Usap01152014

Celebrating

T H E

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INMENT

Pops is ‘getting back’ with Martin See PAGE 10

Vol. 3. No. 18

LOS ANGELES

A Balita Media Publication

Wednesday - Tuesday, January 15-21, 2014

24 wounded in school blast

COTABATO, January 13, 2014 (AFP) – A suspected improvised bomb attack at a university campus in the Philippines, has left 24 people wounded – many critically – including students and teachers, police said Monday.

It appeared a fire was set off deliberately in a school building housing security personnel at the state-run Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology, before the blast occurred Sunday night, police added.

“The fire drew responders, including firemen, teachers, and students, and they were among the injured,” explained Senior Inspector Rolly Oranza of the local police force in the troubled Mindanao region.

He said 17 of the wounded remain in a critical condition at the hospital.

Police told AFP they believe the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device, but

ordnance experts are still determining the exact details.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and police are still trying to determine the motive, Inspector Oranza said.

The school is situated in Arakan, a quiet farming community on the southern island of Mindanao, populated mostly by indigenous tribes.

Mindanao is gripped by a longrunning Muslim insurgency that has left more than 150,000 dead.

While Muslim rebels are not known to operate in Arakan, there has been violence between armed paramilitary groups fighting for control of the area.

Communist rebels are also known to have some presence in Arakan, but police said it was unclear if they were involved.

In October 2011, an Italian Catholic priest who had been helping tribal groups was shot See 24 WOUNDED, page 6

Alleged victims of human trafficking, some of whom are Filipinos, their friends and supporters walk the 3.2-kilometer “Walk 4 Freedom” in the streets of Los Angeles last Saturday, January 11. Photo: Benny Uy

PHL on guard against child trafficking post ‘Yolanda’: gov’t A more or less one kilometer of long line of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) commuters are patiently waiting for their turn to catch the train for their destinations at North Edsa South bound station 9 a.m. Monday (Jan. 13), 2014). MRT security is visible to assist and guide passengers for their safety. (MNS photo)

Solon files local version of ‘Lemon law’

MANILA, Jan 11 (Mabuhay) – A lawmaker has filed a bill similar to the “Lemon law” of the United States to protect buyers of motor vehicles, particularly those that fail to meet the standards of quality and performance.

Rep. Mark Villar (Lone District, Las Piñas City) said House Bill No. 3199 would strengthen consumer protection in the pur-

chase of brand-new vehicles and provides legal remedies to buyers who face the ill fate of lemon automobiles ending up in their hands.

Villar said the historical antecedents of the Lemon law originated in the United States and was crafted primarily to return to the consumer the full value of his money.

See LEMON LAW, page 6

Ex-Marcos aide sentenced over sale of Monet painting WASHINGTON, January 14, 2014 (AFP) – A US judge sentenced a former personal secretary to Imelda Marcos Monday to two to six years in prison for conspiring to sell Impressionist masterpieces belonging to the Manila government that vanished when Ferdinand Marcos was ousted.

But Justice Renee A. White of the New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan said Vilma Bautista, 75, who has a pacemaker and chronic heart disease, could remain free on $175,000 bail while her lawyers appeal, the New York Times reported.

White also ordered Bautista to pay $3.5 million in income taxes

she owes to New York City and to New York State.

He said she failed to report $28 million she obtained from selling one of the paintings, a famous Claude Monet water lily work, to a London gallery, which then resold it to a hedge fund manager in Switzerland.

Bautista’s lawyer, Fran Hoffinger, said the court should impose no jail sentence because of her frail health.

Hoffinger pointed out that paramedics had wheeled Ms. Bautista out of the courtroom on a gurney twice during her five-week trial after heart palpitations and See EX-MARCOS AIDE, page 6

PNP finalizes details of gun amnesty implementation MANILA, Jan 13 (Mabuhay) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is just ironing out final details of the gun amnesty which is expected to start within the month as part of implementation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. PNP Director General Alan Purisima said that the PNP leadership is now finalizing details of the gun amnesty for the smooth implementation of the new firearms law. ”We are just ironing out some details so that there will be proper procedures in the gun amnesty,” said Purisima.

The PNP chief the gun amnesty will start as soon as the police leadership finalized the procedures. ”There is just a review and then we will implement it. We will publish it,” said Purisima.

The final gun amnesty is part of the provisions of RA 10591, which was signed into law last year by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. Purisima cited the importance See AMNESTY, page 6

Benigno Aquino.

“That is why the concerned agencies are doing everything in their power to prevent these crimes,” he told reporters in the capital Manila.

Aid groups have warned that many of those displaced face extreme hardship in their ruined communities and are vulnerable to human traffickers.

“We have been giving attention to this issue because we do

MANILA, January 12, 2014 (AFP) – The Philippines is acting to curb the trafficking of children displaced by Super Typhoon Haiyan, a presidential spokesman said Sunday, a day after a UKbased children’s charity raised concerns.

Plan International asked the Philippines to investigate the suspected recruitment of child workers for sex trafficking on the central island of Samar, which sustained heavy damage and

casualties in the November 8 typhoon.

Haiyan left nearly 8,000 people dead or missing in one of the worst natural disasters to hit the Philippines, flattening entire towns and displacing more than four million people.

A special anti-trafficking commission is already in place to prevent children displaced by the typhoon from being exploited by traffickers, said Herminio Coloma, a spokesman for President

Gov’t urged to take over power firms after Meralco warned of blackouts

22 dead as floods, landslides hit ‘Pablo’-ravaged areas

MANILA, Jan 11 (Mabuhay) – After the Manila Electric Company warned of rotational blackouts, a House lawmaker on Saturday called on the government to be prepared to take over powergenerating firms to ensure affordable power rates.

“If Meralco and the power generators cannot deliver affordable power rates to the public, all power utilities should now be taken over by the state for its operations,” Kabataan Partylist Rep. Terry Ridon, member of the House committees on legislative franchises and energy, said in a statement.

On Thursday, Meralco warned of rotational blackouts if it can no longer pay for generation and transmission charges as a result of the Supreme Court’s temporary restraining order (TRO) on See MERALCO, page 6

MANILA, January 14, 2014 (AFP) – Twenty-two people have been killed and nearly 200,000 others evacuated as floods and landslides hit a southern Philippine region still recovering from a deadly 2012 typhoon, the government said Tuesday.

Torrential rain struck the eastern section of Mindanao island at the weekend, unleashing a fresh round of misery for survivors of Typhoon Bopha, civil defence officials said.

“Major rivers overflowed, causing people to drown in areas still recovering from Typhoon Pablo,” local civil defence operations officer Franz Irag told AFP, using the local designation for Typhoon Bopha, which struck the region in December 2012.

“Many of the victims had not managed to rebuild and were staying in temporary shelters when they were hit by fresh flooding,” Irag said.

See TRAFFICKING, page 6

Weekend floods and landslides killed eight people in Davao Oriental province and five in Compostela Valley, Irag said.

Additionally, six were buried in a landslide on the small southern island of Dinagat while three other people drowned in nearby areas, John Lenwayan, a civil defense official for the region, told AFP by telephone.

The bad weather also forced more than 194,000 people to flee their homes, Irag and Lenwayan said.

The two officials said the rains started abating on Monday and some of those who took refuge in government-run shelters were returning to their homes.

The Mindanao floods occurred amid an international rehabilitation effort for areas destroyed by Super Typhoon Haiyan in November last year.

Haiyan left at least 7,986 peoSee LANDSLIDES, page 6

PHL bans lead after years-long campaign MANILA, January 10, 2014 (AFP) – The Philippines has banned the use of lead in a wide range of consumer products including toys and cosmetics, the government said Friday, after years of vocal campaigning by environmentalists.

“The chemical control order... (has) the intention of reducing unreasonable risks and injuries to people as a result of their exposure to the chemical as well as its negative impact on the environment,” Environment Secretary Ramon Paje announced.

See LEAD BANNED, page 6

While policemen (at background) exert their best efforts in doing exercises as part of the Philippine National Police Physical and Sports Development Program with the theme “Pulis Hataw Na” at the Camp Crame PNP Grandstand in Quezon City on Saturday (Jan. 11, 2014), a policeman’s wife and son perform their own “Hataw Din” using the nearby track and field oval. (MNS photo)

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Smuggling king David Tan a real person – DOJ

Vice President Jejomar Binay (right), Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and Councilor Cristina Romualdez discuss the construction of 400 houses in Tacloban City and another 200 houses in Palo, Leyte for the victims of typhoon “Yolanda” after the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement Thursday at the Office of Vice President Jejomar Binay at the Coconut Palace, Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay City on Thursday (Jan. 9, 2014). (MNS photo)

Safe house construction diagnostic tool out this year – Phivolcs MANILA, Jan 11 (Mabuhay) – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) will make available to the public beginning this year its diagnostic tool for helping people gauge if their houses are safe to live in.

“We’ll launch that tool within 2014’s first quarter,” said Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. The launch is part of Phivolcs’ continuing campaign for safe construction to help better protect life, limb and property.

Phivolcs is pursuing such campaign, noting earthquakes are natural occurrences in the Philippines since this country lies in tremor-prone Pacific Ring of Fire.

Solidum noted the tool features 12 safe construction-related questions that users must answer using the numbers one or zero to get a total score that’ll indicate whether or not their houses are safe.

A score of 11 to 12 points indicate a user’s house is safe, he said.

He said a score of eight to 10 points indicate the user must already have his or her house inspected. “Scores below eight points indicate the house is dangerous to live in,” he noted.

This week, Phivolcs reported

several tremors below magnitude four occurred in Tagbilaran City, capital of Bohol province.

