Us asian post september 17, 2014

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Vol. 3. No. 52 LOS ANGELES

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Senate invites VP Binay to testify on ‘overpriced’ Makati building MANILA, Sept 15 (Mabuhay) – It’s now official.

The Senate blue ribbon committee has formally invited Vice President Jejomar Binay to attend the panel’s subcommittee hearing regarding the alleged overpricing in the construction of the Makati City Hall building II. The letter signed by Senator Aquilino Pimentel III was sent September 11, when the committee held its fifth hearing on the issue, but was released to the media only on September 15, Monday.

The letter stated that the committee “is requesting your presence in its sixth public hearing on Thursday, September 25, 2014, at 10 a.m. at the Senate session hall...to inform the committee about what you know regarding the subject matter under inquiry.

We look forward to your Honor’s presence during the said hearing.”

Binay was supposed to hold a live address on the issue Monday afternoon but he rescheduled it to

go to northern Luzon and assess the damage brought by Typhoon Luis.

Joey Salgado, Binay’s spokesperson, said they did not receive any invitation from the Blue Ribbon committee.

“No invitation received,” Salgado said.

Kickbacks, plunder complaint Last week, former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado accused Binay of receiving 13 percent kickback in every project the city entered into during his term.

Mercado had also admitted receiving kickbacks generated from city hall contracts, including the one on Building II. He added that he also delivered such funds to Binay, his wife Dr. Elenita Binay, and then- Councilor and now Makati Mayor Junjun Binay.

The Vice President and Mayor Junjun, along with 21 others, are facing a plunder complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the alleged overSee SENATE INVITES BINAY, page 12

Binay’s supporters stage ‘black protest’

MANILA, Sept 15 (Mabuhay) – Employees and supporters of Vice President Jejomar Binay and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay staged a protest on Monday to condemn the ongoing Senate investigation on the alleged overpriced Makati City Hall 2 parking building.

Binays’ supporters, wearing black shirts and orange ribbons, accused Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Alan Peter Cayetano of staging a “kangaroo court” to malign the father and son.They urged the Senate to promote the interests of government workersi, instead of “political ambitions of senators.”

Some Makati City residents also shared how they benefitted from the programs implemented under the Binay administration such as free college education and benefits for senior citizens. Aside from the allegedly grossly overpriced parking building, the Vice President has also been accused of receiving kickbacks for every project when he was still the mayor in Makati City.

Vice President Binay was supposed to address the nation this Monday afternoon but decided to cancel it to go to Cagayan and Isabela to assess the damage brought by typhoon “Luis” (international name: Kalmaegi). (MNS)

Vice President Jejomar Binay as he receives the Ninoy Aquino Medal of Valor from Ninoy Aquino Movement Chairman Heherson Alvarez during the 31st death anniversary of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Thursday (August 21, 2014) in Pasay City. While he was an Aquino supporter – from the late senator to the late President Cory Aquino – it may not be the same for the couple’s son, President Benigno Aquino III.(MNS photo)

PHL deports Canadian Islamic preacher MANILA, September 14, 2014 (AFP) – A Canadian Islamic preacher detained for being a security threat in the Philippines was flown back to Canada after agreeing to be deported, the immigration bureau said Sunday.

Jamaican-born Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips was returned to Canada late Saturday after being detained last weekend in the southern Philippines while on a lecture tour.

This came after immigration commissioners approved his re-

quest for voluntary deportation, effectively cutting short the deportation proceedings, the bureau said in a statement.

“He was charged for being an undesirable foreign national and for being inadmissible at the time of entry,” the bureau said, explaining Philips’ detention.

The bureau earlier said he was blacklisted based on information that he might conduct activities that were a threat to national security.

Police said Philips may have

ties to extremist groups as they prevented him from holding a series of lectures in the south where the Philippine’s restive Muslim minority is based.

In a post on his Facebook page dated September 14, Philips said: “Rejection can be utterly disappointing but we must never forget that every closed door is a redirection to what is better for us”.

Philips also acknowledged that he was blacklisted in the United States, Britain, Australia and See CANADIAN PREACHER, page 12

Erap lifts truck ban in Manila indefinitely

The Filipino community is encouraged to continue to support Vigan by voting. The 7 Official New7Wonders Cities will be revealed on December 7, 2014. To vote, log on to www.new7wonders.com/en/cities and click on the city of your choice.

Vigan finalist for New 7 Wonder Cities of the World Los Angeles, 11 September 2014 – Vigan, the Heritage City makes it to the Top 21 Official finalist in the search for New 7 Wonder Cities of the World. Vigan is the only city in the Philippines that has been chosen for this prestigious search, giving our country and the Filipino people pride and honor.

The 21 Official Finalists that have been voted through to the next round of the New7Wonders Cities campaign are: Bangkok, Barcelona, Beirut, Chicago, Doha, Durban, Havana, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, La Paz, London, Mendoza, Mexico City, Mumbai, Perth, Quito, Reykjavik, Saint Petersburg, Seoul, Shenzhen and Vigan.

Announcing the 21 Official Final-

ists to the next round of the New7Wonders Cities campaign, Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, said the diversity of the remaining cities in contention for the “canon of 7″ is “remarkable in terms of regional geography and urban culture.”

The Filipino community is encouraged to continue to support our beloved city by voting. The 7 Official New7Wonders Cities will be revealed on 7 December 2014.

The next voting phases will be scheduled on the following dates and finalists will be declared the New 7 Wonder-Cities of the World: 7 July 2014 – 7 Oct 2014 – from 21 finalists down to 14 See VIGAN FINALIST, page 12

MANILA, Sept 13 (Mabuhay) – Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has lifted the truck ban in the city indefinitely to help ease congestion in the ports.

In a press conference on Saturday morning, Estrada said the lifting of the truck ban is effective 12 noon today, pursuant to Executive Order No. 67.

Estrada said the city decided to lift the truck ban to give the national government the free hand to address congestion in the ports.

“We understand that the national government is confident that it can solve the problem of the port congestion within the few See TRUCK BAN, page 12

20 Filipino repatriates from war-torn Syria on the way home – DFA MANILA, Sept 15 (Mabuhay) – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said some 20 Filipinos from Syria, who availed of the Mandatory Repatriation Program (MRP), will arrive on Thursday (Sept. 18) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on board Emirates Airlines flight number EK-332 from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) at 4:35p.m.

This brings the total number of Filipinos repatriated from wartorn Syria to 5,473.

Of this number, 2,443 were reSee 20 FILIPINOS, page 12

Floy Mayweather says Manny Pacquiao is too worried about fighting him and forgets to train for his regular fights. “In the past, if you look at Pacquiao when he fought (Juan Manuel) Marquez, he was too focused on Floyd Mayweather instead of the guy in front of him and you saw what happened,” he said, recalling Pacquiao’s knockout defeat. Photo shows Pacquiao (left) who will meet with Chris Algieri on November in Macau. Photo: Benny Uy

Mayweather says he isn’t evading Pacquiao ‘If a Pacquiao fight presents itself then let’s make it happen’ – Floyd

By Greg Heakes

LAS VEGAS, September 14, 2014 (AFP) – Boxer Floyd Mayweather, fresh off his lopsided victory over Marcos Maidana, denied he is trying to safeguard his undefeated record by avoiding Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao.

Mayweather has admitted he handpicked opponents in the past but says there is nothing unscrupulous about not fighting Pacquiao, one of the few fighters who can match the American’s hand

speed.

“I am not ducking or dodging no opponent,” said Mayweather, who turns 38 in February. “If a Pacquiao fight presents itself then let’s make it happen.”

Mayweather said Saturday after beating Maidana for the second time in four months that he is open to a fight against Pacquiao, but it would have to be on Mayweather’s terms.

On Sunday, Stephen Espinoza, vice president of sports cable channel Showtime, told the Los Angeles Times that Pacquiao is “absolutely” his first choice as MaySee MAYWEATHER, page 12

1-877-35-NOPAY 818-334-5445 818-552-4500 (1-877-356-6729)

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Adoption of orphans and abandoned children pushed MANILA, Sept 15 (Mabuhay) – Lawmakers from the A Teacher Party-list have filed a bill seeking to encourage couples or individuals to adopt orphans or abandoned children to enhance their upbringing and provide them with a better future.

Reps. Mariano U. Piamonte Jr. and Julieta R. Cortuna said couples or individuals who will adopt orphans or abandoned chil-

dren as proposed under House Bill 4931 shall be entitled to an additional P100,000 tax exemption.

The exemption shall be over and above the existing tax exemption provided by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as mandated under the National Internal Revenue Code, Piamonte said.

According to Piamonte, they

filed the bill to alleviate the plight of the large number of orphans or abandoned Filipino children, who just like other kids, need good parental guidance in order to become good citizens.

“By encouraging couples or individuals to adopt abandoned children or orphans, the State will be able to provide a better upbringing for these children.

