Usap may 8, 2013

T H E

Vol. 2. No. 34

LOS ANGELES

A Balita Media Publication

Wednesday - Tuesday, May 8-14, 2013

Proposed US immigration reform costly WASHINGTON, May 6, 2013 (AFP) – Immigration reform to be debated in the US Congress would add $6.3 trillion to the deficit over the long term, a conservative think tank says in a study released Monday.

The report by the Heritage Foundation was made public a day before the period opens for amendments to be proposed to a bill presented jointly by eight senators, four from each party.

The bill creates a path to citizenship for the approximately 11 million people living in the United States illegally, but under certain conditions and after a 13-year wait, during which time they will not be entitled to any government aid.The Heritage Foundation study argued that while illegal aliens will start to pay taxes once they register legally, when they become citizens they will be net recipients of government funds.

The study said formerly illegal aliens will receive those benefits for 50 years, if one includes their retirement pension, and says their cost to government coffers will be $9.4 trillion, while they will pay $3.1 trillion in taxes.

“They would generate a lifetime fiscal deficit (total benefits minus total taxes) of $6.3 trillion,” the study said.

It is an updated version of a text

whose publication in 2007 helped derail the last attempt at immigration reform in Congress. “If amnesty is enacted, the average adult unlawful immigrant would receive $592,000 more in government benefits over the course of his remaining lifetime than he would pay in taxes,” said the report, which shuns the term immigration reform.

It added that numbers did not take into account relatives that legalized immigrants might bring over to the United States from their native countries.

Another conservative study, by Republican Senator Jeff Sessions, who opposes the reform, said that over the long term the bill will actually benefit 30 million people. The bill, which is backed by President Barack Obama, establishes a five-year path to citizenship for young people who came to the country as children, larger entry quotas for workers with advanced degrees and for farm workers. It also creates a new category of non-skilled workers.

“Many conservatives believe that if an individual has a job and works hard, he will inevitably be a net tax contributor (paying more in taxes than he takes in benefits). In our society, this has not been true for a very long time,” said the Heritage Foundation study.

A cloud of volcanic ash shoots up to the sky as Mayon volcano, one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes, erupts after daybreak, viewed from Legazpi city in Albay province in the central Philippines, Tuesday, May 7, 2013. At least five climbers were killed and more than a dozen others are trapped near the crater in its first eruption in three years, officials said. Rescue teams and helicopters were sent to Mayon volcano to bring out the dead. Mabuhay News Service photo (Story on page 6)

Agents miss Mancao by minutes – NBI

Posters that indicate a new record high above 7000 points for the Philippine stock market, are seen on a trader’s desk at the Philippine Stock Exchange in Manila’s Makati financial district May 3, 2013. (MNS photo)

Better interest rates on car loans part of benefits from Philippine credit rating’s upgrade MANILA, May 6 (Mabuhay) – A Palace official said on Sunday that Filipinos who avail of car loans can expect to pay lower monthly installments after international credit rating firm Standard and Poor’s raised the Philippines’ credit rating to investment grade recently.

In a press briefing aired over government run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said better interest rates on car loans are just part of the

myriad of benefits the country and the Filipinos can expect from the credit upgrade.

“At least, for those who avail of the car loans, you would know that you would be able to get a better rate on the interests on the loans that you take out because of the credit rating upgrades po natin. And that’s just one of those things that you can – that the ordinary Filipino can feel,” Valte said.

In a statement, S&P said it increased See INTEREST, page 6

Palace confident of achieving tourism target MANILA, May 6 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang expressed confidence on Sunday that the government would reach its tourist arrival target of 5.5-million by the end of 2013.

In a press briefing aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that tourist arrivals for the first quarter of this year has already breached the one million mark and thus bodes well for the Department of Tourism’s target tourist arrivals.

“This marks the second time that the foreign visitor arrival has breached the one million mark kahit first quarter pa lang,” Valte said.

“And because of that, the Department of Tourism will reach its 5.5-million arrival target for 2013,” she added.

In a statement, the DOT said that the

1.27-million tourist arrivals recorded from January to March of this year, a 10.76-percent growth from last year’s 1.15 million for the same period, was a result of government’s stepped-up efforts to improve infrastructure, safety and facilities to allow ease of travel to various tourist spots in the country.

