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Vol. 3. No. 2

LOS ANGELES

A Balita Media Publication

Wednesday - Tuesday, Sept. 25 - Oct. 1, 2013

US not seeking base in PHL WASHINGTON, September 20, 2013 (AFP) – The United States said Friday that it was not seeking a permanent base in the Philippines as the allies expand military cooperation at a time of tension with China.

“I want to make a point very clear that the United States is not seeking to create or to reopen any military bases in the Philippines,” State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters.

The United States and the Philippines have been working on a new pact to boost security ties ahead of President Barack Obama’s October 11-12 visit to Manila.

Harf said that the United States was talking with the Philippines about how “to promote security and stability for our nation and in the region.”

President Benigno Aquino has called for greater military cooperation with the United States as the Philippines, Vietnam and Japan accuse China of increasing

assertiveness in staking claims in contested waters.

But reopening bases would likely also trigger resentment in some quarters of the Philippines, a former US colony.

The United States ended its permanent military presence at two bases in the Philippines in 1992 in the face of protests.

Obama has put a growing focus on Asia, with plans to shift the majority of the US Navy to the Pacific by 2020.

But US military strategists have soured on opening permanent bases, which can prove costly both financially and politically.

The United States plans to move more than 2,500 Marines to the northern Australian city of Darwin by 2016-17, but through rotations.

Nearly 80,000 US troops are stationed in Japan and South Korea on bases in a military presence that dates more than 60 years and has often been the source of discord.

New Muslim rebel attack in southern PHL ZAMBOANGA, September 23, 2013 (AFP) – Muslim rebels clashed with troops and took hostages in a fresh outbreak of violence in the strife-torn southern Philippines on Monday, officials said.

The fighting in the centre of Mindanao island came as a standoff with another Muslim armed group elsewhere in Mindanao entered its third week.

Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked pro-government volunteers in the town of Midsayap before dawn but retreated when military reinforcements arrived, said regional army spokesman Colonel Dickson Hermoso.

One soldier was killed while residents reported seeing four dead BIFF guerillas being carried away by their comrades, the colonel added.

The rebels then took 15 schoolteachers and farmers to use as human shields

against pursuit although they released some of them later, Hermoso said.

Three hostages remain and a local Muslim preacher has been sent to negotiate their release, he added.

Both Hermoso and BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama said the latest fighting was not related to the conflict with another Muslim band in Zamboanga City, 273 kilometres (170 miles) from Midsayap.

“This has nothing to do with the Zamboanga incident. That is different.

Our enemies are the military. We want them out,” Mama told radio station DXMS. In Zamboanga City MG-520 attack helicopters were seen firing rockets and machineguns at the remaining members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) still hiding in the city.

Soldiers also raked the area with See NEW MUSLIM, page 6

Ternate, Philippines: U.S. and Philippine Marines run through a jungle obstacle course during Amphibious Landing Exercise 2014 (PHIBLEX 14) at Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim, Ternate, Cavite, Republic of the Philippines, Sept. 18, 2013. PHIBLEX is a bilateral training exercise that demonstrates the commitment of the United States and Republic of the Philippines to mutual security and their long-term partnership. It also ensures the readiness of a bilateral force to rapidly respond to regional humanitarian crises.

The U.S. Marines are with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Philippine Marines are with Force Reconnaissance Battalion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ammon W. Carter, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Combat Camera)

Aquino to charge Nur over city attack ZAMBOANGA, September 22, 2013 (AFP) – President Benigno Aquino vowed Sunday to bring criminal charges against Muslim rebel leader Nur Misuari for a deadly attack on a major southern Philippine city that left hundreds dead or injured.

“Our investigators are making sure that Misuari will be made to answer for all these,” Aquino told a news conference in Zamboanga city shortly before boarding a jet to return to Manila.

“We now have witnesses who will directly link him to this conflict, and the charges are being prepared by the Department of Justice,” he added.

About 200 rebels from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founded by Misuari entered Zamboanga, a major trading centre with one million residents,

on September 9.

They took over several coastal districts, burning thousands of homes and taking scores of civilians hostage, in protest at an impending peace deal with a rival Muslim rebel group.

Aquino flew to the area on September 13 to take direct command of operations, with about 4,500 soldiers deployed to the city to push back the rebels.

More than 10,000 houses were set on fire and 111,000 civilian residents fled the street battles, according to the civil defense office in Manila.

The military said there are now just several dozen fighters left, holding at least 20 hostages in one neighborhood of dense clusters of homes.

“We’re now engaged in closequarter combat, we are going from

house to house, room to room,” military spokesman LieutenantColonel Ramon Zagala told AFP. The military wanted to conclude the operations as soon as possible, he said, but would not give a timetable.

One soldier was killed and 10 others were wounded in the past 24 hours, Zagala said.

In two weeks of fighting 102 guerrillas were killed with 117 others taken into custody, he said.

Fourteen soldiers and police died and 114 were wounded, he added.

Twelve civilians were killed and 49 wounded, while more than 170 hostages have been freed or were able to escape, Zagala said.

Aquino said the government’s firm response would have impressed on Misuari’s followers See AQUINO, page 6

Gov’t, MILF end 40th round of exploratory Lacierda to resign if Tatad’s talks, hope to reach final pact soon MANILA, Sept 21 (Mabuhay) that will be inclusive of the interallegations are – The government and the Moro ests and welfare of all BangsamIslamic Liberation Front on Fri- oro,” they said in a joint stateproven true day ended the 40 round of ex- ment. th

Pedestrians cross an improvised footbridge over a flooded street brought by monsoon rains along a main street of Espana, Metro Manila September 23, 2013. Heavy monsoon rain since Sunday has rendered flooding in parts of Metro Manila and the nearby provinces, making roads impassable to small vehicles, local media reported.

(MNS photo)

Heavy rains leave 18 dead in PHL OLONGAPO CITY, September 23, 2013 (AFP) – Monsoon rains worsened by Typhoon Usagi pounded the Philippines for the third day on Monday, causing floods and landslides that left 18 people dead and others stranded on rooftops, officials said.

The most severely affected area was the province of Zambales, about 80 kilometers (51 miles) northwest of Manila where heavy rains caused rain-soaked soil to cascade down, killing 17 people in different parts of the province, said assistant civil defense direc-

MANILA, Sept 23 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang blasted former Senator Francisco Tatad anew, this time for alleging in a newspaper column that Janet Napoles served as the Palace “conduit” to release pork barrel funds to legislators.

The release of the funds was dangled allegedly in exchange for votes to impeach and convict then Chief Justice Renato Corona and to pass the Reproductive Health bill.

See LACIERDA, page 6

ploratory peace talks in Malaysia, still hoping they can reach a final peace agreement soon.

Both sides noted progress in the discussions even as they acknowledged the difficulty of the issues being tackled in the talks.

“Despite the gravity and difficulty of the issues, there was progress in the discussions. The Parties remain committed to find creative solutions to finish the remaining annexes and resolve to forge a comprehensive peace pact

The statement, signed by panel chairpersons Miriam Ferrer (government) and Mohagher Iqbal (MILF), was posted on the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process website.

At the end of the talks, both parties also welcomed the “gradual return to normalcy in the lives of the people of Zamboanga City.”

“The Parties acknowledge the challenge before them to ensure that the peace process between See MILF ENDS, page 6

Senate bill proposes free medicines in barangays

tor Nigel Lontoc.

“They were surprised by the rain. It happened before dawn so they might have been asleep at the time,” he told AFP. “This is mountainous area and there are many houses on the slopes. The rain must have really weakened the soil,” he added.

A 67-year-old woman drowned when her home was submerged by a flood in Olongapo City, also in Zambales, he added.

The mayor of Subic town, Jay Khonghun, where the majority of

MANILA, Sept 23 (Mabuhay) – To end the practice of some indigents of approaching lawmakers for medical assistance, a Senate bill has been filed seeking to provide free medicines in barangay health centers.

Under Senate Bill 1445, filed last month by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, essential medicines shall be bought by the national government and brought to barangay health centers to be given to indigents for free.

These essential medicines shall include remedies for cough, colds,

See HEAVY RAINS, page 6

See SENATE BILL, page 6

TFYI GOES TO LAGUNA - Hundreds of residents in Binan City in Laguna province line up to receive bags of groceries consisting of canned goods, bottled water, and flourbased products during a recent relief operation at the town plaza. More beneficiaries from two other cities in Laguna, one of the hardest hit areas when Typhoon Maring and the monsoon rains struck the Philippines, received the grocery bags donated by the Turkish Flour Yeast and Ingredients (TFYI) Promotion Group, a semi-government organization of traders promoting the Turkish brand.(MNS photo)

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Senate blue ribbon panel wants Napoles summoned to ‘pork’ probe MANILA, Sept 23 (Mabuhay) – The Senate blue ribbon committee wants businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, alleged mastermind of the P10-billion pork barrel scam, summoned to its hearing on the supposed anomaly scheduled on Thursday.