Couples or individuals can bet-

ter provide a more realistic parental guidance for orphans and abandoned children,” Piamonte added. Cortuna said the government is spending money for the facilities that host orphans and abandoned children. “Allowing couples to do the government’s job will reduce expenditure,” Cortuna said.

Covered by the bill are newly born, infants or children up to 15

years of age who were abandoned by parents or whose parents have died with no other relative up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.

Also covered are newly born, infants or children up to 15 years of age whose parents have been declared by the court of law, physician or psychologist as physically or mentally incapable of raising a child. (MNS)

Lower House OKs Magna Carta of the Poor, sends measure to Senate MANILA, Sept 15 (Mabuhay) – The Magna Carta of the Poor has reached the Senate after passing deliberations at the House of Representatives, said Compostela Valley First District Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora, author of the proposed law.

The Magna Carta, contained in House Bill 4629, aims to uplift the standard of living and quality of life of poor Filipinos, and to provide them with sustained opportunities for growth and development, Zamora said the Magna Carta will give the most vulnerable sectors of society the necessary means to break away from the grip of poverty and a fighting chance for better lives.

“It is a holistic approach to address the many issues bedeviling our poor citizens. We are proud to have thrown our full support behind this bill, as it will augur well for many of our constituents, especially those who had been affected by the recent natural calamities,” Zamora said.

She said she hopes the Senate will favorably act for its expedi-

tious passage into law.

Zamora said the measure adopts an area-based, sectoral, and focused intervention to poverty alleviation, where every poor Filipino family must be empowered to meet its basic needs, through the partnership between the government and basic sectors.

She said it outlines the roles needed to be played by various government agencies as well as the mechanics by which remedial measures will be implemented to combat poverty.

Zamora stressed that the bill mandates compliance to the country’s international obligations (Millennium Development Goals) to do away with poverty and extreme hunger, achieve universal primary education, Promote gender equality and empowerment of women, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other deadly diseases, and ensure environmental sustainability and development of a global partnership for development. (MNS)

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Tayo!

“Every time I passed through between the U.S. embassy and yacht club, Jesus Christ, a lot of vendors, I see a lot people lying around. It is unsightly,” Senate President Franklin Drilon said. Photo: Rhony Laigo on Roxas Blvd. by Manila Hotel

Drilon urges DOT to revive Roxas Boulevard MANILA, Sept 13 (Mabuhay) – For Senate President Franklin Drilon, it’s not more fun in the Philippines when a tourist would see vendors and people lying along Roxas Boulevard, specifically between the United States embassy and Manila Yacht Club.

“Every time I passed through between the U.S. embassy and yacht club, Jesus Christ, a lot of vendors, I see a lot people lying around. It is unsightly,” Drilon said.

With this, the Senate leader urged the Department of Tourism (DOT) to address the problem which can affect the government’s effort to entice more tourists to visit the Philippines under the DOT’s marketing slogan ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines.’ ”Can you do something about this, Mr. Secretary,” Drilon asked DOT chief Ramon Jimenez during the recent Senate public hearing on the proposed Php2.15-billion 2015 budget of DOT and its attached agencies.

Jimenez explained that making the boulevard more presentable to foreign and local tourists specifically coming from the airport remains difficult due to ‘nightmare jurisdiction’ of the 7-kilometer road. ”Roxas Boulevard is a nightmare of jurisdiction issue. It travels three cities – Manila, Pasay and Parañaque while the center island is being maintained by the MMDA (Metro Manila Develop-

ment Authority),” Jimenez told the Senate sub-finance committee.

Despite the jurisdiction issue, Jimenez informed the committee that the DOT raised funds for the rehabilitation of the boulevard which runs along the shores of Manila Bay and known for its sunset and stretch of coconut trees.

Under the Revive Manila program, former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza made the Roxas Boulevard a tourist attraction by opening the Baywalk bar and restaurant belt along the area facing Manila Bay. Atienza’s successor former Mayor Alfredo Lim removed the bar and restaurants and converted it into a park but its beauty and glitters quickly faded due to poor maintenance. ”It creates bad impression that we have so many poor people selling small things and lying around the bay area. There are different street lights depending on the area of jurisdiction. I hope you can do something about it,” Drilon said.

Jimenez said transferring the jurisdiction of the Roxas Boulevard to the National Park Development can help revive the beauty and prestige of the eightlane road which is connected to coastal road going to Cavite. ”Unless you get the jurisdiction, it is very difficult. We can do it through legislation by amending the law that created the National Parks Development Committee,” Jimenez told Drilon.

Jimenez promised to prepare draft of the measure for possible transfer of jurisdiction of Roxas Boulevard. (MNS)

DOTC awards P65-billion LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project despite TRO MANILA, Sept 13 (Mabuhay) – The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) on Friday night finally awarded the Php65-billion Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 Cavite Extension project after repeated delays.

DOTC spokesperson Michael Arthur Sagcal said it was awarded to the Light Rail Manila Consortium (LRMC) despite the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court (SC) on the transfer of the common station.

LRMC is the project’s lone bidder composed of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., Ayala Corp. and Macquire Infrastructure Holdings Philippines Pte. Ltd The High Court earlier issued a TRO against the transfer of the common station of the LRT 1 and Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3), which was sought by SM Prime Holdings Inc. last August 1.

SM Prime Holdings earlier said that the

transfer violates a 2009 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between them and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA).

Since then, DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya has been coordinating with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to proceed with the award without going against the SC. Abaya said that the department was pushing for the award for the country’s best interest.

At present, the consortium has 20 days to comply with post-award requirements which include paying 10 percent of its Php9.35-billion premium offer.

Only after completing the requirements can the concession agreement can be signed by both parties.

With the project, the current 20.7-kilometer LRT-1 will be given an extension of approximately 11.7 km from Baclaran in Pasay City to Bacoor City in Cavite. (MNS)

House panel approves bill granting students 20% discount on public transport utilities MANILA, Sept 15 (Mabuhay) – The House Committee on Transportation has approved in principle a substitute bill granting students 20 percent fare discount on all kinds of public transportation utilities during school days.

Rep. Cesar V. Sarmiento (Lone District, Catanduanes), chair of the house body, said the still unnumbered bill seeks to address economic concerns and the alarming rate of school dropouts.

“This will alleviate the burden of the parents and guardians in the financial support given to the students with due consideration to the continued rise in the cost of education in the country, including their incidental expenses, such as transportation costs,” Sarmiento said.

Sarmiento said students aged 30 years old and below need only to present their school-issued identification card or current validated enrolment form supported by any document establishing their identity.

Rep. Alfredo D. Vargas III (5th District, Quezon City), one of the authors of the bill, said the fare discount is envisioned to inspire students to engage in academic, extra-curricular and civic activities during non-school days.

“Due consideration is also given to those students undergoing internships, trainings and other activities covered by their curricula. Through this proposal, we can expect holistic growth of our students, our hope for the future,” Vargas said.

Under the bill, students who are refused the fare discount privilege may file their complaints with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for land public transportation utilities, except tricycles.

Complaints can also be filed with Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), which concern sea, air and water public transportation utilities.

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Thousands evacuated as Mayon threatens to erupt

By Charism Sayat

LEGAZPI, September 16, 2014 (AFP) – Thousands of people living near the Philippines’ most active volcano began leaving their homes on Tuesday as lava trickled down its slopes and authorities warned of a dangerous eruption.

Mayon, a volcano famed in equal parts for its near-perfect cone and brutal volatility, had begun to stir again with magma rising to the top and small earthquakes rattling deep inside, authorities said.

“A hazardous eruption is possible within weeks,” the director of the state volcanology agency, Renato Solidum, told AFP. Residents within an eight-kilometre (five-mile) radius will be forcibly evacuated, said regional civil defence director Bernardo Alejandro.

He said authorities expect to evacuate almost all of the 50,000 people in the danger zone – a picturesque coconut farming area near the Pacific coast – within three days.

“We’ll have no problems with the 99 percent who will evacuate but there are some who will be hard-headed,” Alejandro said, citing the response to a similar evacuation call in 2009 when some farmers refused to move out.

“They don’t want to leave their houses and their livelihood.... these are coconut and orchid farmers with chickens, pigs and carabaos (water buffalo).”

Locals involved in the tourist industry were expecting Mayon’s latest burst to be a mini-boom.

The area, about 330 kilometers (200 miles) southeast of Manila,

is already a draw for visitors who want to see Mayon’s cone, sample the region’s spicy cuisine and visit its beautiful beaches.

“This will boost local tourism.... it’s like a party, people are out at night watching,” said Marti Calleja, who runs all-terrain vehicle tours near the volcano for as many as 100 tourists per week.

“It’s dramatic, like a fireworks show.... when there’s nothing happening (in the volcano) it’s all dark around here, but now it’s picture-perfect,” Calleja told AFP. Calleja said that when Mayon became active in the past, his clients often requested night tours to see the glowing crater.

