to greater Asia,” said Ambassador Cuisia, marking the end of a four-year run of the private sector led investment roadshows, and perhaps also heralding new beginnings.

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Ex-SexBomb Girl seeks court protection order vs husband Former SexBomb Girls member Sugar Mercado is seeking a court protection order against her estranged husband, Kristofer Jay Go, and his parents. Mercado also filed a criminal case against Go for violation of the Republic Act 9262 or the AntiViolence Against Women and Children Act before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on Friday afternoon. She was accompanied by her legal counsel, Atty. Minerva Lopez of the Gabriela Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Party. Based on the documents submitted to the court, Lopez said that Mercado claimed that she has been receiving â&#x20AC;&#x153;physical, emo-

Sugar Mercado

tional, and economical abuseâ&#x20AC;? from her husband since 2010. Mercado also alleged that Go has been repeatedly making threats against her life and her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, as well as threats of taking away

from her the custody of her children. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ngayon, iyong sinasabi po nila na Sugar na bobo, na tanga, ito po ako, lalaban ako para sa anak ko at sa pamilya ko,â&#x20AC;? Mercado said in an interview with ABS-CBN News. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Siguro naman po maraming tulad ko rin na babae na ganito ang sitwasyon. Oo, natakot po ako nung una pero ngayon po ay lalaban ako kasi may mga mabubuting taong tumutulong po sa akin,â&#x20AC;? she added. Lopez, in the same interview, said that the Gabriela Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Party has expressed their full support for Mercado. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Buong buo ang suporta para kay Sugar,â&#x20AC;? she said. (MNS)

Is Kim willing to work with Gerald, Maja? MANILA, Nov 7 (Mabuhay) -- â&#x20AC;&#x153;Time heals everything.â&#x20AC;? These were the words of actress Kim Chiu when asked about the status of her relationship with Maja Salvador and former boyfriend Gerald Anderson. The 25-year-old Chiu said that whatever misunderstandings she had with the two are a thing of the past. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Okay naman kami. Kumbaga time heals naman lahat. At least may natutunan ka sa nangyari at na-experience mo iyon at a young age,â&#x20AC;? she added. Chiu and Salvador were estranged for a year because of Salvadorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relationship with Anderson, who became Chiuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boyfriend after their stint on the hit reality TV series â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pinoy Big Brother.â&#x20AC;?

Kim Chiu

Asked if she is willing to work with both Salvador and Anderson for a project, Chiu said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tingan natin. Depende sa kuwento. Bahala na,â&#x20AC;? The actress, dubbed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chinita Princess,â&#x20AC;? has worked with the two since â&#x20AC;&#x153;patching things upâ&#x20AC;? in separate occasions. Chiu also closed the doors on suggestions that

she might get back together with Anderson, now that the two are friends again. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Okay na iyon. Past is past. At oo sobra kaming friends. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wag ka dapat kasi magtanim ng kahit anong galit kasi ikaw rin ang mapapagod,â&#x20AC;? she said. Chiu is being romantically linked with leading man Xian Lim. The two, despite remaining good friends, are open about their feelings for each other with the latter even saying that Chiu is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;closest woman to his heart.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kumportable kami sa isaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t isa and he brings out the best in me,â&#x20AC;? said Chiu when asked if they are already a couple. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hindi naman kailangan ng label as long as dalawang tao ay masaya.â&#x20AC;? (MNS)

Dawn commends Jessy for professionalism Dawn Zulueta only has good words for Jessy Mendiola, who plays her daughter in the upcoming ABSCBN series â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re My Home.â&#x20AC;? Zulueta said Mendiola has remained professional on the set despite the controversies which she has been facing through these past few weeks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jessy is always very professional and very sweet. Tahimik lang siya magtrabaho,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ngayon, napansin ko lang na si Jessy is very serious, very quiet. She likes to sit by herself. Kunyari nagpeprepare lang kaming lahat, parang tahimik lang siya.â&#x20AC;? Asked if Mendiola ever opened up to her, Zulueta said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hindi naman makuwento si Jessy. Pinakikiramdaman ko lang. I just make her feel that if she