In a statement issued Monday, Senator Teofisto Guingona III, who chairs the Senate panel currently investigating the alleged scam, said his committee already forwarded a subpoena to Senate President Franklin Drilon, who must sign the document for it to be approved. “The appearance of Ms. Na-

poles in the blue ribbon hearing is important to our investigation as the Filipinos are looking for answers that may shed light to some issues at hand,� Guingona said.

Napoles is currently detained at Fort Sto. Domingo in Laguna for separate illegal detention charges.

Last week, the National Bureau of Investigation filed plunder raps against Napoles and several lawmakers and personalities, including Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Bong Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada in connection with the pork barrel scam. (MNS)

Palace: Up to AMLC to freeze accounts of those charged with plunder in pork barrel scam MANILA, Sept 21 (Mabuhay) – It is up to the Anti-Money Laundering Council to take the needed steps to freeze the bank accounts of lawmakers and other personalities charged with plunder over the P10-billion pork barrel scam, Malacaùang said Saturday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the work of the executive branch via the Department of Justice was to investigate the mess and file complaints against the personalities before the Office of the Ombudsman. “Iiwanan namin sa AMLC kung ano ang kanilang magiging hakbang. Sa amin what came out of the DOJ are the charges...Dadaan pa yan sa preliminary investigation sa Office of the Ombudsman (We will leave to the AMLC to take the needed steps. From the end of the executive branch, complaints had been filed, and the Ombudsman will hold a preliminary investigation),� she said on government-run dzRB radio.

Earlier this week, the DOJ filed plunder and graft charges against three senators and more than 30 others for the pork barrel scam mess involving trader Janet Lim-Napoles.

The charges stemmed from the use of fake non-government organizations to siphon funds from lawmakers’ Priority Development Assistance Fund allocations.

However, several of those facing the charges were reported to have already left the country.

TRO on watchlist Meanwhile, Valte said a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court was the reason why many of those linked to the pork barrel scam managed to leave the country.

She said this was unlike in November 2011, when the watchlist of the Department of Justice was active, and blocked former President Gloria Arroyo from leaving the country. “Na-TRO ng Supreme Court ang watchlist power ng DOJ precisely because of the case of the former president, the petition they filed in the Supreme Court (The Supreme Court issued a TRO against the watchlist power of the DOJ because of the case of the former president, the petition her camp filed in the SC),� she said. “Hindi sa walang ginagawa ang DOJ or BI, naka-TRO ang watchlist power ng DOJ (It’s not a case of the DOJ or BI being negligent. It’s that the DOJ’s watchlist power has been restrained by a TRO),� she said.

In November 2011, the DOJ did not act on a TRO issued by the SC that would have allowed Mrs. Arroyo to go abroad and seek medical treatment.

At the time, the DOJ through the Immigration Bureau blocked Arroyo from leaving the country despite a TRO the high court issued against the DOJ’s watch list order on the former Philippine leader earlier in the day.

Then court administrator and SC spokesman Jose Midas Marquez had said the high court announced its ruling at 3 p.m. and came out with the hard (printed) copy of the TRO past 5 p.m.

Marquez said the DOJ refused to receive it because it was served past office hours. (MNS) FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE

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MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOREVER.

Former President and Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada inspects the wifi installed at the world class waiting shed during its opening and ribbon cutting ceremony infront of the University of the Sto Tomas on Espana St.,in Sampaloc, Manila on Friday, Sept 20,2013 (MNS photo)

PHL officials in UAE probe fake travel document row MANILA, Sept 23 (Mabuhay) – Philippine officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are investigating claims by an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) group that a travel document is being sold at high prices.

Ambassador Grace Princesa said she has also put mechanisms in place to check the authenticity of the documents in question, UAE news site Khaleej Times reported Sunday.

She said she will particularly check the authenticity of several Affidavit of Support (AoS) documents, which are at the center of claims by Migrante International UAE. But this early, Princesa denied claims that embassy staff have been accepting bribes for blank AoS documents.

AoS documents are required by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) to bring their families to their host countries.

The Khaleej Times report said Migrante had claimed an Aos is sold at Dh300, with Dh100 as payment to the embassy and Dh150 going to the fixer and Dh50 to a supposed middleman.

Princesa said a team will be formed in coordination with the Filipino embassy in Tehran to look into Migrante’s claims that thousands of Filipinos are in Kish Island on a visa run.

The Philippine Embassy in Tehran has consular jurisdiction over Kish Island.

Princesa also said the embassy has a list of those who had been issued affidavits at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. She said the AoS documents presented by Migrante could be checked against this list.

In the meantime, Princesa urged Filipinos who obtained their AoS from travel agencies at a hefty price to come forward and execute sworn statements. (MNS)

Palace expects financier in Zamboanga City crisis to be unmasked MANILA, Sept 21 (Mabuhay) – Malacaùang on Saturday said it expects the financier of the attack on Zamboanga City by followers of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari to be unmasked in the coming days.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that once the investigation into the incident gets underway, it should find clues on who backed the attack that triggered the crisis. “Saka na natin makikita yan, in the coming days.

Napagutos ng Pangulong Aquino ang imbestigasyon sa pangyayaring ito (We will know soon enough in the coming days. President Benigno Aquino III already ordered an investigation into what happened),� she said on government-run dzRB radio when asked who financed the attack. “Pag doon sa investigation, makikita kung meron silang tulong na nakuha sa ibang tao o sa ibang grupo (In the investigation we expect to know the individuals and groups that provided help to these Misuari followers),� she added.

Followers of Misuari had infiltrated some villages in the city since Sept. 9, taking many civilian hostages. The crisis entered its 13th day on Saturday.

The military claimed the government forces had retaken most of the MNLF-controlled areas and is now in the clearing operations stage.

But Valte said the focus of the government efforts in Zamboanga City for now is still on the clearing operations. “Ngayon ang focus ng pamahalaan ang clearing operations, at patuloy na paninigurado natin magiging ligtas ang lugar na inokupa ng member ng Misuari faction (For now our focus is on clearing operations. We want to make sure the areas previously occupied by the Misuari faction are safe),� she said.

Meanwhile, Valte said there will be no announcement on until when Aquino will stay in Zamboanga City, “for security reasons.�

But she also assured the Office of the President has made arrangements for urgent documents to be brought to Aquino’s attention. (MNS)

Establishment of Islamic banking pushed MANILA, Sept 23 (Mabuhay) – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is pushing for the establishment of Islamic banking in the country to support the requirements of Muslims and of economic development in Mindanao.

This is one of the proposed amendments to the BSP charter or Republic Act No. 7653.

BSP Deputy Governor Vicente Aquino said the BSP plans to structure credit facilities to Islamic banks in accordance with the principles of Islamic finance. “Islamic banks should be granted similar privilege to avail of BSP credit facilities,� he said.

BSP Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla said the central bank aims to develop separate regulation for the Islamic banking system, allowing it to operate on a larger scale.

The country has one Islamic bank, Al-Amanah, a subsidiary of Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). “Its operation (Al-Amanah) is only small scale. This will pave way for Islamic banking system,� Espenilla said, referring to the proposed amendments to the BSP charter.

He cited the no-interest rate rule of Isalmic finance. “We want to create inclusive banking system including financial service to Islamic community.

We will also allow foreign Islamic banking as an investor,� Espenilla said.

Besides financial facilities for Islamic banks, the proposed amendments to the BSP charter also include the following: Additional BSP capitalization of P150 billion, which is payable in three years; Restoration of tax exemption to support increase in dividends; Flexibility to establish adequate loss allowances and create reserve buffers against future risks and contingencies; Enhancements to credit operations; Restoration of BSP authority to obtain data from private individuals and institutions; Proposed consultation with the BSP before licenses of banks and entities be revoked by other government entities; Strengthening of administrative and criminal sanctions; Enhance resolution mechanism to deal with problem financial institutions; Allow full flexibility to conduct risk based supervision; Accord legal protection for BSP officials and staff when performing duties; and Lifting of the deposit confidentiality laws. (MNS)

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MANILA, Sept 23 (Mabuhay) – Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Monday branded as “not updated� reports that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has accumulated P290.15 million in unliquidated cash advances in the last few years.

De Lima claimed her agency, through its Finance Services department, has been “promptly complying with the requirements and submitting the necessary liquidation documents to the Commission on Audit Central Office and just awaiting for the corresponding Credit Advice.�

A credit notice or advice serves as a clearance or certification that COA has reviewed and found as regular expenditure reports on the DOJ’s intelligence funds.

Several reports earlier quoted a Commission on Audit report released September 19 showing that the DOJ had a total of P290.15 million in unliquidated accounts: P147.42 million cash advances

for 2012 and P142.72 million cash advances by officials and personnel from “2011 and prior years.�

The COA report said that of this total figure, P225.05 million went to the Witness Protection Security and Benefit Program (WPSBP) and was listed as “confidential and intelligence expenses.�

Of the said expenses, P115.53 million was released in 2011 or earlier while P109.52 million worth of disbursements were made in 2012. “We have updated our 2012 records and out of the P290 million unliquidated cash advances, P261.7 million is awaiting Credit Advice from COA-CO and only P15.3 million awaiting compliance from concerned officials/employees,� De Lima explained. “These cash advances would appear in DOJ’s books as unliquidated in the absence of Credit Advice. In short, that report on unliquidated cash advances is not updated,� she added.