Aljon Bañares, who works for a backpackers’ inn 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the volcano, was also preparing for more visitors.

“We have more guests in situations like this. Tourists want to see the lava flows,” Bañares said.

Four foreign tourists and their local tour guide were killed when Mayon last erupted, in May 2013.

However they were on the volcano’s slopes at the time, and Bañares said tourists would not be in danger if they acted sensibly.

“We tell our clients that it’s safe as long as they follow the government’s warnings,” he said.

The 2,460-metre (8,070-foot) Mayon has a long history of deadly eruptions.

In 1814 more than 1,200 people were killed when lava flows buried the town of Cagsawa.

An explosion in August 2006 did not cause direct deaths, but four months later a passing typhoon unleashed an avalanche of volcanic mud from Mayon’s slopes that killed 1,000 people.

Typhoon ‘Luis’ sweeps out of PHL MANILA, September 15, 2014 (AFP) – Typhoon Kalmaegi swept out of the Philippines on Monday after causing chest-deep floods in some rural areas but largely leaving the storm-prone country unscathed, authorities said.

The storm, with winds of 160 kilometers (100 miles) an hour, struck the northeast of the main Philippine island of Luzon on Sunday evening, then moved west across land before heading into the South China Sea on Monday.

Six people were killed after a passenger ferry sank in the central Philippines on Saturday evening amid rough weather as the storm approached, a navy spokeswoman said.

But officials said this was not directly linked to the typhoon, and said there had been no reports of other casualties related to the weather.

“We have no casualties... because we gave out advance warnings, because our local chief executives acted early, because we had pre-emptive evacuation and took our countrymen out of dan-

ger,” Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas said.

However he also described the storm as only “moderate”, and it did not hit heavily populated areas extremely hard. Floods occurred mostly in the mountainous and farming northern regions of Luzon.

About 7,800 people sheltered from the typhoon in government evacuation centers, but Roxas said many of them were returning home soon after the storm passed.

The Philippines is hit by about 20 storms or typhoons each year, many of them deadly.

Super Typhoon Haiyan, the strongest storm ever to make landfall, left more than 7,300 people dead or missing as it destroyed entire towns in the central Philippines in November last year.

In July this year Typhoon Rammasun killed 98 people and left five others missing, mostly in provinces near Manila.

European Commission praises PHL for remarkable economic performance BRUSSELS, Belgium, Sept 16 (Mabuhay) – European Commission President José Manuel Barroso congratulated President Benigno Aquino III for the remarkable economic performance of the Philippine economy under his leadership.

President Barroso MADRID, Spain) President Benigno S. Aquiconveyed his congratu- no III greets the Spanish Prime Minister Marilations to President ano Rajoy upon arrival at the Palacio de la Moncloa in Av Puerta de Hierrofor a bilateral Aquino during their meeting on Monday (September 15). (MNS meeting held at the photo) European Union Headquarters in ence.

President Barroso said the Belgian capital, and said that the European Union is the economic reforms must continue to further advance the competi- Philippines’ third largest trading partner, as well as tiveness of the Philippines.

“I also congratulated the Presi- the largest foreign investor dent on the remarkable economic in the country.

European Union is also performance of the Philippines. At the same time, economic reforms looking forward to working need to continue to increase the together with the Philipcompetitiveness and productivity pines to further strengthen trade and investment ties, of the country,” Barroso said.

“Europe can be a partner in he added.

Moreover, Barroso and this process, too. Our PCA (PartPresident Aquino also nership and Cooperation Agreement), which was signed in 2012, discussed the European has allowed for an enhanced coop- Union and Asia relations eration in several priority areas,” during their talks on Monday afternoon (Brussels he added.

Barroso said the European time).

Barroso said the EuroUnion and the Philippines are becoming more important to each pean Union actively supother in terms of trade and invest- ports regional integration through the ASEAN and ment rankings.

“Our trade exchanges in 2013 committed to forging a and 2014 were the largest in a de- strong relationship with cade,” he told a joint press confer- the whole region. (MNS)

(MADRID, Spain) President Benigno Simeon Aquino III leads the wreath-laying ceremonies at the Rizal monument here on Sunday (September 14). The President will first visit Spain, then proceed to Belgium, France and Germany for two days each. (MNS photo)

Aquino lauds Pinoys in Spain for supporting Gilas Pilipinas MADRID, Spain, Sept 15 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III thanked the Filipino community in Spain for supporting the Philippine international basketball team Gilas Pilipinas during their recent campaign at the FIBA World Cup. During his meeting with the Filipino community here on Sunday, President Aquino said although ‘Gilas Pilipinas’ did not make the next stage of the tournament, Filipinos should still be proud of the team for playing an impressive game.

“We may not have won the championship, but a lot of people were impressed by the amazing skill of our Filipino athletes,” Aquino said in Filipino.

He said the Philippines may have the shortest players in FIBA but it did not stop the team from giving a tough fight against powerhouse teams such as Greece, Argentina, Puerto Rico and Croatia.

“Nobody can say that our team fell short in showing their determination, excellence and their heart [in every game] that’s why

we are proud of that,” the Chief Executive said.

The President said he was glad that Filipinos even from other countries flew to Spain to show their support for the Philippine basketball team.

‘Gilas Pilipinas’ won the hearts of many by playing hard and inspiring games in the FIBA World Cup. The Philippine team won its last game against Senegal, the country’s first victory in the world basketball stage after nearly four decades. (MNS)

Passport production returns to normal after DFA breakdown MANILA, Sept 13 (Mabuhay) – Passport production has normalized after the Department of Foreign Affairs addressed technical problems that led to delays.

However, delays will still persist within the next three to four weeks, the DFA said in a statement on Saturday.

“The Department assures the public that it is taking all the necessary steps to ensure that

passports are issued on time and appeals to the public for its kind understanding on this matter,” it added A similar delays occurred earlier in April, when technical maintenance by the DFA caused longer processing time for electronic passports.

Due to the technical problem, normal processing of up to 20 working days to at least 10 to 25

days, and lasted from April 1 to April 15.

The Philippine Embassy in the United Kingdom informed Filipinos in September of the processing delays, saying the process might take 15 to 16 weeks.

The Philippines, just like many other countries, now issues passport with biometric identification data embedded, which is harder to forge.(MNS)

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Palace: Chinese travel advisory won’t affect PHL-China ties MANILA, Sept 13 (Mabuhay) – ‘=China’s travel advisory to its nationals warning of possible security threats in the Philippines will not have any negative effect on ManilaBeijing ties, Malacañang said Saturday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte also reiterated the government remains committed to protect Chinese who visit the Philippines.

“The (Department of Foreign Affairs) has already reached out to the side of China to reiterate our commitment that their citizens will be protected here in the Philippines just like any visitor who comes to our shores,” she said on government-run dzRB radio.

Earlier this week, China issued a travel advisory warning of supposed security concerns in the Philippines.

When asked if the Palace is concerned Manila-Beijing ties would suffer due to the travel advisory, Valte said, “Tingin ko hindi naman.” “(M)arami namang mukha ‘yung ating pagkakaibigan sa bansang Tsina at hindi lang naman ‘yung isyu natin sa West Philippine Sea ang nangingibabaw sa ating pagkakaibigan. Marami pa ho tayong mga engagement on several different levels. Magpapatuloy pa rin naman po ‘yon,” she said.

“Siyempre, gusto nating i-assure ang ating mga kaibigan na kapag bumisita kayo rito sa Pilipinas bilang ating bisita, at ayon na rin sa kultura at tradisyon nating mga Pilipino, ay gagawin natin ang ating makakaya para naman maging maganda ang kanilang pagbisita rito,” she added. (MNS)

Is Binay an Aquino ally?

MANILA, Sept 15 (Mabuhay) – You should ask the Vice President. That was the answer of Malacañang on Monday when asked if it considers Vice President Jejomar Binay an ally of President Benigno Aquino III. “He supports the agenda of the president…but there are some areas that they disagree with,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a televised press briefing.

“I think that is up to the Vice President to say,” he said, adding that Binay’s camp had consistently said they support Aquino’s agenda.

The statement came as Aquino left for Europe without putting the Vice President in charge of the country.

Binay was also noticeably absent during the President’s “agenda setting” meeting at Malacañang last week.

On Monday morning, it was announced that Binay’s 15-minute address to clear his name against corruption charges has been postponed.

Instead, the he flew to typhoon-hit provinces. He said that while the speech could be postponed, help needed by Filipinos cannot, especially since Aquino was away.

On the other hand, Lacierda said there was no need to assign a “caretaker” during the President’s absence since “the reins of government will be handled properly by the designated officials.”

He said Aquino is in constant communication with other government officials.

The spokesperson said it was Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. who “handles the day-to-day (operations) of the Office of the President” while other Cabinet members are expected to continue their work.