“Month after month, we bear witness to a steady upward performance and new record highs. This only means that the efforts of the Department and its partners are bearing fruit. To achieve our 2013 target of 5.5 million and 2016 target of ten million, the Department and its industry partners are actively working on stimulating greater demand overseas, while infrastructure agencies have committed to step up our convergence programs to facilitate entry and access to the different destinations in See PALACE CONFIDENT, page 6

MANILA, May 4 (Mabuhay) – National Bureau of Investigation agents sent to hunt down fugitive former police officer Cezar Mancao missed their target by a few minutes in Bulacan on Friday.

NBI deputy director for intelligence services Reynaldo Esmeralda refused to give details of the operation that missed Mancao but

said they are bent on capturing the fugitive, who is accused of participation in the November 2000 murders of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito.

Mancao, who returned to the country from the United States, had offered to become a state witness but was rebuffed by the courts,

De Lima dares Mancao to prove his allegations vs. WPP

VP Binay defends daughter, political dynasties

MANILA, May 6 (Mabuhay) – Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima Monday challenged former police Senior Supt. Cezar Mancao II to prove his allegations of corruption inside the government’s Witness Protection Program.

“I challenge him (Mancao) to prove his allegations on WPP. He should either put up or shut up,” De Lima Monday said over the radio.

Mancao said over the weekend the WPP of the Department of Justice is riddled with corruption.

However, he refused to give details.

Mancao said he had documents and text messages from officials as proof of his allegations.

See DE LIMA DARES, page 6

Philippines Vice President Jejomar Binay (R) shakes hands with visiting former National Basketball Association (NBA) player and owner of the Shanghai Dongfang

which ruled that he is a suspect.

He fled NBI custody on Thursday, the day he was supposed to be transferred to the Manila City jail, and later told media he escaped because of an alleged threat to his life.

The NBI has also sent a team to Compostela Valley where Mancao has filed his candidacy for provincial board member. (MNS)

NAGA CITY, May 6 (Mabuhay) – In defense of his daughter whose Senate candidacy has often been criticized, Vice President Jejomar Binay argued that there is nothing wrong with political dynasties.

Speaking at a proclamation rally in Goa town on Sunday, Binay described his daughter, Nancy, as a victim of bad politics.

Nancy, who has consistently ranked high in pre-election surveys, has drawn flak for her lack of experience in public office and refusal to participate in debates. Some say her popularity comes only from her family name.

“Kung anu-ano ang sinasabi sa anak ko. Para bang kasalanang mortal ang maging tatay niya ang vice president,” Vice President Binay said.

See VP BINAY DEFENDS, page 6

Gov’t did not Comelec gets source code as Smartmatic, add to Tubbataha Dominion settle differences in US MANILA, May 6 (Mabuhay) – The positive news comes two days damage – Palace Smartmatic Philippines, the supplier of after the author of the poll automation MANILA, May 6 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang said the additional damage to Tubbataha Reef was not caused by the government’s effort to extricate the Chinese vessel that ran aground in April.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that waves and the attempt of the Chinese sailors to remove the vessel had made the situation worse.

See TUBBATAHA, page 6

PCOS machines, has settled its dispute with software owner Dominion Voting System, paving the way for delivery of the crucial source code to the Commission on Elections, according to Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. With the agreement forged between the two parties in a US court, Dominion can now deliver the source code within two days, Brillantes added. This, he said, should erase all doubts about the credibility of the midterm elections.

law in the Philippines, senatorial candidate Richard Gordon, sued Comelec and asked the Supreme Court to compel the poll body to allow a source code review by political parties and interested groups as required by law.

Brillantes had said the tentative fate of the source code review was beyond Comelec’s control, owing to the lawsuit in Delaware between Smartmatic and the Canada-based Dominion.

See SMARTMATIC, page 6

Fatal US blaze limo had too many passengers: police SAN FRANCISCO, May 6, 2013 (AFP) – A limousine in which a Filipina bride and four friends died when it erupted in flames was carrying more passengers than its normal limit, an official and reports said Monday.

The victims died desperately trying to scramble through a partition to the driver’s section of the limo, which was

en route to a wedding party near San Francisco on Saturday night, a coroner said.

Four passengers survived. The driver of the limo was quoted as saying he initially thought the women, reportedly all nurses, were asking him if they could smoke, but misheard them because they were playing loud music.

