Us asian post september 9, 2014

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Vol. 3. No. 51 LOS ANGELES

A Balita Media Publication

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Aquino to seek Europe’s help in China sea dispute MANILA, September 8, 2014 (AFP) – President Benigno Aquino will seek European support for Philippine efforts to resolve maritime territorial disputes with China during a week-long visit to EU nations including France and Germany, a foreign ministry official said Monday.

Aquino will also raise his proposal to stop China from further escalating tensions in the strategically-vital South China Sea, assistant foreign secretary Zeneida Collinson said.

“In all the meetings starting with Spain, we will seek their continued support on the Philippine position in the West Philippine Sea,” she told reporters, using the local term for the South China Sea. “It’s important for our president to have the opportunity to

apprise these world leaders directly on what is happening in... the South China Sea,” when he visits Spain, Belgium, France and Germany from September 13 to 20, she said.

Such support can be “tacit” and did not need to be contained in a formal document, she added.

China claims almost all of the South China Sea, a vital shipping lane and fishing ground that is believed to hold vast mineral resources.

This conflicts with the territorial claims of the Philippines as well as Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

In recent years, tensions between the Philippines and China have risen as Beijing has aggressively pressed its claim, citing “historical facts” and occupying See AQUINO SEEKS page 6

“We ask for forgiveness of the public,” President Benigno Aquino III said as acknowledged that traffic problems have an impact on the growth of the economy.

Aquino sorry for nightmarish traffic

The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) plans to procure 48 new coaches, an automated ticketing system and replacement of rails, the latter of which was necessitated by a recent derailment. Apart from long – very long – lines being suffered by commuters, heavy traffic mars the Metro roads. (MNS Photo)

MANILA, Sept 8 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday personally said sorry for the monster traffic that kept many motorists and passengers stranded for several hours on Friday.

“We ask for forgiveness of the public,” Aquino said on the sidelines of the Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program launch at Davao City.

Aquino also said that once he returns to Manila in the afternoon, he hopes to “personally see” what happened.

“And I don’t want to rely on the reports anymore. I want to see the

videos,” he said.

He acknowledged that traffic problems have an impact on the growth of the economy.

“We don’t want to exacerbate problems like increasing prices of food,” he said.

Meanwhile, Some 900 trucks have availed of the “last mile” privilege offered by the government to help decongest Manila ports, an official from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Monday, although an official from a truckers’ association gave a significantly low number.

Emerson Carlos, MMDA as-

sistant general manager for operations, said that so far, about 900 trucks have been tagged for the trucking scheme, which will enable them to travel the main roads from September 8 to September 21, even during truck ban hours, provided that they carry cargo for shipment to their designated end-points.

“Dahil ita-tag sila, anywhere ito ngayon, basta papunta sila sa kanilang final destination, pwede sila 24/7, and that is the reason bakit nili-limit natin itong pagtatag na ito,” said Carlos.

Ruperto Bayocot, president of See NIGHTMARISH, page 12

Abaya presents planned DFA’s Del Rosario grilled over PHL-US MRT improvements defense agreement

MANILA, Sept 8 (Mabuhay) – Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya on Monday enumerated the list of planned improvements for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) including 48 new coaches, an automated ticketing system and replacement of rails.

Speaking before a televised press conference at the Department of Transportation and Communications, Abaya said they expect three to four coaches to be delivered per month starting the last quarter of 2015.

“We anticipate the requirements for the new 48 (coaches),” he said, adding that the agency is already working on procuring ancillary systems.

He said power-substations will be upgraded while additional tracks will be laid down at Taft Avenue station. Certain parts of the rails will also be replaced.

An automated fare collection system is also expected to be unveiled by 2015.

Abaya admitted that they only recently learned that the train overhaul done in 2006 was not completed.

“After the Senate hearing we found out that the 2006 overhaul done by the previous maintenance provider wasn’t the complete overhaul required,” he said, adding that only the traction motors were replaced.

MANILA, Sept 8 (Mabuhay) – A solon grilled the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) exempting American soldiers from paying taxes while they are in the country, but a Cabinet official said this is standard practice in mutual defense pacts.

During the DFA’s budget deliberations in the House of Representatives on Monday, Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares cited Article 7, Paragraph 1 which stated that the Philippines grants the US “the use of water, electricity, and other public utili-

See MRT IMPROVEMENTS, page 12

See AGREEMENT, page 6

Enrile pleads not guilty to graft charges in pork barrel scam MANILA, Sept 5 (Mabuhay) – Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile on Friday pleaded not guilty to the 15 graft charges he is facing at the Sandiganbayan in connection with the pork barrel scam.

Likewise, his co-accused businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles and Technology Resource Center director general (on leave) Dennis Cunanan both pleaded not guilty to the graft raps.

Enrile’s chief of staff Atty. Jessica “Gigi” Reyes on the other hand refused to enter a plea.

All of them are facing graft charges for allegedly pocketing kickbacks from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (also known as pork barrel) diverted to fake nongovernment organizations run

by Napoles.

Enrile, Reyes, Napoles, Ronald John Lim and Raymund De Asis allegedly amassed P172.8 million from 2004 to 2010.

Enrile and Reyes were accused of repeatedly receiving from Napoles and her representatives Lim and De Asis kickbacks and commissions.

Other co-accused in the graft cases were Enrile’s staff Jose Antonio Evangelista and officials of the Department and Budget Management and implementing agencies who allegedly helped divert government funds to bogus non-government organizations linked with Napoles.

Also accused were officials and representatives of the NGOs. See ENRILE NOT GUILTY, page 6

Palace: Gilas deserves warm welcome, celebration upon return MANILA, Sept 6 (Mabuhay) – Members of the Gilas Pilipinas basketball team deserve a warm welcome and congratulations from the Filipino people upon their return to the country from the FIBA World Cup, Malacañang said Saturday.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda also indicated the team may make a courtesy call to President Benigno Aquino III following their gallant showing in the tournament.

“Ang sambayanang Pilipino, dapat maghanda sa kanilang magiting na panalo sa Senegal...

We’re very, very proud of the way the Gilas team, our Gilas team performed,” Lacierda said on government-run dzRB radio.

He added the Palace is sure Filipinos will be celebrating when See GILAS WELCOME, page 6

The increasing demand for a passport is being addressed, the Department of Foreign Affairs amid complaints of delays, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario said.

Increasing demand for passports causes delays – DFA chief MANILA, Sept 8 (Mabuhay) – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is addressing concerns related to the processing of passports of Filipino applicants amid complaints of delays, Secretary Albert Del Rosario said.

“The increasing demand is being addressed,” Del Rosario told the appropriations committee at the House of Representatives at the hearing of the budget of the

agency Monday.

On questioning by Isabela Representative Rodito Albano, Del Rosario said the passport requirement for 2014 could reach 2.7 million.

For 2015, the DFA is seeking a budget of P2.80 billion for the processing of 3.2 million passport booklets.

“That’s 15,000 passports a day, See PASSPORT, page 6

PHL seeks review of UN peacekeeping guidelines after Golan controversy MANILA, Sept 8 (Mabuhay) – The Philippine government has asked the United Nations to review the principles and guidelines of its peacekeeping operations following the recent controversy involving Filipino troops stationed in Golan Heights.

In a letter sent to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario urged the UN to revisit its rules on peacekeeping to keep up with the “new threats” faced by peacekeepers.

“The Philippines strongly proposes a revisit of the outstanding operational and tactical issues [related to peacekeeping], including the UN’s command and control vis a vis the safety and security of peacekeepers during kidnapping and siege incidents, the accountability of UN peacekeeping mission leaders for decisions made during crisis operations, as well as the contingency plans and procedures [in place] to address these situations,” Del Rosario See REVIEW GUIDELINES, page 12

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Duterte wants UNDOF commander shot in the head MANILA, Sept 8 (Mabuhay) – Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte lashed out at United Nation Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) commander Lt. Gen. Singh Singha over the issue involving the standoff between Syrian rebels and Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights.

In his weekly television program, Duterte said Singha should be shot in the head for calling Filipino troops “cowards” after they defied an alleged order to surrender to the Syrian rebels during a standoff last August 28.

“I am offended… Kapag nakita nyo yung UN general barilin nyo sa ulo. Sabihin nyo request ni Mayor Duterte,” the mayor said.

“Filipino soldiers are not obliged to kill for any country except your own,” he added.

Singha is the force commander of the Filipino UNDOF troops who decided to craft a dangerous escape out of position 68 in the Golan Heights.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said this was an order given after the Filipinos were engaged by the rebels in a seven-hour firefight, significantly depleting their supply of ammunition.

In an interview with the publication “India Today,” Singha accused the Filipino troops of being unprofessional for breaking the chain of command.

Singha also implied that it was the Filipinos who aggravated the situation in the Golan Heights.

“The non-professional actions of the Filipino troops have endangered the lives of the Fijian soldiers. They have defied orders at a time when we had negotiated a ceasefire with the rebels to ensure that all troops in the conflict area could exit,” said Singha, as quoted

by India Today.

The early morning evacuation by the Filipino troops – the very act of defiance lauded by the AFP as “the greatest escape” – was

called by Singha as nothing more than cowardice.

“It is an act of cowardice to desert posts especially when a delicate ceasefire was in place,” Singha was quoted as saying.

“They broke the chain of command and UN orders.”