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Humanitarian crisis as troops go after rebel remnants ZAMBOANGA, September 21, 2013 (AFP) – The Philippines urged its citizens on Saturday to send more aid for 100,000 people who had fled heavy fighting between troops and Muslim rebels in the country’s south, calling their plight a “humanitarian crisis”.

The conflict has claimed more than 100 lives since hundreds of rebels from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) entered the key trading centre of Zamboanga in a bid to derail peace talks with a rival group.

While many of the insurgents have surrendered and most of the dozens of hostages they took have been freed, attention has turned to conditions faced by 118,000 refugees displaced by the fighting.

“This has become a humanitarian crisis,” Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman told AFP. She said those displaced were staying in 57 evacuation centers, including the city’s main sports complex where over 70,000 people jostled for space and erected tents and shelters fashioned from scavenged materials.

“We are trying to organise them by providing them better materials,” she said, but appealed to the public to send in more aid in the form of clothes, food, education materials and toys for the many children among the displaced.

“The tents are very fragile. If it starts raining hard, there will be a massive problem for children, women, the elderly, the babies and their lactating mothers,” she said.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has said in a report there was insufficient supply of tents, cooking utensils and health and sanitation facilities.

It added that children were traumatized, while immunizations for common diseases were being undertaken to prevent an outbreak.

MNLF rebels entered Zamboanga, a major trading centre with one million residents, on September 9, taking over several coastal villages, burning thousands of homes and taking dozens of civilians hostage.

President Benigno Aquino flew to the area last week to take direct command of the operations, with about 4,500 soldiers deployed to the city to push back the rebels.

As of Saturday, the military said 102 MNLF rebels and 13 policemen and soldiers had been killed, while over 100 gunmen were captured or surrendered.

However, at least 12 civilians had been killed, including a 71-yearold woman whose home was hit by rebel mortar fire on Saturday morning.

Police were also investigating whether a bombing far from the frontlines that killed three people late Friday was linked to the siege.

Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala told AFP Saturday that only about 30 to 40 remaining gunmen holding about 21 hostages were engaged in sporadic fighting with troops.

“We’re doing house to house search operations today and their area of operation has become smaller,” he said.

Muslim rebels have been fighting since the 1970s for an independent or autonomous homeland in the south of the mainly Catholic Philippines. An estimated 150,000 people have died in the conflict.

The MNLF signed a peace treaty in 1996 that granted limited selfrule to the south’s Muslim minority.

However MNLF founder Nur Misuari deployed some of his men to Zamboanga to show opposition to a planned peace deal between the government and the remaining major Muslim rebel group, the 12,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The MILF is close to signing the peace pact, which Misuari believes would sideline the MNLF.

US mulls changes to personal electronics on flights WASHINGTON, September 23, 2013 (AFP) – US aviation officials are considering easing restrictions on the use of personal electronics like smartphones, laptop computers and e-readers aboard airplanes, a spokesman said Monday.

An advisory panel is meeting behind closed doors on Tuesday and Wednesday to finalize its recommendations for the Federal Aviation Administration by the end of this month, according to the FAA. “The FAA recognizes consumers are intensely interested in the use of personal electronics aboard aircraft,” a spokesman said in an email to AFP. “That is why we tasked a government-industry group to examine the safety issues and the feasibility of changing the current restrictions.”

According to current regulations, passengers are barred from using portable electronics for the entire flight, and are typically asked to turn off these devices for takeoff and landing.

The ban on sending and receiving emails, making calls and using Wi-Fi is based on concerns that the communications might interfere with a plane’s navigation systems.

Experts say many of these concerns are outdated, particularly since the FAA last year allowed airlines to replace paper flight manuals in the cockpit with tablet computers.

Phone calls aboard planes are banned by a separate entity, the Federal Communications Commission, and would not be subject to change by the FAA. Senator Claire McCaskill, a leading advocate for wider use of personal electronics in flight, wrote the FAA in 2012 urging a policy change. “The public is growing increasingly skeptical of prohibitions on the use of many electronic devices during the full duration of a flight, while at the same time using such devices in increasing numbers,” she said. “The fear of devices that operate on electricity is dated, at best.”

The FAA convened the advisory panel last year to review the evidence and update the rules. A final recommendation is expected by the end of September.

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OPINION

Enrile ‘betrayal’ no surprise – analyst MANILA, Sept 23 (Mabuhay) – A political analyst believes the alleged move of Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile to distance himself from the P10 billion pork barrel scam is not surprising.

Political scientist and visiting professor Benjamin Muego said some of those linked to the pork scam would likely create diversionary tactics to draw attention away from themselves.

“Kung nagkakagulo yun ang human nature na tinatawag. Gumagawa ng smokescreens paminsanminsan para ma deflect yung attention dun sa central issue,” he said.

He particularly cited Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s threat that he will expose officials of the Executive branch who also benefited in the pork scam.

“Sasabihin siguro ng taumbayan, kaya nagsasabi ng ganyan para makalusot. Siguro kung sisiraan niyo kami, sisiraan namin kayo,” Muego said.

“Wag pakakawalan dahil kung mag-relax ang tao at yung attention ay medyo kumukupas na e di siguro mawawala na rin yan kagaya ng fertilizer scam,” he added.

Estrada, Enrile and Sen. Bong Revilla Jr. are facing plunder charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly funneling their pork barrel allocations to fake non-governmental organizations. All three senators have denied any links to the scam.

Atty. Gigi Reyes, the former chief of staff of Enrile, earlier said she felt betrayed following statements

by Enrile’s lawyer that the senator “did not give his blessings” to the actions taken by Reyes with respect to his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). “If indeed these statements are sanctioned by or coming from my former boss, then nothing can be worse than this kind of travesty and betrayal,” she said in a statement posted on Facebook.(MNS)

Aquino says Muslim armed challenge over soon ZAMBOANGA, September 22, 2013 (AFP) – Philippine President Benigno Aquino on Sunday flew out of a major southern city where troops are fighting Muslim rebels, saying he expects the deadly battles to be over soon.

“I believe this will wind down within the day,” he said before boarding a jet that flew him out of Zamboanga, where thousands of elite troops have been fighting Moro National Liberation Front(MNLF) gunmen for two weeks.

Aquino also vowed to bring criminal charges against MNLF founder Nur Misuari, accused of being behind the rebel incursion.

About 200 MNLF rebels entered Zamboanga, a major trading centre with one million residents, on September 9 in the most serious armed challenge to the Philippine government in recent years.

They took over several coastal districts, burning thousands of homes and taking scores of civilians hostage, in protest at an impending peace deal with a rival Muslim rebel group.

Aquino flew to the area on September 13 to take direct command of operations, vowing not to leave until the gunmen are pushed back out of the city.

Military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Ramon Zagala said the armed forces backed their commander-in-chief Aquino’s latest pronouncement.

“The armed forces support the president’s statement that this is almost over,” Zagala told AFP. “We will work hard to finish this soonest.”

He said about 4,500 soldiers remained in the city to clear it of guerrillas after two weeks of deadly street battles that left hundreds dead or injured.

More than 10,000 houses were set on fire and 111,000 civilian residents fled the street battles, according to the civil defense office in Manila.

The military said there are now just several dozen fighters left, holding at least 20 hostages in one neighborhood of

dense clusters of homes.

“We’re now engaged in close-quarter combat, we are going from house to house, room to room,” Zagala told AFP earlier Sunday.

One soldier was killed and 10 others were wounded in the past 24 hours, Zagala said.

In two weeks of fighting 102 guerrillas have been killed with 117 others taken into custody, he said.

Fourteen soldiers and police died and 114 were wounded, he added.

Twelve civilians were killed and 49 wounded, while more than 170 hostages have been freed or were able to escape, Zagala said.

Aquino, speaking to reporters at a Zamboanga air base, said state prosecutors are gathering evidence ahead of filing criminal charges against Misuari, whom the government accuses of being behind the Zamboanga attack.

“We now have witnesses who will directly link him to this conflict, and the charges are being prepared by the Department of Justice,” he added.

Government officials earlier accused the Zamboanga gunmen of committing rebellion, arson, murder and hostage-taking.

Muslim rebels have been fighting since the 1970s for an independent or autonomous homeland in the south of the mainly Catholic Philippines. An estimated 150,000 people have died in the conflict.

The MNLF signed a peace treaty in 1996 that granted limited self-rule to the south’s Muslim minority.

However MNLF founder Misuari deployed some of his men to Zamboanga to demonstrate opposition to a planned peace deal between the government and the remaining major Muslim rebel group, the 12,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The MILF is close to signing the peace pact, which Misuari believes would sideline the MNLF.

De Lima: It’s up to Ombudsman to decide on whistleblowers’ Senate appearance MANILA, Sept 23 (Mabuhay) -- Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Monday said it is up to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales to decide whether to allow whistleblowers to continue appearing before a Senate investigating panel looking into the alleged multi-billion peso “pork barrel” fund scam.