He pointed out that just before typhoon “Luis” left the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council held a briefing to assess the effects of the typhoon.

“So government continues to function and we always have communications with the President,” Lacierda said.

(MNS)

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OPINION

PHL woos OFWs back with 40,000 job vacancies HONG KONG, Sept 15 (Mabuhay) – Government officials are urging Filipinos working in households here to consider the possibility of going back home to fill up 40,000 vacancies for teaching and non-teaching personnel of the Department of Education.

In a recent forum held at the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, Labor chief Rosalinda Baldoz said the government’s K to 12 program, which addresses the perceived two-year deficit in the Philippine educational system, will create new jobs for teachers and non-teachers in the Philippines.

“Ang amin lang po naman ay mabigyan kayo ng option... Kung ganitong may opportunities po, dapat po binibigay namin sa inyo ang detalye ng mga opportunities na puwede ninyong pag-aralan,” Baldoz said.

“Naisip ko po na sa tinagal-tagal po ng pagtigil dito whether as household workers or kung anuman po, baka po mas may mataas na skills sets na na-acquire kayo dito, at kung ma-assess po iyan at ma-certify, bibigyan din po kayo ng idea kung anong vertical at horizontal career path na puwedeng pagaralan,” she added.

The Philippines has implemented the K to 12 program beginning with the universal kindergarten in school year 2011-2012, while Grade 11 or the start of the senior high school will be implemented in academic year 2016-2017.

Baldoz said that although career paths are choices of each individual, those working for big establishments or organizations enjoy more favorable conditions and benefits than those working in households.

For those who are interested of the program and who have passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers in the Philippines, all that is needed is to submit qualifying requirements.

She added that Filipinos who work in households in Hong Kong and other parts of the world and who would apply for the program would be given priority by the government.

“Napagkasunduan po namin ni [Education] Secretary Armin Luistro na kung may mag-qualify po sa mga nakapasa sa licensure examination na tinanggap ng PRC (Professional Regulatory Commission), especially the recent ones at willing sila to do some qualifying requirements, then priority po sila sa existing vacancies for this year. Hanggang 2016 po ang

vacancies,” Baldoz said.

She said Education officials would soon be visiting Hong Kong and meet with the Filipino community to give more details about the program.

“Initial 1,300 vacancies” Director Dominique Rubia-Tutay of the Philippines’ Bureau of Local Employment said that initially, there are 1,300 vacancies until December for Teacher 1 positions, whose basic salary is P18,549.

“The first offering is for Teacher 1, kasi po para maging teachers 2 and 3 ay kailangang ma-promote po muna kayo,” she said.

Besides the basic salary, public school teachers also receive various allowances and benefits such as PERA (Personnel Economic Relief Allowance), clothing allowance, year-end bonus, performance bonus, productivity bonus, and cash gift.

Teachers who are assigned to far-flung places are also given “hardship allowance”.

Rubia-Tutay also said teachers in the country enjoy summer and Christmas breaks with pay.

“If you have preferred locations to teach in, siyempre po ilalapit namin kayo kung saan kayo nakatira doon sa Pilipinas,” she said.

For LET passers who have not been teaching in the past five years, they must take 21 units of education courses again. Other documentary requirements will soon be posted on the government’s website.

Citing the findings of a survey of profile of Filipinos in Hong Kong, Rubia-Tutay said many are single, between 30 and 35 years old, and that mostly came from Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) and 6 (Western Visayas). Many of the Filipinos working in Hong Kong also have employment contracts that will end in 2015.

Baldoz said the best thing about coming home is that Filipinos would be with their families and able to care for their children, instead of raising kids of other families.

“Alam po ni Presidente (Benigno Aquino III) ito at sabi niya ‘maganda maipresenta ang lahat ng impormasyon at bigyan ng pagkakataon na pag-isipan ito’,” Baldoz said.

There are an estimated 180,000 Filipinos living and working Hong Kong, of which about 160,000 are domestic helpers. (MNS)

Palace on Manila’s truck ban: Ordinances at times have nat’l effects

MANILA, Sept 15 (Mabuhay) – Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada was not pressured to lift the truck ban in his city, which President Benigno Aquino III himself has blamed for port congestion, Malacañang said Monday.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said at a press briefing that Estrada’s decision was a result of an “ongoing discussion” between the national government and City of Manila.

“The City of Manila also saw the impact of port congestion, not only to the residents of Manila, but also to a greater number of citizens,” Lacierda told reporters on Monday afternoon.

The Palace official emphasized that port congestion was a “bigger” problem compared to the “shortterm problem of traffic that inconveniences a number of people residing in Manila.”

“The bigger picture is, if we allow port congestion to continue, it will affect prices. It will affect a greater number of people. It will affect practically anybody who stands to use those goods,” Lacierda said.

On Saturday, the Manila local government led by Estrada issued an order lifting a truck ban in the city, which was put in place last February to address traffic woes.

Last week, however, President Aquino blamed the Manila truck ban for port congestion, which led to monster traffic jams earlier this month and

caused the government to incur P70 billion in economic losses.

Aquino is the chairman of the ruling Liberal Party, while Estrada is a stalwart of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

‘Greater coordination’ Aquino’s spokesman also sought “greater coordination” between the national government and local government units in Metro Manila to prevent local policies from causing bigger problems.

“This is one good experience for us to learn from each other that a greater coordination, perhaps, in studying the effects local ordinances may have. It may be good for us to coordinate,” Lacierda said.

This coordination will be done through the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), he added.

“It is also good for local government to realize that sometimes, [local policies] may have an effect on a national scale,” the Palace official said.

Under Republic Act 7924, the MMDA is tasked to “perform planning, monitoring and coordinative functions” within Metro Manila “without diminution of the autonomy of the local government units concerning purely local matters.”

The MMDA is particularly tasked to coordinate with Metro Manila local government heads on matters related to development planning, traffic management, garbage disposal and flood control. (MNS)

EU backs Aquino’s peace initiatives in Mindanao BRUSSELS, Belgium, Sept 16 (Mabuhay) – European Union Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso lauded President Benigno S. Aquino III’s initiatives to bring lasting peace in Mindanao.

“I congratulated President Aquino for his efforts to bring peace, stability and development to the Philippines of which the successful accomplishment of the Mindanao peace negotiations and signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro is a good example,” said President Barroso in speech following his meeting with President Aquino at the European Commission Headquarters in Brussels.

“In particular, I have congratulated President Aquino for the submission of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to the Philippines Congress on the 10th of this month. This is a welcomed positive step forward in the overall effort in bringing lasting peace to people in Mindanao,” President Barroso added.

At the same time, President Barroso pledged that the EU will continue its support and assistance for the Mindanao peace plan.

“The European Union is also supporting peace and development in Mindanao, in complement to the Government’s efforts, through various development projects worth 106 million euros. And I assured the President of our continued support and assistance in this effort,” President Barroso said.

The EU’s support came after Spain also backed the steps taken by President Aquino aimed at further forwarding the peace initiative in southern Philippines, during a meeting between the Chief Executive and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy at Palacio de la Moncloa in Madrid.

During the bilateral meeting of the Philippine and Spanish leaders, President Aquino conveyed the country’s gratitude for Spain’s support for the Mindanao peace plan.

“We also value the insights on the existing Autonomous Communities in Spain gained through the

study visits of our delegates to your country. This will help our government officials and legislators who will be involved in the creation of the Bangsamoro political entity,” the President said.

“We hope that Spain will continue to be our partner in the development of Mindanao,” he added.

The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front was signed on March 27 this year.

On September 10, President Aquino turned over the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. European Commission President José Manuel Barroso congratulated President Benigno Aquino III for the remarkable economic performance of the Philippine economy under his leadership.

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso also congratulated Aquino III for the remarkable economic performance of the Philippine economy under his leadership. President Barroso conveyed his congratulations to President Aquino during their meeting held at the European Union Headquarters in the Belgian capital, and said that economic reforms must continue to further advance the competitiveness of the Philippines.

“I also congratulated the President on the remarkable economic performance of the Philippines.

At the same time, economic reforms need to continue to increase the competitiveness and productivity of the country,” Barroso said.

“Europe can be a partner in this process, too. Our PCA (Partnership and Cooperation Agreement), which was signed in 2012, has allowed for an enhanced cooperation in several priority areas,” he added.

Barroso said the European Union and the Philippines are becoming more important to each other in terms of trade and investment rankings.

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UTREACH De Castro, new PHL honorary consul for San Diego Los Angeles, 15 September 2014 – Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim congratulates newly appointed PHL Honorary Consul Audie de Castro for San Diego, CA. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. administered the oath taking of Mr. de Castro’s at Malacañang Palace in Manila on 30 August 2014.

Honorary Consul Audie de Castro, is the founder of de Castro, P.C. Attorneys & Counselors. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of San Francisco School of Law. He was a member of the University of San Francisco Law Review and McAuliffe Honor Society (top 10%). Prior to graduating from law school, Mr. de Castro practiced as a Certified Public Accountant.