Jessy Mendiola

needs to talk to someone or if she wants to ask me anything, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always welcome to do so. I make her also feel that way.â&#x20AC;? While she does not want

to interfere with Mendiolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal life, Zulueta said she is always willing to listen if case she approaches her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what advice to give her until I know kung ano â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yung pinagdadaanan niya. I only have a hunch but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not going to speculate,â&#x20AC;? she said. Directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng and produced by Star Creatives, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re My Homeâ&#x20AC;? will mark the return of the Richard GomezDawn Zulueta tandem on television. It will also launch the tandem of Mendiola and JC De Vera, who are working with each other for the first time. The show also features Sam Concepcion, Paul Salas, Precious Lara Quigaman and Assunta de Rossi. It will join the primetime lineup of ABS-CBN soon. (MNS)

John Estrada admits heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;jealousâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; father is hoping the future boyfriends of his daughters will not be exactly like him. Some people regarded Estrada as a ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; man when he was in his teenage years. Estrada said in jest: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Huwag naman yung masyadong katulad ko. Yung mga ibang parte lang.â&#x20AC;? Admitting he is the jealous type of father, Estrada said he canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t detach himself from his daughters although he is aware that they will soon have their own lives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Siyempre inevitable naman na magkaka-boyfriend sila, magkakaasawa sila.

John Estrada

But parati ko sinasabi na Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a jealous father. They know that. Yung panganay ko si Inah, kapag nakikita ko na may kasama, naku anak ko yan. Bakit may kasamang iba iyan at may ka-holding hands pa? I guess yung attachment

ko sa mga anak ko, parang, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re mine.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Yung ang parang I have to let go,â&#x20AC;? he explained. Nonetheless, Estrada said he is blessed to have children who are all obedient and respectful. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Masakit sa ulo [magpalaki ng mga anak]. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m taking one day at a time. But you know what, ang babait ng mga anak ko. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so blessed, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so happy and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so proud of them,â&#x20AC;? he said. Estrada has four children with his former wife, Janice de Belen, while he has a daughter with his current wife, Priscilla Meirelles. (MNS)

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Moderate physical activity or standing helps to ward oﬀ symptoms of depression in pregnancy, a study suggests.©Shutterstock/Rohappy

Pregnant women should stay active to avoid depression Friday November 6 2015 (Relaxnews) – Pregnant women suffering from symptoms of depression are more likely to sit down for long periods of time, suggests a new UK study which also demonstrated that physical activity reduces the risk of gestational diabetes. To avoid feeling depressed, putting on too much weight, and contracting gestational diabetes, it is better for pregnant women not to spend too much time sitting, especially in the second trimester, suggest researchers at Warwick University and George Eliott Hospital NHS Trust in the UK. Their study, which was presented at the Society for Endocrinology annual conference in Edinburgh in the

UK, involved 1,263 pregnant women. The participants had to report on their level of physical activity and emotional well-being in the first trimester of pregnancy and at the end of the second. The team discovered that the pregnant women with the most depressive symptoms were also those who were the most likely to spend a lot of time sitting. The results took into account such variables as the participants’ BMI and socio-economic status. The women who spent more time sitting down during the second trimester and did fewer amounts of moderate or vigorous physical activity gained significant amounts of weight between the first and second trimester. The researchers also not-

ed that these women had a higher blood glucose level in the 28th week of pregnancy and were therefore more at risk of developing gestational diabetes. “Encouraging women to take breaks from sitting down might be an easier public health policy to implement than increasing their physical activity during pregnancy,” concluded Dr Ponnusamy Saravanan, one of the study’s co-authors. The researchers noted that the advice of reducing sitting time has the potential to benefit pregnant women’s mental and physical health, as well as their weight and their baby’s health when born, if the approach is applied as a preventative measure from the start of pregnancy.