Solidum said those tremors were still aftershocks of the magnitude 7.2 killer earthquake that rocked Bohol on Oct. 15 last year.

The earthquake’s occurrence further fuelled Phivolcs’ call for compliance with the country’s National Building Code and other construction-related regulations.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said 222 people were reported dead from that earthquake which also left nearly 800 victims injured and eight persons missing as of Oct. 31.

NDRRMC likewise reported the earthquake damaged severalinfrastructure and almost 67,000 houses in Bohol, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Iloilo, Siquijor and Guimaras provinces.

Authorities observed substandard construction in most of the damaged houses.

To help prepare for possible disasters, Phivolcs earlier urged people to know the earthquake hazards in their areas. ”Follow structural design and engineering practices whencon-

structing a house or building,” Phivolcs also said.

It likewise called for assessing structural soundness of buildings and houses so these can be strengthened or retrofitted if necessary.

Secure heavy furniture and cabinets to walls, check stability of hanging objects and store breakable items, harmful chemicals and flammable materials in the lowest secured shelves, the agency added. ”The key to effective disaster prevention is planning,” Phivolcs stressed.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNPCIDG) announced on Wednesday the creation of a special investigating team to look into the alleged irregularities in the construction of bunkhouses for the victims of super typhoon “Yolanda.”

The move came after Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Secretary Panfilo Lacson asked the PNP-CIDG to conduct an investigation into the supposed anomalies in the building of temporary shelters in typhoon-devastated areas in the Visayas region.

MANILA, Jan 13 (Mabuhay) -Alleged rice smuggling “Goliath” David Tan, also known as Davidson Tan Bangayan, is a real person, and not a fictitious personality.

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima told reporters on Monday that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has located Tan/Bangayan in its continuing probe into the latter’s alleged involvement in rice smuggling.

Tan was among the key personalities recommended for prosecution by the Senate after it probed rice smuggling in 2013.

He has been described in new reports as the current “King of Rice Smuggling” in the country.

“The initial results of the verification and investigation of the NBI is that this David Tan actually exists. This Davidson Bangayan [and David Tan], we believe, or NBI believes, is one and the same person.’

“The NBI knows his addresses,

the NBI knows who he is. We have pictures of him, and [we know] the businesses that he runs. Parang lumalabas na one-man cartel siya,” De Lima said.

The NBI continues to validate other information about Tan, including his alleged protectors and connections inside the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and other government agencies, De Lima added.

Tan was unmasked during last year’s Senate probe, following reports he had reportedly given some P6 billion in kickbacks to customs officials and employees over a period of two years.

Tan has been described as the top financier of at least 26 cooperatives involved in rice importation for the National Food Authority (NFA).

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte recently declared war on Tan and several other rice smugglers in the city, threatening to “unmask” Tan and the latter’s alleged protectors.

Increase in LGUs’ share in national revenue taxes urged MANILA, Jan 11 (Mabuhay) – There’s a proposal to increase the local government units’ 40 percent share of the national revenue taxes to 50 percent by January 2015 and 60 percent from January 2016 onwards.

Rep. Francisco Matugas (1st District, Surigao del Norte) is author of House Bill No. 2619 increasing the share of LGUs in the national internal revenue taxes by amending Section 284 of Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.

The LGC mandates that on the first year of the law, the share is 30 percent, 35 percent on the second year and 40 percent on the third year and thereafter.

“After two decades from implementation, the said 40 percent share is deemed insufficient for local government units, particularly those belonging to lower income classifications or lower fiscal capacity, considering the enormous pow-

ers and responsibilities devolved to them,” Matugas pointed out.

This is why, he said, many LGUs have been clamoring for some devolved functions and responsibilities such as health services to be transferred back to the national government. The Constitution, Matugas stressed, explicitly states that the LGUs shall have a just share in the national taxes.This means that the LGUs have a right to taxes collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and that LGUs receive not just a share in the national taxes but that the percentage of its share must be considered ‘just’, the lawmaker stressed.

“Therefore, this proposed amendment to increase the share of LGUs in the national internal revenue taxes should be increased, including the Value Added Tax (VAT) being collected by the Bureau of Customs, from 40 to 60 percent by the year 2016,” Matugas said.

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Catholic bishops welcome Quevedo cardinalship MANILA, Jan 13 (Mabuhay) – Catholic prelates were elated with the naming of Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, OMI as Cardinal by no less than Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle thanked Pope Francis for associating the Cardinal-elect prelate and the church in Mindanao to his Petrine ministry.

Over the weekend, the Holy Father announced the names of 19 new Cardinals including Quevedo at the Vatican. “I thank Pope Francis for associating Archbishop Quevedo and the church in Mindanao to his Petrine ministry and solicitude for all the churches,� he said in a statement.

He added, “The Church in the Philippines and Asia has been greatly blessed these past decades by the service and leadership of Archbishop Quevedo. Now this blessing extends to the whole Church.�

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) immediately welcomed the news on the Archbishop of Cotabato’s being named as a Cardinal. “He is known in the CBCP for his mental clarity and intellectual brilliance. He is an archbishop who is truly passionate for the formation of basic ecclesial communities. “Cardinal Elect Quevedo is a senior member of the Catholic hierarchy in the Philippines,� said CBCP president Archbishop Socrates Villegas.

He believes that Quevedo’s election as member of the College of Cardinals is the Pontiff’s acknowledgement to the intensity of the Catholic faith in the region. “A Cardinal from Mindanao is a papal tribute to the strength of the Catholic faith in that region of our country. It is a proof that the Catholic faith in Mindanao is now bearing rich fruits; Cardinal Quevedo is its living testimony,� the Lingayen-Dagupan prelate said.

He added, “As a member of the College of Cardinals he will be able to assist the Pope in reaching

out to the marginalized in Mindanao.�

For his part, Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said, “Archbishop Quevedo very well deserves it.

He has been active in the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference.�

Another Mindanao prelate, Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad, said Quevedo is the first Cardinal from the region. “He is the First Cardinal of Mindanao and, truly, his elevation can help in strengthening the peace talks between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippine government,� he said in a text message.

Jumoad added, “His voice can really guide the framers of the agreement, which would be acceptable to Muslims, Lumads and Christians.�

Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma said, “Archbishop Quevedo is a known advocate for inter-religious dialogue and the peace process in Mindanao.�

Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez also believes that Quevedo’s cardinalship only shows that the Pope appreciates the efforts of the dioceses to uphold the Christian faith. “This is positive news. Pope Francis recognizes the efforts of the Mindanao dioceses to promote the Christian faith,� he said. “Archbishop Quevedo is a very qualified prelate, a pro-active leader, a visionary yet well grounded on stark realities, a great communicator, and a man of prayer,� said Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso.

Likewise, Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said that the announcement of Quevedo “is a great blessing for Mindanao and the Philippines. Archbishop Quevedo is a great Church leader of international fame.�

For his part, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said that Quevedo’s nomination for cardinalate is long over due. “Archbishop Quevedo is wellknown for his intelligence as well as being visionary minded. Therefore, nomination for cardinalate is long expected,� he added. (MNS)

President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps His Excellency Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, leads the traditional toast for the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Rizal Hall of the Malacaùan Palace on Friday (January 11, 2014). The annual reception which marks the 27th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (MNS photo)

TESDA aims to train 2-M youth, job seekers in 2014 MANILA, Jan 11 (Mabuhay) – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has set a target this year of putting on training close to two million youth and others seeking employment.

But Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA director general, said the figure could get higher and more young people could have access to technical vocational education and training (TVET) as the development of new programs focused on communities gets under way. “We want our Filipino youth to have competencies and life skills that could be their assets in pursuing economic opportunities. It is essential that they get the right kind of education,� Villanueva said.

In 2013, TESDA targeted a total of 1.8 million enrollees

Palace welcomes improved foreign direct investments in 2013 MANILA, Jan 11 (Mabuhay) –The Palace said it will continue to improve the country’s business environment to attract more foreign investments as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported increased Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in 2013.

Apart from the FDI on export products, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the country’s export industry has also increased. “It’s on a continued upward trajectory, and we’d want to see those numbers continue, or at least, to grow even bigger,� she told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan in an interview on Saturday. “In all the score cards that

we’ve seen, the view of the international community as far as our competitiveness is that it is going up.�The Palace official also said that while there are some areas that have been improved, the government wants to pay special attention on areas that need further improvement. “The President has always emphasized the need for a levelplaying field when it comes to foreign or local investments,� she said. “Those who are already here, who are seeking to expand and those who are outside but would want to place their investments here would see that they will get a pretty level playing field,� she

added.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Friday said it registered net FDI of $3.361 billion for the first 10 months of 2013, up 35.3 percent compared to the same period in 2012 of $2.485 billion.

The BSP said in a statement that foreign investors continue to have confidence in the sustainability of the Philippine’s business environment.

The notable rise in foreign investments reflects favorable investor sentiment, the BSP said noting that macroeconomic stability is believed to be firmly rooted in the country’s basic fundamentals. (MNS)

under its various skills training programs offered in training institutions, enterprises, and communities. “We want to go beyond this and expand our services to more youth, especially those who need educational assistance, and we are laser-focused in achieving the goal,� Villanueva said.

For 2014, TESDA, in partnership with technical vocational institutions, enterprises, local government units, and other national government agencies, aims to have a total of 1.97 million trainees, higher than last year’s 1.8 million goal.

The increase in this year’s targets was a result of the bigger 2014 budget of P 5.117 billion approved for the agency.

Villanueva also announced the creation of new skills development programs this year to expand the youth’s access to TVET, especially those in far-flung communities.