In a two-page letter he sent to Senate blue ribbon committee chair Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, De Lima said only the Ombudsman can give a go signal whether the whistleblowers will attend the next inquiry on Tuesday, since criminal charges of plunder, malversation and graft and corruption have already been filed with the Office of the Ombudsman.

Among the personalities facing charges are Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged scam brains and Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Bong Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada. All three senators have denied participation in the anomaly.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales earlier said their investigation into the complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation and lawyer Levito Baligod would take “less than” one year.

“It is my studied opinion that I am no longer the public official who is in a position to act on the invitation of the committee insofar as the whistleblowers are concerned but the Ombudsman,” De Lima said.

She added that it is the Ombudsman who should determine whether such a public inquiry would be “pre-emptive of her final resolution or would prejudice the safety of the witnesses or expose persons compalined to further ridicule.”

The Justice chief earlier appeared before a Senate inquiry to assist whistleblower Benhur Luy in testifying about supposed irregularities carried out by his former employer, Janet Lim-Napoles, through non-existent foundations which solicit money from lawmakers’ Priority Development Assistance Fund.

“It is for the Ombudsman to determjne whether a public exposition of the testimonies of all the whistleblowers would be detrimental to just and fair evaluation of the evidence before it,” De Lima said.

“I am inclined to reserve my consent to the appearance of all the whistleblowers in the next scheduled hearing of the committee in deference to the primary rule the Ombudsman now plays on the matter of publicizing the testimonies of the whistleblowers in a public hearing after the complaints have alfeady been filed with her office,” she added.

Nonetheless, De Lima assured the Senate that despite this “limitation,” she would continue to offer her support and assistance to the committee’s investigation “to the extent that my mandate and authority will allow.” (MNS)

US spy revelations hurts Web trust: Facebook chief

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WASHINGTON, September 18, 2013 (AFP) – Revelations about the US government’s secret surveillance programs has had a big impact on “trust metrics” of Internet companies like Facebook, the social network chief Mark Zuckerberg said Wednesday.

Speaking at a Washington forum, Zuckerberg said Facebook would keep pressing for more transparency about the National Security Agency programs disclosed in recent months believed to collect vast amounts of data on Internet users.

Zuckerberg said Facebook keeps a close eye on “trust metrics,” or how users feel about the company over time, and that the revelations about the NSA PRISM program had a major impact on trust.

“There’s a lot of times we will put a statement out (on issues), and that stuff tends not to move the needle on trust. The NSA stuff did,” he told the forum sponsored by The Atlantic magazine.

“The trust metrics... went down when PRISM came out, so this is a really big deal.”

Facebook and other Internet firms have filed court petitions seeking to disclose more information about the role of the companies in the NSA program, in the hopes this would ease concerns among Internet users.

“The more transparency there is, the better everyone would feel about it,” he said.

“From reading all the press you couldn’t get a sense whether the number of the requests the government makes is closer to a thousand or closer to 100 million.”

He said Facebook’s “transparency report” indicated it received “on the order of 9,000” requests for

data from officials in the United States, but the company was not allowed to disclose how many of these were national security requests.

Zuckerberg declined to comment on the value of the surveillance programs in protecting the nation.

“I don’t know all the things they are doing to protect our safety,” he said.

“My general belief is that the more transparent they are about what they are doing, the more comfortable the public will be about it.”

The comments were less harsh than a week earlier, when Zuckerberg appeared at a California conference.

“It is our government’s job to protect all of us and also protect our freedoms and protect the economy and protect companies,” he said at the San Francisco event. “Frankly, I think the government blew it.”

Zuckerberg said he was in Washington to press immigration reform through his advocacy group Fwd. us.

He said he did not want to separate the debate on immigration for “high skills” people sought in the tech sector from the broader question of undocumented immigrants, estimated at 11 million.

“It’s a much bigger problem than the high skills piece,” he said. “Eleven million people are being treated unfairly.”

FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, Sept. 25 - Oct.1, 2013

Visit www.usasianpost.com

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UTREACH Kuala Lumpur and Manila 6 nights + Air Via Malaysia Airlines from $1,899 MALAYSIA AND PHILIPPINES – RICH HERITAGE & TROPICAL PARADISE Experience Malaysia and the Philippines in a six-day trip to each country’s iconic scenery and natural wonders. In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, enjoy a tour that includes the National Monument, Independence Square (the heart of downtown Kuala Lumpur surrounded by impressive historical buildings), and a drive around Chinatown (a vibrant bustling destination with tasty delicacies and bargain shopping).

The charming city of Melaka is a UNESCO world heritage site and the historical state of Malaysia, rich with heritage buildings, ancient landmarks and colonial structures. The Melaka tour includes St. Paul’s Hill (the ruins of the Portuguese fortress), The Stadthuys (a historical Dutch architecture), and The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum (home to a fine collection of antique that portrays a truly unique cultural heritage).

Continue your adventure and have fun in the Philippines, which is also known as the “Pearl of the Orient Seas.” In Puerto Galera – a tropical paradise,

travelers are free to explore the small village by the sea, whose surrounding waters have been declared a marina sanctuary by the government. Apart from its beautiful harbor and the wealth of its underwater gardens, equally attractive are its lush forests and an opportunity to visit their native villages.

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Melaka (left photo) is a remarkable example of historic colonial town on the Straits of Malacca, where attractions include a replica of an invading Portuguese ship, ancient cannons to protect the fort and edifices built during the Dutch occupation. Located the heart of Manila’s history is the walled Intramuros (right photo) that features the grand Manila Cathedral; Fort Santiago, the site of torture chambers and dungeons; and the favorite wedding spot, the San Agustin Church. The wall surrounding Intramuros was built during the Spanish occupation.

flights originating from LAX. Price excludes tip to the tour guide and driver as well as travel insurance. Rates are subject to change without prior notice.

ABOUT MALAYSIA AND THE PHILIPPINES Malaysia: Rich in cultural diversity, Malaysia offers a truly Asian experience. The country is made up of a unique fusion of three of the continent’s oldest civilizations: Malay, Chinese and Indian. It is further enriched with the indigenous tribes of Sabah and Sarawak, as well

‘On The Job’ gets rave reviews at NYC press screening Gritty crime thriller about RP crime & politics opens Sept. 27 in LA, OC, San Diego cinemas “On The Job” garnered high acclaim from the New York media during its press screening Monday.

Indiewire even compared it to Infernal Affairs and The Departed, calling it “very intense” and “definitely a tough, politically knotty film.”

On the Job twice earned comparison to Infernal Affairs, the 2002 Hong Kong crimethriller film directed by Andrew Lau and starring Lau and Tony Cheung. “Somewhere in that confusing mess there is a real story – in the same way that Infernal Affairs was,” said Stuart Lee of WNYN TV. Jeffrey Lyons called the film “fascinating and extremely absorbing. Unlike any fast-moving crime drama you’ve seen before. The use of handheld cameras through the narrow streets puts you right into the action.”

Examiner cited On the Job for its “great action, chase scenes, bloody, graphic violence, adrenalin rush, and relationship stuff too.” And Diana Lee hailed the film as “a crime thriller with fast-paced action and a surprisingly exciting twist.”

On the Job is directed by Erik Matti and stars Piolo Pascual, Gerald Anderson, Joel Torre, Joey Marquez, Michael de Mesa, Leo Martinez, Angel Aquino, Lito Pimentel, and Vivian Velez. It is set for release on September 27 in New York, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego (list of theaters below): The film delves deep into the inner-workings of the ingenious hitmen, honest cops, ambitious federal agents, and shady government officials. It is in fact based on the true scandal that rocked the Philippines where prison inmates were contracted by high-level politicians to temporarily leave jail and conduct a series of assassinations before returning to incarceration.

After a prominent drug dealer is murdered by two hitmen—Tatang (Joel Torre) and Daniel (Ger-

ald Anderson)—police sergeant Acosta (Joey Marquez) takes the lead in the investigation, but goes nowhere because the killers vanish behind the security of the prison—the last place cops will look.

Federal agent Francis Coronel (Piolo Pascual) is called in to oversee the case by his controlling father-in-law Manrique (Michael De Mesa), a congressman, on the orders of General Pacheco (Leo Martinez).

Acosta is skeptical as he relinquishes the case to the ambitious Francis. No sooner is her pulled back to the probe with the death of his friend (played by Lito Pimentel) who is involved in the assassination business. Now Acosta and Coronel follow their instincts on the trail of the hitmen—and on a collision course with powerful men who will do anything to silence them.