Singha said the move by the Filipinos ruined the ongoing negotiation with the rebels, both for safe passage of the Filipinos from position 68 and the possible release of the Fijian peacekeepers.

Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr., chief of staff of the AFP, however, said Singha was about to extricate the Filipinos from position 68 the same way he did with those in positions 60 and 69, but then changed his mind at the last minute.

“General Singha ordered no military operations. He put a stop to it. He told us when the next attack comes in, surrender your firearms and put up a white flag,” Catapang said. (MNS)

Enduring pain after MNLF rebels attack Zamboanga

By Christian DONIO

ZAMBOANGA, September 8, 2014 (AFP) – Thousands of people displaced by a Muslim rebel assault on a major Philippine city are enduring squalid conditions in an evacuation camp where dozens have died, while the guerilla leader remains free one year on.

The attack by Moro National Liberation Front gunmen triggered three weeks of urban battles with the military in Zamboanga, a southern port city, which left more than 240 people dead.

As Zamboanga this week marks one year since the conflict began, about 11,000 people whose homes were destroyed are still living in the city’s sports stadium, where atrocious conditions are regularly claiming lives.

“Life is difficult here. You have to line up to draw water from the faucet,” said housewife Vilma Diosma, 43, who shares a tent with her young sons and another family at the sports stadium.

“If you want to use the toilet you have to queue up, and bring your own pail of water to flush.

My children are really suffering.”

Pneumonia, dysentery and other illnesses generated by the slum-like conditions have claimed 168 lives over the past year, according to Rodelyn Abulos, who is in charge of the city’s health services.

He said most of the deaths occurred in the first few months after the conflict when the makeshift evacuation camp was more crowded, but diseases linked to the poor conditions were still kill-

ing people.

Portable toilets are so scarce that there is an average of one for every 50 people, according to the city government, while children walk along muddy paths amid flimsy shanty homes on what used to be the grass of the stadium.

Overwhelmed The cash-strapped Philippine government struggles to provide basic social services even in normal times, with roughly one quarter of its 100 million people living below the poverty line.

However, the Zamboanga conflict occurred at the start of a particularly devastating stretch of disasters that overwhelmed the relief-providing capacities of the government and aid agencies.

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake and Super Typhoon Haiyan, the strongest storm ever recorded on land, claimed more than 7,500 lives late last year across the central Philippines.

Tens of thousands of survivors from Haiyan, as well as deadly storms from previous years, also continue to live in makeshift shelters or evacuation camps.

In Zamboanga, the government has struggled for resources and manpower to rebuild the roughly 10,000 homes, mostly belonging to the city’s poorest people, that were destroyed in the conflict.

Most of those homes were set alight by the gunmen, who also took dozens of people hostage, as they sought to deter the surrounding security forces.

At least 116,000 civilians – about 10 percent of the city’s population – fled their homes when

the MNLF gunmen sailed in from neighbouring islands.

MNLF leader Nur Misuari is accused of organizing the violence in a failed bid to derail a peace accord between the government and a rival Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The MILF is close to finalising a pact that would end a decadeslong insurgency that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, and Misuari believes his group has been sidelined in the peace process.

Both groups have been struggling for independence or autonomy for the mainly Catholic Philippines’ Muslim minority, and a new self-rule area planned for the southern Philippines is set to be dominated by the MILF. The military said 208 MNLF gunmen, 25 security forces and 12 civilians died during last year’s unrest.

However Misuari did not participate directly in the assault and is believed to be living with sympathetic locals on nearby Muslimpopulated islands, avoiding military and police search efforts. “(Misuari) is in hiding and eventually the law will catch up to him,” Philippine military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Ramon Zagala said.

The military has also deployed an extra 500 soldiers to Zamboanga in a bid to prevent a repeat attack.

Meanwhile, the national government has said it is aiming to build enough temporary shelters to close the evacuation camp at the sports stadium by Christmas.

Retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. did not enter a plea when he arraigned, but the Bulacan court entered a “not guilty” plea for him on kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges over the disappearance of two women in Bulacan in 2006.

Palparan pretrial postponed to Sept. 15 MANILA, Sept 8 (Mabuhay) – A festival has prompted a Bulacan court to postpone on Monday the pretrial proceedings of retired Army Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. to next week.

Bulacan Judge Teodora Gonzales reset to 9 a.m. on Sept. 15 the next pretrial proceedings for Palparan.

In Monday’s pretrial, Gonzales was expected to decide on Palparan’s petition to be transferred from the Bulacan Provincial Jail to the Intelligence Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) or the PNP Custodial Center.

Last Sept. 1, Palparan sought a transfer from the Bulacan Provincial Jail. At the time, Gonzales gave all parties concerned until Sept. 8 to give their comments.

Last Aug. 18, Palparan was arraigned before the Malolos,

Bulacan regional trial court on charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

The court entered a “not guilty” plea for Palparan after the former military officer not enter one.

The charges against Palparan stemmed from the disappearance of University of the Philippines students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño in Bulacan in 2006. Palparan had denied the allegations.

Palparan was commander of the Army 7th Infantry Division based in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija when the abduction of the two students took place.

He retired from the military in 2006, and won a seat in Congress through the anti-communist party-list group Bantay. He ran for the Senate in 2010 but did not win. (MNS)

Twitter helps catch rogue cops for robbery MANILA, September 9, 2014 (AFP) – Rogue policemen who staged an audacious robbery on one of the Philippines’ busiest roads have been exposed by a photo of their crime that went viral on Twitter, authorities said Tuesday.

Social media-fuelled anger over the image, apparently taken by a motorist of gun-wielding men surrounding a van in daylight last week, forced law-enforcers into a manhunt that led to some of their own.

Two men have been arrested while seven others are being pursued, all former or active policemen, said national police spokesman Senior Superintendent Reuben Sindac.

“We really started our investigation based on this photo,” said the head of the suburban police force investigating the incident, Chief Superintendent Abelardo Villacorta.

The Twitter photo helped investigators trace a vehicle used in the crime, on Manila’s main thoroughfare to a policeman who eventually confessed.

He revealed that the rogue officers accosted two men aboard a van, robbed them of two million pesos ($46,000) and then held them in a police station for seven hours.

The two were only freed after the Twitter photo went viral, said Villacorta.

“They got scared because of the photo so they released the two... and warned the two victims that they would be killed if they filed a complaint,” he said.

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas, who is in charge of the police, told AFP they knew the identity of the person who took the picture and uploaded it on Twitter.

“But we are withholding that for privacy and security reasons,” he said.

The Philippine police force has long been regarded as extremely corrupt, and kidnappings or robberies by police is not unusual.

15-year-old dies in Bacolod hazing – report

MANILA, Sept 6 (Mabuhay) – A 15-yearold high school student died allegedly after undergoing hazing rites in Bacolod City last week, a Visayas-based radio report said Saturday.

The family of the boy – a Third Year high school student – is now crying for justice.

The boy’s grandfather said he was greatly saddened since he had taken care of the boy, whose mother had to work in Kuwait.

Initial information indicated the boy was brought to the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital last Aug. 30 after he vomited blood.

His relatives decided to rush him to the hospital after seeing the blood was black and not red.

At the hospital, doctors saw the boy had bruises in both knees, cigarette burns on the feet, a fracture on the shoulder, and a wound in the buttocks that may have been from an ice pick.

The boy died Monday morning.

His grandfather said the boy did not answer questions on who may have injured him.

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Gigi Reyes asks to use laptop with Wi-Fi in detention cell MANILA, Sept 5 (Mabuhay) – Pork barrel scam suspect Gigi Reyes, the former chief of staff of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, wants a laptop, Wi-Fi connection and printer in her detention cell at Camp Bagong Diwa, her lawyer said Friday.

Lawyer Anacleto Diaz said they have filed a motion asking the Sandiganbayan Third Division to allow Reyes to have a computer, internet connection, and printer to help them prepare for her defense.

“Nahihirapan kaming magprepare. Kahit kayo nahihirapan kahit walang tulong ng computer at saka ng printout at internet,” he told reporters.

“Para makapaghanda kami sa defense namin. It’s not easy. Alam niyo naman na abogado siya,” he added.

The court set the hearing on the motion on September 8, 2015.

Reyes is facing one count of plunder and 15 counts of graft at the Sandiganbayan for the pork barrel scam.

“We can shoot out questions to her and she can immediately respond,” he added.

He said however that they will abide by the rules to be set by the court.

“We are willing to abide such orders, such terms and conditions as court may impose and under strict supervision by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology,” he said. (MNS)

PSE, BAP ask SC to stop BIR order to release list of dividend payees MANILA, Sept 5 (Mabuhay) -- The Philippine Stock Exchange, Bankers Association of the Philippines and other business organizations asked the Supreme Court to strike down and/or suspend a Bureau of Internal Revenue order that would require companies to submit lists and information on all their shareholders.

The PSE and other organizations say companies can’t comply with the requirement because they don’t know the identities of all their shareholders.

They also say that if they comply, they may be violating secrecy and privacy laws, as well as turning off investors, especially foreign investors.

The BIR said the requirement in Revenue Regulation 1-2014, which it issued at the end of last year, is needed to build a database it can use to improve analysis and enforcement.

The BIR regulation imposes the requirement on companies as withholding tax agents.

Companies withhold taxes on the dividends they pay their stockholders.

Revenue Regulation 1-2014 is one of at least 2 controversial regulations the BIR is trying to enforce this year.