One of the programs is the Special Training for Employment that would assist graduates in finding jobs after completing the training and getting the certification. For this, TESDA targets a total of 74,947 trainees.

Villanueva said TESDA will also deploy more mobile training laboratories to far-flung communities starting 2015 with an initial plan of 44 mobile schools.

The priority provinces of mobile training laboratories are Lanao del Sur, Eastern Samar, Apayao, Maguindanao, Davao Oriental, Ifugao, Zamboanga del Norte, Masbate, Saranggani, North Cotabato and Northern Samar.

For the agency’s Training for Work Scholarship Program (TSWP), scholarships would be made available for key sectors such as agri-fishery, manufacturing, tourism, information technology/business process management, infrastructure/housing and logistics and other priority sectors.This year, Villanueva said, TESDA also aims to provide the competency assessment and certification program to a total of 940,964 graduates.

As of November 2013, a total of 859,889 received the certificate after passing the assessment. “We are very optimistic in achieving more in 2014 as we start operating under a new structure,�

Villanueva said.

The Department of Budget and Management has approved the proposed rationalization plan of the agency and the new structure will be in operation early this year. Some existing offices were expanded to strengthen TESDA’s planning and programming capability as well as to improve its existing teaching technologies and service delivery.(MNS)

MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOREVER.

Las Piùas solon claims Micro-enterprise Development Act of 2013 is what informal sector of society needs MANILA, Jan 13 (Mabuhay) – A lawmaker noted that a significant percentage of the population are citizens under the informal sector who needs stable sources of income.

Las PiĂąas Rep. Mark Villar on Monday said this is the main reason he is pushing for the passage of Micro-enterprise Development Act of 2013. “The policy under this Act is simple. Poor families shall be encouraged to engage in entrepreneurial plans as their source of income,â€? Villar said in his explanatory note.

He said the government in return, shall provide the necessary support by partnering with qualified private institutions to offer the needed services for the families.

According to the Las PiĂąas solon, an institution shall be created to implement the development strategy for the microenterprise.

This shall be called “MicroDev� and should be a non-stock, non-profit entity with provisions following the Corporation Code

of the Philippines. “The primary goals of the MicroDev would be to provide reasonable micro finance, micro housing and health care services for the poor; necessary skills training and human development services,� he explained.

Villar stressed that stakeholders would not be involved in taking deposits and insurance transactions.

Before undertaking any financing activities, they would have to secure necessary licenses from the proper agencies.

He pointed out that a newly opened MicroDev must have a net worth of P10 million initially.

A MicroDev Accrediting Entity shall also be created to be the one responsible for the accreditation of the MicroDevs.

It shall be in charge in formulating the standards to be followed by the institutions, as well as their monitoring, certificate issuance and revocation and annual report preparation. “Do not give a poor man fish from the ocean, but rather teach him how to fish.� This is a fa-

mous saying that truly makes sense. It is not always helpful to just give poor people things they need. Instead, they should be empowered to find their strength and be able to feed themselves in the process,� he said. “If the government is truly aiming for a global economy, they should give equal opportunities for everyone to earn and make a living, especially people from the informal sector who form a great number of the population,� he added.

Meanwhile, despite a rise in lending, the bad loans held by the biggest banks declined as of end-October, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Tuesday.

In a statement, Bangko Sentral said the gross non-performing loans (GNPL) ratio of universal and commercial banks dipped to 2.56 percent as of end-October from 2.57 percent in September and 2.92 percent in October 2012.

GNPL is the level of bad loans or credit at risk of default, including those already booked by banks as an expense.

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More Pinoys approved, trusted Binay than Aquino in Q4 of 2013 – Pulse Asia MANILA, Jan 13 (Mabuhay) – More Filipinos approved and trusted Vice President Jejomar Binay than President Benigno Aquino III during the last quarter of 2013, according to a recent Pulse Asia survey.

The survey, conducted from December 8 to 15, 2013, showed both Aquino and Binay registering majority approval and trust ratings. However, Aquino’s ratings declined while Binay’s went up.

Aquino’s approval rating went down from 79 in September to 73 in December, while his trust rating plunged from 76 in September to 74 in December.

Binay, on the other hand, got an approval rating of 80 in December, which was up three notches from 77 in September. His trust rating also went up to 77 in December from 74 in September.

Malacañang has yet to comment on the latest survey, but in an earlier interview, Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said that it is not “appropriate” to compare the two.

“The magnitude and depth of the President’s responsibilities are of a higher and different order from those of the Vice President,” he said.

“It must also be pointed out that the incumbent Vice President is a member of the President’s Cabinet and therefore shares in the responsibilities of carrying out the Philippine Development Plan,” Coloma added.

Other officials Meanwhile, Senate President Franklin Drilon’s approval rating further went down to 43 from September’s 50 while his trust ratings plunged from 46 in September to 40 in December.

In September, the pork barrel scam had adversely affected the public perception of Drilon’s performance.

The recent Pulse Asia survey also showed that “outright disapproval and distrust are more pronounced toward Senate President Drilon (both at 21%), House Speaker Belmonte (18% and 20%, respectively), and Supreme Court Chief Justice Sereno (18% and 17%, respectively) compared to President Aquino (10% and 9%, respectively) and Vice-President Binay (5% and 6%, respectively).”

Govt institutions Of the three key government institutions rated in December, the Supreme Court registered a majority approval rating of 52 percent, although this was lower than last September’s 53.

The Senate, despite the six percentage increase from 39 in September, still did not get a majority approval rating with only 45. The House of Representatives, on the other hand, got a five percentage point increase from 37 in September to 42 in December.

The three government institutions also did not register a majority trust ratings.

Among the issues hounding the country while the survey was being conducted were the rising death toll due to Typhoon Yolanda, the ongoing rehabilitation efforts in Leyte and other areas hit by the super typhoon, the designation of former Senator Panfilo M. Lacson as the rehabilitation czar, and the “word war” between Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez regarding the perceived failure of the national government to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of those affected by the typhoon.

The survey used 1,200 adults all over the country and has an error margin of ± 3 percent at 95 percent confidence level. (MNS)

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Aquino to launch initiatives that will institutionalize good governance even after his term MANILA, Jan 13 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III will launch on Wednesday initiatives that will further institutionalize good governance in his administration and even after his term, his spokesperson said Monday.

Aquino will keynote the Good Governance Summit to be held at the Philippine International Convention Center where he will launch “The Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Cluster Action Plan 2013-2016,” the Cashless Purchase Card System, and the Open Data portal with Open Government Data-Philippines. “These are initiatives that strengthen government and civil society’s capacities to make sure that the people’s money is spent the right way, and help ensure that reforms under the Aquino administration will be further institutionalized, and remain even after the President’s term in office,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.

“Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap” has been the bedrock principle of the Aquino administration, which has been rocked recently by accusations of corruption involving several lawmakers who allegedly misused their pork barrel allocations.

The alleged P10-billion pork barrel scam, which

saw three senators facing plunder complaints, has led to the biggest mass gathering under the fouryear-old Aquino administration in August last year.

Lacierda said the President will also be attending on Thursday the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s 63rd anniversary where he is expected to personally thank the agency’s employees “for their tireless work, particularly in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda, making certain that the fruits of our reforms truly make their way to those who need it most.”

“These two events clearly illustrate the causality between a government of integrity, and a regime of inclusiveness and equal opportunity,” said Lacierda.

He said it has been the administration’s overarching strategy from day one that if they curb corruption by making sure that the people’s tax money is working for them, and the leaders put the people’s interest front and center on the agenda, then the people be able to lead dignified lives, free from the shackles of poverty.

“Rest assured, our people can look forward to more progress on this front, as the Aquino administration’s full adherence to this strategy continues for the rest of his days in office,” said Lacierda. (MNS)

11.8M families considered themselves poor at end of 2013 – SWS MANILA, Jan 13 (Mabuhay) – Nearly 12 million households said they considered themselves poor as 2013 drew to a close, according to a new survey by pollster Social Weather Stations.

According to the SWS survey, taken from Dec. 11 to 16 last year, 55 percent of respondents or 11.8 million families, said they were poor.

This was higher than the 50 percent of families who considered themselves poor in September, the SWS said in its report published Monday in the Business World website.

Also, 41 percent of respondents, equivalent to 8.8 million families, considered themselves food-poor, four points higher than in September.

“Both self-rated poverty and self-rated food poverty rose from the previous quarter, and are above their four-quarter averages for 2013,” the SWS noted.

The increases in the national numbers for selfrated poverty and food poverty were “roughly due to increases in all areas except Mindanao.”

The SWS also found that the full-year results for 2013 – with self-rated poverty at 52 percent - were similar to marks in 2012.

The pollster added self-rated food poverty in 2013 averaged 39 percent, two points down from 2012.

The survey used face-to-face interviews with 1,550 adult Filipinos nationwide.

In the survey, respondents were asked to choose whether their families were poor, not poor or “on the line” in both poverty and food-poverty categories.

Respondents were also asked how much money would be required for their households not to be considered poor.

Sampling error margins of ±2.5% for national, ±4% for the Visayas and ±6% for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon and Mindanao percentages applied to the survey.

By region The SWS poll found that Mindanao was the only area to register a decrease in poverty.

Self-rated poverty in Metro Manila rose to 46 percent, with its 2013 average at 43 percent, two points higher than the previous year.

Self-rated poverty increased eight points in Bal-

ance Luzon to 50 percent, for a full-year result of 48 percent. This was six points higher than its average in 2012.

In the Visayas, the rise in self-rated poverty was six points, to 68 percent. This rendered the average self-rated poverty to 63 percent, two points higher from 2012.