This could be my greatest honor yet. Tony Taguba, AARP Member Retired US Army Major General

Dahil sa Life Reimagined program ng AARP, masayang nagagamit ni Tony ang karanasan niya sa buhay para magbigay lakas, at mapabuti ang buhay ng iba. Si Retired Army Major General Tony Taguba ay nakatanggap ng iba’t-ibang karangalan recognizing his distinguished military achievements, tireless advocacy for veterans and continuous contribution to the community. Bilang isang masugid na miyembro ng AARP ng ilang taon, si Tony ay isang natural na mentor. Natuklasan niya na ang kanyang personal experience ay importante at makakatulong sa iba. Today, he finds great fulfillment bringing his skills and experience to people going through transition in their work, relationships or self-definition. Through AARP and the Life Reimagined program, ikaw, ako at si Tony ay makakahanap ng mga paraan para muling matuklasan ang ating layunin sa buhay, explore more possibilities, share learnings, and benefit through the experiences of others. To find out what AARP has to offer, visit aarp.org/aapi or call 1-866-805-1986 today.

AARP is a non-proﬁt organization committed to enhancing your life at 50-plus by providing trusted and useful resources to help you stay active, engaged and vibrant. Caregiving • Health & Wellness • Fraud Prevention • Volunteer • Life Reimagined

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Dan Villegas & Antoinette Jadaone: The Tadhana Tandem Happily ever after. That’s the hope and promise of romance. Television and film have been searching for happily ever after since the beginning. A new perspective on this subject can be refreshing. The award-winning tandem of Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaone explore this genre and brings something else into the mix, which is tadhana. “Destiny = Forever” is the theme that these two wonderfully creative artists in Philippine Cinema today unintentionally use as guide towards having a perfect relationship. Is happiness meant to be ever after? Well, only if it’s destiny. This subtle and interesting exploration of letting tadhana take its course to achieve happiness in finding true love, is an unusual and artistic depth that this couple brings to a well known form of artistic expression. Their millions of viewers

tive works that are also reflective of their passion for each other. It’s rare when a passionate couple is making great art together. When two people find their soulmate in each other, sparks fly. That’s what happened when Dan met Antoinette (aka Tonet). Their own love story is like a compilation of their box-office hits. When I sat down and spent time with this adorable couple, I asked them to tell me their story. Dan was quick to say, “First time I saw her, I found her very attractive,” as he lovingly glanced at Tonet he continues, “I was completely smitten. She was cute and funny.” They were briefly introduced to

Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaon

have been touched by the romantic comedies that showcased the successful blending of their talents. Movies like “English Only Please”, “That Thing Called Tadhana”, “You’re My Boss”, and “The Breakup Playlist”, to name a few, were collabora-

each other, and that was it for their first meeting. Years later, they worked on a movie project together and became friends. Tonet shares an endearing trait that attracted her to Dan, “Tinodo ni Dan ang panli-

ligaw, sending me flowers, picks me up regularly, he’s just very thoughtful.” Their relationship is going on 3 years now. How do they manage their professional and personal lives? The answer is simpler than it seems. They work together. Dan jokingly says, “ Always say yes.” One thing that they have going for them is that their talents lie in different parts of production. He is a gifted cinematographer, she is a gifted writer. They are both very good directors but with their diverse creative backgrounds, this makes them a yin-yang good fit of different skill-sets. Dan explains further, “I’m objective. She’s emotional.” Being in the same industry means they both understand the gruelling schedule of their work. Then he elaborates,“Last year, 2014, was hard because we worked on 4 film projects. What to prioritize? Our projects or our relationship? But we survived,” looking mushy at Tonet as he continues, “because what we have is true love.” Then Tonet adds, “We clashed most of the time. Then we decided to have a compromise. Kung sino ang direktor, siya ang masusunod. Then in time we grew into each other’s system.” Yes, opposites attract and they also complete each other. Living in the entertainment industry, you’re in your own world. Dan explains, “Mahirap magkaroon ng relationship with someone not from the industry dahil maraming hindi maiintindihan,” then he continues, “schedule pa lang, selos factor na iyan, hindi nila maintindihan.

With Antoinette Jadaone and Dan Villegas.