Lawyers and doctors have gotten a TRO on another one, RR 4-2014, which applies to selfemployed persons like themselves. (MNS) The leading source of News and Information for the Filipino American Community

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She is accused of acting on behalf of Enrile in identifying the government-owned and -controlled corporations that became the implementing agencies of the bogus projects funded by his Priority Development Assistance Fund (pork barrel).

On Friday, Reyes refused to enter a plea to the graft charges.

She likewise refused to enter any plea last July on the plunder complaint.

Diaz noted that in the United States, inmates, even suspected terrorists, are allowed access to a computer.

“Sa America even terrorists, ‘yung mga nakakulong dun sa Guantanamo Bay, inmates in various states in the US are allowed access to computers and internet,” he said.

He said the location of Camp Bagong Diwa prevents them from consulting her on the case.

“Sa Camp Bagong Diwa ang layo. All that wasted time and effort can be prevented kung meron kaming internet access,” he said.

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Miriam wants Abad to face Senate ‘question hour’ on DAP

MANILA, Sept 5 (Mabuhay) – To obtain vital information for legislation, Senator Miriam DefensorSantiago urged Senate to conduct a “question hour” with Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad on the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

According to Santiago, the “question hour” is provided for in Article VI, Section 22 of the Constitution, where the head of a department of the Executive may be requested by the Senate or the House of Representatives to appear and answer questions pertaining to their department.

Santiago said she will file a resolution on Monday, 8 September, requesting Abad to appear before the Senate, and to bring with him a list of the total DAP amounts distributed to every legislator.

Santiago also said she wants Abad to specify the projects for which each disbursement from solons’ DAP was released; and to answer questions from the senators.

Santiago said the power of the Senate to conduct a question hour and obtain information from Abad

is pursuant to Congress’ oversight function.

“The senators and representatives who received DAP funds must account for these public funds, especially amid allegations that DAP funds were diverted to Napoles NGOs and fake or grossly overpriced projects,” Santiago said.

Santiago said she sees no reason for President Aquino to forbid Abad from appearing before the Senate and being subjected to the question hour, since the information that the Senate seeks is not covered by the doctrine of Executive Privilege.

“Sec. Abad has no reason to shy away from the Senate question hour because the doctrine of Executive Privilege is recognized only in relation to certain types of information of a sensitive character,” she said.

Santiago said these types of information include military, diplomatic, and other national security matters; presidential conversations, correspondences, and discussions in closed-door Cabinet meetings; and information on investigations of crimes by law en-

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forcement agencies before the prosecution of the accused.

“The extraordinary character of the exemptions indicates that the presumption inclines heavily against executive secrecy and in favor of disclosure,” the senator explained.

The DAP controversy started when Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada delivered a privilege speech in the Senate on 25 September 2013, revealing that certain senators, including himself, received an additional P50 million each as “incentive” for voting in favor of the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato C. Corona. The additional P50 million was on top of their regular PDAF allocations.

Responding to Estrada’s revelation, Abad issued a public statement entitled “Abad: Releases to Senators Part of Spending Acceleration Program,” explaining that the funds released to the senators had been part of DAP, a program designed by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to ramp up spending to accelerate economic expansion.

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Aquino on Senate probe on Binay: Truth will set us free MANILA, Sept 8 (Mabuhay) – Amid the claim of Vice President Jejomar Binay’s camp that the Senate probe on the allegedly overpriced Makati building is politically-motivated, President Benigno Aquino III stressed the importance of searching for the truth.

“At the end of the day the truth will set us all free,” Aquino on Monday said.

He, however, said he himself did not know what the truth was regarding the controversial building.

“Do I have knowledge as to the veracity of the accusations against the Vice President? I have no personal knowledge,” he said after the launch of the Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program launch at Davao City.

He said he only relies on media reports. “I have nothing to add to the truth or falsehood,” Aquino said.

Meanwhile, Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza asked the Senate to stop its investigation on the alleged overpriced construction of Makati City Hall building II and let the Ombudsman and Commission on Audit do their job.

“The issue is best handled by a formal investigation. Merong Ombudsman, COA. We should allow these agencies do their job para hindi mahaluan ng pulitika,” Atienza said in a news forum in Manila.

He said it is about time that the government agencies work properly.

He added that he understands why Vice President Jejomar Binay would refuse to face the Senate probe.

“Why should he go to a forum where he will be pilloried, not investigated but prosecuted?” he said.

The former Manila mayor said he thinks the investigation is just a waste of the Senate’s time.

He added that Binay’s accusers will not accept whatever the Vice President will say because they already have a conclusion on the matter.

Albay Governer Joey Salceda, on the other hand, said an impeachment complaint should instead be filed against Binay for the enlightenment of everybody.

“Gusto ko rin ng disclosure dito. Dapat may mag-file ng impeachment against Binay para the people can decide ahead of the 2016 (polls),” he said. (MNS)

Binay camp: Where’s evidence of rigging?

MANILA, Sept 5 (Mabuhay) – A spokesman of Vice-President Jejomar Binay described as a “kangaroo court” yesterday’s Senate hearing after a former Makati official accused Binay of corruption without presenting any evidence.

Cavite Governor and vice presidential spokesman for political concerns Jonvic Remulla said engineer Mario Hechanova did not give concrete proof or evidence to back his claims that the bidding for the Makati City Hall building 2 was rigged.

“Hechanova was given the widest leeway to malign the name of the Vice President without any evidence. The words of a former city official who admitted rigging bids were taken as gospel truth by Senators Antonio Trillanes and Alan Cayetano and milked for whatever ounce of opportunity to malign the name of the Vice President,” he said in a statement.

In an earlier interview, Remulla also said Hechanova has links to former Makati Vice-Mayor Ernesto Mercado who has also testified against Binay.

The spokesman said Mercado hired Hechanova to become the head of the general services office of Makati in charge of procurements.

“Tao ni Mercado. We discovered that they put up a company called Twin Leaf Marketing, which cornered all the supply contracts of Makati. At that time, the de factor mayor was Mercado and the GSO was Hechanova and they did all the biddings and they did all the business,” he said.

He also said it was later discovered that Mercado “owned Twin Leaf.”

“He bought the company. He was always part of it. There are documents to prove it. Eventually they found the collusion and they fired him. And then the vice-mayor ran for mayor and he lost,” he said. “[Binay] fired Hechanova after he discovered the collusion in the bidding process,” he added.

In his testimony, Hechanova, the former head of Makati City’s general services department and vice chairman of the bids and awards committee, claimed he was ordered by then-city Engineer Nelson Morales to rig the bidding for the project.

He said Morales was relaying the instructions of then Mayor and now Vice-President Jejomar Binay.

To rig the bidding, he said the favored contractor, Hilmarc’s Construction Corp, was instructed to submit bidding documents even before the actual bidding so that they could check the completeness of their papers.

He said the bids and awards committee also got the competitors for the project to make sure that Hillmarc’s would bag the deal.

“Kami ang kumuha ng magiging kalaban nila. Kami ang kumuha ng documents at sinigurado namin na mas mataas ang bid nila sa bids ng Hillmarc...Kalakaran na ho sa amin sa Makati yan,” he said.

Hechanova said he did not get kickbacks from any of the deals but was paid P200,000 allowance monthly as a member of the BAC. He also denied bagging any supply contract for Makati.

He also said he quit in 2009 after 19 years as a Makati City employee after Binay did not honor an agreement to support then Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado in his mayoral bid for 2010.

Binay fielded his own son, Junjun, to run for mayor during the 2010 polls. Binay won the vice-presidential race in the same year.

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OPINION

Palace: Lacson suggestions vs. kidnap gangs welcome MANILA, Sept 6 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang is not too keen on accommodating suggestions to have presidential assistant on rehabilitation and recovery Panfilo Lacson head a task force to combat kidnap-for-ransom gangs.

But presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Lacson’s recommendations and suggestions would be welcome for the Philippine National Police, an agency he once headed.

“Right now, Sec. Lacson is handling the Presidential Assistant on Rehabilitation and Recovery, a very important job also. We are going to raise, build back communities affected by Yolanda... ang focus ni Sec. Lacson kasi sa Yolanda rehabilitation and reconstruction,” Lacierda said on government-run dzRB radio.

He was referring to Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III’s suggestion that Lacson head an antikidnapping task force amid reports of a rise in

kidnapping cases.

Lacson had headed the Philippine National Police from 1999 to 2001. He also headed the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force during the Estrada administration.

During the Ramos administration, he headed the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission’s Task Force Habagat, which scored against kidnap-forransom groups.

But Lacierda said Lacson is presently focused on helping Yolanda victims recover from the effects of Yolanda, which left more than 6,000 dead.

However, he said Lacson may give recommendations and suggestions.

“I’m sure his recommendations and suggestions will be well-received by the PNP. I’m sure Sec. Lacson will be more than glad to share his insights in combating kidnapping,” he said.

(MNS)

Palace seeks time to study suggested govt takeover of MRT MANILA, Sept 6 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Saturday sought more time for the government to study a proposal to have the government take over the glitch-prone Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) system.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the Palace is still waiting for the Department of Transportation and Communications to finish its study on how to improve the MRT’s service. “’Yan ay pinag-aaralan ng DOTC,” he said on government-run dzRB radio, when asked to comment on a proposal for a full government takeover of the MRT’s ownership and management.