As for Mindanao, self-rated poverty dipped two points to 59 percent, and its average for 2013 was 55 percent. This was 12 points below the average in 2012.

Food poverty The SWS said self-rated food poverty increased by three points to 32 percent in Metro Manila. Metro Manila had an average self-rated food poverty of 29 percent for 2013, two points higher than 2012.

Self-rated poverty went up six percentage points in the Visayas and Balance Luzon. In the Visayas, self-rated food poverty went up to 52 percent for an average of 47 percent in 2013; and to 36 percent in Balance Luzon for an average of 33 percent last year.

The Visayas’ self-rated food poverty was two points lower compared to last year, and three points higher for Balance Luzon.

Meanwhile, self-rated poverty stayed at 47 percent in Mindanao, for a 2013 average of 44 percent.

This was 12 points lower from 2012.

Belt-tightening The SWS said the self-rated poverty threshold, or the monthly budget that households need so they would not consider themselves poor, remained sluggish despite inflation.

It said this “indicates that poor families have been lowering their living standards, i.e., belt-tightening.”

The SWS found that the median poverty threshold rose to P10,000 in Mindanao, dipped to P12,000 in Metro Manila and P9,000 in Balance Luzon, and remained at P10,000 in the Visayas.

Also, the median self-rated food poverty threshold, or the minimum monthly budget with which a household will not consider itself food-poor, decreased to P6,000 in Metro Manila and P4,500 in Balance Luzon. It remained at P5,000 in the Visayas and P4,000 in Mindanao.

Half of US Congress are millionaires: study WASHINGTON, January 10, 2014 (AFP) – For the first time ever, half of US Congressmen, both Democrats and Republicans, are millionaires, according to figures from a group that examines the influence of money on politics.

At least 268 of 534 lawmakers currently elected to the House of Representatives and the Senate had a net worth of $1.0 million or more in 2012, according to disclosures filed by all members of Congress.

For a few, that figure went into the hundreds of millions – and the median net worth was just over a million, at $1,008,767, according to analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics at OpenSecrets.org.

Median figures for Republicans and Democrats in the “millionaires club” are nearly equal, with Democrats edging just a bit ahead with $1.04 million compared to $1.0 million for Republicans.

But in both parties, the average has risen from a year earlier, from $990,000 for Democrats and $907,000 for Republicans. That year, some 48 percent of lawmakers were in the millionaires club.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics’ analysis, the wealthiest Congressman was Repre-

BY ROB LEVER

520 E. Wilson Ave, Suite 210 Glendale CA 91206

Alex Llorente

OPINION

sentative Darrell Issa, a Republican from California, who made a fortune with a car alarm system he created. They calculated his net worth as averaging $464 million during 2012.

His least wealthy colleague was David Valadao, also a Republican from California, whose net worth was in the red – a negative $12.1 million – thanks to debts related to his family dairy farm.

“Members of Congress have long been far wealthier than the typical American,” the center said, but noting a majority of “millionaires represents a watershed moment at a time when lawmakers are debating issues like unemployment benefits, food stamps and the minimum wage.” Even as polls “show how dissatisfied Americans are with Congress overall,” said center director Sheila Krumholz, “there’s been no change in our appetite to elect affluent politicians to represent our concerns in Washington.”

She said it was “undeniable” that wealth is necessary “to run financially viable campaigns.”

“And the most successful fundraisers are politicians who swim in those circles to begin with,” she added.

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LAS VEGAS, January 9, 2014 (AFP) – There’s a sensor in a bra, in your socks, on your wrist, attached to your chest, in the ears: wearable tech is spreading all over the body.

The growing use of embedded wearable devices connected to a smartphone is spawning a massive industry geared to fitness, health and other goals, offering potential benefits to everyone from the newborn infant to the infirm elderly.

It was also one of the hottest sectors on display at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the largest annual showcase of techrelated gear. “Our vision is that the garment is the next computer,” says Davide Vigano, chief executive of Heapsylon, maker of the Sensoria Fitness bra, Tshirt and socks, which connect to a smartphone designed for runners and others who want to monitor their health and improve workouts.

The company, which is participating in CES panels and displaying the products on the sidelines of the giant expo, says its key features are “100 percent textile sensors” woven into fabric to be more comfortable, and combine use of a transmitter on the socks with the chest monitor to more accurately track activity.

And like several new wearables coming on the market, Sensoria includes a “virtual coach” to help boost motivation and improve technique.

The fitness sector is one of the key areas in wearables, led by devices such as the FitBit and Nike Fuel Band. Smartwatches are another big segment, with offerings from the crowd-funded Pebble, giants such as Samsung and Qualcomm, and others showing their wares in a new “wrist revolution” zone on the showroom floor, in addition to the large health and fitness section. And several connected eyewear products are being shown, even if Google Glass is absent.

A $19-billion market Juniper Research projects that the smart wearable-device market will reach $19 billion by 2018 compared with $1.4 billion in 2013, including segments such as fitness, health and security.

Intel chief executive Brian Krzanich told the CES the chipmaker is making a major push into wearable tech, and showed off some of its products to be released this year including a watch, earbuds which can monitor the wearer’s heart rate and a “onesie” for young infants that can allow parents to monitor a baby’s breathing, sleeping, temperature and positioning.

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UTREACH California 3rd in nation in high hospital charges New data released by the nation’s largest nurses’ organization reveals that California hospitals are among the most costly in the nation, helping fuel a growing scandal of high hospital charges and costs.

California ranks third nationally in how high it sets its charges over its costs, with a statewide average charge of 451 percent as a percent of total costs. In other words, the average Nevada hospital charges $451 for every $100 of its total costs. That’s well above the national average of 331 percent.

Top 10 Most Expensive Hospitals – California (by total charges as a percent of total costs) 1. Olympia Medical Center, Los Angeles – 1034% 2. Doctors Hospital of Manteca, Manteca – 967% 3. Doctors Medical Center, Modesto – 957% 4. Barstow Community Hospital, Barstow – 872% 5. Monterey Park Hospital, Monterey Park – 860% 6.Twin Cities Community Hospital, Templeton

– 813% 7. Lodi Memorial Hospital, Lodi – 811% 8. Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, Mission Hills – 809% 9. Regional Medical Center, San Jose – 804% 10-Community and Mission Hospital of Huntington Park, Huntington Park – 783% The new findings are based on publicly available Medicare Cost Reports as of June, 2013, covering the fiscal year 2011-2012, analyzed by the Institute for Health and Socio-Economic Research, the research arm of National Nurses United.

For the charge to cost ratio for other California hospitals, call 510-273-2246.

IHSP/NNU also released the top 100 most expensive U.S. hospitals, top 10 for each state, and statewide averages.

• The 100 most expensive U.S. hospitals have a charge to cost ratio of 765 percent and higher – more than double the national average of 331 percent.

• Despite enactment of the Affordable Care Act, hospital charges recorded their single big-

USCIS to welcome more than 5,200 new U.S. citizens at first LA citizenship ceremony of 2014 LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles and Southern California will welcome 5,276 newly naturalized citizens on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in West Hall “A-B”. The candidates, lawful permanent residents who have met all the requirements for citizenship, represent more than 130 countries. Fourteen candidates representing most branches of the Armed Forces will also be among those taking the Oath of Allegiance. This will be the first naturalization ceremony of the New Year for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) District 23, Los Angeles.

USCIS is also asking new citizens and their families and friends to share their citizenship experience and photos at the ceremony via Twitter using the hashtag #newUScitizen.

The top ten countries represented at Tuesday’s ceremonies will be: 1) Mexico; 2) Philippines; 3) El Salvador; 4) China; 5) Iran; 6) Vietnam; 7) Korea; 8) Guatemala; 9) India; and 10) Armenia. These monthly naturalization ceremonies highlight the successful efforts of the Los Angeles District Office of USCIS to process thousands of lawful permanent residents to become citizens of the United States of America. During Fiscal Year 2013, more than 93,000 candidates for citizenship became naturalized U.S. citizens in USCIS District 23 which covers the seven counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.

Red rules on Globes red carpet LOS ANGELES, January 13, 2014 (AFP) – Red ruled the Golden Globes red carpet on Sunday as Hollywood’s A-list stars bared their shoulders in eye-popping gowns for the first major awards show of the season.

A sprinkler malfunction almost rained on the fashion parade at the Beverly Hilton, but Tinseltown’s top film and television actors successfully strutted their stuff after workers scrambled to mop up the mess.

“American Hustle” star and best musical/comedy actress winner Amy Adams chose a two-tone burgundy-red Valentino halter dress with the same only-if-you-dare plunging neckline seen in the 1970s-era crime caper.

The key to pulling off the wide V neck? “Good posture,” Adams quipped to E! television’s Ryan Seacrest.

Lupita Nyong’o, a best supporting actress nominee for her searing turn in “12 Years A Slave,” stunned in a red Ralph Lauren column dress with matching cape, all off the shoulder.

Host Tina Fey wore several gowns throughout the night, but all of them had at least a hint of red. On the red carpet, she donned a strapless black Carolina Herrera ball gown with a long train, sprinkled with red flowers.

During the broadcast, she wore a sleeveless burgundy dress with a jeweled V-neckline, and another strapless frock in fireengine red.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, a nominee for her work in romantic comedy “Enough Said,” also wore bright red – a curve-hugging Narciso Rodriguez number.

Pop starlet Taylor Swift also wore Herrera: a strapless gown with a black bodice and a flowing red skirt.