The victims’ bodies were found up against the partition at the front of the vehicle, which caught fire on the Hayward-San Mateo Bridge, across San Francisco Bay. “This particular vehicle is listed .. as for carrying eight or fewer passengers .. there were nine people in this vehiSee PASSENGERS, page 6

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U.S. trade mission to visit Manila MANILA, May 6 (PIA) – Seven U.S. companies participating in the 2013 Trade WindsAsia, a trade mission organized by the U.S. Commercial Service, will visit Manila May 8-11 to meet with potential Philippine partners.

In a statement, United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Jr. said this mission is an indication that U.S. companies are taking an increasing interest in the Philippines as a place to do business.

“We are excited about the prospects for American business here and are planning more missions in the future,” said Thomas.

While in Manila, the U.S. trade mission will hold business-to-business meetings with potential distributors and end-users.

The event organized by the U.S. Commercial Service, will include companies from Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Carolina, Georgia and New Jersey that are engaged in build-

ing products, franchising, food supplements, chemicals, laboratory equipment, medical supplies, and software for the defense sector.

Meanwhile, delegates will come from the Analytical Graphics, Inc.; Feature Flooring Inc.; Focus Brands, Inc.; ITSI-Biosciences; North American Rescue; PlastO-Matic Valves; and Resin Tech Inc. The 2013 Trade Winds-Asia venture will run from May 9 to17, 2013.

The group will also visit other Asian countries such as South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit www. buyusa.gov/Philippines and follow www.twitter.com/TradeWindsAsia. Philippine businesses interested in the trade mission may also contact the U.S. Commercial Service via email: Bebe.

Montesines@trade.gov. (U.S. Embassy, ManilaPublic Affairs Section/JEG/PIA-NCR)

Vigan is home to first Deadly Mayon eruption just a mild event in last 400 years world costume festival

BY FREDDIE G. LAZARO

VIGAN CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- The first world costume festival was successfully launched during the opening day of the week-long Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts last Saturday.

Mayor Eva Marie S. Medina said the costume festival was an occasion to promote local and international fabrics which have become fashionable clothes and accessories.

“The festival is also a time to promote our indigenous loom weaving industry,” she said.

She said the clothing designs presented during the festival were also used for live performances, theater and festival events in the country and abroad.

Festival project director Rolando de Leon said Vigan City was chosen to host the country’s first international costume festival because of its rich heritage and culture.

“Vigan is well-known as a world heritage city. It is an appropriate venue for the event,” he said.

De Leon said organizers are now planning to hold the festival every two years in Vigan City.

Aside from the exhibit, the WCF will have lectures, conferences, workshops and master classes on costume-making with international experts in designing as speakers.

The WCF also demonstrated indigenous weaving traditions such as batik, abel and piña from other regions.

Other highlights of the costume festival were the contest for Outstanding Design Costume wherein the winner will receive a Golden Kneeling Carabao trophy - the highest award of the festival; and the body-painting competition— whose winner have a chance to represent the Philippines in the World Body Painting Showdown in Austria in July.

De Leon, who was the country’s curator to the 2011 Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space, said the festival will coincide with the annual international meeting of the Orga-

nization of International Scenographers Theater Architects and Technicians (OISTAT) Costume Design Group with at least 20 countries as members.

“OISTAT is a worldwide organization of professionals and educators from seven continents who practice the discipline of designing for performance,” he said.

He said the WCF is in preparation for the OISTAT’s upcoming World Stage Design festival in Cardiff, Wales in September.

The successful lauching of the WCF in Vigan was a joint effort of the city government of Vigan headed by Mayor Medina; Joy Rago, the executive director of the Sinag Art Foundation; Project Director Rolando de Leon; and the GMA Kapuso network.

Furthermore, Mayor Medina told that this year’s Viva Vigan festival was slated from April 27, 2013 to May 4, 2013.