“Sana matapos ang pag-aaral at isusumite ang recommendation kay Presidente para ma-finalize natin paano mapahusay ang pagpapatakbo ng MRT,”

he added.

He also said there are other options being studied, including the acquisition of new coaches.

Earlier, Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III urged government to take over the ownership and management of MRT so its operations can be improved.

Service disruptions had hounded the MRT in past weeks, including the overshooting of a safety barrier at the Taft Avenue station last month, and the suspension of operations due to a signaling problem.

Other glitches that plagued MRT riders included a coach running despite its doors still open.

The MRT connects North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City via Epifanio delos Santos Avenue. (MNS)

Gatchalian pushes for immediate approval of new anti-hazing law

MANILA, Sept 6 (Mabuhay) – Alarmed by the latest hazing which killed a 15-year-old boy in Bacolod City, Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian on Saturday urged his colleagues to join him in fasttracking the approval of a new anti-hazing law.

The report claimed that a 15-year-old boy died from injuries sustained during an alleged hazing rites. The victim went home uneasy after he underwent hazing rites but his family initially thought the boy only had fever.

But when they found out that their son vomited blood, they decided to rush him to the hospital where they found out how grave his condition was. The boy died on Monday.

Attending physicians found minor bruises all over his back, legs, and arms. He was also stabbed in the back with an ice pick.

Before the victim died, his father said the boy struggled to tell them something. But due to his very weak condition, he was only able to make a hand gesture. They said it looked like a fraternity hand sign.

Last June, Guillo Cesar Servando, a 2nd year student of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde died from injuries he suffered from initiation rites.

The following month, the Department of Justice has summoned 20 members of the Tau Gamma Fraternity involved in the fatal hazing of Servando.

With the growing clamor to pass a new law that will totally ban all forms of hazing, Malacañang ordered a review of the two-decades old anti-hazing law.

Gatchalian penned House Bill 4714, also known as the Servando Act which seeks a total ban to all forms of hazing.

The lawmaker said the “Servando Act” is now

with the technical working group (TWG) of the House Committee on Revision of Laws chaired by Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas.

During last week’s hearing on HB 4714, Gatchalian was appointed by the committee to lead the TWG, which has been tasked to consolidate all proposed hazing-related measures filed before the House of Representatives.

The TWG will consolidate Gatchalian’s proposed “Servando Act” together with similar bills filed by Ako Bikol Party-list Rep. Christopher Co, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and Bacolod City Rep. Evelio Leonardia.

The Gatchalian-led TWG is scheduled to hold a meeting on Wednesday to come up with a consolidated bill that will ban all forms of hazing in fraternities, sororities, other student organizations and even in military schools and allied organizations.

“I’ll do my best to hasten the passage of the proposed amendments in the Anti-Hazing Act of 1995.

The enforcers should have more ammunition in imposing the law. That’s why I plan to make the provisions very clear to make the enforcement of sanctions and prosecution easier for the authorities and the judiciary,” he said.

Gatchalian’s HB 4714 will repeal Republic Act No. 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law which proved to be toothless in not only preventing hazing but also in going after those responsible for such violent acts, including school authorities who always keep a policy of silence on the matter.

Philippine National Police report shows 11 hazing-related fatalities from 2000 to June 2014, saying that the Anti-Hazing Law of 1995 was ineffective in stopping violent initiation rites in colleges and universities. (MNS)

Gov’ts NCR-centric policy led to traffic – Sen. Alan Cayetano MANILA, Sept 9 (Mabuhay) – Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday blamed the traffic problem in Metro Manila on the government’s National Capital Region-centric policy as he pushed for massive infusion of resources and infrastructure funds to other regions.

Cayetano said the government should initiate the development of provinces now to allow them to grow and create opportunities for their residents.

“The answer given to us when we ask for solutions to solve congestion in Metro Manila is to build, build, and build; more, more, and more,” he said in a press statement.

“That is what makes it ridiculous. If you have a house na punong-puno na, ang tama bang sagot ay hatiin ang kwarto? Hindi ba ang solusyon is to buy another house o palakihin mo ang lote mo?” he added.

Cayetano said while billions of pesos are being lost due to traffic in the National Capital Region every day, other regions in the country continue to experience slow development.

“There are 19,137 Filipinos per square kilometer in Metro Manila. Ganoon kadami ang tao dito. Ang pinakamalapit na bilang ay sa Calabarzon, which only has 758 people per sq.km. The rest, ang average is around 300 per sq.km. Karamihan nasa Metro Manila na,” he said.

“The solution to decongesting Metro Manila ay hindi ang pinapakita sa telebisyon na mga bagong kalye, bagong Skyway. Hindi ‘yun ang solusyon.

Lalo lang sisikip ang NCR. Ang solusyon ay gawin ang mga projects na ‘yan sa labas ng Metro Manila,” Cayetano added.

He said that based on the data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), around 230,000 to 250,000 vehicles will be purchased in the country next year, 58 percent of

which will be filling up the already-congested streets of Metro Manila.

“100,000 new cars entered this year in Metro Manila. Add the 100,00 next year, for a total of 2.2 million vehicles in Metro Manila every year na gumagala, kaya traffic,” he said.

He added that this shows it is not the provincial buses that cause traffic in Metro Manila.

“Hindi dahil sa [provincial] buses kung hindi sa dami ng sasakyan. So how would we get inclusive growth? Bakit kasi sa Metro Manila lang (ang pinapaunlad)?” he said.

Cayetano said that a more feasible solution to decongest NCR is to allot more funds for infrastructure programs in other regions to encourage people to consider moving and looking for employment opportunities outside the capital.

He said that many Filipino families are robbed of opportunities because the biggest chunk of the national budget pie is allocated to NCR. The senator said in 2013 alone, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) approved P184.2 billion worth of 10 major infrastructure projects, eight of which are located in NCR. He said the two other projects are the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project worth P24.4 billion and Mactan Cebu International Airport Expansion at P17.5 billion.

Cayetano said this stressed the need for government to promote a more inclusive economic plan that will allow the implementation of a specific economic strategy for each of the 17 regions.

“There is no one cure, there is no one-size-fits-all.

Kapag nag-economic planning tayo, dapat may national vision; may coherent policy. Pero dapat may 17 regional strategies kung saan ang bawat region ay may strategy at mabibigyan ng pera,” he said.

(MNS)

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UTREACH California to be first US state to ban plastic bags LOS ANGELES, September 5, 2014 (AFP) – California governor Jerry Brown said late Thursday he will approve a ban on singleuse plastic bags, in what would make the western US state the first to outlaw them.

Lawmakers passed the bill late last Friday, and it now only requires Brown’s signature to pass into law. The governor must do so before the end of September.

“I probably will sign it, yes,” Democratic veteran Brown said during a televised debate with his Republican election rival Neel Kashkari, who is trailing badly in opinion polls.

“In fact, I’ll tell you why I’m go-

ing to sign it: there are about 50 cities with their own plastic bag ban, and that’s causing a lot of confusion,” he said, cited by the Los Angeles Times and other media.

He added: “This is a compromise .. It’s taking into account the needs of the environment, and the needs of the economy and the needs of the grocers.”

Under the Californian legislation, single-use plastic bags would disappear from grocery stores and pharmacies from July 1, 2015, and then from convenience and liquor stores from July 1, 2016.

The bill would allow stores to

charge 10 cents for paper or reusable bags. Similar bans, backed by environmentalists, are already in place in cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco.

A ban is opposed by Republicans who say it would be too much government meddling for small and medium sized businesses, and by bag manufacturers who fear job losses.

Kashkari – who latest polls indicate trails by 50 percent to 34 percent for the November 4 gubernatorial post – said he opposes the legislation.

“No chance would I sign that bill,” he said in Thursday’s debate.

FACLA feeding program/food distribution for Fil-Ams on Sept. 27 Los Angeles – The HIFI CALI EXPO LLC, Filipino Ministry of the Wilshire United Methodist Church of Wilshire ( FM-WUMC) and the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) on Saturday, September 27, 2014 from 9-11 a.m. FACLA Director and Ms. FILAM INTERNATIONAL LLC President Bernie Targa-Ganon “ The feeding program has been one of the community services feature of FACLA since July 2014 and it is in this third month. We call all Fil-Am seniors and indigent needy families to avail of this feeding program.”

Pastor Rudy Somaling of FM-WUMC also said; “ we are not only involve on feeding the souls but also helping people to make their daily ends meet.”

Food Distribution Every Last Saturday of the Month On the other hand FACLA President Jun Baul said, “we welcome this monthly community service activity of these organizations so they can help in feeding the Fil-Am seniors, veterans, widows and indigent families and distributing food to the families who need it.”

The Justice for Filipino American veterans (JFAV) MS FILAM INTRNATIONAL LLC and the Seniors for Filipino American Community Empowerment supports this once a month endeavor and community service that is held in FACLA every last Saturday of every month.

For more information please call FACLA c/o Clarita Julian or Cording at (213) 484-1527 or JFAV at (213)241-0995 email us newfacla@yahoo. com.

Remittances from Fil-Ams a big boost to PHL economy KofC Council 1920 celebrates WASHINGTON, D.C. its 96th Anniversary

– Remittances from Filipinos in the United States and other parts of the world helped the Philippines regain its position as Southeast Asia’s best performing economy during the first semester of the year.

“The Philippine economy grew by 6.4 percent during the second quarter of 2014 also because of the millions of dollars that our kababayans, especially those in the US, have been sending home,” Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said after the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) announced the good news.