Nakakailang. Parang OFW ang lifestyle because you’re on location shooting for days. Ang hirap.” Some people say that you should avoid going out with someone in the same industry. Conflict of interest and competition can kill the romance. However, one of the factors that make a relationship work is commonality. Having a shared interest that a couple can both relate to is just as important as their genuine love and respect for each other. Their current and ongoing project is the hit romcom television series, “On the Wings of Love”. This is their first venture into television as directors. Antoinette, who was in the series from the beginning had some reservations, “Gusto ko talaga sa film kasi parang life consuming project ang TV series,” and with a childlike laughter she says, “parang kinain ko ang sinabi ko because now I am very involved with this show and I like it.” Not only did she eat her words about working on a television series but now Dan is involved

in it too. Even though this show is an additional challenge, they face it together just like anything else. Their TV project has not slowed down their collaboration on film. The upcoming movie, “Walang Forever”, is written by Antoinette Jadaone and directed by Dan Villegas. This is the couple’s entry to the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival. “Walang Forever” stars the award-winning talents of Jericho Rosales and Jennylyn Mercado. It promises an exceptional artistic standard that’s charming. It’s inspired by real people and situations that also aesthetically captures the local flavor. The teaser was released last month and it already has almost 3.5M views on different social media sites. In this one-minute-35-second movie trailer, my interest was captured by the man-on-the-street interviews answering the question, “Naniniwala ka ba sa forever?” The collection of anecdotes are hilarous. But what got my attention is in the last 28 seconds of the clip. It’s when the character of

Jericho Rosales confronted Jennylyn Mercado’s character. He looked her in the eye as if examining her soul and all he said was, “Miss...” , which got her tongue-tied and confused as she responded nervously to him, “wala, walang forever,” then immediately diverted to her optimistic point of view, “meron, may forever.” My heart melted. Finding myself quoting lines from the movie’s trailer is in itself remarkable. This is the magic that Dan and Tonet give us for entertainment. Their work captivates the heart of their audience. We fall in love with the characters, the story, and the whole movie. A good story told well is worth following. Will the characters in this film overcome the obstacles that life puts in their way along the path of finding true love? Or are the hurdles that the couple face part of their destiny? Knowing how their other films have played with the concept of tadhana, the only thing we know for sure is it will be worth watching.

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Mom, dad both work in nearly half of US families: study Thursday November 5 2015 (Washington-AFP) – In nearly half of American families, two parents work outside the home, creating a better financial cushion but a sometimes precarious work-life balance, a new US study found. “As more mothers have entered the US workforce in the past several decades, the share of two-parent households in which both parents work full time now stands at 46 percent, up from 31 percent in 1970,” said the study released Wednesday by the Pew Research Center.

In terms of their financial wellbeing, families with two full-time working parents are better off, with a median household income of $102,400 compared with $84,000 for households where the father works full time and the mother works part time. In households where the father is the sole breadwinner, the average income is $55,000. Despite greater financial freedoms, the Pew Center found that 56 percent of all working parents say that the work-parenting balancing act can be difficult to

manage. Forty-one percent of working mothers said that being a parent has hampered their career advancement, while just 20 percent of working fathers said the same. And in households where both parents work full time, many couples also said a large share of day-to-day parenting responsibilities falls to the mother. The poll, conducted from September 15 to October 13, queried 1,807 Americans with children younger than 18.

More California mothers are breastfeeding in the hospital SACRAMENTO — California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced California’s in-hospital breastfeeding initiation rates are on the rise according to annual California Inhospital breastfeeding data published by CDPH. “Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life is the most important nutrition practice a mother can embrace to improve the immediate and long-term health of her infant,” Dr. Smith said. “Hospital maternity care practices play an important role in ensuring new mothers can meet their personal goals for breastfeeding.” In-hospital breastfeeding initiation rates have improved between 2010 (baseline year) and 2014. The rate of any breastfeeding increased from 90.8 percent to 93.5 percent, while exclusive breastfeeding rates increased from 56.6 percent to 66.6 percent. Improvements were seen across all racial/ ethnic groups. However, racial/ethnic disparities in breastfeeding initiation per-