Other bright colors were seen – “Girls” star Lena Dunham sported a strapless canary yellow Zac Posen frock with a sweetheart neckline, and “Orange Is The New Black” star Taylor Schilling wore an emerald Thakoon dress with spaghetti straps and a lacy neckline.

And best supporting actress winner Jennifer Lawrence of “American Hustle” again wore Dior – this time, a tiered gauzy white gown with two black bands.

Basic black, always a red carpet staple, of course had its place at the Globes.

Smartphones replace keys in smart door locks

BY GLENN CHAPMAN

LAS VEGAS, January 10, 2014 (AFP) – Gabriel Bestard-Ribas got tired of his house keys scratching his smartphone in his pocket, so he combined them.

The result was a Goji lock, which senses when a resident’s smartphone is near and not only unlocks a door but greets the resident by name.

It’s just one of the trend of “smart locks” on display at the Consumer Electronics Show that ends here Friday.

“My keys were always scratching my phone, so I thought why not build them in,” said Bestard-Ribas, founder and chief executive of San Francisco startup Goji.

His creation fuses mobile Internet technology with centuries old lock mechanics. A free Goji application installed in smartphones uses Bluetooth connectivity to let the lock know a person is near and, if it is a resident or someone given a “digital key,” a personalized welcome message displays and the path is opened.

A camera built into the lock takes a picture of whoever is arriving. Images of visitors as well as alerts regarding entry are relayed to residents’ smartphones through home wireless Internet connections.

“It is about allowing you to feel confidence and control over your home access,” Bestard-Ribas told AFP. “We have all lost keys or given them to someone who left our sight; we don’t know if copies were made.”

gest jump, a 22 percentile point increase from fiscal year 2010-2011 to fiscal year 2011-2012 in the past 16 years for which the IHSP has analyzed the data.

There is a strong correlation between high charges and profits. The 10 percent of hospitals with the highest charges over their costs have the largest average profits.

• For-profit hospitals continue to dominate the list of those with the highest charges. For-profit corporations average charges of 503 percent of their costs, or $503 for every $100 of total costs.

• By contrast, publicly-run hospitals, including federal, state, county, city, or district operated hospitals, with public budgets and boards that meet in public, exercise far more restraint than for-profit or non-profit corporate chains. Average charge ratios for government-run hospitals are just 235 percent of their costs.

• Public oversight, or regulation seems to help constrain excessive pricing. Maryland, probably the most regulated state in the U.S. has the lowest average charges of all the states among its 10 most expensive hospitals.

While Medicare sets reimbursement rates, insurance companies typically negotiate with hospitals on reimbursements. But the higher the charges, says NNU, the greater the ultimate reimbursement that insurers pay. Predictably, insurers will pass those increased costs to ratepayers, with resulting higher premiums, co-pays, deductibles, and other fees for patients and families.

Uninsured individuals with far less bargaining power are too often hit with the full list price.

Hospitals increasingly tack on steep co-pays, require cash up front before administering care, or hound patients for payment afterwards.

Globally, a Commonwealth Fund study of 11 developed nations released in November found that U.S. adults are the most likely to forego treatment due to cost, struggle to pay bills, and spend the most out of pocket on medical care. In 2013, it found, 37 percent of U.S. adults failed to see a doctor, didn’t seek recommended treatment or did not fill a prescription because of the high cost – compared to just 4 percent of those in Great Britain.

Obamacare signs up 2.2 million, a quarter young adults: study

WASHINGTON, January 13, 2014 (AFP) – About 24 percent of people who signed up online for President Barack Obama’s trouble-plagued signature health care plans in 2013 were young adults, the group key to keeping the system balanced, officials said Monday. That’s a number the administration hopes to increase, the Health and Human Services officials added.

Overall, almost 2.2 million people have been able to sign up online despite a very bumpy rollout of Obama’s top political legacy, HHS said in a report released Monday.

That figure comes from the start of the enrollment period on October 1 through December 28, 2013. But the report found the vast majority of enrollments – 1.8 million – came in December, after a slow start.

The rollout of the website, which should allow every American with-

out health insurance to register for coverage, has been plagued by technical problems. Obama’s administration had earlier vowed to improve the site’s technical failings.

Health care reform was the centerpiece of Obama’s election campaign in 2008 and was passed in 2010 before being upheld in 2012 by the Supreme Court. But Obama’s popularity has nosedived to an alltime low since implementation of the Affordable Care Act, dubbed “Obamacare,” got under way.

Among the people signing up, young adults aged 18-34 – a key set from the insurers point of view since they are the least likely to be sick, and as such the least costly – are key to preventing cost overruns. The lower rates for younger people help the program make up costs for other ages, particularly the elderly.

“The trend so far as we released in this report are suggestive of an appropriate mix in the marketplace,” said Mike Hash, Director of HHS’s Office of Health Reform.

“But again to remind you, we’re only halfway through the enrollment period, and we expect an increase in the proportion of young adults as we go forward.”

About 79 percent of the 2.2 million received government financial help to pay their insurance premiums, the report found.

“There’s no way to spin it: youth enrollment has been a bust so far,” said Brendan Buck, spokesman for John Boehner, Republican speaker of the House of Representatives.

“When they see that Obamacare offers high costs for limited access to doctors – if the enrollment goes through at all – it’s no surprise that young people aren’t rushing to sign up,” he insisted.

UCLA nurse heads to the PHL for ongoing Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda relief effort While many are settling back into regular routines after the holiday break, registered nurse Elena Dahl, an RN at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, CA is starting the new year by traveling to the Philippines to provide medical support for those who continue to be affected by the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda.

Dahl, who lives in San Pedro, CA, will join the fifth team of RN volunteers, part of the National Nurses United’s Registered Nurse Response Network, that departs on Wednesday, January 15, 2014, to Roxas City on the northern end of the island of Panay, which was in the direct path of the storm.

The super typhoon killed over six thousand people, left almost two thousand missing and 4 million either homeless or with damaged homes. The team includes RNs

from New York, Minnesota, Texas, and California. They are among the 3,000 RNs from all 50 states and 19 nations who volunteered in the days after the deadly storm to assist with the relief project for Haiyan/ Yolanda. Another Sacramento area RN, Lyn Tirona returned from the RNRN relief effort in late December.

“I volunteered because we are all interconnected,” said Dahl, who has been an RN for ten years and works as a staff nurse in the MaternityMother baby-care unit. “The world of media draws us globally closer and we all feel the impact of global climate change – you never know when your community might be the next in need. As an RN I feel an obligation to all communities in need, in particular the most vulnerable populations like mothers and babies.”

UCLA Medical Center is sup-

porting Dahl’s trip by continuing to pay her salary while she is on the relief mission and by donating her airfare. “I am very proud to be supported by the sponsorship donated by the UCLA system which is striving to heal humankind beyond the scope of their own communities,” said Dahl.

She added, “I’m also very proud of being part of this particular disaster relief effort, as National Nurses United’s RNRN effort emphasizes the significance of community collaboration by partnering with healthcare workers of the Philippines and empowering the local community there.”

“Now that the world is no longer focused on the devastation in the Philippines, it is even more important that we continue to lend our support,” said Bonnie Castillo, RN, director of RNRN.

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LOS ANGELES

24 WOUNDED

EX-MARCOS AIDE

From page 1

and killed as he was leaving his parish in Arakan.

In September, Oranza said po-

From page 1

lice recovered and defused an improvised bomb planted near the school’s flagpole.

LEMON LAW From page 1

“It provides that if a manufacturer or its authorized dealer cannot successfully repair a defective product within a reasonable number of repair attempts, the manufacturer must either promptly replace or repurchase the product,” Villar explained. Villar said given the fastpaced nature of the current time, owning a motor vehicle now is not considered a luxury but more of a necessity to cope with everyday duties and responsibilities.

“Coping with this necessity does not come cheap. Owning a motor vehicle is a big investment and could take a substantial chunk of one’s savings. For some unfortunate buyers, an investment in this endeavor has become for naught after they acquired a ‘lemon’ or those that fail to meet the standards of quality and performance,” Villar said.

The young lawmaker added that because of this, buyers continue with the burden of retaining the “lemon” and paying the expensive cost, without equitable redress for their unlucky fate.

“The State declares to promote full protection to the rights of consumers in the sale of motor vehicles against sales and trade practices which are deceptive, unfair or otherwise inimical to the consumers and the public interest,” Villar said.

Covered under the measure to be known as the “Lemon Law of 2013” are brand-new motor vehicles with non-conformity reported by the consumer within 12 months from the date of original delivery to the consumer or P20,000 kilometers of operation after such delivery, whichever comes first.

Under the bill, it shall be the obligation of the manufacturer, distributor, authorized dealer or

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retailer to attend to the complaints of the consumer upon receipt of the motor vehicle and the notice of nonconformity required under this Act, making the repairs and undertaking such actions to make the vehicle conform to the standards or specifications of the manufacturer or distributor of such vehicle.

To compensate for the non-usage of the vehicle while under repair and during the period of availment of the Lemon Law rights, the manufacturer shall provide the consumer with a reasonable daily transportation allowance, an amount which covers the transportation of the consumer from his or her residence to his or her regular workplace and vice versa, equivalent to an airconditioned taxicab fare or a service vehicle at the option of the manufacturer, distributor, authorized dealer or retailer. If the consumer remains unsatisfied with the dealer-manufacturer’s efforts to repair the vehicle, the consumer may file a complaint before the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The bill mandates the DTI to exercise exclusive and original jurisdiction over disputes. In case a non-conformity of the vehicle is found by the DTI, it shall rule in favor of the consumer and direct the dealer-manufacturer to replace the motor vehicle with a similar or comparable motor vehicle in terms of specifications and value, subject to availability and accept the return of the motor vehicle, paying back the consumer the purchase price plus collateral charges.