“Our diaspora plays a very important role in the

The Philippine economy grew by 6.4 percent during the second quarter of 2014 also because of the millions of dollars that our kababayans, especially those in the US, have been sending home says Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr.

economic transformation now taking place in the Philippines,” Ambassador Cuisia said as he paid tribute to the 3.5 million members of the FilipinoAmerican Community who consistently account for more than half of the total remittances the Philippines receive annually from abroad.

Citing NEDA figures, Ambassador Cuisia said remittances by overseas-based Filipinos reached a new high for the year in June when inflows went up by 5.9 percent to $2.050 billion that month, raising the total for the first half by 5.8 percent to $11.422 billion.

“Our economy is performing well as result of a stronger industry and services sector and robust remittances from overseas Filipinos,” Ambassador Cuisia said.

He said “This should make the Philippines more competitive and more attractive to investors, particularly those in the US.” Ambassador Cuisia cited the improved performance of the Philippine economy in urging a group of businessmen in New York to consider doing business in the Philippines.

“It is important to point out that the emergence of the Philippines as “Asia’s New Emerging Tiger” is a strong demonstration of a tipping point phenomenon – the results of transformational leadership changes and policy reforms introduced in almost 30 years,” Ambassador Cuisia told businessmen at the Harvard Club during a luncheon cohosted by Samish Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Transfast, a leading international money transfer company and Peter Tichansky, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Business Council for International Understanding.

“With all this dynamism and optimism, I hope your interest in the Philippines will continue,” Ambassador Cuisia told the group that included senior-level executives involved in financial services; consumer goods; pharmaceuticals; equipment manufacturing; communications; and law and government.

In response, Kumar said his company, which operates a proprietary network of over 200,000 payment points across more than

100 countries in the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Africa, will continue to be a major player in the remittance sector in the Philippines.

“The 3.5 million Filipinos in the US and the 850,000 in Canada send nearly $13 billion – or more than half of the approximately $25 billion – of global, cross-border remittances sent annually to the Philippines,” Kumar said.

“Transfast delivers a large percentage of these remittances making the company a significant player in the Philippines economy,” he added. “Transfast has a 25-year commitment to the well-being of Filipinos, wherever they may be across the globe. We are proud to be a contributor to the health and growth of the Filipino economy.”

In July, Transfast expanded to over 20 banks the instant bank deposit service for money transfers to the Philippines that it first launched in 2009. Kumar said this makes Transfast the only remittance company that offers instant deposits to most Philippines banks.

The Knights of Columbus (KofC) Council 1920, which is comprised of these 5 parishes, St. Dominic’s Church (Eagle Rock), Cristo Rey Church (Los Angeles) Incarnation Church (Glendale), Holy Family Church (Glendale), and Holy Trinity Church (Atwater) parish, is celebrating its 96th anniversary on Sept. 29, 2014.

The “Modern day Knights” serves!

He serves the papal tenets, the church, and fulfills the needs of his fellow parishioners and communities. The KofC is a Fraternal Order of Catholic men dedicated in Charity, Fraternity, Unity and Patriotism!

However, in observance of tradition, the requirement for joining the KofC still remains fervently the same.

To join, one must be 18 years of age and must be a “practical” catholic man.

To be a “Practical Catholic”, one needs to be in communion with the Holy See! KofC Council 1920 meets at the KofC Hall located at 2515 Canada

Life and Leisure News for Filipino-Americans www.usasianpost.com

More reasons to smile this season

The company that guarantees to deliver smiles and move more than just sea cargo and money remittances is once again making the upcoming holidays more exciting. In the spirit of spreading more smiles this season, LBC is giving away over two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) worth of prizes through their Smile and Drive promo which launched on September 1.

A total of nine (9) brand new Toyota Corollas and numerous Gift Certificates will be raffled off to LBC customers who avail of their cargo and money remittance services through any LBC branch or partner agents in the US and Canada.

Smile and Drive runs from September 1 to November 30, 2014.

All transactions during the promo period will be automatically entered in the electronic draw during the monthly raffle, the first of which will happen on October 3, 2014. For more details about the promo, you may visit www.lbchome.com or www.lbcexpress.com.

To coincide with the launch of the Smile and Drive promo is LBC’s answer to the expected holiday rush. Dubbed as the LBC Premium Service, our trusted friends from LBC will move your balikbayan box to your loved ones in no more than fifteen (15) days or your next shipment is FREE. This unique offering from LBC was introduced to mitigate the congestion and uncontrollable delays happening in the Philippine ports. Now, with LBC’s Premium Service, you will have more time to catch the best sales of the season and give you less worries about missing those special occasions.

LBC’s Premium Service is priced at a minimum of $130.00 for the timely delivery of a 50-pound balikbayan box. To avail of this service, simply visit participating LBC Branches or call 1-844-LBCFAST (1-844-5223278) to schedule a free pickup.

Blvd, Glendale CA 91208 every first Thursday of the month and is very active in church, catholic schools, and in their respective parishes.

The KofC Council 1920, in this very festive occasion… and for its 96th anniversary celebration, is inviting you to become a member, and be involved!

Also, on September 20th 2014, Saturday from 12-2PM, we will be having a “Free Kick” soccer competition at the St. Dominic Church’s parking lot at Eagle Rock Los Angeles.

This event is open to all boys and girls ages 9-14. For further details about this event please contact Pablo at (323) 257-8896 or (323) 5801926 (cell).

To learn more about us, please visit our website at Www.JoinKnightsOfColumbus.org.

For Banquet Hall Rental, please call “John” at (818) 545-0175. To join the Knights of Columbus Council 1920, please call “Ferdinand” at (818) 6001658.

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Filipino singing star Angeline Quinto, with special guest Jon Secada, at Pala, Nov. 22 PALA, CA, September 9, 2014 – Popular Filipino singing star Angeline Quinto, with special guest Jon Secada, will appear in concert at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 22, in the Infinity Showroom at Pala Casino Spa & Resort.

Quinto came to prominence in 2011 after she won Star Power: Sharon’s Search for the Next Female Superstar in Manila, which earned her a recording contract with Star Records. Her career exploded after her album, Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs, went platinum in 2012.

Secada is an international star who has won two Grammy awards, has sold over 20 million albums and was one of the first bilingual artists to achieve international crossover appeal. His latest single, “I’m Never Too Far Away,” is his first collaboration with Rudy Perez, Billboard magazine’s five-time producer of the year and producer of the decade (2000-2010).

Angeline Quinto with Special Guest Jon Secada at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 22 at the Pala Casino Spa & Resort Infinity Showroom. Tickets: $98, $78.

Tickets on sale, with no ser-

AGREEMENT From page 1

ties… less the charges for taxes and similar taxes, which will be for the account of the Philippine government.”

“This means US soldiers are not required to pay basic taxes like Value-Added Tax (VAT) as ordinary Filipinos do,” Colmenares said in Filipino.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, who was present during the hearing, said exempting US soldiers from taxes is a standard practice in mutual defense pacts.

“Because of the mutuality of benefits, this is a common practice under international law,” Del Rosario said.

The Cabinet official also begged off from elaborating as the agreement, which seeks to implement the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement, is pending due to petitions before the Supreme Court.

“One of the assumptions is

vice charge, at the Pala Box Office in the casino, or call 1-877-WIN PALA (1-877-946-7252). Tickets also are available at Star Tickets, 1-800-585-3737, or www.startickets.com.

Pala is located in Northern San Diego County; from San Diego/ Riverside, take I-15 to Highway 76 east five miles; from Los Angeles County and Orange County, take I-5 south to Highway 76 east, then travel 23 miles. Pala is 15 miles north of Escondido, 12 miles south of Temecula.

Address: 11154 Highway 76, Pala, CA 92059; Telephone: 1-877-WIN-PALA (1-877-9467252); Web site: http://www.palacasino.com Other shows coming to Pala: The Stylistics, The Dramatics, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, September 20, Events Center. Tickets, $65, $55, $45, $35 at www.startickets.com Tim Braun, Psychic Medium, 8 p.m., Friday, October 3, Infinity Showroom. Tickets, $35, $25, at www.startickets.com Pala Majestic Nhac & Cuoi (Music and Laughter) Vietnamese Concert, 7 p.m., Saturday, October 4, Events Center. Tickets, $70, $40, $30, at www.startickets.

mutuality of benefits… We have similar arrangements with other countries,” Del Rosario said, noting that while the Philippines exempts US forces from taxes, American soldiers train Philippine soldiers in large-scale training exercises.

Colmenares said the agreement “foregoes such an income from the US [which] really needed bases here.”

Del Rosario maintained that it is for “mutuality of security.”

Below are the important provisions of the agreement: It gives the United States access to “agreed locations,” mostly Philippine military facilities, for security cooperation exercises, joint training, etc. US forces may also use these locations for bunkering of vessels, refueling of aircraft, temporary accommodation of personnel, prepositioning of equipment and supplies, etc.The locations will be used by US forces without rental or similar costs.

com and all Vietnamese ticket outlets.

Neil Sedaka, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, October 11, Events Center.

Tickets, $47, $35, at www.startickets.com Battle of the Badges, Benefit for Cops 4 Kids & Communities, 6 p.m., Saturday, October 18, Events Center. Tickets, $30, $20, at www.startickets.com 4 Da Laffs, Filipino Comedy Show, 7 p.m., Saturday, October 25, Events Center. Tickets, $110, $88, $78, $68 at www.startickets. com Aaron Lewis, 8 p.m., Friday, November 14, Infinity Showroom.