sist. Only three out of five African-American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic women exclusively breastfed their infant while in the hospital, compared to four out of five White women. Among the factors that may have contributed to the rise in in-hospital breastfeeding rates is the work that CDPH and its many partners have done to promote public health and healthcare policies that support a mother’s choice to breastfeed in the hospital. Currently, there are 76 Baby-Friendly™ Hospitals in California, with an additional 80 California hospitals at various stages in the four-phase process to achieve the designation, according to Baby-Friendly USA. “Baby-Friendly” is a designation for hospitals that have met UNICEF/WHO’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) criteria for supporting optimum infant feeding and care. The Hospital Infant Feeding Act (California Health & Safety Code §123366) required that by January 1, 2014, all California hospitals with a perinatal unit have a comprehensive infant feeding policy that

supports breastfeeding. Also, California Health & Safety Code §123367 requires that by 2025, all maternity hospitals adopt the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” per the BFHI, or an alternate process, such as the CDPH Model Hospital Policy Recommendations. Many CDPH programs and initiatives promote breastfeeding. For information on these CDPH programs and initiatives, as well as resources that can help pregnant or breastfeeding women, visit: • Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program • Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program • California Department of Public Health Breastfeeding Web Page • Breastfeeding Data.

It hardly rains in southern California, but when it does, sudden and powerful downpours can lead to ﬂooding and landslides – with much of the excess draining into the Paciﬁc Ocean. ©Brian A Jackson/shutterstock.com

Los Angeles wants backyard cisterns to collect rain water Friday November 6 2015 (Los Angeles, United States-AFP) – Officials in drought-stricken Los Angeles want locals to consider installing special cisterns to collect rainwater that would otherwise run off and go to waste. It hardly rains in southern California, but when it does, sudden and powerful downpours can lead to flooding and landslides – with much of the excess draining into the Pacific Ocean. As California enters its fifth year of drought ahead of an El Nino weather phenomenon that is forecast to bring heavy rain early next year, Los Angeles on Wednesday unveiled the first pilot site of what it is calling the “StormCatcher Project.”

“In the face of a historic drought, Los Angeles is taking action” to save every water drop, said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. The plan is to retrofit homes “to direct rain from the roof into large tanks that can be monitored and controlled electronically,” city officials said in a statement. The new systems has “the potential to turn two million rooftops in LA County into a distributed network of storm-catching sponges,” said Gail Farber, head of the county Public Works department. In partnership with the nonprofit organization TreePeople and a tech firm, the StormCatcher Project will install and evaluate stormwater capture systems at up to 10 homes.

“By combining smart technology with something as ancient as a cistern and as elemental as the landscaping in our yards, we can greatly reduce our demand for potable water and recharge our local water supply,” said TreePeople founder Andy Lipkis. The first pilot site at a North Hollywood home modified the roof to best catch the water, and includes a 1,320-gallon “smart cistern with cloud-based software that anticipates rain and adjusts settings to prevent overflow and maximize irrigation and infiltration,” the statement said. If successful, city officials hope to approve subsidies to encourage locals to install the systems.

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MOTORING Why car companies are building stronger connections with tech start ups Thursday November 5 2015 (Relaxnews) – At this year’s Connected Car Expo (CCE), which runs as part of the LA Auto Show from November 16, over 70 companies -- from Volvo and Garmin to Qualcomm and Bosch – will be showcasing innovations that they believe will be the standard in-car features by 2020. But this year’s show will also be a platform for a number of tech start-ups that are approaching the connected car challenge from the opposite direction. They don’t build cars, but they know how to build products and services that increasingly connected consumers want. “We’ve put a large emphasis on startups this year at CCE because we value the importance of providing a platform where those companies can come together with automakers and suppliers to move our industry forward,” said LA Auto Show and CCE President, Lisa Kaz. “This industry is fast evolving and