Aside from the WCF, the other significant highlights of this year’s Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts are the following: April 27 – unveiling of murals done by the Angono artists and grupo ti biag, WCF lecture series and workshop series; April 28 – WCF grand street parade presentation at Paseo de Calle Crisologo; world body painting parade; kalesa parade and gayyem parade; April 29 – WCF workshop’s output presentation and concierto de Calle Crisologo; April 30 – Boklan art competition, glass mosaic competition and carabao painting competition; May 1 – Opening of CHEER Zone (Children’s ecology and energy recreational zone), WCF Photography contest, traditional games, bancathon and fishing contest, GMA Kapuso Day; May 2 – Binatbatan street dancing competition and Binatbatan showdown; May 3 – holy mass in honor of Apo Lakay, ramada traditional games, abel house decor judging, santacruzan and ginebra night; May 4 – dog show and contest, free anti- rabbies vaccination for dog, and dance craze and concert for a cause. (MCA/FGL PIA- 1/Ilocos Sur)

MANILA, May 7 (Mabuhay) – Despite the casualties, Mayon Volcano’s May 7 eruption was relatively mild in its 390-year recorded history, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Tuesday, mere hours after the mountain’s latest explosion.

No one might have died if climbers were not near the peak at the time of the sudden “phreatic eruption,” a steam blast caused by hot magma deep in the earth. The climbers reportedly died in a hail of large rocks. The explosion caught the country’s vulcanologists by surprise. But they said there was no indication of a follow-up eruption.

The iconic Bicol landmark has erupted at least 50 times in the 390-year period between 1616 and 2006, according to Phivolcs.

Mayon’s ‘Vesuvius-like’ eruption in 1814 But Phivolcs said that the “most destructive eruption” of Mayon on record was on Feb. 1, 1814, when it erupted with “plinian, pyroclastic flows” and “volcanic lightning and lahar.”

Named after the Greek historian Pliny the Younger —who described the violent and spectacular destruction of Pompeii by Vesuvius’ eruption in AD 79— so-called Plinian eruptions are notable for

their outpouring of hot gas, volcanic ash, and occasional pyroclastic flows.

In Mayon’s Plinian eruption of 1814, some 1,200 casualties were reported, and Camalig, Cagsaua, Budiao, Guinobatan and half of Albay were damaged.

The second most destructive eruption of Mayon occurred between June 4 and July 23, 1897, when pyroclastic flows damaged the seashore of Sto. Domingo and barrios of Sto. Nino, San Isidro, San Roque, San Antonio, Misericordia in Sto. Domingo town; Ligao; parts of Bigaa, San Fernando and Legazpi.

A lava flow affected the Basud River in Sto. Domingo and Camalig. There were at least 350 casualties, “most likely due to pyroclastic flows,” Phivolcs said.

Phivolcs added this was “next to the 1814 eruption in destructiveness,” adding the violent phase lasted 17 hours.

From Feb. 2 to April 4, 1993, 77 were killed and five injured as pyroclastic flow affected Mabinit and Bonga; ashfall affected Camalig. Sto. Domingo and Legazpi; and lava flow and lahar were confined to gullies.

Aquino wants Albay execs to explain ‘parameters’ of Mayon Volcano tours MANILA, May 7 (Mabuhay) -- President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday asked the local government of Albay to explain the “parameters” it uses to determine when to allow tours to Mayon Volcano, after a volcanic ash explosion killed four foreign tourist and a local guide in the area.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the President was “concerned” why tourists were able to climb to Mayon’s crater despite the six-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone established around the famed volcano.

“What does it mean if it is a permanent danger zone? That prohibits permanent settlement doon sa area na iyon, but activity is not prohibited.

What we understand is that the local government has restricted activity. Precisely, what the President wanted to know is kung ano ‘yung parameters,” Valte said at a press briefing in Malacañang.

She added that Aquino already asked Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr.’s office to inquire about these “parameters” and coordinate with lo-

cal officials from Albay.

Earlier in the day, a phreatic (steam-driven) explosion at the Mayon Volcano killed five people and left seven others hurt.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda said the mountain climbing activities of casualties were unauthorized. He added the tourist guides failed to secure a permit from the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) and the Department of Tourism.

Valte likewise said there are no plans at the moment to investigate if Salceda has any liability for the incident. Salceda is aligned with the ruling Liberal Party, which is chaired by Aquino.

The deputy presidential spokesperson said the government is currently prioritizing helping those affected by the ash explosion, especially the repatriation of the foreigners killed.

“Tingnan po muna natin kung ano magiging resulta noong insidente. The focus now is attending to the injured and of course facilitating the repatriation of the fatalities,” she said.