Tickets, $53, $48 at www.startickets.com Jim Gaffigan, The White Bread Tour, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 6, Events Center. Tickets, $70, $65, $55, $40 at www.startickets.com Kathy Griffin, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2015, Events Center. Tickets, $60. $50. $40. $30, at www.startickets.com About Pala Casino Spa & Resort Pala Casino Spa & Resort includes a Las Vegas-style casino with 2,000 slot machines, 87 table games and 13 poker tables; a 507room hotel; a 10,000-square-foot,

Angeline Quinto

Jon Secada

full-service spa and salon that features 14 treatment rooms; a state-of-the-art fitness center; swimming pool with 12 private poolside cabanas, and dual-temperature outdoor whirlpool hot tub. Pala also offers 10 restaurants and 40,000 square feet of meeting and convention space.

Pala Casino Spa & Resort is an AAA Four-Diamond Award winner for 11 consecutive years. Its state-of-the-art Pala Spa was named the number one spa on the West Coast and one of the top 100 spas in the United States for 2013

by Spas of America. Previously, Pala Spa was named the 2009 Best Casino Spa by Spas of America, the 2009 Best Casino Spa by the Southern California Gaming Guide and in 2012 received a spaAward and was selected

by Spas of America as one of the top 100 spas in the United States.

In 2011, Pala Casino Spa & Resort was voted Best Casino in San Diego by the public in the 10News. com annual A-List poll sponsored

by KGTV-TV 10 News in San Diego. For more information, visit http://www.palacasino.com.

ENRILE NOT GUILTY From page 1

The Ombudsman said that before, during and after the project identification, the accused senator or his representative received a percentage of the cost of the project to be funded by the PDAF in exchange for the endorsement to the government agency of Napoles’ foundation which became

PASSPORT From page 1

what’s the current capacity of the supplier?” Albano said.

Del Rosario replied that the supplier of the document, which is the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, is capable of meeting the demands.

Each applicant is charged P950 for a passport application, which includes the ink and laminates.

The department is seeing a P12.8-billion budget for 2015.

This is six percent higher than its current appropriation. (MNS)

the recipient or target implementor of the project.

The project turned out to be ghost or fictitious thus enabling Napoles to misappropriate the PDAF proceeds for her personal gain.

The Ombudsman said the accused took “undue advantage, on several occasions, of their official position, authority, relationship, connection and influence to unjustly enrich themselves at the expense and to the damage and prejudice of the Filipino people.”

GILAS WELCOME From page 1

the team arrives home.

Although Gilas lost its chance to advance to the next round in the FIBA World Cup, it ended its stint on a winning note by winning over Senegal, 81-79, in overtime.

AQUINO SEEKS

From page 1

and fortifying outcrops and islets.

Last month, the Philippines protested at China’s increasing patrols in the Reed Bank, the site of a confrontation between vessels from the two countries in 2012.

While the poorly-equipped Philippine military cannot match China, Aquino has resorted to diplomatic and legal means including an arbitration case before a UN tribunal. However China has refused to participate in the proceedings.

Collinson said the Europeans have previously supported the Philippines in seeking a “peaceful resolution of conflict”.

During his meetings with European leaders, Aquino will also bring up his “triple action plan” calling on China and other claimants to halt all provocative actions, she added. While in France, Aquino will meet with French President Francois Hollande and Prime Minister Manuel Valls.

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Potassium-rich foods offer health benefits for older women: study (Relaxnews) – Healthy postmenopausal women reduce their risk of stroke if their diet is rich in potassium, according to a research team led by Sylvia Wassertheil-Smoller, Ph.D., of Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx.

According to Dr. WassertheilSmoller, previous research has shown that potassium could lower blood pressure, but it was never clear as to whether it could ward off stroke.

“Our findings give women another reason to eat their fruits and vegetables,” she says. “Fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium, and potassium not only lowers postmenopausal women’s risk of stroke, but also death.”

Over the course of 11 years, researchers worked with 90,137 postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 to 79, observing their potassium intake and incidence of stroke.

At the start of the study, none of the participants had undergone a stroke and they averaged a daily potassium quotient from food of 2,611mg.

Those whose diets were among the richest in potassium reduced their general risk of stroke by 12 percent over those whose diets contained the least amount of potassium.

Participants whose blood pressure was in the normal range and who were not taking medications for hypertension reduced their general risk of stroke by 21 percent. On the other hand, for women with high blood pressure, including those taking medications for hypertension, a potassium rich diet did not lower risk of stroke, suggesting that a high potassium diet could be beneficial before the onset of high blood pressure.

“Our findings suggest that wom-

Recent research could improve quality of life for dieters, indicating that adherence should play a role when selecting their diet. ©Gts /shutterstock.com

Weight loss outcomes for popular diets nearly the same: study

According to a recent study, postmenopausal women should eat a diet rich in potassium to ward off stroke. ©Aleph Studio/shutterstock.com

en need to eat more potassium-rich foods,” says Dr. Wassertheil-Smoller.

“You won’t find high potassium in junk food. Some foods high in potassium include white and sweet potatoes, bananas and white beans.”

Before piling these foods into the grocery cart in bulk, Dr. WassertheilSmoller suggests checking with one’s doctor to assess potassium intake because too much of it can be dangerous to the heart.

Still, only 2.8 percent of women in Dr. Wassertheil-Smoller’s study met the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s

recommended daily potassium intake of 4,700mg and only 16 percent of participants met the World Health Organization’s daily potassium recommendation of 3,510mg.

The study did not take sodium consumption into account, and the balance between sodium and potassium is important. Further research, says Dr. Wassertheil-Smoller, should account for sodium and investigate the need for a potassium rich diet in younger people.

The study was published in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke.

(Relaxnews) – Researchers from Canada conducted a meta-analysis in which they compared the effectiveness of several trademarked weight loss programs and concluded that due to the similarity of outcome, dieters should select their battle plan according to personal taste.

The study analyzed 59 studies with data from 49 trials involving 7,286 dieters whose median age was 46 and median weight was 207.5 lbs.

Researchers limited their material to medical literature on experiments in which participants with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or greater followed at will a trademarked diet for at least three months.

While all diets were superior to not dieting, and low-fat and low-carbohydrate diets indicated to be the most effective, weight loss outcomes between individual trademarked diets were minute. For example, a six-month followup showed that followers of the Atkins diet lost 3.8 lbs. more than Zone dieters.

“Although statistical differences existed among several of the diets, the differences were small and unlikely to be important to those seeking weight loss,” the authors wrote in a response to the aforementioned finding, clearly unimpressed by a difference that

is not significant in light of the BMIs of participants involved.

The study by Bradley C. Johnston, Ph.D., of the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute in Toronto and McMaster University in Ontario, and his colleagues was met with a scathing editorial by Linda Van Horn, Ph.D., R.D., of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association along with the study.

“Overall, the findings from the study by Johnston et al, along with other recent data, underscore the importance of effective diet and lifestyle interventions that promote behavioral changes to support adherence to a calorierestricted, nutrient-dense diet that ultimately accomplishes weight loss,” writes Dr. Van Horn.

“Choosing the best diet suited to an individual’s food preferences may help foster adherence, but beyond weight loss, diet quality including micronutrient composition may further benefit longevity.”

Dr. Johnston and his colleagues plan further studies to examine the effectiveness of switching between diets in the interest of improving quality of life for dieters.

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KITCHENOMICS FAMILY FEATURES

W

e all want to eat more vegetables — and in the summer, when farmers markets and grocery stores are filled with fresh, colorful produce, it’s easier than ever. From juicy red tomatoes and yellow sweet corn to vibrant green broccoli, seasonal produce can be even more enjoyable with the addition of spices and herbs.

“I’m always thinking about ways to make vegetables taste great and be more healthful and exciting — other than just adding butter and salt,” said registered dietitian Wendy Bazilian. “Adding spices and herbs is easy to do, and they only cost pennies per serving. Plus, they’re already in your kitchen.”

To add flavor to everyday vegetable favorites like zucchini and carrots, Bazilian recommends an easy rule of thumb: start with 1/4 teaspoon of spices and herbs, such as basil and oregano, per cup of veggies, along with a splash of citrus juice or olive oil.

“You can also dial up the flavor depending on the cooking method,” Bazilian said. “Roasting vegetables like broccoli and tomatoes creates a caramelized flavor that pairs deliciously with garlic, basil, oregano, honey and white vinegar. Grilling vegetables gives a smoky, charred flavor. Or, let the natural flavor of green beans shine by steaming them with rosemary and thyme.”

Try these simple flavor tips to season your favorite vegetables and visit www.McCormick.com for more ideas you can use all year long.

Mixed Vegetable Grill Servings: 6 1 tablespoon light brown sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick Basil Leaves 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Garlic Powder 1/8 teaspoon McCormick Ground Black Pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 6 cups assorted cutup vegetables, such as asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, yellow red onion and small sweet potato Mix brown sugar, basil, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in small bowl.

In large bowl, drizzle oil over vegetables; toss to coat well. Add seasoning mixture; toss to coat well.

Place vegetables in grill basket or rack, or thread onto skewers.

Grill over medium heat 10 –12 minutes or until vegetables are tender, turning occasionally.

Kitchen tip: If using sweet potatoes, pierce them with fork and microwave two to three minutes on high or until tender.