Car companies are working with app developers and tech startups to ﬁnd new connected car features and services.©Syda Productions/ shutterstock.com

we’re committed to bringing ground-breaking news and products to our show floor.” To help bridge this divide, Nokia set up a $100 million fund to help these start-ups develop their ideas into products and several of these firms, including Prazo, a personal mobility concierge service will be at the CCE. “Entrepreneurs with unique solutions are helping to drive a lot of the new opportunities

in the auto industry,” said Prazo founder, Jon Alain Guzik. The Web Summit in Dublin, Ireland, which concludes on Thursday is also a hotbed of connected car tech featuring both Ford and Audi as keynote speakers. “The connected car brings opportunities for new innovative services. They will offer the customer more time and convenience,” said Audi board

member Dietmar Voggenreiter. “In this spirit, we at Audi are engaging in an exchange with creative minds, people who demonstrate the entrepreneurial courage to fundamentally rethink things afresh.” Ford also hosted a €75,000 competition aimed at encouraging the developer community to build apps for its infotainment systems. “Working with innovators from outside of the automotive industry is a proven way of generating ideas that can enhance the driving experience,” said Don Butler, Ford executive director, Connected Vehicle and Services. The winning app Drive Efficient, built by Unu, monitors engine revving and torque in order to offer verbal and visual pointers for better fuel efficiency. “Ford Motor Company is tapping into talent like Unu that can generate truly innovative and disruptive ideas with the potential to be translated to reality,” said Butler.

Safety and security driving consumer interest in connected cars Friday November 6 2015 (Relaxnews) – The appetite for and interest in subscription-based connected car features is at a new high among the vehicle owning pubic, according to Strategy Analytics. However, a new study from the research firm out this week, which surveyed the opinions of consumers across the US, Europe and China, shows that its safety

and time-sensitive features, rather than distraction-free access to services such as Twitter, that are powering the trend and for which drivers would be prepared to pay a monthly fee. “Strong value was placed on services which provide the perception of increased safety and security; the high percentage of consumers willing to pay for these remote vehicle management

services reflects this tendency,” said Derek Viita, Senior Analyst and report author. For instance, services like GM’s OnStar have been independently proven to save lives. It summons emergency services in the event of an accident, and accurately predicts the severity of injuries and briefs the first responders accordingly. Likewise, apps and services that can track a stolen car,

remotely diagnose mechanical or electronic faults and provide remote control of features such as air conditioning and locking mechanisms, are all proving persuasive. JD Power’s annual DRiVE report, which measures US car owners’ feelings regarding in-car technology found that 20% of consumers have never used the majority their car’s connected features.

Toyota bets big on artificial intelligence Friday November 6 2015 (Relaxnews) - The world’s largest carmaker believes that AI will not only be a crucial component of future mobility but will also revolutionize everything from product development to manufacturing and safety. So much so that on Friday it announced it is investing over $1 billion over the next five years in a new R&D company – Toyota Research Institute – which will officially open in Silicon Valley in January under the leadership of Dr. Gill Pratt, a luminary in the field. Elon Musk, the charismatic head of electric car company Tesla has described Artificial Intelligence as “our greatest existential threat” especially if it is free to develop and evolve without oversight. However, Akio Toyoda, head of Toyota, believes that when combined with big data, it has the possibility to be truly revolutionary. “At Toyota, we don’t pursue innovation simply because we can,” said Toyoda at a press conference in Tokyo, “We pursue it because we should. It is our responsibility to make life better for our customers, and society as a whole.” As for potential concerns about a Terminator-like future nightmare scenario, Toyoda and Dr. Gill Pratt were equally firm on stressing the importance of control and collaboration rather than simply trying to stay ahead of potential competitors. “Gill told me that AI can reduce traffic accidents, but it cannot completely eliminate them without human input, and it is essential that people and machines collaborate to create a truly safe and secure mobile society,” Toyoda continued. “This collaboration is important also outside the mobility field. AI has significant potential to further improve all of society.” Therefore, when the new company begins operations, it will have strong ties with both Stanford University and MIT and according to Dr. Pratt will be focused on bridging “the gap between fundamental research and product development of life-saving and life-improving technologies.” The projects it undertakes will target one of three long-term goals -- safety; accessibility; and robotics. Many leading minds -- those at Google in particular -believe that AI will be key to truly autonomous vehicles that can avoid collisions regardless of a driver’s actions. However, Toyota wants to explore how the technology can help people in remote areas or with illnesses and disabilities improve their mobility. As for robotics: “Our goal is to improve the quality of life for all people, and in particular to allow seniors the dignity of aging in place, in their own familiar homes, regardless of age or infirmity,” said Dr. Pratt.

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