International observers to monitor PHL elections MANILA, May 7 (Mabuhay) – International observers will be in six different areas in the country on election day to monitor “iconic electoral battles.”

The Compact for Peaceful Democratic Elections (COMPACT) said at least 30 people will be involved in the 2013 International Observers Mission or the so-called “International Team Bantay”.

COMPACT national coordinator Arnold Tarrobago said the observers want to monitor local electoral battles between Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda and former Governor Ed Panlilio; Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and former Pampanga provincial administrator Vivian Dabu; Atty. Leni Robredo and Nelly Villafuerte for the 3rd District of Camarines Sur; ARMM OIC Mujiv Hataman and Pax Mangudadatu; as well as the three-way fight between Fr. Leo Casas against the powerful Kho and Lanete clans for the governorship of Masbate.

“Aside from iconic electoral battles, we consciously chose these areas because they had the following factors: history of election-related violence, fraud and political clans; presence of capable local civil society organizations doing election monitoring; and security and safety of the foreign election observers. In other words, these areas displayed a wide gamut of issues and conditions which we often see in Philippine elections,” Tarrobago explained.

He said the “International Team Bantay” will come from 16 different countries; namely, Sweden, Denmark, USA, Japan, Australia, Germany, Spain, Burma, The Netherlands, Thailand, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

He said the observers will be grouped according to their expertise and experience in election monitoring.

“Our 2013 international election observers have shown great interest in monitoring iconic electoral contests between those that proclaim to be on the side of reforms and those that are widely associated with traditional and patronage politics,” Tarrobago said.

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PHL exports 35 tons of aromatic, black rice to Dubai

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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the inaugural drive-through of the Lingayen-Binmaley By-Pass Road in Barangay Quilbaol, Lingayen, Pangasinan on Thursday (May 02, 2013). The 1.65 kilometer by-pass road cuts travel time to 15 minutes for Dagupan commuters going to the province’s western section avoiding traffic in downtown Lingayen.(MNS photo)

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QUEZON CITY, May 6 – With rice self-sufficiency in sight, the Philippines after 40 years will once again export rice, initially comprising of 35 metric tons (MT) of aromatic, long-grain and organic black rice bound for Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Department of Agriculture reported.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, who led the ceremonial send-off at the Manila Harbor Center,May 6 said the event is historic as it ushers in a new era in the country’s rice industry and the agriculture sector, in general.

“Ang okasyong ito ay makasaysayan at patunay lamang na kayang-kaya ng ating mga magsasaka ng maka-ani at maka-export ng kalidad na bigas patungong ibang bansa (This occasion is historic and indeed proves that Filipino farmers can produce and export quality rice to other countries),” Alcala said.

As the country is set to achieve rice sufficiency by end of this year, he said it is prudent to start

eyeing the export market, particularly for fancy or aromatic, long-grain white varieties and organic colored and heirloom rice varieties, where Filipino farmers are competitive.

He said the initial rice export was a result of concerted efforts of farmers’ groups, the private sector, and the DA family all over the country.

“Ang pagluluwas natin ng bigas ngayon ay bunga ng maigting na pagtutulungan ng mga samahan ng mga magsasaka, pribadong sektor at mga pinuno at kawani ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka sa buong bansa,” Alcala said.

He said the initial 35-MT shipment is comprised of 20 MT of ‘Jasponica’ or long-grain, aromatic white rice variety, and 15 MT of organic black rice.

The Jasponica aromatic white rice was produced by farmers from Talavera, Nueva Ecija, who planted a commercial variety of SL Agritech.

The black rice was produced by farmers from Mlang, North Cotabato, who are members of the Bios Dynamis Farmers’ Cooperative, in partnership with the Don Bosco Development

Foundation.

The black rice was milled and packed at a DA-KOICA rice processing center in Matanao, Davao del Sur. The DA through its national rice program directorate coordinated the initial export rice shipment to Dubai with the Vegetable Importers, Exporters and Vendors Association (VIEVA).

Together with other DA family officials, regional directors, the private sector and farmers’ groups, Secretary Alcala also led the ceremonially send-off of 166 MT of shallots (or small red onions locally known as ‘lasona’) bound for Indonesia.

Another batch of 80 MT aromatic and heirloom rice varieties are set for export in succeeding months, said DA assistant secretary and national rice program coordinator Dante S. Delima.