Roasted Broccoli & Tomatoes Servings: 4 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon McCormick Garlic Powder 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Coarse Ground Black Pepper 12 ounces broccoli florets 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 2 teaspoons honey 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Basil Leaves 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Oregano Leaves Preheat oven to 425°F. Mix oil, garlic powder and pepper in large bowl.

Add broccoli and tomatoes; toss to coat well. Spread in single layer on foil-lined 15-by-10-by-1-inch baking pan.

Roast in oven 13 –15 minutes or until broccoli is lightly browned.

Meanwhile, mix vinegar, honey, basil and oregano in small bowl. Drizzle over roasted vegetables after removing from oven; toss to coat well. Serve immediately.

Herbed Green Beans Servings: 4 1 pound trimmed green beans 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 teaspoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon finely crushed McCormick Rosemary Leaves 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Thyme Leaves 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt from McCormick Sea Salt Grinder 1/8 teaspoon McCormick Ground Black Pepper Place beans in medium saucepan. Add enough water to cover beans. Bring to boil.

Reduce heat to low; simmer four to six minutes or until tender-crisp. Drain. Return beans to saucepan.

Toss with vinegar, oil, rosemary, thyme, sea salt and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat one to two minutes or until heated through.

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, September 10 - 16, 2014

ENTERT Billy Crawford explains what happened at police station “Wala akong nasaktan, wala akong tinulak, wala akong tinamaan kundi yung salamin.”

This was the brief explanation of singer-host Billy Crawford when he narrated what happened when he went berserk at a police station in Taguig early Sunday morning.

In an interview after he was held at the police station, Crawford said he was under a lot of stress when the incident happened. He also admitted to being drunk.

“I was under the influence of alcohol. I actually went to the precinct, nasa Fort kami, sabi ko, ‘Pa-hold na lang ako, dito muna ako.’ Of course, they can’t do anything kasi wala naman akong ginagawa so they couldn’t hold me. Billy Crawford I walked back outside nate that he handled the situaand called a few people. I asked if tion the wrong way. they can just hold me. Then I went “Wala akong kaaway. To be back and I said to the officer on honest, lahat naman tayo sumasduty, sinabi ko lang po na ‘Please abog. I’m under a lot of stress that i-hold niyo na lang ako dito kasi time, fatigue, I was really tired. makakasakit pa ako ng tao at I actually just wanted to have a makakasakit pa ako sa sarili ko.’ good time which turned sour. It And then nakabasag ako ng sala- was my fault. Wala akong nasakmin,” he said. tan, wala akong tinulak, wala Saying he does not remember akong tinamaan kundi yung sahitting anyone, Crawford said: lamin,” he said. Authorities said “I’d rather myself be held kesa Crawford may be facing charges makasakit pa ako or maaksidente of malicious mischief, resisting pa ako or mabangga pa ako. I was arrest, direct assault and disobeunder the influence of alcohol, it dience of agent of authority. was my responsibility, it was my However, his lawyer said fault.” no complaints have been filed Admitting that he is not per- against the “It’s Showtime” host fect, Crawford said it is unfortu- as of writing. (MNS)

Bangs Garcia opens up about ties with Phil Younghusband

Bangs Garcia

Sexy actress Bangs Garcia finally opened up about her supposed romantic ties with Philippine Azkals striker Phil Younghusband, months after the athlete confirmed that they are “hanging out.”

“We are going out, we’re not hiding. We always go to the malls.

We always eat out. We go to Baclaran and we love going to videoke. We love singing. Mahilig kami manood ng sine. Actually a lot of people see us outside. We’re not hiding anything,” she said.

The actress, however, added

that they are still getting to know each other.

“We cherish every moment eh.

Sobrang okay kasi kami eh. Sobrang click kami,” she said.

According to Garcia, she and Younghusband have actually known each other for two years now.

“Magkakaibigan ‘yung mga ex namin. Well siyempre kahit na nandiyan ‘yung mga ex namin nag-uusap na kami. Okay kami, naguusap kami but we never texted each other at that time until this year. So nagulat kami that we clicked so much,” she said.

Saying they have many things in common, Garcia said: “Sabi ko para kaming mag-best friends talaga eh. We can talk about anything under the sun. We can just keep on talking the whole day. As in. Of course with the company of his sister and our friends. Marami kaming common friends.”

Asked if things are okay between her and Angel Locsin, Garcia said, “Angel and I are friends and she’s happily with Luis [Manzano], who’s also my friend. Deadma. I don’t care.”

Younghusband and Locsin used to be in a relationship but they broke up late last year. The Kapamilya actress is now in a relationship with Manzano again, years after they first parted way.

(MNS)

Robin Padilla: Politics will remain a closed door Actor Robin Padilla will never run for public office again.

The touted “Bad Boy of Philippine Movies,” who gunned for but failed to secure the vice governorship of Nueva Ecija in 1995, said that while he still gets “many” offers from various parties, particularly to run as senator in 2016, his mind is already “closed” on the matter.

“Hindi talaga kaya, kahit saan mo tignan,” he said. “Ang (ibang) mga anak ko ay nag-aaral abroad, ang mga tuition fees nun (ay) dollars. Ang sweldo ng isang politician, hindi makakapagpaaral sa abroad kasi hindi (sapat) ’yun.”

Padilla claimed he once refused a position in the housing sector supposedly offered to him by Vice President Jejomar Binay. “Magpapatayo na lang po ako ng housing,” he recalled telling Binay, insisting that, if ever, he will use his own money for such a project.

He said, “Hindi ako naniniwala na kung gusto mong makatulong at meron ka naman, eh kukuha ka pa ng pera sa gobyerno.

Ang pera ng gobyerno ay para sa taong (kapuspalad).”

Padilla echoed the notion when asked for qualities he is looking for in a president. More than anything, he believes that the country’s future leader should be willing “gastusin ’yung pera niya (para sa mga mahihirap).”

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INMENT

Luis tells Angel: I’m just waiting for proposal Luis Manzano drew laughs in a joint interview with his girlfriend, Angel Locsin, when he said, in jest, that it’s up to the “Darna” actress to propose marriage.

The couple was interviewed after participating in Batangas’ Alay-Lakad charity event, which was organized by Manzano’s mother and the province’s governor, screen veteran Vilma Santos.

“Baka masyado mo naman dibdibin ‘yan, ah!” Locsin told Manzano, when he quipped that he has been waiting for the actress’ wedding proposal.

Alluding to a controversial wedding mixup in Balesin Island Club, Manzano joked that they had been planning to hold their wedding there. The two, however, did not give a serious answer on their plans to wed. Locsin went along with Manzano’s jokes that she had agreed to shoulder the expenses of the special day, in exchange for the “gift” of his

Luis Manzano and Angel Locsin

good looks. Reacting to her son’s statement, Santos said, in jest: “Mga kaibigan, masanay na po kayo sa anak ko. Ganyan lang po ‘yan, pero maniwala kayo sa akin, napakabait niyan!”

“Mayabang lang po ‘yan.

Mawala na ang yaman, huwag lang ang yabang!”

In the interview, Santos also referred to Locsin as a “good first lady,” amid speculation that Manzano is planning to pursue public office in Batangas. The TV host, however, clarified that he has yet to make a decision and will likely come up with one in a month’s time.(MNS)

What Anne Curtis thinks of Sam Concepcion “Whatever makes her happy.”

This was the meaningful statement of Anne Curtis when asked if she approves of her younger sister’s relationship with singeractor Sam Concepcion.

This comes months after Curtis and Concepcion got embroiled in a controversy where the “The Gifted” actress supposedly confronted the singer-actor during the birthday celebration of Vice Ganda at a high-end bar.

Curtis explained that she is only after the happiness of her sister, rising star Jasmine CurtisSmith.

“Whatever makes someone happy, you can’t do anything about it. So for me, kung saan siya masaya, doon ako,” she said.

Curtis, however, admitted that just like any other older sister,

she still does not want Jasmine to be in a relationship.

“Of course, kahit sino namang ate, ayaw munang mag-boyfriend ‘yung baby sister. You’d like to protect her as much as you can or if ever, you’d like someone who really values her worth. ‘Yun lang ang hanap ko sa isang lalaki,” she said.

When directly asked if she does not like Concepcion for Jasmine, Curtis said: “Basta ako, whatever makes her happy.”

According to Curtis, she and Concepcion are not close but they do greet each other if ever their paths cross.

But asked if Concepcion is exerting effort to also reach out to their family, Curtis said: “I don’t know. No comment. No comment na lang.” (MNS)

Anne Curtis

Bettinna Carlos quells ‘live-in’ rumors with Raymart Santiago pre I completely understand the situation that he’s in, ‘yung sa mga anak niya, problem sa marriage niya (with Claudine Barretto), and I’m not one to meddle into something I know is dangerous.”

Still, she admitted, “I am not closing my doors on anything and anyone dahil ang tadhana ko ay hindi ko hawak. It’s just a matter of who will come along, sinong maglalakas

Bettinna Carlos

Raymart Santiago and Bettinna Carlos have both repeatedly denied rumors that a relationship is brewing between them.

It seems the issue is gaining traction, however, with people speculating that they are already living together.

The matter escalated when Bettinna and Raymart posted photos on their respective Instagram accounts that were seemingly taken in the same location – later identified as Raymart’s condo unit.