Mr. de Castro is actively involved in civic and community affairs. He serves on the Board of Governors for the San Diego Foundation.

In 2011, he was appointed by the Mayor of San Diego as Chairman of the Consolidated Plan Advisory Board for the city, which advises the City Council on the fair distribution of millions of dollars of community development block grant funds (CDBG) each year.

He is former Commissioner of the City of San Diego Citizens Equal Opportunity Commission and previously served on an Advisory Board for another local Mayor. He is also past President of the Asian Business Association of San Diego and the Filipino American Chamber of

Commerce. He is a graduate of LEAD San Diego (2003). Mr. de Castro has received numerous awards for his community service, including a Star Award from the San Diego Performing Arts League, President’s Award of Community Service from the Filipino American Lawyers of San Diego, and Pan Pac Honors Award from the Pan Pacific Law Enforcement Association.

Consul General Herrera-Lim welcomed the appointment of Mr. de Castro. In the next few weeks, Mr. de Castro will prepare his office in close coordination with the Philippine Consulate General, to start serving the Filipino-American community in San Diego and to represent the interests of the Philippines in his area of jurisdiction.

California split plan fails to make state ballot LOS ANGELES, September 12, 2014 (AFP) – A proposal to split California into six separate US states has failed to garner enough signatures to put it to voters, officials said Friday.

Silicon Valley investor Tim Draper announced in July that he had submitted 1.3 million signatures backing his idea, in theory enough to get it on a state-wide ballot in November 2016. But California’s secretary of state ruled Friday that only 66 percent of the signatures, from a random sampling, were valid, and therefore rejected the proposal.

Even if the measure made

the ballot, and even if California’s 38 million voters backed it, it would still need approval by state lawmakers and Washington DC. The six new states it proposed were Jefferson – which already has a separatist movement near the Oregon border – North California, Silicon Valley, Central California, West California and South California.

Six Californias, the group behind the initiative, immediately contended that the signatures had not been counted properly and vowed to re-count all of them themselves, and persuade authorities to change their mind.

“It is unfortunate that the current archaic system has delayed this process. It is yet another example of the dysfunction of the current system and reinforces the need for six fresh, modern governments.

“In the meantime, we will work with the secretary of state to verify all of the signatures gathered during the petition process.”

In July Governor Jerry Brown’s spokesman, Evan Westrup, said the proposal had “serious practical challenges.”

On Friday he declined to comment on its failure to make the ballot.

City Clerk approves initiative ordinance petition for circulation minimum wage LOS ANGELES (September 10, 2014) – Los Angeles City Clerk Holly Wolcott announced today that a petition by proponents John Parker, Jose Medina, Maggie Vascessenno, Scott Scheffer, and Essie Crosby relative to a “Minimum Wage Initiative Ordinance,” was approved by the Office of the City Clerk on September 9, 2014 for circulation and collection of signatures of registered voters in the City of Los Angeles. The official summary of the proposal as prepared by the City Attorney is included below: This proposed ordinance establishes a minimum wage of $15 per hour in the City of Los Angeles; The minimum wage requirement would apply to most em-

Wildfires burn CA homes LOS ANGELES, September 16, 2014 (AFP) – Raging wildfires damaged or destroyed over 100 buildings in California on Monday and forced hundreds to evacuate in the drought-stricken US state, officials said.

The Boles Fire, one of up to a dozen blazes gripping the state amid a heatwave, erupted near the town of Weed, some 280 miles north of San Francisco near the Oregon border.

By Monday evening it was 15 percent contained and had damaged or destroyed over 100 buildings, and forced the evacuation of three nearby communities, according to CalFire’s website.

Winds gusting up to 40 mph helped fan the flames.

“The fire was able to rage right into the community before we were able to get fire equipment into the scene,” California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesman Daniel Berlant told the Los Angeles Times.

“The fire was starting ahead of itself; the embers thrown ahead touched the brush and structures,” he added of the blaze, which covered some 350 acres.

ployers upon the effective date of the ordinance, and to small businesses and nonprofits on January 1, 2017; The minimum wage rate is subject to a yearly increase based on the Consumer Price Index for Los Angeles; The ordinance provides that tips or service charges shall be retained by employees and shall not be included in the minimum wage calculation; The ordinance requires employers to post notices of the minimum wage rate at job sites; The ordinance authorizes the City to issue guidelines, investigate violations, hold administrative hearings and impose administrative penalties, including fines

to help offset the City’s enforcement costs; and The ordinance also authorizes civil court actions against employers for violations of the minimum wage requirement.

In accordance with Charter Section 451(b), all names signed to the petition must have been secured not more than 120 days prior to the date of filing of the completed petition. The petition must be signed by registered voters of the City of Los Angeles. The number of signatures currently required is 61,486 (15 percent of the total number of votes cast for all candidates for the Office of Mayor at the last election at which a Mayor was elected) prior to the filing of the completed petition.

Photo above shows Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim congratulating Mr. Audie de Castro as the Philippine Honorary Consul for San Diego, CA.

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Families to ‘Walk n’ Roll’ on Sept.

20 for ataxia that afflicts many Fil-Ams among victims of debilitating disease

By Rhony Laigo

If not for the worldwide campaign of the Ice Bucket Challenge, the Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease may have been just that – a disease that has no cure. Now, ALS is known worldwide. But unknown to many, another debilitating disease that affects many, including the young, also needs the same kind of attention and because it is passed from one generation to another.

On September 20, American families, their relatives and friends, and advocates will do just that. They will troop to the City of Long Beach to participate in the Sixth Annual LA/OC Walk n’ Roll for Ataxia so more people may be aware of an otherwise unfamiliar neurological disorder called ataxia, which simply means “lack of coordination.”

Starting from 340 S. Pine Avenue, the Saturday 1K Walk n’ Roll for Ataxia Awareness in Long Beach at the Aquarium of the Pacific area will coincide with the International Ataxia Awareness Day. Personally, I know people here in Southern California who have been suffering from ataxia or the lack of muscle control caused by the disease. One is close to Balita family and her name is Moira, whose mother, Saira Velasco, better known in the Philippine celebrity world as Bunny Paras, used to be our Advertising Manager for the Motoring Section. Saira had to semi-retire to focus on her daughter, who was diagnosed with the disease four years ago. Moira is only 15.

Two other friends of mine, back from my Novaliches days – the former Pamela Jacob who is now known as Pamela Ching, and her sister, Aileen Jacob – are both suffering from ataxia. To be more specific, theirs is the SCA7 type (spinocerebellar ataxia; there are several types). And that is not all. There’s more in their family.

Pamela’s twins – Catherine Joyce and Clarissa Janelle, aged 27 – are also both suffering from ataxia.

But that is not the worst part. Pamela and Aileen lost a brother, Manuel “Boyet” Jacob, who died from it. Also a friend of mine, Boyet introduced me to the game of baseball, which we used to play in front of their house. As if this wasn’t enough, Aileen’s daughter also died from it last year.

She was just 21.

To quote Pamela’s aunt, which Pamela posted on her Facebook Page, “It is truly inspiring that the ALS foundation fired up the people’s sense of generosity, but every time I see an ice-bucket chal-

lenge, I can’t help but feel a tug in my heart…a certain sadness actually because it is a reminder that to this day, another debilitating disease called Ataxia stays forgotten. It is too close to home for me – my cousin, her two daughters and three granddaughters are all afflicted with this progressively worse disorder.”

She continued, “It would mean the world to them if more people were aware of not only its existence, but the overall impact it has on the people who have it and their loved ones who witness its effects on a first-hand basis. Unfortunately, the medical community has not pursued any aggressive or significant research to find cures or relief for this disease. The biggest roadblock is the lack of awareness and funding. Let this be my personal rally and appeal to you to join us in the Walk n’ Roll to Ataxia and/or donate to help spread the knowledge of this all-too-common disorder that’s too commonly slipped under the rug.”

According to ataxia.org.uk, SCA7 is a type of inherited cerebellar ataxia. “It is caused by a defect in a gene. This results in damage to certain parts of the brain and to the eyes.” Pamela’s sister, Aileen, apart from not being able to walk anymore (I used to dance with her in parties when we were young), has also lost her sight.

In Saira’s daughter’s case, Moira, she suffers from another type – Friedreich’s Ataxia – a progressive disorder “mainly affecting the nervous system…of the spinal cord.”

Saira posted on her Facebook page this message: “As many of you may know, our daughter Moira was diagnosed with ataxia four years ago. I want to first of all thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers – your support has given us strength and hope for the future. We are attending the annual Los Angeles/Orange Country Ataxia Walk for awareness and donations that go towards a cure. If you have time please feel free to join us for the stroll along the bay next to the Long Beach Aquarium. And if you can spare a little to donate towards a cure, we’d appreciate it. Also, the more money we raise, the more tickets Moira gets to win prizes in the raffle after the walk!”