The film was screened and had a world premiere in the Directors’ Fortnight at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

On the Job is set for release on September 27 in New York, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. See theaters below: For more information, Stadium 11 visit their Facebook 435 Los Cerritos Center page https://www.face- Cerritos, CA 90703 book.com/OnTheJob- Edwards Theaters CerMovieUS or www.On- ritos Stadium 10 TheJob-Movie.com 12761 Towne Center Dr LOS ANGELES/ OR- Cerritos, CA 90703 ANGE/SAN DIEGO: UA Horton Plaza 14 Orange Stadium Prom- 475 Horton Plaza enade San Diego, CA 92101 1623 W Katella Ave West Covina Stadium Orange, CA 92867 18 AMC Plaza Bonita 14 1200 Lakes Dr. 3050 Plaza Bonita Rd. West Covina, CA 91790 National City, CA Ontario Palace Stadi91950 um 22 4900 E 4th St UA Los Cerritos Galaxy Ontario, CA 91764

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Laoag City Int’l Circle Masquerade Ball Oct. 26 The Laoag City International Circle will be holding a Masquerade Ball at Marriott in Torrance on October 26, 2013. Laoag City International Circle Chapter President Marites Lo said the fundraising event is being sponsored by the group’s officers and members of the Laoag City International Los Angeles Chapter.

For more information about the event or if you’d like to join the worthy fundraising cause, please call Marties at (323) 422-8188 or Josie Carlson (treasurer) at (310)213-8134. The group is also inviting new members to join them.

Laoag city international circle is a non-profit organization whose main purpose is to help indigent kids from the City of Laoag, Ilocos Norte, to have the chance to go to college and be professional themselves and be able to help the family as well.

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Wednesday - Tuesday, Sept. 25 - Oct.1, 2013

Visit www.usasianpost.com

NEW MUSLIM From page 1

machinegun fire as smoke from burning houses obscured the MNLF positions.

About 200 MILF members entered Zamboanga, a major trading centre with one million residents, on September 9 in the most serious armed challenge to the Philippine government in recent years.

Despite the deaths of 102 rebels and the capture or surrender of over a hundred others, almost 50 MNLF fighters still remain and are holding 20 hostages, said police regional spokesman Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca.

Fifteen soldiers and police have been killed in the fighting, which has seen the rebels burn hundreds of houses.

“Troops are cautiously moving in

because of rebel snipers,” said Huesca, adding he could not say when the crisis might end.

Both the MNLF faction of rebel chief Nur Misuari and the BIFF oppose ongoing government peace talks with the largest Muslim rebel group, the 12,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Muslim rebels have been fighting since the 1970s for an independent or autonomous homeland in the south of the mainly Catholic Philippines. An estimated 150,000 people have died in the conflict.

Misuari fears his MNLF would be sidelined by an impending autonomy deal with the MILF, while the BIFF broke away from the MILF and continues to demand independence for the region.

HEAVY RAINS From page 1

victims died, said the heavy rains and chest-deep floods had isolated the town of 160,000.

Although many people were rescued, about a hundred remained trapped on their rooftops by the rising waters, he said.

Government employee Cristina Humbert, 35, said the ground floor of her two-storey home had been flooded but she managed to evacuate with her 63-year-old mother to higher ground.

“Many are on the rooftops, waiting for help. They are marooned, and are getting hungry and cold.

We have no power, no electricity,” she told AFP. Khonghun said four rivers that pass through Subic were heavily silted and had overflowed, causing the floods. He called on the national government to come to the town’s aid.

“We are appealing for rescuers, equipment, diggers, we need relief goods. We need help from the national government, please send in inflatable boats,” he said.

Classes were called off throughout the Philippine capital and surrounding areas due to flooding that reached more than five feet (1.5 meters) in some places, said

Myrna Puzon, an officer at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

In the city Olongapo, neighbouring Subic, local officials put up ropes across flooded streets so people could hold on to them to keep from being swept away by strong currents, eyewitnesses said.

People there carried their shivering children as they waded through the floodwaters amid submerged cars, an AFP reporter at the scene said.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino asked US ambassador Harry Thomas to send some of the US Marines now in the Philippines for joint war games, to help in relief efforts, his spokesman said.

About 2,300 US and Philippine marines are taking part in threeweek long joint exercises, many of them to be conducted in Zambales. Typhoon Usagi passed the northern Philippines this weekend and has moved away from the country but it continues to exacerbate monsoon rains.

Two people were killed and three are still missing from the storm’s onslaught.

Pechanga poker players hit Bad Beat Megashare Jackpot twice in two days TEMECULA, Calif.– Working hard at playing poker in the days leading up to Labor Day proved profitable for Pechanga poker patrons. Two separate card players hit the 43-table room’s muchfollowed MegaShare Bad Beat jackpot twice within 48 hours of one another, winning their share of $254,944.00 between the two payouts. Pechanga Resort & Casino’s Poker Room is the only one in Southern California that offers an entire room share of the Bad Beat Jackpot once the progressive amount crests $100,000. The August 28 and August 30, 2013 jackpots mark the ninth and tenth times the Bad Beat MegaShare money has been paid out since beginning in January 2011. The previous jackpot hit in May 2013 for 194,663.00. To date, nearly $1.5 million has been won in Pechanga MegaShare poker jackpots. More than $2,000,000.00 in jackpots and promotions have been won at the Pechanga Poker Room in 2013 alone.

On August 28, 2013 at 8:00p.m., 91 players were seated in live games at the Pechanga Poker Room. Estanislao Zimara of Long Beach, Calif., Richard Sherer and seven other people fought to keep straight faces and play their cards just right for a fun and winning evening of poker.

On the next turn of the cards, Richard felt certain he would win the pot since he was holding a Royal Straight Flush filled with diamonds. Estanislao soon realized he had triggered the Bad Beat MegaShare progressive at $164,944.00 since he was holding four Queens, earning him $49,460.00. Richard came out ahead, too, and pocketed $32,989.00. The other players at the Bad Beat table each received $7,069.00. The rest of the players in the room received a payday

with $393.00 each. That evening, the MegaShare jackpot reset to $90,000.00 Less than 48 hours later, Pechanga Poker Room staff felt as if they were faced with déjà vu.

One player who believed herself the table’s winner played it cool as she held onto a Royal Straight Flush of clubs. Anthony Huynh of Garden Grove, Calif. produced four Queens, one of two hands that can set off the MegaShare Bad Beat jackpot at the $90,000.00 level. Anthony beamed when he found out his losing hand was a Bad Beat to the Royal Straight Flush and he would be taking home $36,000.00. The winning hand amounted to $18,000.00 and the other four players at the table spilt $36,000 among them.

“When our Bad Beat MegaShare Jackpot increases like it has in the last several months, and with these two jackpots almost back to back, the excitement in the room is intoxicating,” says Richie Lopez, Pechanga Poker Room manager. “It’s what everyone is talking about.”

The jackpot is funded by a portion of a $1.00 promotional drop per hand in all live Texas Hold’em games. At the $164,944.00 threshold, it took beating of Quad 10s or better, beaten to trigger. When the high hands were declared, there were two qualifying rules that came into play: both the winning and losing hands must have played their two hole cards, with the board playing first.

Jackpot thresholds and triggers: Jackpot Amount Qualifying Hand Less than $149,999 Four Jacks or better, beaten $150,000to $169,999 Four 10s or better, beaten $170,000 to $189,999 Four 9s or better, beaten $190,000 to $199,999

Four 8s or better, beaten $200,000 to $209,999 Four 7s or better, beaten Greater than $210,000 Any four of a kind or better, beaten About the Pechanga Poker Room The Pechanga Poker Room is an expansive, 12,000 square-foot gaming floor with 43 tables offering live and tournament play daily. The Poker Room is located on the top level, directly above the Round Bar and away from the busy casino floor. The room features four 103-inch plasma TVs, 17 40-inch LCD TVs, and a three-screen LED Jumbotron.

The players’ experience is further enhanced by the smoke-free environment, a conveniently located cashier, as well as tableside food and beverage service. Join the party at facebook.com/PechangaPoker.

Pechanga Resort & Casino offers the largest and most expansive resort/casino experience anywhere in the western United States. Rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2003, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay.

Offering more than 3,000 of the hottest slots, table games, worldclass entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians.

For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.

Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort & Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @PechangaCasino.

99,100 year-olds among 8,00 becoming new U.S. citizens

AQUINO From page 1

the high price of mounting similar challenges to state authority in the future.

“It should not happen here anymore, but in case it does, our security forces are ready,” he added.

Muslim rebels have been fighting since the 1970s for an independent or autonomous homeland in the south of the mainly Catholic Philippines. An estimated 150,000 people have died in the conflict.

The MNLF signed a peace treaty in 1996 that granted limited self-rule to the south’s Muslim minority.

However MNLF founder Misuari deployed some of his men to Zamboanga to demonstrate op-

THE US ASIAN POST

position to a planned peace deal between the government and the remaining major Muslim rebel group, the 12,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The MILF is close to signing the peace pact, which Misuari believes would sideline the MNLF.

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LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles and Southern California will welcome 8,676 newly naturalized citizens on Friday, Sept. 27 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 140 countries. Candidates

representing most branches of the Armed Forces will also be among those taking the Oath of Allegiance. The oldest candidates taking the oath are a 99-year-old woman from El Salvador and a 100 year-old woman from Mexico.