Villar said a P100,000 fine shall be imposed on car manufacturers, distributors or dealers who fail to observe the disclosure agreement.

(MNS)

fainting spells.

“Incarceration for her would be a death sentence, or at least a life sentence,” Hoffinger said, according to the Times.

It took a jury less than three hours to convict Bautista in November of conspiracy and tax

fraud in connection with the sale of the Monet piece, “Le Bassin aux Nympheas” (1899).

The painting by one of world’s best painters in Monet had been taken along with three other works in late 1995 from the walls of a New York townhouse owned

by the Philippine government.

Bautista maintained she had Mrs. Marcos’s written permission to sell the works, which were found in Bautista’s apartment in Manhattan. The Philippine government is seeking to recover them.

lated under RA 10591. ”We will strictly enforce what is stated in the law…as you see, most crimes that are committed right now involve gun. So, we re-

ally need to enforce strict measures on carrying and ownership of guns, especially the conduct of the neuro psychiatric examination,” said Purisima.(MNS)

ternational are helping millions of survivors who lost relatives, homes, jobs, or all three.

The Philippine government has listed 109 children orphaned by Haiyan on the stormravaged central island of Leyte alone. A 2013 US State Depart-

ment report on global human trafficking described the Philippines as “a source country, and to a much lesser extent, a destination and transit country for men, women and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor.”

eas serviced by Meralco, Ridon said a national emergency may be declared “justifying the take over of all power utilities, from generation to transmission and distribution.” Also, he said the government should also take over generation plants as it has the “greatest effect on power rates.” “Clearly, these utilities are businesses imbued with great public interest,” he added.

Power suppliers should speak up Meralco had wanted energy suppliers to comment on the controversial P4.15 per kilowatt-hour power rate hike, saying they should also be made to answer the petition at the Supreme Court against the power rate hike. On Friday, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno gave way to a request by the Meralco to include a number of power-

generating companies and other key players in the industry as respondents in the pending consolidated petition covering the intention of Meralco to raise electricity rates by a record P4.15 per kilowatt-hour. “The Counter-Petition by Meralco shall be treated as in the nature of a Third-Party Complaint and the prayer to include the (generation companies)... as parties-respondents in this case is granted,” the high court said.

Only Meralco, the Department of Energy, and the Energy Regulatory Commission were the original respondents in the case. The petitioners had accused the power distributor of collusion with suppliers in raising electricity prices, and said the rate hike violates the Electric Power Industry Reform Act. (MNS)

told AFP. “The reason why it was (banned) is because of the noise that the civil society has created on the impact of lead.”

The metal is used to make batteries, matches, metal alloys, paint, putty, ceramics, insecticides and explosives, among many others.

It is also used extensively in plumbing.

The widespread use of lead has caused extensive environmental contamination and health problems in many parts of the world, according to the World Health Organization.

The poison affects multiple organs and the health burden is borne mostly by developing

countries, even as other countries have for obvious reasons reduced its use in petrol, paint, plumbing and solder.

The Philippines earlier banned the use of lead in fuel in 2001.

But Aguilar, the Greenpeace campaigner, said the government has been unable to enforce a ban on other hazardous chemicals.

Between 1997 and 2004, the environment department issued similar chemical control orders on cyanide, asbestos and mercury, she said.

“The tricky part now is how to monitor this (lead ban) to make sure it will really be enforced,” she added.

AMNESTY From page 1

of the new firearms law in combating crimes in the country, which mostly involved guns.

He vowed strict implementation by the PNP of what is stipu-

TRAFFICKING From page 1

not want children and women to be victimized by these criminals, especially those who came from the calamity area,” said Coloma.

United Nations agencies, foreign governments, as well as aid groups including Plan In-

MERALCO From page 1

the rate hike, saying generation firms might refuse to sell electricity.

But Ridon said: “Meralco should thus be circumspect in delivering public statements which seem to blackmail the public to simply accept the reality of very high power rates.”

He said he may file a bill revoking Meralco’s legislative franchise “for its failure to provide the public the least cost of electricity.” In its statement before the SC, Meralco said “The transmission company may stop transmitting if Meralco was unable to pay for the transmission charges. The entire power industry may come to a screeching halt.”

The rotational brownouts will have “dire consequences [on] the economy and security,” it added.

Should blackouts occur in ar-

LEAD BANNED From page 1

The ban covers a wide range of consumer products from toys and cosmetics to water pipes, school supplies and food and drinks packaging, he said in a statement.

Executives of import, manufacturing, distribution or recycling firms that violate the order face imprisonment of up to six months under the country’s toxic substances law, the ministry said.

Environmental groups welcomed the ban, while urging it to ensure its strict enforcement.

“We are kind of late here.

Many of our neighbors have already banned it,” Abigail Aguilar, toxic substances campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia,

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ple dead or missing across the central Philippines, according to a running government tally.

Bodies are still being recovered from under the rubble.

An average of 20 typhoons and storms kill hundreds of people across the Philippines every year, but the last three years have been exceptional in the ferocity of some of these disasters.

Bopha, which struck the region in December 2012, left 1,900 people dead or missing on Mindanao by government count.

Tropical Storm Washi also unleashed floods that killed 1,080 people in December 2011.

Earlier, NDRRMC spokesperson Reynaldo Balido said seven people died in Davao Oriental, six of whom were killed in a landslide incident in Tarragona town. The seventh fatality was from Barangay Marayag in Lupon town.

Meanwhile, six people died in the adjacent province of Compostela Valley: three in Compostela town, two in Monkayo, and one in New Bataan.

At least seven people were reported missing in the south: four in Compostela Valley, and one each in Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental. Those missing in Compostela Valley were feared buried in a mining site in Mt. Diwata in Monkayo.

Balido said there were a total of 34 people injured in the

non-stop rains, 23 of whom were due to the landslide in Davao Oriental.

Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental are the two provinces which took the brunt of typhoon “Pablo” in 2012. At least 1,000 people died in the deluge.

Office of Civil Defense – Region XI (Davao) director Loreto Rirao told dzMM that mountains were no longer able to hold water brought by the incessant rains.

“Three days, four days nang tuloy-tuloy ang ulan. Hindi kasing lakas pero dahil sa continuous ito ay nakakaipon ng tubig. Hindi inaasahan ng iba na ganon ang pagtaas dahil hindi ganoon kalakas.

Hindi nila nakikita na doon sa bulubundukin doon ang malakas,” Rirao said.

According to Rirao, the Davao Oriental towns of Tarragona, Manay, Caraga, Cateel, Baganga and Boston lost power supply and were inaccessible due to a series of landslides that rendered some roads impassable.

Governor Corazon Malanyaon said that the province has enough relief goods, but they are not able to reach the affected residents due to accessibility problems. Landslide incidents were also reported in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte; New Corella, Tagum City, and Cateel in Davao del Norte; Butuan City; Lanuza, Surigao del Sur; and Dinagat Islands, according to NDRRMC.

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Obesity declines among rich US teens, rises in poor

BY KERRY SHERIDAN

WASHINGTON, January 13, 2014 (AFP) – In the past decade, obesity has declined among US teenagers from rich families but has risen among their impoverished counterparts, a gap driven by lack of exercise, said a study Monday.

The research by experts at Harvard University examined what appeared to be an encouraging decline in adolescent obesity and found that only the upper class is benefiting.

“We find that although the overall obesity prevalence has plateaued, the trend looks very different across different subgroups,” said the study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Using family income as well as the education level of the parents to analyze two major US surveys, researchers found a growing class gap where obesity was concerned.

Beginning in the mid-2000s, obesity rates declined among children of parents who graduated from college.

Meanwhile, obesity rates rose among children of parents who had only a high school diploma.

Similar trends were seen when researchers separated the data by income level.

However, when it came to probing racial differences, researchers said they did not have enough data to reliably explore interactions between class and ethnicity.

The obesity rate among those aged 12-17 in the United States nearly doubled from the late 1980s until the mid-2000s, but began leveling off about a decade ago.

About nine percent of adolescent were obese in the time span of 1988 to 1991, but that rose to 17 percent by 2003-2004, according to government data.

There has been no change in the teen obesity rate since then.

In the United States, obesity in adolescents and children is based on growth charts issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A body mass index, or ratio of weight and height, above the 95th percentile for age and gender is considered obese. Between the 85th and 94th percentile is considered overweight.

Key reasons the poor may be gaining weight are lack of physical activity and excessive food intake, the study said.

According to the study, calorie intake among kids of all income classes has gone down in recent years, but only kids of educated parents have reported getting regular exercise. “The difference comes down to physical activity,” study co-author Kaisa Snellman told AFP. “Educated families, they are much more likely to engage in physical activities, exercising, biking around, walking.”

Access to healthy foods also remains an obstacle for the poor.

The US Department of Agriculture has reported that 9.7 percent of the US population, or 29.7 million people, live in lowincome areas more than a mile from a supermarket.

In those areas, “the only options for grocery shopping are ‘convenience’ stores, liquor stores, gas stations, or fast food restaurants that sell foods high in fat, sugar, and salt,” said the study.

Obesity in young people can cause a host of health concerns, including higher risk of type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure and psychological problems, experts said.

The study was based on two nationally representative federal health surveys, the 1988-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the 2003-2011 National Survey of Children’s Health.

Nutrition and weight control: 7 healthy tips from Dr. Levi Harrison LOS ANGELES, Calif. (January 13, 2014) – Nutrition is very important in assisting to control your weight. It is so important for us to remember that the body is an extraordinary machine; however, it will reflect the types of foods which we eat. There is great truth to the adage, “We are what we eat and we are what we think!” We have to be “conscious eaters.”