Saira also posted videos of Filipino celebrities expressing their support and their generosity.

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has raised over $100 million in just a few weeks. And to think that many just donated $5 when they doused themselves with ice-full of water. In spite of the physical challenges, the organizers hope the walk make more people become aware of ataxia and to raise more funds for research. If you know something as creative as the Ice Bucket Challenge, you are more than welcome to share your talent with them to make this a reality.

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Additive-testing products on the horizon (Relaxnews) – For reasons of allergy, diet and health consciousness, increasing demand to know details the nutrition label doesn’t reveal and information that restaurants are rarely obligated to reveal has inspired several prototypes and testing methods that could soon give consumers increased control when it comes to food choices.

Specified safety based on your needs The closest of the concepts to become a reality is start-up 6Sensor Labs, whose goal is to create affordable devices to test food for allergens and reveal the results on an app. In the US alone, 15 million sufferers of food allergies make over 200,000 emergency medical visits per year due to the difficulties associated with consistently and accuracy tracking food content and avoiding errors on the part of manufacturers and restaurant kitchens.

The startup’s first product will be oriented towards those with Celiac disease who require a gluten-free diet.

According to Tech Crunch, 6Sensor Labs has received four million in seed

funding, so things could accelerate any day now.

Inspect before consumption: utensils do the trick Chinese technology company Baidu has developed chopsticks, in response to disturbing information about dangerous additives used for food production in China. Connecting wirelessly to a mobile communication device, the corresponding app warns the user when the chopsticks come into contact with tainted ingredients. No price or release date has been determined, and Baidu’s CEO told the Wall Street Journal at their annual technology conference that he hopes the invention will account for nutritional qualities in addition to toxicity content.

Control your caffeine intake Aside from that morning cup of coffee, the average person consumes more caffeine on a daily basis than he or she realizes, as the common additive can be hiding in unexpected places, even in jelly beans.

Now a research team from the University of Iowa, who claim caf-

feine is being added to more than 570 beverages and 150 food products including chewing gum, may have laid the groundwork for a dipstick test for consumers to apply to their food and beverages. The test is based on a highly sensitive enzyme that can detect caffeine at concentrations as low as one to five parts per million.

A Test of organic chemistry 101 Slapping on the “organic” label to inflate the price of produce might become a thing of the past thanks to researchers from the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority and the Wurzburg University in Germany, who have developed a high-tech test to set the standards. They explored a technique called magnetic resonance spectroscopy that is already in use for authenticating honey and olive oil.

Comparing tomatoes that had been grown either in greenhouses or outdoors with conventional or organic fertilizers, they collected enough data to prove their method could identify the aforementioned conditions with more accuracy than tests currently in use.

Keeping food pure: new testing methods could soon be available to ensure that you are what you eat. ©Anna Hoychuk/shutterstock.com

Eating fish could help preserve women’s hearing: study (Relaxnews) – According to researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, two or more servings of fish per week could lower women’s risk of acquired hearing loss.

“Consumption of any type of fish (tuna, dark fish, light fish, or shellfish) tended to be associated with lower risk,” says corresponding author Dr. Sharon G. Curhan, MD, of BWH Channing

Division of Network Medicine.

“These findings suggest that diet may be important in the prevention of acquired hearing loss.”

In the massive cohort study, researchers tracked a total 65,215 women from 1991 to 2009.

Overall, participants self-reported 11,606 cases of incident hearing loss, and data analysis indicates that the women who consumed fish at least twice per week showed a 20

percent lower risk of hearing loss than the women who seldom ate fish.

Case-by-case observation revealed that higher consumption of each of the aforementioned fish types and increased intake of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the women’s diets showed benefits for hearing preservation.

“Acquired hearing loss is a highly prevalent and often

disabling chronic health condition,” says Dr. Curhan. “Although a decline in hearing is often considered an inevitable aspect of aging, the identification of several potentially modifiable risk factors has provided new insight into possibilities for prevention or delay of acquired hearing loss.”

The study was published in the journal American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

According to recent research, two or more servings of fish per week could reduce women’s chances of hearing loss by as much as 20%.

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Jessa Zaragoza nervous about performing Himig Handog entry The country’s “Phenomenal Diva” Jessa Zaragoza will be interpreting “Bumabalik Ang Nagdaan,” an entry to this year’s Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs songwriting contest, written by Sarah Jane Gandia.

Jessa will be performing the song live during finals night on Sept. 28, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. And she is nervous.

“I know this is a songwriting composition but people will also expect a lot from the interpreter of the song. So, for me, I really want to give justice to ‘Bumabalik Ang Nagdaan,’ (to) make the composer happy as well as the people listening to it,” shared Jessa.

This is not the first time that Jessa will interpret a song for Himig Handog.

In 2004, She interpreted “Susubukan Kong Muli,” an entry written by Jan Lopez. She didn’t

Jessa Zaragoza

Sam Milby opens up about Shaina Two years before they finally started seeing each other, Sam Milby had already made known his intentions with Shaina Magdayao to an ex-boyfriend of the actress.

Milby said he sought the blessing of actor John Prats in 2012 on possibly pur- Sam Milby suing Magdayao romantically.

Prats and Magdayao were a couple for a time but reportedly broke up in late 2009. After Prats, Magdayao had a relationship with actor John Lloyd Cruz that ended in May 2012.

Despite Prats giving him a gosignal, Milby said nothing romantic developed between him and Magdayao at the time. Last month, however, Magdayao revealed that she and Milby have been seeing each other regularly.

When asked about the real score between him and the actress, Milby only said he does not want to do anything that might ruin his friendship with Magdayao.

“Actually, nahihiya ako kay Shaina. Kilala niyo ako, hindi talaga ako magaling sumagot sa mga tanong. That’s the honest truth. And I feel so bad...

It comes off wrong sometimes. And ako, I really value my friendship with Shaina.”

Milby added: “She’s one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

She has a pure heart. You’ll never hear anything bad about her from anybody in showbiz. I’m very happy with where our friendship has come, and ayoko masira ‘yung friendship dahil sa mga issue.”

The “Dyesebel” actor admitted, however, that he sees the friendship growing. (MNS)

know that she was four months pregnant at the time, and when she found out, she opted to not to sing during the finals.

“I didn’t want to be stressed,” Jessa recalled.

According to Jonathan Manalo of Star Records, it was Arnee Hidalgo who took over Jessa’s role.

Seeing the list of interpreters for this year’s competition added pressure to Jessa, noting how these include some of the country’s best.

Among singers included in the list are Morissette (“Akin Ka Na Lang” by Francis Louis Salazar); Jovit Baldivino (“Dito”

by Raizo Brent Chabeldin and Biv De Vera); Ebe Dancel with Abra (“Halik sa Hangin” by David Dimaguila); Angeline Quinto (“Hanggang Kailan” by Jose Joel Mendoza); Juris (“Hindi Wala”

by Nica del Rosario); Jed Madela (“If You Don’t Want to Fall”

by Jude Gitamondoc); Janella Salvador (“Mahal Kita Pero” by Melchora Mabilog); KZ (“Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako” by Edwin Marollano); Marion Aunor featuring Rizza and Seed (“Pumapag-ibig”

by Jungee Marcelo); Daniel Padilla (“Simpleng Tulad Mo” by Meljohn Magno); Bugoy Drilon (“Umiiyak ang Puso” by Rolando Azor); Jugs and Teddy (“Walang Basagan ng Trip” by Eric De Leon); and Michael Pangilinan (“Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako” by Jovinor Tan). Songwriter-finalist Hazel Faith dela Cruz will sing her own composition, “Everything Takes Time.”

All 13 entries will be included in the “Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs” compilation CD. Music videos for the 15 entries, as created by students from the country’s more prestigious universities, will be airing on MYX. (MNS)

Nikki reacts to Billy’s drunken altercation “I wasn’t raised to celebrate the misfortune of others.”

These were Nikki Gil’s words when asked to react to the drunken altercation involving her past boyfriend of five years, TV host Billy Crawford, who posted bail last Monday after being detained overnight.

“I was asked about it, which I don’t understand because I’m not involved in any way,” Gil said, referring to Crawford’s arrest last Sunday. “But I wasn’t raised to celebrate the misfortune of others.

I guess that’s all I have to say about the issue.”

Crawford, 32, admitted he was drunk and had been feeling stressed, which supposedly led to his being aggressive at Taguig Police Station 7 early Sunday. He broke a glass door in the altercation with police officers. He explained that he went to the precinct because he “needed to be in a controlled environment,” where he could not inflict any harm.

The “Bright Lights” hitmaker was charged with malicious mischief and disobedience to person in authority over the incident.