The top ten countries represented at Friday’s ceremonies will be: 1) Mexico; 2) Philippines; 3)

El Salvador; 4) China; 5) Iran; 6) Vietnam; 7) Guatemala; 8) Korea; 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 United States of America.

SENATE BILL From page 1

minor injuries, aches, pains, diarrhea and intestinal worm infections in children, according to the measure.

The proposed legislation also gives the Department of Health (DOH) secretary to identify medicines that will be included in the free medicines program.

In a statement issued over the weekend, Santiago said her bill aims to end the “culture of mendicancy” that have developed between lawmakers and indigents needing medical assistance throughout the years.

“This is the solution to the so-called problem of senators and congressmen who say they are worried they can’t help their constituents anymore if we take away their pork barrel. Let’s just distribute free essential medicines directly to the people through barangay health centers,” the senator said in her statement.

President Benigno Aquino has so far suspended the release and called for the abolition of the pork barrel funds, following the uncovering of an alleged scam

involving the funneling of these discretionary allocations to bogus non-government organizations (NGOs).

Last week, plunder raps were filed against several individuals allegedly involved in the anomaly, including Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada.

All three senators have denied involvement in the alleged scam.

Santiago’s bill needs to undergo committee and plenary debates and voting before it can be approved by the Senate. (MNS)

at the end of this round of talks.

“There were just too many issues, many of which were extremely difficult, with the different perspectives of the two parties not finding any ‘bridges of compromise,’” the MILF said.

Policing Meanwhile, the Independent Commission on Policing (ICP) was convened under the leadership of Randal Beck, Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The OPAPP said the ICP shall commence its work by mid-October.

“Under the Framework Agreement, the ICP is supposed to ‘recommend appropriate policing’ in the Bangsamoro. Its recommendations shall be submitted to the Bangsamoro

Transition Commission (BTC) for the latter’s consideration when it drafts the Bangsamoro Basic Law,” the MILF said.

Two members of civil society organizations, Mahdie Amella and Analize Ugay, attended the talks as observers.

The Community of Saint’Egidio, an Italian Catholic organization, was likewise welcomed as a new member of the International Contact Group (ICG).

The talks in Kuala Lumpur started September 10.

Meanwhile, both parties thanked new UK Ambassadordesignate to the Philippines Asif Ahmad for his presence and inspirational message on the second day of the talks.

(MNS)

prove [it], then show it. He just keeps on giving us innuendos.

We are a very transparent administration.”

Lacierda also offered to resign if Tatad could show proof of his earlier claim that Aquino had lunch with Napoles before she surrendered.

He added that Tatad should apologize for giving false infor-

mation.

“By the way, he has not even identified the sources of his ‘lunch-with-Napoles’. I am still waiting for it. If he can prove to me that Napoles had lunch with the President, I would resign.

Simple as that,” Lacierda said.

“If he doesn’t prove his claim…he should apologize to us.” (MNS)

MILF ENDS From page 1

the Government and the MILF should make a lasting contribution to the task of building peace and understanding among all peoples in Mindanao,” the statement said.

For its part, the MILF said the negotiations had some “very difficult discussions” on decommissioning, transitional justice, and the details of the “architecture” for the “normalization process.”

It said there were “very hard issues discussed on the competencies of the Central Government and those of the Bangsamoro Government, as the parties tried to conclude the Annex on Power-Sharing.”

Both sides also tried to set up “special teams” for specific issues, but no annex was signed

LACIERDA From page 1

“I can categorically say that’s not true,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a press conference. Lacierda said the legislators voted based on their own judgment and that the date of any disbursement could be checked on the website of the Department of Budget and Management.

“If he has any documents to

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, Sept. 25 - Oct.1, 2013

Senate bill proposes free medicines in barangays MANILA, Sept 23 (Mabuhay) – To end the practice of some indigents of approaching lawmakers for medical assistance, a Senate bill has been filed seeking to provide free medicines in barangay health centers.

Under Senate Bill 1445, filed last month

by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, essential medicines shall be bought by the national government and brought to barangay health centers to be given to indigents for free.

These essential medicines shall include remedies for cough, colds, minor injuries, aches, pains, diarrhea and intestinal worm infections in children, according to the measure.

The proposed legislation also gives the Department of Health (DOH) secretary to identify medicines that will be included in the free medicines program.

In a statement issued over the weekend, Santiago said her bill aims to end the “culture of mendicancy” that have developed

between lawmakers and indigents needing medical assistance throughout the years.

“This is the solution to the so-called problem of senators and congressmen who say they are worried they can’t help their constituents anymore if we take away their pork barrel. Let’s just distribute free essential medicines directly to the people through barangay health centers,” the senator said in her statement.

President Benigno Aquino has so far suspended the release and called for the abolition of the pork barrel funds, following the uncovering of an alleged scam involving the funneling of these discretionary allocations to bogus non-government organizations (NGOs).

Last week, plunder raps were filed against several individuals allegedly involved in the anomaly, including Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada. All three senators have denied involvement in the alleged scam.

Bill seeks to end discrimination vs kids born out of wedlock

MANILA, Sept. 21 (Mabuhay) – A lawmaker filed a bill amending the Family Code by removing distinctions on Filipino children labeled legitimate and illegitimate.

Rep. Al Francis Bichara (2nd district, Albay) said House Bill 2355 seeks to treat such children as co-equal.

“The bill seeks to redress a wrong and correct an injustice against millions of children who, by no fault of theirs, have been labelled by operation of law with the unsavory and odious term ‘illegitimate’ – a stigma which they are suffering and will continue to suffer for the rest of their lives,” he said.

Bichara cited Article 164 of the Code, which defines an illegitimate child as one conceived and born outside of a valid marriage or outside lawful wedlock while a legitimated child is one who was originally illegitimate but later considered legitimate by legal fiction because of the subsequent marriage of parents.

“Indeed, from the day a child is born out of wedlock, he or she automatically becomes a marginalized citizen socially and economically. More often than not, children born out of wedlock grow up under the care of a single parent, relatives,

Visit www.usasianpost.com Legal Notice

If You Paid for the Antibiotic Drug Cipro in California You Could Get Money from a Class Action Settlement.

A partial Settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit involving the antibiotic drug Cipro. The lawsuit claims that Bayer Corporation, Barr Laboratories, Inc., Hoechst Marion Roussel, Inc., Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and The Rugby Group, Inc. (the “Defendants”) violated antitrust and consumer protection laws by agreeing not to compete with each other and keeping lower cost generic versions of Cipro off the market. The Defendants deny this. No one is claiming that Cipro is unsafe or ineffective.

WHAT DOES THE SETTLEMENT PROVIDE? Bayer has agreed to pay $74,000,000 into a Settlement Fund (the “Fund”).

After deducting attorneys’ fees, costs, and other fees and expenses, the Fund will be distributed to Class Members who file valid claims. Payments will be based on the number of valid claims filed and how much you paid for Cipro. It is estimated that consumers will receive at least $25 each. The Settlement Agreement, available at the website www.CiproSettlement.com, contains more details. The Settlement Agreement involves only Bayer; the case will continue against the other Defendants.

WHO IS INCLUDED? Generally you are included if you paid a pharmacy, doctor’s office, or hospital for some or all of a Cipro prescription in California between January 8, 1997 and October 31, 2004.

Excluded from the Class are all persons who obtained Cipro through the MediCal Prescription Drug Program, anyone who purchased Cipro in order to resell it, government entities, the Defendants and their related entities, and all purchasers of Cipro who paid a flat co-payment and who would have paid the same co-payment for a generic version under the terms of their health insurance policy.

HOW TO GET A PAYMENT Class Members must submit a Claim Form to get a payment. The Claim Form, and instructions on how to submit it, are available at www.CiproSettlement.com or by calling 1-866-404-0135. The deadline to submit a Claim Form is March 31, 2014.

Children watch motorists in front of the flooded Manila City Hall on Monday (Sept. 23, 2013) (MNS photo)

foster families or adoption homes,” he said.

He noted the child is prone to ridicule by his peers and ostracized by an unforgiving society. “’Putok sa buho,’ ‘anak sa labas,’ ‘bastardo,’ ‘bastarda’ are the common painful terms which our society usually attribute to children born out of wedlock,” he said.

Bichara added aside from being marginalized as a result of this unwarranted label, children born out of marriage have limited rights and privileges especially with respect to successional rights.(MNS)

YOUR OTHER RIGHTS AND OPTIONS If you are a Class Member, your right to exclude yourself from the Class (to opt out) expired in 2004, when the Class was certified and the original notice was published. You may comment on or object to the proposed Settlement. To do so, you must act by October 16, 2013. Details on how to comment or object are at www.CiproSettlement.com.

The Court will hold a hearing on November 15, 2013 to consider whether to finally approve the Settlement and whether to approve Class Counsel’s application for attorneys’ fees of up to one-third of the Fund, plus expenses, and service awards for the Class Representatives.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND A CLAIM FORM: Visit: www.CiproSettlement.com Call: 1-866-404-0135

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Is coconut water really the most amazing drink ever?