“Conscious eating” is being aware of the foods that we place in our bodies. We must be aware of the “food environment” and the “food culture.” We do not have to eat food that is simply offered to us after we have eaten a meal. Also it is alright to not have dessert after every meal. Most cultures almost dictates that we “must have dessert” after dinner. What about taking a walk after dinner or simply eating a delicious piece of fruit after a meal? When we are more conscious about our eating habits, we can deliberately make better choices. I know that food is an essential part of our lives; yet, we must not let it control the stability of our health or the size of our waist lines.

Here are seven healthy tips to assist you to have better nutrition to control your weight and to a “conscious eater”: Consider having fruits and vegetables on half of the plate for each meal.

Consider eating only vegetables 3 days per week. Your body will love this.

Only buy nutritious, life-invigorating food for snacks such as dried fruits, nuts, grains and veggies.

Consider minimizing the amount of high caloric, non-nutritious food that you buy for home snacks such as soda, candy, packaged sugary foods, ice cream and foods that are high in salt, sugar, dyes and preservatives.

Eat 4-5 small meals during the day to keep insulin and cortisol levels stable during the day. Be sure to exercise daily, which will decrease stress and stimulate a feeling of wellbeing.

Take time to be still and meditate for 15-20 minutes per day. This will help you to be conscious about your eating habits and fitness goals.

These seven tips will help you make more

nutritious choices as you become a “conscious eater.”

Remember to exercise as you become more mindful about your health and nutrition.

Enjoy life!

About Dr. Levi Harrison Dr. Levi Harrison, “The Dr. Levi Harrison Fitness Doctor,” is an orthopedic surgeon and the director of the Harrison Orthopedic Institute – Center of Excellence in Glendale, California. He is the author of the The Art of Fitness: A Journey to Self Enhancement book and The Art of Fitness: Cardio Core Workout DVD, both available on Amazon.com and on his website, DrLeviFitness.com. He has recently appeared on the Dr. Oz show and hosts his own radio show every Wednesday at 10 a.m. on LAtalklive.com. For more information about Dr. Levi, his practice, or to schedule an appointment please call 818-2408001 or visit DrLeviFitness.com.

Dr. Levi’s office is located at 1560 E. Chevy Chase Drive, Suite 350, Glendale, CA 91206.

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MOTORING What’s on tap at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show (DETROIT-AFP) – There’s something new for everyone, from penny-pinched first-time buyers to those for whom, as they say, price is no object, and all in between at the 2014 North American Auto Show in Detroit this week.

Here is where the spotlights will shine brightest: Brawny but light: Ford takes a radical step, swapping out steel for aluminum in the body of the bedrock F150 pickup to improve gas mileage. Will it still be tough enough for the toughest customers, builders and farmers?

Italianate-Chrysler: Newly under full ownership of Fiat, Chrysler puts Euro-sleek lines on its midsize 200, taking aim at the more stately competition that the previous Sebring-rooted 200 could not keep up with.

Corvette gets more muscle:

GM has added horsepower and torque under the hood and an even more aggressive profile in the Corvette high performance Z06 Jazzed-up Honda Fit: the mini-soccer Mom hatchback gets more energetic lines in a sweeping upgrade that also promises more space, a smoother ride and better mileage Rally beast: Subaru has remade the WRX, which does not mean it is any less homely - just more powerful, more agile, and likely to remain the favorite of rally drivers worldwide Audi’s mini-crossover concept: this could be the coming 2016 Q1, a “shooting brake”-styled crossover with enough lines from the TT - and close to its size – to keep “Transporter” Jason Statham looking cool enough.

Kia carved for speed, with

a Stinger: South Korea’s Kia’s teaser photos for the GT4 Stinger concept support its description as “sculpted”: a hot pocket-rocket for the youth market with a turbocharged 315 horsepower 2 liter engine.

The future of Maxima: Nissan unveils its new sport sedan, expected to be the first taste of a revamped Maxima for 2015.

Mercedes C Class gets promoted: For years the entry-level Benz, the brand new C Class is larger and comes with more options once reserved for the S and E classes, while the smaller CLA takes its place on the first step of the Mercedes ladder More speedy choices from BMW: a new 2 series to replace the 1; and a new M3 and M4 American luxe: Cadillac shows the ATS Coupe Volvo’s SUV future: the con-

Buyers to be spoiled for choice at upbeat Detroit auto show (DETROIT-AFP) - The Detroit auto show is set to open with a spirit of rational exuberance Monday as carmakers celebrate booming sales and bulging balance sheets with a slew of stylish and sporty new vehicles.

Consumers will be simply spoiled for choice as automakers compete for their attention with a renewed focus on design, big improvements in fuel economy and flashy new features.

The Detroit Three carmakers emerged from the 2008 financial crisis – which nearly killed General Motors and Chrysler—with leaner operations and a laser focus on improving product quality and offerings.

Their competitors responded by speeding up development cycles to keep their models fresh so they wouldn’t get left behind as sales slowly climbed out of a deep downturn. “For the consumer we’re seeing a fabulous situation,” Tom Libby, an analyst with IHS Automotive, told AFP. “They’re getting a huge array of fantastic products, and the prices are coming down because of competitive pressure.”

It’s a pretty fantastic time to be a carmaker too.

US auto sales finally returned to pre-recession levels last year, rising 7.6 percent to 15.6 million vehicles. They’re forecast to continue to grow this year, though at a slightly slower pace.

“More important than that is people are making a lot more money at 15 million than they used to make at 16 or 17, and ultimately people are in this game to make money,” said Dave Sargent, vice president of global automotive at JD Power.

“People are going to be frankly pretty bullish and the domestics in particular are feeling pleased with themselves and where they are now.”

At least 50 new models from more than a dozen carmakers will be unveiled in the Motor City.

Some of the most intriguing are concept cars – a way to test press and consumer reaction before a vehicle is finalized for production –\ like Honda’s hydrogen fuel-cell powered FCEV, The GT5 racer Mercedes originally designed for the Grand Turismo video game and Kia’s high-end GT4 Stinger sports car.

There will also be plenty of product ready for the assembly line, like the hotly-anticipated Ford F150 pickup truck.

The F-series has been the topselling vehicle in the United States for more than three decades. But with a deadline looming for strict fuel economy regulations, the new redesign is expected to incorporate aluminum to bring down its hefty weight.

“The jury is still out on how customers will react and if the aluminum will be up to the task

for a truck used for towing,” said Alec Gutierrez, an analyst with Kelly Blue Book.

Another important model will be the Chrysler 200 sedan, which uses Alfa Romeo architecture and will be studied to gauge the success of the integration of Chrysler and Fiat. For people who like luxury or a lot of power under the hood, Cadillac will unveil the new ATS coupe, Dodge will show a new iteration of its sexy Viper sports car while Corvette will reveal a convertible Stingray.

Mercedes will have a new Cclass, and Infiniti will introduce a carbon fiber outfitted Eau Rouge sedan. Toyota is expected to show a new sports car, the Supra, while its luxury Lexus brand is set to introduce the high-performance RC-F coupe.

Jaguar will also be introducing a sporty new coupe while Land Rover will display its limited-edition Autobiography Black, which comes with a whopping $185,000 price tag.

People with smaller budgets or a focus on fuel economy won’t be disappointed either.

Honda will be introducing its new Fit compact, and there will be new hybrids on offer as well.

Automakers have poured $200 million into displays aimed at dazzling the more than 5,000 journalists flying in from around the world for press previews on Monday and Tuesday.

A sign outside Cobo Hall as preparations are made for the North American International Auto Show January 12, 2014 in Detroit, Michigan. The 2014 Detroit Auto Show

cept XC Coupe Also new: IInfiniti’s Eau Rouge concept for the Q50; a midsize pickup from GMC, after years of supersizing; Porsche’s new 911

Targa; a successor to the Toyota Supra; and Ford re-unveils the all-new Mustang, introduced in December at the Los Angeles auto show.

Is the Toyota FT-1 the ultimate sports coupé concept?

(Relaxnews) – The Japanese car company is attempting to bring its iconic 1960s diminutive supercar, the 2000GT, racing into the 21st century.

Toyota says that the brief for the FT-1 was simple – to create the ultimate sportscar. And while what exactly is under the hood won’t be confirmed until the car’s official reveal at this week’s Detroit Auto Show, it certainly looks the part.

The company has an admirable track record when it comes to building sports cars. Its current GT-86, for example, is not only affordable and surprisingly subtle in terms of appearance (for a Japanese sportscar) it’s also incredibly fun to drive, thanks to a low-mounted boxer engine, rearwheel drive and very skinny tires that intentionally give up grip to make power sliding possible even at supermarket carpark speeds.

But it all started with the 2000GT, Toyota’s attempt to be taken seriously outside of its home country and a car that was christened the ‘Japanese Jaguar E-Type’ upon its official unveiling in 1965. The car was so good that it stared in a James Bond film and immaculate examples currently change hands for $1 million at auction.

And fans of the 2000GT will immediately notice certain design

Toyota FT-1 concept: Toyota will be revealing what’s under the hood at the Detroit motor show.

cues, such as the long body, setback cabin and wraparound windshield, while admirers of the company’s more recent work, such as the Lexus LFA, will take comfort in the retractable rear spoiler, oversized air intakes and beefy, visible exhausts.

Toyota says that like all true sportscars, the FT-1’s weight distribution is excellent and that its engine is front mounted, sending the drive to the rear wheels.