It is composed of 40 MT of longgrain, aromatic white rice bound for Hong Kong, and 40 MT of Cordillera heirloom rice to the United States.

He said the DA is also sending a trial shipment of 800 kilograms of black rice to the Netherlands.

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Catholic Church seeks to regain power in PHL

BY MYNARDO MACARAIG

MANILA, May 5, 2013 (AFP) – In cathedrals around the Philippines, huge black and red banners are asking the faithful to choose between “Team Life” and “Team Death”, with priests warning the nation’s soul is at stake.

The signs are part of efforts by the Catholic Church to assert influence at next week’s mid-term elections, with politicians who supported a birth control law passed by Congress last year blackmarked as part of “Team Death”.

Bishop Vicente Navarra of Bacolod City in the central Philippines, who pioneered the use of the “Team Life-Team Death” banners, said he believed the law had opened the door to worse social ills.

“We know it (birth control) will just snowball later on. After this, they will file bills for divorce, euthanasia, abortion, homosexual marriages, so it will be death,” Navarra told AFP. The Catholic Church has for centuries enjoyed immense political as well as social power in the Philippines, a former Spanish colony.

Roughly 80 percent of Filipinos still count themselves as members of the faith.

Church leaders played a crucial role in toppling dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 and pressure from the clergy has ensured that the Philippines remains the only country where divorce is illegal.

For more than a decade the Church also successfully derailed campaigns for parliament to pass a birth control bill that would have mandated that the government hand out free contraceptives and sex education be taught in schools.

But despite another intense church campaign, the landmark law was finally passed late last year.

The Supreme Court in March suspended the law until judges hears arguments from Catholic groups that have filed petitions arguing it is unconstitutional.

But the legislative defeat for the Church highlighted what many believe is its waning influence in Philippine society.

Surveys over many years have consistently shown overwhelming public backing for the birth control law, while support for divorce is also on the rise.

A survey in 2011 by the Social Weather Stations, one of the Philippines’ top two polling groups, found that 50 percent of Filipinos believed divorce should be legalised, up from 29 percent a decade earlier.

Another survey in February this year by the Social Weather Stations also found waning religiosity among those who classify themselves as Catholics, with only 29 percent considering themselves “very religious”.

Weekly church attendance has also fallen sharply, from 64 percent of Catholic adults in 1991 to 37 percent this year, according to the survey.

Political scientist Edna Co, from the state-run University of the Philippines, said many Filipinos had come to believe they could still be good Catholics while being less obedient to its teachings.

“Some people are thinking more independently these days, regardless of the Catholic Church,” she said.

“There is a line drawn between your faith and a social issue: that is how a lot of Filipino Catholics think.”

Father Melvin Castro, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ commission on family life, blamed mass media and the Internet for weakening church influence on Filipinos.

“Just imagine what they hear or what they read: the values or lack of values they imbibe. They go to church only once a week... but compare that to the time they spend on the Internet or with traditional media,” he told AFP. The Church’s campaigning against pro-birth control politicians ahead of the mid-term elections is an effort to claw back some of its lost power, according to Ana Maria Tabunda, chief researcher at Pulse Asia, a respected think tank.

“Can the Church affect the vote on the national level? That is what they want to show through this campaign, to recover some of that influence over the legislators,” she said.

Another part of the campaign is a “White Vote Movement” asking candidates to sign a “covenant” not to support divorce and birth control in exchange for getting their endorsement to win votes from the faithful.

Bishops and priests are also delivering sermons steeped in politics, while other church leaders are actively campaigning.

At a parish centre of a small church in a Manila suburb, Anna Cosio, 24, secretary of Catholic Vote Philippines, recently lectured the faithful on why they should vote according to “non-negotiable ethical principles”.

“It is our duty to infuse the political life of our country with our Christian values,” she told parishioners while delivering a powerpoint presentation detailing what she said were the dangers of contraceptives.

Tabunda, from Pulse Asia, said the Church would likely not have a great impact on the national posts at the mid-term elections, although it could expect to wield strong influence on local posts in towns that are more devout.

As she stepped out of a Manila church after Sunday mass, retired civil servant Minnie Nicholas, 62, told AFP she considered herself a devout Catholic and an active parishioner.

But when asked if the birth control issue would influence her voting, she laughed and asked: “How is that related to running a country?”