Is coconut water the best way to rehydrate after a hardcore workout? Photo: enciktat/ Shutterstock.com

Hair: Buns and bobs, this season’s star styles (Relaxnews) - With each new season come new in-vogue hairstyles. The fall/winter season announces a major comeback for the bob, which is already turning heads on runways and red carpets everywhere. Buns, which were sophisticated and elaborate last season, will remain stylish, but in more minimalist versions, just like tie-dye hair color, which has become more natural for the fall.

Simple buns A timeless staple of runway style, buns can take many forms. This season, they are simple, unfussy or even slightly messy. The Viktor & Rolf and Rad Hourani haute couture collections, as well as the Christian Dior ready-to-wear collection, all included quick and easy buns in their Fall/Winter 2013 runway shows for a very natural effect. This uncomplicated hairstyle matches the season’s makeup looks, also stripped down and simple.

Bobs, the season’s trendiest look Angled, short, structured or natural: the bob is huge this sea-

son in all of its forms, offering a style that is at once modern and retro, chic and uncomplicated.

The trend has been amplified by a number of celebrities, including Rita Ora and Beyoncé, who have transformed their look with the season’s hottest haircut. For the fall/winter season, French hair salon chain Camille Albane is offering its “Cheeky Bob,” a structured cut, parted down the middle for an uncomplicated yet glamorous style.

Natural tie-dyed color Lothmann, another French hair salon chain, is highlighting natural ombré hair coloring this season. The look offers a very subtle two-tone, sun-kissed look and is a perfect way to prolong the summer. Thierry Lothmann, the brand’s director, explains that the look is based on “progressive layering of color from the middle to the ends of the hair without a clear and sudden separation – you know, that horrible line that you sometimes see appearing to cut the hair in two.”

(Relaxnews) - Once requiring a trek to the health food store to find, coconut water has now gone global, and you’ll find it stocked on grocery store shelves, sold in gyms and yoga studios, passed along to runners during races, all in nifty box containers or cans and touted as nature’s perfect sports drink. But is it just a clever marketing scheme or does it really work miracles?

A taste for coconut water originated in the tropics, places like Brazil and India, where palm trees thrive and locals have been drinking the fresh clear water from young coconuts for ages, dubbing it “miracle water.”

Scientists say the benefit is all about potassium (it contains more than a banana) and its naturally occurring electrolytes, along with the added benefits of having no fat or cholesterol and not many calories.

Coconut water, primarily from brands Vita Coco and Zico, has been hot in the US for years, with Rihanna as the face of Vita Coco and splashed on billboards all over the country. The Independent in the UK reports coconut water is the fastest growing category in non-alcoholic beverages in the UK. Vita Coco is already in more than 10,000 outlets in the UK, and in around 16,000 across Europe, adds The

Independent.

Meanwhile, the search for all those fresh, young coconuts is on. O.N.E. coconut water brand ran out of Brazilian coconuts in 2011 and has had to turn to the Philippines and Indonesia for supplies, while other brands are reaching out to Thailand, according to The Independent.

But do people really need all that coconut water?

While some experts say it does a better job at keeping you hydrated than plain water, most people aren’t working out long enough or hard enough to seriously need it, nutritionist Monica Reinagel told National Public Radio in the US. “They really don’t need an electrolyte replacement drink,” she says, “all they need to rehydrate is water.” For hardcore fitness enthusiasts, she adds that the mineral they need most is sodium. Coconut water doesn’t have much of that.

Men’s Fitness magazine spells it out: “If your taste buds just can’t take another sip of tap water, choose coconut water. If you’re heading to the gym for a light training session or going for a leisurely bike ride, grab coconut water. If you’ve just wrapped up an intense workout or logged more than an hour of exercise, a traditional sports drink will help replace the sodium you lose through sweat.”

Too much sun may not always be a bad thing: study (Relaxnews) – If you love basking in the sun, a new study finds that while your risk of skin cancer increases, sun worshippers may enjoy a few suprising health benefits.

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen analyzed data from 4.4 million people living in Denmark (the country’s entire population) over a 23-year period, including 130,000 with non-melanoma skin cancer, all aged over 40 years.

Findings showed that those who had been diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer were four percent less likely to have suffered Love soaking up the sun’s rays? A new Danish study reveals a surprising benefit. a heart attack. They also Photo: Nikolay Okhitin/shutterstock.com had a 48 percent lower risk years and less death from any cause compared with of dying from any cause.

The results appear online in the Internation- general population controls,” the researchers wrote.

Why the benefit? While it’s not clear, the scial Journal of Epidemiology.

“Our study suggests that having a diagnosis of entists suggest that it may be simply due skin cancer was associated with less myocardial to a health boost from vitamin D, or havinfarction, less hip fracture in those below age 90 ing a healthier, more outdoorsy lifestyle.

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my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short

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,

my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short

dialogue, want to thank You for everything and conÂżrm once more that I never

Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the

dialogue, want to thank You for everything and conÂżrm once more that I never

want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may

bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. (make request). There are

want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may

be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. After

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

be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. A

hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must

person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. After

the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how difÂżcult it may be. Promise to

publish and it will be granted to you.

the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how difÂżcult it may be. Promise

publish this as soon as your favor has been granted. Grateful Thanks - JUSTINE

Grateful Thanks.- DAVE

to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted. Grateful Thanks - P.E.K

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INMENT

Angel Locsin breaks silence on ‘scandal’ “Malinis ang konsensya ko.”

This was Angel Locsin’s assertion when asked to address a supposed write-up on a “photo scandal,” which allegedly shows her in a red dress with one breast exposed.

“Ah, matagal na ‘yun,” the 28-year-old actress said at the sidelines of the filming of the ABS-CBN sitcom “Toda Max” early this week. “Ilang beses na rin naman sa akin pinost ‘yun ng mga bashers sa Internet. Hindi ko naman alam kung ano gagawin ko, kung ano eh...”

Asked to clarify if there is any truth to the allegation and that she may have simply forgotten the supposed photo was taken, Locsin stressed, “Sigurado ako na hindi talaga ‘yon [totoo].”

Shrugging, the “Lobo” star continued, “Pero ‘yung sa mga gano’ng klaseng bagay na may mga lumala-

bas, wala naman akong magagawa eh, ‘diba. Pikit nalang ako.”

Locsin was also asked to comment on celebrities who have figured in “sex scandals,” or private videos that have gone viral online. Recently, TV host Wally Bayola and Parokya ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda were embroiled in similar controversies.

“May barkada ako, meron,” said Locsin, who is known to be a close friend of Miranda. “Pero hindi naman nagbago ‘yung pagtingin ko sa kanya. Kasi kilala ko siya eh.”

Asked for her message to “bashers” who claim there is truth to her alleged “photo scandal,” Locsin only said, “Hi!” “Kasi wala naman akong isyu sa kanila, ‘diba.

Hindi ko naman sila kilala nang personal, so wala, ‘Hello’ lang,” she said. (MNS)

No animosity between Angel, Marian

Ai Ai delas Alas apologized to President Benigno Aquino III after Malacañang was made to address his supposed involvement in the comedienne’s controversial marital spat.

The 48-year-old actress, who is known to be a close friend of President Aquino’s youngest sister, Kris, issued a statement in response to rumors linking the top official to her legal case.

“Nag a-apologize po ako sa Pangulo dahil nadadamay siya sa isyu ko samantalang matitindi ang hinaharap niyang problema ng bansa,” delas Alas said.

She added: “Nahihiya po ako sa kanya dahil wala ho siya talagang kinamalaman sa anumang problema ko.”

On Wednesday, Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda addressed an allegation, supposedly made by businessman Jed Salang’s lawyer, that Aquino is “meddling” in delas Alas’ legal tiff.

Salang is the estranged husband of delas Alas.

Noting Aquino is preoccupied with the crisis in Zamboanga, Lacierda said the actress’ case is not even in the “radar” of the President.

Delas Alas was embroiled in a controversy early this year for her marital woes with Salang, whom she married in a civil wedding on April 3. They separated a month later, with delas Alas accusing Salang of domestic violence. The case has since been brought to court.

In June, Malacañang also denied that members of the Presidential Security Group were assigned to delas Alas, who had just filed, at the time, a case against Salang for violating Republic Act 9262.

When asked recently as to the progress of her legal tiff with her former partner, delas Alas only said, “In fairness, okay na siya.”(MNS)

Angel Locsin denied rumors of an animosity between her and Marian Rivera, who was once her rival when they were still in the same television network.

For the first time, Locsin opened up on what happened when she met Rivera for the shoot of the cover of the September 2013 cover of Rogue Magazine.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Locsin said it was a very pleasant meeting that was meant to happen. “Nakakatuwa na nagkita kami. First time namin magkita after mag-move and all. Sabi ko kailangan naming mag-usap.

Tumawa siya tapos sabi niya, ‘Oo nga eh.’ Niyakap ko siya, niyakap niya ako, tawa lang kami ng tawa,” she said.

While they really didn’t have issues with each other, Locsin admitted that their relationship somehow became affected because they were always being pitted against each other in the past.