Crawford has yet to return to the ABS-CBN noontime program “It’s Showtime,” which he cohosts, following the incident. According to his girlfriend and fellow “It’s Showtime” mainstay, Coleen Garcia, Crawford has nonetheless resumed filming for the comedy movie “Moron 5.2” During her interview, Gil was also asked for her reaction to comments that Crawford was never involved in any controversy during their five-year relationship. “I don’t want to comment on that,” Gil said. “I also want to respect the people that we are currently... You know, there are other parties

Nikki Gil

involved din, eh. Respetuhin nalang natin ‘yon. I really don’t want to comment on that.”

Four months after her controversial split with Crawford, Gil admitted in November 2013 that she has starting dating again. She is now reportedly seeing businessman BJ Albert, while Crawford has become more open about his relationship with Garcia.

Referring to her current relationship, Gil said: “[It’s] wonderful, fabulous. It’s a very healthy friendship and I’m enjoying, because it’s a source of inspiration.” (MNS)

Toni glad Alex is stepping out of her shadow

With her hit series “Pure Love” and the just concluded “The Voice Kids,” actress-host Alex Gonzaga has finally stepped out from the giant shadow of her sister Toni Gonzaga.

Speaking to reporters at the press conference for her 15th anniversary concert “Celestine” on October 3 at SM Mall of Asia Arena, Toni said she’s happy that fans can now judge – and appreciate – them based on their own merits.

“Nase-separate na nila kung sino ako at kung sino siya at kung ano ang kaya niyang gawin na hindi ko kayang gawin at kaya kong gawin na hindi niya magagawa. Kasi for the longest time people keep on ...parang kina-clash nila kami, pinagkocompete nila kami when in fact there’s really no competition,” Toni said.

“Kung ako lang talaga ang masusunod ay ibibigay ko lahat sa kapatid ko. I think she waited long enough and I think she’s ripe na, right age where she can take full responsibility of doing all those things na kaya niyang gawin for the industry,” she added.

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KITCHENOMICS FAMILY FEATURES

F

rom everyday snacking to entertaining at parties, Americans adore their snacks. So, it’s no surprise that nearly 100 percent of Americans snack at least once every day, according to a recent survey conducted by the California Olive Committee.

Interestingly, the survey found that consumers, who snack most frequently at home on weekends, overwhelmingly prefer easy-to-prepare homemade snacks over prepared store-bought varieties.

One versatile and affordable ingredient that pumps up the

flavor of a wide array of snack recipes is the ripe olive. Olives are a double-duty pantry staple — ideal for snacking right out of the can and perfect to have on hand for preparing simple, mouth-watering snack recipes at home.

From pickling with spices and vegetables, to adding a pop of color and texture to hummus or cream cheese-stuffed celery, California Ripe Olives are a flavorful addition to crowd-pleasing snacks.

Here are some simple, scrumptious recipes that are sure to cure any snack attack.

For more tasty snacking recipes, visit www.CalOlive.org.

Olive Hummus Servings: 2 cups Prep time: 10 minutes 1 (6-ounce) can California Ripe Olives 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed and drained garbanzo beans 2 1/2 tablespoons sesame tahini 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus additional for drizzling 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste) 1/8–1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 cloves garlic 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt Chopped fresh parsley (optional) Pita bread wedges, pita chips or cut raw vegetables Open olive can and strain, reserving 2 tablespoons of brine; set aside. Puree beans, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, cayenne pepper and garlic in food processor until very smooth. Add yogurt and olive brine and mix again. Add two-thirds of olives and pulse until coarsely chopped. Transfer to bowl.

Coarsely chop remaining olives and sprinkle over top. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with parsley, if desired. Serve with pita bread wedges, pita chips or raw vegetables.

Olive, Sun-Dried Tomato and Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery Servings: 8 Prep time: 20 minutes 1 (8-ounce) package 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened 1 (2.2-ounce) can sliced California Ripe Olives, drained 2 tablespoons minced sundried tomatoes 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 2 finely chopped small green onions 2 minced garlic cloves 8 large ribs celery 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (optional) Place cream cheese in medium bowl. Chop threequarters of the olives and stir into cream cheese with tomatoes, basil, salt, green onions and garlic. Cut each celery rib in half and fill with cheese mixture.

Sprinkle with pistachios and garnish with remaining olives.

Pickled Olives and Vegetables Servings: 6 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Chill time: Overnight 2 (6-ounce) cans California Ripe Olives 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds 1teaspoon whole black peppercorns 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 1/2 cups cider vinegar 1 1/2 cups water 1 tablespoon sugar 3/4 teaspoon salt 2 bay leaves 1 medium carrot, peeled, halved and cut into strips 12 small green beans, ends trimmed 2 sprigs fresh dill 1 small yellow squash, halved and cut into strips 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced Open olive cans and strain, reserving 3/4 cup of brine; set aside.

Place coriander, peppercorns, crushed red pepper and seeds in medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook for two minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant. Add vinegar, water, olive brine, sugar, salt and bay leaves, and bring to boil.

Add carrots and cook five minutes.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then stir in remaining ingredients, including olives. Let cool then transfer to jars. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. For best flavor, chill overnight before serving.

Bahian-Spiced Olives Servings: 6 Prep time: 5 minutes 2 (6-ounce) cans California Ripe Olives 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin (preferably toasted) 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon white pepper 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves 1/8–1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (to taste) 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley Sea salt to taste Open olive cans and strain, reserving 2 tablespoons of brine.

Stir together all ingredients (including brine) in medium bowl. May be served immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. If refrigerated, warm slightly before serving.

Pickled Olives and Vegetables

9

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MOTORING Self-driving cars take a small step closer to reality (Relaxnews) – Audi and GM luxury brand, Cadillac, have both set their sights on bringing autonomous driving features to their cars in 2016.

Audi has been wowing the crowds at technology events and auto shows for the past two years with demonstrations of the autonomous driving capabilities it’s currently developing.

But until now, the Volkswagen-owned company has been less than willing to put a timeframe on when some of the self-driving features would be leaving the lab and becoming features on actual cars.

However, during a keynote address at the Frankfurt School of Finance, attended by Bloomberg, Audi’s CFO Axel Strotbeck detailed a system that would enable a car to follow at a safe distance from the one ahead, automatically accelerating and braking and capable of autonomously adjusting steering to maintain the line, too. He said that the feature would be coming “very soon�, but that statement is being interpreted to mean in 2016.

The date hasn’t been plucked out of thin air. BMW, Mercedes and Volvo are all currently putting similar systems through their paces, getting them safe and reliable enough for the real world and, on Monday, GM’s CEO Mary Barra confirmed that car2car communication and “super cruise� technologies would be coming to the Cadillac range in 2016. Super Cruise is GM’s term for the same enhanced cruise control technology that its Germany luxury competitors are developing offering semi-autonomous driving capabilities in very specific circumstances, such as on freeways and in traffic jams.

Announcing the addition of car2car communication, a technology that uses wi-fi signals and 3G or 4G mobile internet for vehicles and elements of road infrastructure to talk to each other in order to avoid collisions and eliminate

blind spots, Barra said “We are not doing this for the sake of the technology itself; We’re doing it because it’s what customers around the world want.�

And a report by ABI Research out this week backs up her statement that driverless vehicles will be increasingly in demand, predicting shipments to go from 1.1 million in 2024 to 42 milThe Audi A6 Avant with the traffic Jam assistant: Audi’s test lion in 2035 and cars can maintain a safe distance from the car ahead, and auprojecting an “in- tomatically brake, accelerate and steer. ŠAudi stalled base� of 176 but we’re a long way from that future. million driverless vehicles.

Google’s fleet of autonomous cars have Mary Barra was speaking at the covered nearly three quarters of a milIntelligent Transport System World lion miles but they’re only capable of Congress in Detroit where a host of car driving on roads where detailed maps companies demonstrated their latest have already been generated. They breakthroughs in the field of autono- don’t recognize temporary traffic mous and connected driving. Honda lights, are yet to prove they can drive in showcased how its system is capable of snow or rain and they don’t know how controlling a car as it merges on to or to navigate carparks. exits the freeway, as well as changing In a recent MIT Technology Review lanes and making allowances for other article, Lee Gomes lists in detail the cars merging on to the road. obstacles still facing Google in getting “The creation and deployment its cars to be as observant and underof advanced, intelligent transpor- standing as even the least attentive tation systems represent the new human driver when it comes to things frontier in the effort to one day like knowing the difference between a eliminate traffic collisions, inju- pedestrian and a policeman, a piece of ries and fatalities,� said Frank crumpled paper and a rock in the midPaluch, president of Honda R&D dle of the road.

Americas, Inc. The head of Google’s autonomous As innovative as these new tech- car project, Chris Urmson has set himnologies are, none of them can truly self a deadline of solving all of the replace a human driver, yet and that’s problems by 2024, when his son is old because there is still a long way to go enough to drive. But in the meantime, before driverless cars are a reality. traditional carmakers will continue The picture that Google paints of their slow and steady progress towards a future full of fully autonomous ve- offering individual autonomous syshicles is very exciting and appealing tems that are ready for the road.