While the actress readily acknowledged that the photo, a solo shot of her daughter Amanda Lucia, was indeed taken at Raymart’s unit, she stated that they were there only at the latter’s invitation for a “potluck dinner.”

She maintained that, aside from her daughter, they were “people from the production” of the now-defunct series “Villa Quintana” where they worked together.

Bettinna insisted there is “no truth” to the living in rumor, saying, “Ang purpose ko lang ay picturan ‘yung anak ko tapos nagawan na ng ganung issue na nag live-in kami.”

She maintained that despite her seeming closeness to Raymart, romance isn’t necessarily in the offing.

“Pwede ako ma-in love kahit kanino pero depende ‘yan sa pintig ng puso mo,” Bettina said.

“Kung kay Raymart, siyem-

ng loob (manilgaw) at kanino titibok ang puso ko.”

Bettinna wishes that people would stop dragging Claudine’s name in her issue with Raymart. “’Wag na lang po sana nila kaming pagbanggain. I’m sure Claudine also wants to have a peaceful life.

With all their legal battles, I know everyone is trying to minimize the gulo,” she related.

10

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MOTORING

GM to launch hands-free driving

The charge spot prototype developed at the Fraunhofer Institute (Germany) stands out for its portability and compatibility with all types of electric vehicles.©Fraunhofer IISB

Researchers develop portable inductive charge spot for e-cars (Relaxnews) – Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany have developed an innovative solution with the potential to change the way power is delivered to electric vehicles. The inductive charging method relies on a portable column that is placed ahead of the vehicle’s front license plate.

Already found in certain small home appliances, inductive charging uses electromagnetic fields to transfer energy from one source to another. One induction coil, located in the power source, creates an alternating electromagnetic field, while a second coil draws the energy from the first to recharge a battery.

The originality of the charge spot created by Fraunhofer lies in the concentration of the technology needed to power a car within a relatively small yellow column that contains the stacked coils.

The energy is received by another set of coils placed just behind the vehicle’s front license plate. By design, this technology is compatible with all electric vehicles, from ultra-compact city cars to large

SUVs. In contrast, other inductive car charging platforms rely on costly and complex underground installations, such as the ones tested by certain car makers including Volvo. With their compact column, the engineers at the Fraunhofer Institute promise a solution that is more economical but also more practical, as it is portable and can be used anywhere.

For the time being, the system is only able to transmit three kilowatts (kW), far less than current wired charging stations. Still in the prototype stage, the technology will only be developed for the mass market if it can be produced and sold relatively cheaply.

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(DETROIT-AFP) – General Motors CEO Mary Barra unveiled plans Sunday to make driving safer through hands-free technology, after a string of recalls that has dogged the company.

GM’s top-of-the-line Cadillac brand will provide a semi-auto pilot mode dubbed “Super Cruise” on certain 2017 model year cars.

In the same timeframe, the 2017 Cadillac CTS will feature vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology that allows cars to react to others in intersections and other situations.

Barra said the new technology will be available outside the United States. It is also in demand in heavily congested Europe and in China, where accidents are taking an increasingly heavy toll.

“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,” she said.

“Through technology and innovation, we will make driving safer.”

Super Cruise will offer customers a new type of driving experience that includes hands-free lane following, braking and speed control in certain highway driving conditions.

The system is designed to increase the comfort of an attentive driver on freeways, both in bumper-to-bumper traffic and on long roadtrips.

The vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology could mitigate many traffic collisions and improve traffic congestion by sending and receiving basic safety information such as location, speed and direction of travel between vehicles that are approaching each other.

It will warn drivers and can supplement active safety features, such as forward collision warning, already available on many production cars.

As the world becomes more congested and new populations need access to personal mobility, accidents continue to be a global concern.

A recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study estimated that the economic and societal impact of motor vehicle crashes in the United States is more than $870 billion per year.

“Advancing technology so that people can more safely live their lives is a responsibility we embrace,” Barra said.

GM cars ‘safe’ Despite massive recalls in recent months, Barra said consumers still trust GM. She denied that consumers have grown more skeptical of GM’s technology or the safety of its vehicles since the recalls began.

New vehicles sales in the US have risen 5.1 percent this year through the end of August, according to Autodata.

Nissan celebrates Asian American heritage, sponsors largest Moon Festival events in U.S. LOS ANGELES (Sept. 8, 2014) – Celebrating diversity means being an active part of the culture, and Nissan is ramping up efforts to increase engagement in the Asian American community, starting with activations at the three largest Autumn Moon celebrations in the U.S. Nissan will host family activities, give away special prizes and showcase the brand’s latest line-up of innovative vehicles at each of these events.

“Moon Festival is one of the most important events in Chinese-American culture, bringing friends and family closer together to celebrate their heritage. As sponsors of the three largest Moon Festivals in the U.S., we have the opportunity to join in the revelry alongside the Asian American community,” said Jason Yang, general manager, Nissan West Region.

“Nissan has the most diverse consum-

er base of any full-line auto manufacturer, and sponsoring cultural events such as Moon Festival is just one example of how we are broadening our outreach to reflect that diversity.”

Nissan kicked off the Autumn Moon Festival this past weekend as major sponsors of the World Journal 2014 Happy Moon Festival in Irvine, California on Sept. 6, the Chinese Merchant Association AT&T Moon Festival in San Francisco’s Chinatown Sept. 6 and 7, and the Harvest Moon Festival in Arcadia, California on Sept. 7.

Nissan also is the title sponsor for this year’s Chinese American Museum’s Annual Historymakers Awards Gala in Los Angeles on Sept. 25. Now in its 18th year, the gala is recognized as one of the premiere Chinese American events in Southern California and honors the achievements

of extraordinary individuals who have made lasting contributions toward the advancement of the Chinese American community.

Nissan’s engagement with the U.S. Asian American community spans several decades. The company has donated brand new Nissan Titan pickup trucks to organizations such as the Koreatown Youth and Community Center (KYCC), Korean Community Services and the Asian Youth Center. Since 2007, Nissan has been the title sponsor of the Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics’ “Leadership in Action” Internship Program, which develops emerging young leaders in the Asian and Pacific Islander community. Nissan, in keeping with its commitment to the environment, has also worked with KYCC to help local youth build connections between themselves and nature.

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NIGHTMARISH

MRT IMPROVEMENTS REVIEW GUIDELINES From page 1

From page 1

the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines, said only around 400 trucks have availed of the privilege, less than half of the figure Carlos mentioned.

While the scheme had good intentions, Bayocot said truckers are not inclined to get on the road on Sundays because it is their lone rest day. “’Yung Sunday kasi, rest day ng drivers. Kapag napuyat sila ng Monday to Saturday, sinasamantala po talaga nila na makapagpahinga. Hindi naman po namin mapilit ‘yung drivers dahil from Monday to Saturday, halos 24 hours po sila [na nasa daan],” he said.

Designated truck routes under the new scheme include A. Bonifacio Avenue coming from NLEX, passing through C-3 and Caloocan, straight to Road 10 to Manila’s ports. Trucks coming from CAVITEX may go straight on Roxas Blvd. to the port area.

Meanwhile, trucks coming from Southern Luzon may pass through Osmeña Highway-Quirino to Roxas Boulevard until they enter the port.

“Ang reason natin bakit binibigyan natin ng privilege ‘yung mga na-tag is because napansin din ng Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) [at ng] Public Cluster on Decongestion na walang naglalabas ng kargamento kapag Sundays at Monday mornings, so bumababa ‘yung efficiency natin sa mga port sa ganitong araw,” Carlos said.

“Supposesdly, Sunday is the leanest day sa traffic, tapos walang gumagamit no’n, so parang incentive na rin ito – magtrabaho kayo ng Sunday, you get this reward,” he added.

A new batch of trucks will be tagged next Sunday and Monday morning, September 14 to 15, Carlos said.

Carlos also said that the deadline imposed by the government on owners of overstaying containers may have added to the monstrous traffic experienced last Friday.

He said they will address the problem and will complete the overhaul by 2016.

To address the complaints of passengers, he said they are also reviewing the conveyance systems.

He said they will consider purchasing new elevators and escalators if it can no longer be repaired because of obsolete parts.

Radio communication among the trains and the control center will also be looked into, in addition to the construction of a more convenient footbridge at North Avenue.

At the moment, the current maintenance provider continues to serve the MRT, its contract renewed every month.

said in the letter.

The correspondence with Ban was read

by Del Rosario during the budget briefing of the Department of Foreign Affairs at the House of Representatives on Monday.

The controversy erupted earlier this month after several Filipino peacekeepers defied an order from the commander of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Golan Heights at the height of a standoff with Syrian militants.

The commander, Lt. Gen. Iqbal Singh Singha, supposedly wanted the Filipino troops to lay down their firearms to ensure the safety of Fijian peacekeepers seized by the rebels.

The UNDOF official has slammed the

From page 1

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Filipino troops’ actions, calling their subsequent escape an “act of cowardice.”

Asked why his men surrendered, Fijian Army Chief Brig. Gen. Mosese Tikoitoga said they were following a direct order from the commander of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).

“At no stage in an operation would I expect any of my officers not to follow the decisions of the first commander,” he said.

“The Filipinos chose to do so and the Philippines government have supported them for having chosen that path. “We cannot criticise them for it, nor can we follow the decision they have made, we live by our own ethos of following command.”

He said officers on the ground had to make a snap decision in a fraught situation. (MNS)

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