Inside, the driver’s seat is positioned as low as possible for better feedback and sense of occasion every time the engine turns over.

Adding to the sense of connection is a Formula 1-style steering wheel and a color heads up display for minimizing distractions.

And, that wraparound windshield means optimum visibility when swinging the car into a corner.

Let’s hope that the engine is worthy of the car’s looks and that Toyota puts the car into production.

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(Here, mention your request).Only look upon me, then do what Your Heart decides....I count on You...I trust in You...I throw myself at Your mercy...Lord Jesus! You will not fail me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your love for me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked for many favors, but I earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Your Sacred Heart. When the Eternal Father sees it covered with Your Precious Blood, He will not refuse it. It will be no longer my prayer but Yours, O Jesus. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You. Let me never be confounded. Amen. – NAIRA

NOVENA TO ST. JUDE O most holy apostle, St. Jude, Faithful servant and friend of Jesus, people honor and invoke you universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. “Pray for me, for I am so helpless and alone. Please help to bring me visible and speedy assistance. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (state your request) and that I may praise God with you always. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you by publishing this request. Amen. - D.J.V

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

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INMENT

Pops on getting back with Martin: Nag-iba na ako

Claudine and Raymart Santiago

Claudine willing to forgive Raymart Actress Claudine Barretto is willing to patch things up with estranged husband Raymart Santiago for the new year, her camp revealed.

According to the actress’ legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, Barretto is not closing doors on a possible reconciliation.

“She’s a very forgiving person, pero in time. We are never closing a door for a settlement. Sabi nga sa bibliya, lahat ay may panahon,” he said. Last August, Claudine filed an Anti-Violence against Women and Their Children (VAWC) case against her estranged husband, Raymart Santiago, detailing “physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse.”

Santiago, in his counter-affidavit, accused his wife of domestic violence, stemming from a history of drug abuse and mental illness.

Since then, other members of the Barretto family have joined the word war, namely Gretchen who testified in court against her sister despite alleged threats from

their father.

Topacio revealed that Barretto matriarch Inday took offense to Gretchen’s testimonies, online and in court, and is considering filing a libel case against her estranged daughter.

“Shes feels offended by what she feels are untruths being peddled by Miss Gretchen,” he said.

Gretchen has called her mother “evil” online and threatened to reveal a “molestation” incident involving her father, Miguel, as well as a case of jewelry theft.

Inday labeled the accusations as “smear campaign” and “character assassination.” “We will be taking legal steps, including her parents.

There comes a time when enough is enough,” Topacio said.

The lawyer said that his camp will further discuss matters during the family’s next get-together.

“She’s talking to us lawyers about it. Bukas siguro magkakaroon ng opportunity in a social context na pag-usapan ‘yung mga possible legal steps against Ms. Gretchen,” he added.(MNS)

Pops Fernandez only responded with a hearty laugh when asked if it is possible that she and her former husband, Martin Nievera, would get back together.

Fernandez was hesitant to directly address if reconciliation is possible, saying things have already changed since they parted ways in 2000.

“When I do think about it, because siyempre marami pa rin kaming followers, you would always hear, ‘Sana magkabalikan pa rin kayo ni Martin.’ I ask him, ‘You think if we ever get back together again,’ kasi iba na ako eh. Hindi na ako like before,” she said.

Fernandez said even Nievera himself would be surprised to know the person that she is now.

“Hindi na ako like before. Before kasi I had little opinion but I was afraid to say it, I wasn’t as confident as I am now. I think baka ma-shock na si Martin na it’s going to be a totally different girl. I think he sees it, sobrang different Pops na,” she said.

Fernandez, however, said she is glad to have maintained a good relationship with Nievera for the sake of their two sons.

“I do appreciate the fact that Martin and I are friends. First of all, we have Robin and Ram. I’m sure they were very affected when we got separated.

It’s very hard to explain to your kids kung ano ang nangyari. There was a time I realized na they actually blame themselves pala for the whole separation.

I said, no, it wasn’t your fault. It took years for them to open up to me,” she said.

Despite being friends, Fernandez noted that she and Nievera only get in touch when it concerns their children.

“After how many years, you realize na okay naman pala. We are really friends from the very beginning.

It’s not like we are super close friends and we are always in touch with each other. Some people have that wrong notion. As a matter of fact, we only get in touch when it’s about the kids,” she said.

The former couple first met in 1982, when Fernandez had just joined showbiz. They married four years later.

Amid allegations of infidelity, Fernandez reportedly filed for the annulment of her marriage to Nievera in 1999. This was granted by the court only a year later.

Believer of true love Meanwhile, Fernandez said she remains a believ-

Martin and Pops

er of true love up to this day.

“I’m a sucker for true love, falling in love. I believe in chick flicks. I believe in those romantic types of films. I think that’s part of the excitement of living.

I still have that hope that I walk and I bump into someone and baka siya na ‘yun,” she said.

While revealing that she has no idea on what her ideal type of guy is, Fernandez said she has nothing against being in a relationship with someone of the same age, younger or older.

“For me, whether they are older than me, same age as me or a little bit younger than me, if you’re going to get hurt, you are going to get hurt. I think it’s just a matter of finding someone who can stand up for me, accept me who I am. Siyempre I have my own life already, I have two grown up men with me,” she said.

Fernandez said she is still hoping to walk down the aisle again with her soul1mate waiting for her at the altar.

“When I attend weddings, I always tell myself, ‘Oh my God, dear Lord I still want to get married.

I want to wear a gown and all that stuff.’ But only when I’m in a wedding,” she said.

“I’m a true believer of love. I guess when the right time comes and if there’s somebody brave enough, why not?” she added.

After Fernandez’s separation from Nievera, she got involved with some celebrities including actor Jomari Yllana and model Brad Turvey. (MNS)

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ATHLETICS Technology aims for perfect jump shot, golf swing

BY ROB LEVER

LAS VEGAS, January 10, 2014 (AFP) – A connected basketball promises to improve your jump shot. Embedded sensors which gather and analyze data offer hope for a better swing in golf, baseball or tennis.

The worlds of sports and technology came together this week at the Consumer Electronics Show, highlighting ways science can improve performance for the weekend warrior or professional athlete.

Apps and sensors showcased at CES 2014 help runners, cyclists, skiers, and people who play tennis, golf or baseball and more.

The 94Fifty basketball from Ohio-based startup InfoMotion Sports Technologies has sensors connected to a smartphone app, which analyzes shooting and other aspects of the game, with the goal of getting users to shoot with the optimal trajectory.

“The ideal trajectory is 45 degrees, coming down into the basket,” said Dave Calloway, a former collegiate basketball coach who is sales director for the company.

But Calloway acknowledges some players might find success with a different technique.

“We tell you the ideal way, but we also allow you to do what you need to do to feel comfortable,” he told AFP on the CES floor.

“For most players, their biggest flaw is inconsistency in trajectory. We as coaches can tell them what they have to do but with this system it is reinforced.

They get the muscle memory.”

Calloway said the basketball is being sold for recreational

use, but that it could be beneficial at all levels, noting that it is in use by teams at Princeton University and the University of Kansas.

The same technology, he said, is likely to be applied by the company to a soccer ball in the near future.

Another basketball system was introduced by British-based Cambridge Consultants, but its engineers were hesitant to offer a specific figure for trajectory.

“It depends where you are on the floor,” said Cambridge’s Duncan Smith.

The engineering and consulting firm developed the system using sensors in the backboard communicating to a smartphone. It is a prototype and “we hope someone will take it to market.”

California-based startup Zepp Labs meanwhile introduced three products, which analyze swing speed and angles for tennis racquets, baseball bats and golf clubs.

These systems also connect to smartphones to develop the optimal techniques, giving users feedback to improve, analyzing backswing, tempo and posture.

Babolat, the French company founded in 1875 and credited with inventing racquet strings, showed its connected tennis racquet and app, endorsed by champion Rafael Nadal.

“When you play tennis, you have your own sensation but you don’t have data on power or where the ball hits,” said Thomas Otton, communications director for Babolat, which launched its Play Pure Drive racquet in the US in December and will release it worldwide later this

Attendees visit exhibitors’ booths on the show floor at the 2014 International CES.

year.

“There is also a gamification aspect to this. With the app, you can compare your performance to that of your friends, even to Rafael Nadal.”

Other connected racquet systems—including one from Sony shown at CES—use a sensor which attaches to an existing racquet, but Babolat, which has partnered with the French technology firm Movea, has built it into the base of the racquet itself, so it does not affect weight or feel, says Otton.

Otton said the company has worked to effect a rule change by the International Tennis Federation to allow these racquets to be used in tournaments, which

can allow data to be analyzed after a match. Also at CES were ski goggles from Californiabased Liquid Image include a high-definition camera which can to connect to a smartphone and record data for later analysis. Pioneer, the Japanese electronics firm known for its audio equipment, displayed its connected bicycle—formally known as the Pedaling Monitor/Power Meter Sensor and SGX-CA900 Cyclocomputer. With a wireless transmitter and a display on the handlebars, the bike provides real-time pedaling power measurements and analysis, including stroke efficiency and torque.

This provides “continuous and instantaneous performance

feedback,” according to a company statement.

CES was awash with apps and sensors for runners, with sensors which measure speed, posture and stride.

Reflx Labs meanwhile uses data from a shoe insole sensor to transmit data on heel and arch pressure and balance, and also has an app for Google Glass which can allow runners to make changes in real time.

“You can see exactly what is happening with your feet,” said co-founder and chief executive Jose Torres. The system called Boogio can be used for recreational runners, “but we can also see it used for Olympic training,” Torres said.

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