“Sa amin, wala kaming issue, wala kaming away. Siguro naging

aloof kami sa isa’t isa kasi laging naco-compare. Kahit anong gawin namin, may manlalait sa akin na fan niya, or may manlalait sa kanya na fan ko,” she said.

She added: “Wala namang ginawa sa aking masama si Marian.

Ako wala naman akong nagawang masama sa kanya. Nung ‘Shop and Share,’ humingi pa ako ng donations sa kanya – mga gowns and bags. Pinuntahan ko siya sa bahay niya.”

Proving she really has nothing against the Kapuso actress, Locsin said she is open to working with her in a project when the right time comes.

“Hindi ko alam. Kung para magkaroon lang ng issue ‘yung project, huwag na lang kasi sayang naman ang performance naming or director kung matatabunan lang ng issue ‘yung pelikula. Baka hindi pa naaayon pero wala kaming problema,” she said. Locsin said she is just happy that they were given the chance to bond during the magazine pictorial.

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MOTORING Ferrari 458 Speciale

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse

Frankfurt: Top 5 supercar superstars (Relaxnews) - In the constant stream of new vehicle announcements from the Frankfurt Motor Show, which takes place through September 22, supercar presentations never fail to stand out. Here is a selection of five models that stole the spotlight on the Ferrari, Porsche, Bugatti, Aston Martin and Lamborghini stands.

Ferrari 458 Speciale Ferrari presented the new “Speciale” edition of its 458 in Frankfurt as the “most high performance Ferrari V8 sports car ever.” The sleek supercar boasts 605hp and a very aggressive weight-to-power ratio of 2.13kg/hp, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3s, and from 0 to 200km/h in 9.1s. In terms of design, the Speciale differs from the previous 458 through its redesigned bodywork panels and composite bumpers at the front and rear.

Porsche 918 Spyder

The 918 Spyder is Porsche’s plug-in hybrid supercar, combining an impressive total power of 887hp with fuel consumption of just 3l/100km, or 70g of CO2 emissions per kilometer. In terms of pure performance, the supercar offers 0 to 100km/h acceleration in less than 2.8s and a top speed of 340km/h.

Even in electric-only mode, the 918 Spyder can reach a top speed of 150km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in under 7s.

Bugatti Legend “Jean Bugatti” resented in a world premiere in Frankfurt, the second vehicle in Bugatti’s Legend series pays homage to Jean Bugatti, son of the brand’s founder and the engineer behind the Type 57SC Atlantic. The supercar in his honor is based on the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, equipped with an 8L W16 engine and 1,200hp. The car, of which only three will be produced, is capable of

accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just 2.6s.

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante The prestigious English manufacturer pulled out all the stops at Frankfurt for the presentation of its Vantage Volante, whose bodywork panels are made entirely of carbon fiber. Under the hood, the supercar is equipped with a V12 engine for a total power of 573hp, top speed of 295km/h and 0 to 100km/h acceleration in 4.1s.

Lamborghini Gallardo Squadra Corse The Italian manufacturer is turning heads in Frankfurt with this limited edition model based on its top-selling Gallardo. The Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse is equipped with the same V10 engine as the original Gallardo, with a total of 570hp. The supercar is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.4s and boasts a top speed of 320km/h.

Porsche 918 Spyder

Bugatti Legend “Jean Bugatti”

Tesla to develop autonomous vehicles (Relaxnews) – It may be breaking new technological ground and changing the average consumer’s perception of electric vehicles, but when it comes to the latest active driver aids and autonomous features, Tesla is still lagging behind its gasoline-powered rivals. But all of that is about to change.

There is little doubt that at the end of 2013 Elton Musk and the company he co-founded just 10 years ago, Tesla, will be held aloft and celebrated as one of the big tech success stories of the year and potentially one of the most crucial in raising the profile and desirability of cars that don’t require gasoline to move backwards or forwards.

However, while the Model S can compete with the best that Audi, Mercedes or BMW has to offer in terms of cabin space, build quality, ride comfort or speed, it is still somewhat lagging behind in other technological areas. Indeed a number of the features drivers in the $70,000 executive car category take for granted are suspicious by

their absence in the Tesla.

The main reason for this is that all modern active safety and driver aid features require electricity to make them work.

In a traditional car, that’s not a problem. The dedicated battery that

provides the power for these features is constantly charged by the car’s gasoline or diesel engine.

However, in an all-electric car, everything that draws power from the battery other than the engine will limit the vehicle’s range.

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante

11

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Eiji Toyoda, who steered Toyota’s rise, dies at 100

Nissan’s newly launched Datsun Go+ cars are displayed on a stage in Jakarta on September 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO / Bay ISMOYO

TOKYO-AFP) – Eiji Toyoda’s tenure Toyoda, a member of saw the firm’s sales Toyota’s founding overseas soar, helpfamily who oversaw ing turn it into what its global ascent and is now the world’s helped drive a revonumber-one autolutionary producmaker. tion process, died on “With Mr Toyoda, Tuesday at the age the company became of 100, the company a global player with said. production in other Toyoda, a cousin developed countries of the automaker’s – he initiated that founder, died of expansion,” a comheart failure less pany spokesman than a week after This 1992 file picture shows said. becoming a cente- Toyota Motor former presiStepping down dent and chairman Eiji Toyonarian. da. AFP PHOTO/FILES/Yoshi- from his role as He joined the kazu TSUNO president in 1982, company in 1936 Toyoda was chairand became Toyota’s president man until 1992 before finishing in 1967 when he spearheaded a his nearly half-a-century career push for mass production of cars, two years later. notably its Corolla brand, using Born in the central city of Naa just-in-time production system goya, Toyoda was also a nephew that aimed to cut waste and im- of Toyota Group founder Sakichi prove efficiency.

Toyoda.

Nissan hopes for Indonesia boost with revived Datsun

The world’s first truly hands-free car repair manual

(JAKARTA-AFP) – Japanese automaker Nissan Tuesday launched its revived budget Datsun marque in Indonesia, saying it hoped the cut-price cars would more than double its market share in the country.

Indonesia is only the second country where the iconic car has been launched following its resurrection in India in July, which marked the start of a rollout across emerging markets.

Nissan, which in 1981 killed off the Datsun badge that was a favorite of legions of Western drivers, has launched a “next-generation” of the car to penetrate high-growth developing markets.

Nissan Motor Co chief executive Carlos Ghosn unveiled two new Datsun models in a Jakarta shopping mall, a seven-seat family model and a five-door hatchback.

“Today we are breathing new life into this historic brand,” said Ghosn, who also heads French carmaker Renault as part of a partnership.

“Why? Because there are a number of consumers here in Indonesia and other high-growth consumer

(Relaxnews) – Metaio’s Goggle Glass app could help users know when a mechanic is being economical with the truth and could also spell the end of men feeling that they need to pretend that they know what the problem is and how to fix it every time the car makes a funny noise for fear of appearing less masculine.

For years, the only viable solution for anyone that wanted to care for and maintain their own car was to go out and buy a Haynes manual that offered stepby-step instructions on how to do everything from changing the oil to altering the compression ratio and replacing a timing belt. Accompanied by black and white photos of each stage, the books were like graphic novels for wannabe mechanics.

And while a simple Google search can answer pretty much any car-maintenance-based query, setting up a comput-

markets who dream of car ownership.”

The cars will go on sale in Indonesia next year.

Nissan hopes the two cars, which will sell for less than 100 million rupiah ($8,800) each, will boost its market share in Indonesia, which at the moment stands at only six percent.

The automaker expects to increase its market share in Indonesia to 15 percent by early 2017, Vincent Cobee, the global head of Datsun, told reporters.

The cars have been developed with local partners and Nissan is taking advantage of tax breaks offered by the Indonesian government to manufacturers of fuel-efficient, cheap cars.

Nissan is just the latest developed world company to try to combat slowing sales at home by turning to Indonesia, which has a burgeoning middle class willing to spend and an elite looking for high-end toys.

Last year its car market grew 25 percent to a record 1.1 million units, closing in on Thailand, the biggest car market in Southeast Asia with 1.4 million vehicles.

er in a workshop is not always the most practical of undertakings, especially if it doesn’t have a special, oil and grime-repellant keyboard cover. And then there’s the fact that a wannabe mechanic will have to keep putting down the component being worked on in order to check the screen again.

Metaio may well have the answer.

The AR company has developed a special app for Google Glass that brings all of the benefits of strapping a Haynes manual or computer monitor to your face, but without any of the drawbacks.

The company claims the prototype app is a world first, most notably because it doesn’t need markers or tags on realworld objects, or even GPS information to be able to identify the engine component the wearer is looking at or to overlay information, diagrams or step-bystep instructions over it.

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520 E. Wilson Ave. Ste. 110. Glendale, CA 91206

17215 Studebaker Rd. Ste 380. Cerritos CA 90703

818.334.5445 818.552.4500

562.356.9931 562.865.4480

We are a federally designated debt relief agency. We help people file for Bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy code. All attorneys are members of the California State Bar and all services are supervised by an attorney.

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