The new Mercedes B-Class: The car gets new headlights and front grille. ŠMercedesBenz

New B-Class promises electric performance

(Relaxnews) – Logic should dictate that drivers looking for a compact multi-purpose vehicle would put practicality, cabin space and flexibility above performance when picking the car that’s right for them. But the frankly phenomenal success of the Mercedes B Class suggests that in this car segment, logic doesn’t apply.

Since the model’s launch in 2011, Mercedes has positioned the car as a premium alternative to the utilitarian Citroen Berlingo and Renault Kangoo and as a sportier rival to cars like the Ford C Max. And despite not being able to offer things like sliding rear doors or a split tailgate, Mercedes has sold over 350,000 B Class MPVs. And to ensure that this success continues, the new 2014 version, which will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, has had an external facelift to bring its looks more into line with those of the company’s other 2014 models—so sharper bumpers, LED headlights and a tidier tailgate.

However, it’s under the snubnosed hood and inside the cabin where the biggest changes are to be found.

Thanks to a collaboration with Tesla, the new car is available

with an electric vehicle capable of 124 miles (200 km) between charges.

Called the B-Class Electric Drive it also has 177bhp on tap and although its top speed is limited to 100mph (160 km/h), it can accelerate from 0-62mph (0-100 km/h) in 7.9 seconds. Not bad at all.

For those still comfortable with fossil fuels the car has a choice of four four-cylinder diesel engines and two four-cylinder petrol engines, all of which offer better economy and performance than in the first generation model.

In the cabin, quality has also been boosted. There’s a new 8-inch display in the center of the console, that supports the Mercedes COMMAND system. So as an optional extra you can get navigation, live traffic updates and other infotainment features.

The car also gets keyless entry and keyless start as standard for the first time and there are a host of driving assistance systems available (some standard, some optional) including collision avoidance and attention assist— this monitors the driver’s fatigue levels and will prompt him or her to pull over and take a break if they drop too much.

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MAYWEATHER From page 1

weather’s next opponent.

Mayweather is in the middle of a sixfight deal with Showtime.

In the past, Mayweather (47-0) has always tried to sidestep questions about facing Pacquiao, who is getting set to fight in Macau in November against Chris Algieri.

“Pacquiao needs to focus on the guy in front of him. Then we’ll see what the future holds,” Mayweather said.

Pacquiao and Mayweather have held talks about staging a mega-fight before but they always broke down before a deal could be signed.

It is unlikely Pacquiao would agree to the terms that Maidana did for his rematch, allowing Mayweather to handpick his referee, Kenny Bayless, and change two of the three judges from the first fight.

Mayweather says Pacquiao is too worried about fighting him and forgets to train for his regular fights.

“In the past, if you look at Pacquiao when he fought (Juan Manuel) Marquez, he was too focused on Floyd Mayweather instead of the guy in front of him and you saw what happened,” he said, recalling Pacquiao’s knockout defeat.

“I never think about Pacquiao. That’s not my focus. I could care less what Pac-

quiao does. If it happens, it happens.

“I want to enjoy my time off. We don’t know who we going to be fighting. We are not in a rush. We are the A side and we are going to take our time.”

Another possible opponent is British boxer Amir Khan, who sat ringside at Saturday’s fight.

“Of course, Amir Kahn would be a potential opponent,” said Leonard Ellerbe, chief executive of Mayweather Promotions.

“Amir Khan is a very good fighter, just like a lot of other potential opponents.”

Pacquiao (56-4-3), the Filipino icon, will defend his WBO welterweight title against Algieri (20-0), from Huntington, NY on Long Island, who has Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management, a Masters degree in Clinical Nutrition and a Ph.D. in Upsets Inside the Ring, the scholar-fighter, Saturday, November 22, at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Arena.

For fight updates go to www.toprank. com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/ trboxeo, or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing.

Use the Hashtag #PacAlgieri to join the conversation on Twitter.

CANADIAN PREACHER From page 1

Kenya, but said this was based partly on statements that were taken out of context.

He was the second Islamic convert preacher to be detained by the Philippines since July, when it arrested and later deported Robert Edward Cerantonio to Australia.

Police said Cerantonio had used the Internet to urge people to join “jihad” in Iraq and Syria, though they said they had no ev-

idence to show he had managed to recruit any Filipinos.

Two southern Philippines-based Muslim guerrilla groups, the Abu Sayyaf and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, have uploaded videos on the Internet pledging alliance to the Islamic State militants who have overrun large swathes of the two Middle Eastern countries.

SENATE INVITES BINAY From page 1

priced project.

The Vice President has repeatedly denied involvement in any wrongdoing and has described previous allegations as part of a demolition job against him.

Needs of typhoon victims In a press statement, Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla, Binay’s spokesperson for political concerns, said the scheduled live address was postponed since the Vice President wanted to see the needs of the victims of typhoon Luis in Cagayan and Isabela.

“There will be an appropriate time to address the issues raised during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing. The Vice

THE US ASIAN POST

House panel eyes seeking suspension of arrest warrants vs. Misuari, Umbra Kato MANILA, Sept 15 (Mabuhay) – A House panel handling the Bangsamoro Basic Law will ask the Justice Department for a three-day suspension on the warrants of arrest against founding Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari and Bangsamoro Islamic Liberation Freedom Fighters leader Ameril Umbra Kato to enable them to participate in the congressional debates on the measure.

At the same time, the ad hoc committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law will also ask the Defense Department to grant a safe conduct pass to Misuari and Kato so they can come to the House of Representatives

in Manila to attend the hearings, committee chairman Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said Sunday evening.

“We would like to invite them to the hearings because they have signified their opposition to the Bangsamoro bill. We’d like to hear their opinions about it so we’ll know how we can further improve the bill,” Rodriguez said.

No date has been set yet for Misuari and Kato’s possible appearance before the ad hoc committee since the panel will still have to approve the calendar of activities on Tuesday during its organizational meeting.

20 FILIPINOS From page 1

patriated through Lebanon, with the cooperation, assistance and support of the Philippine Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, the DFA statement said.

The 20 OFWs will travel by land from Damascus to Beirut on September 17. They will be assisted by Philippine Embassy in Beirut personnel during their transit at the Lebanese Masna’a border. The said repatriates underwent departure briefing and medical check-up prior to their travel to Manila. Their tickets were shouldered by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Damascus.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in

Damascus has just secured exit visas for another group of 20 Filipinos, whose repatriation is being coordinated with IOM-Damascus for their tickets and the Philippine Embassy in Beirut for their transit visas.

With the MRP still in place, the Philippine Embassy is inviting the next-of-kin of Filipino workers who are still in Syria to get in touch with the Embassy a the following contact details: 00963-11-6132626, 00963-949155557, 00963-934957926, email: damascuspe@gmail.com and to provide information of their family member’s whereabouts so that immediate assistance can be extended to them. (MNS)

VIGAN FINALIST From page 1

7 Oct 2014 – 7 Dec 2014 – from 14 finalist down to 7 As with all New 7Wonders campaigns, voting is via new7wonders.com, via the iPhone andAndroid apps, via the international voting lines, and, where available, via national SMS.

NOTE: After the recently concluded elimination round, the scores will be back to zero; and hence, more votes are needed to win in the competition.

To vote, log on to www.new7wonders.com/en/ cities and click on the city of your choice.

TRUCK BAN From page 1

President believes the needs of the typhoon victims are immediate and should be attended to,” Remulla said.

“Work continues for the Vice President amidst accusations against him and his family. Right now, his priority is the welfare of the people of Cagayan and Isabela who are suffering from the onslaught of typhoon Luis,” he added.

He said Binay is currently in Peñablanca, Cagayan and will proceed to Iguig, Amulong and Alcala.

Binay is also expected to extend help to typhoon survivors in Isabela, his home province. (MNS)

months in time for the holiday season,” he told reporters.

The truck ban in Manila has been blamed by some sectors for the port congestion.

Estrada, however, pointed out that port congestion has been present even before they implemented the truck ban.

“Matagal na pong may port congestion.

Hindi po truck ban ang sanhi nito. Mabuti nga po ngayon ay alam na ng taongbayan ang problema ng port congestion,” he said.

He also noted that residents of Manila have benefited from the truck ban, as it eased traffic in the city.

Reacting to Estrada’s announcement, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said: “I thank the good Mayor of Manila for his concern in trying to find solutions to decongest the post of Manila. As we revert back to the pre-Manila ordinance situation, I am confident that with the help of all concerned private and government stakeholders, a sustainable solution will be crafted.”

Tolentino said he would “immediately convene the Metro Manila Mayors Special Traffic Committee to craft a responsive scheme that will incorporate the City of Manila’s efforts with that of the national government.” (MNS)