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Filipino domestic workers push for basic rights

BY NIMFA U. RUEDA

LOS ANGELES, April 30 – More than 100 Filipino domestic workers and their supporters last Thursday held a “cupcake party” in front of the state building here to show their support for a bill that will grant domestic workers in California basic labor rights, such as overtime pay and breaks.

The California Assembly bill, AB 241, passed in the labor and employment committee in Sacramento on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila).

“We’re celebrating this first victorious step, the first legislative action on the bill” said Lolita Andrada Lledo, senior community organizer of the LA-based Pilipino Workers Center (PWC), who were among the rally participants who held trays of cupcakes and carried balloons on a sidewalk in front of the state building.

The PWC has been lobbying for the passage of AB 241 – also known as the California Domestic Workers Bill of Rights – which will extend basic rights to domestic workers and help protect them from abuse, Lledo said.

Mostly caregivers There are more than 200,000 domestic workers in California and of these, about 50,000 – mostly caregivers – are Filipino, Lledo estimated. One of these Filipinos workers is Amelia Bernachea, a live-in caregiver.

Shortly before the bill was approved, Bernachea testified before the committee that she earned $70 (about P2,870) for a 24-hour job caring for an elderly woman

with Alzheimer’s, with no breaks and overtime pay.

“Domestic work requires a lot of responsibilities, patience, kindness and understanding,” she said. “Most of the time I can hardly sleep a straight eight hours because I want to make sure that my employer is taken care of throughout the night.

“I endure the work because it’s important, and because I financially support my children (so they can) go to college,” Bernachea added. She said AB 241 would recognize her work as “real work” and give domestic workers equal rights under state labor law.

A similar bill, AB 889, was introduced last year but was vetoed

by California Gov. Jerry Brown, who cited concerns that the proposed law could unreasonably burden disabled, low-income or elderly individuals who may need around-the-clock care.

Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, who reintroduced the bill, said he will make sure “that doesn’t happen again.”

Overtime protection “If we can’t pass this bill this year and get it signed, we will owe an explanation to the workers.

They are people, mostly women, who keep some households running smoothly and enable people with disabilities to live at home, instead of in institutions,” Ammiano said.

“Why shouldn’t they have overtime protections like the average barista or gas station attendant?”

The National Domestic Workers Alliance said the

mostly female and immigrant domestic workers are vulnerable to abuse because of the “isolated nature of the industry, where women labor behind closed doors and out of the public eye.”

These workers are also excluded from most employment laws and are not able to collectively bargain, “which means they are unprotected when asking for respect of their basic rights,” according to the alliance.

In a study, the group found that more than 85 percent of the workers surveyed encountered problems with their working conditions in the previous year but did not complain because they were afraid to lose their job or that their immigration status would be used against them. Among live-in workers, two in three were paid below the minimum wage, according to the survey.

Lledo said she and other PWC members support the bill because it would provide domestic workers “overtime protections, meals, rest breaks and worker’s compensation” among other basic labor rights.

Threat to economy?

The California Chamber of Commerce opposes the bill, saying it would harm the state’s economy.

Having passed the Labor and Employment Committee, the bill will now go to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for approval. If approved, it will move through the Full Assembly, the Senate Labor Committee, the Senate Assembly and then the full Senate.

Gov’t suspects Joma Sison, local Reds not in sync MANILA, Apr 30 (Mabuhay) – Government chief negotiator Alexander Padilla on Tuesday said talking to the leadership of the National Democratic Front, the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines, seems to be of no use.

Padilla, who has already given up hopes that the insurgency will end within the term of President Benigno Aquino III, said he is now favoring a suggestion that the government peace panel employ a new approach to end the decades-long communist insurgency in the Philippines.

The government chief negotiator explained that CPP founder Jose Maria Sison, in December last year, proposed a draft Declaration of National Unity and Just Peace.

Padilla said the draft declaration paved the way for the two panels to employ the “special track” approach in their talks, abandoning the stalled “regular track.”

He explained that under the special track, which the CPPNPA-NDF itself had proposed, the communist leadership would no longer set preconditions in order for the talks to progress.

“We agreed that using the special track was doable,” Padilla said.

However, two months after the meeting in Amsterdam, Padilla said Sison backtracked from his original position for a draft declaration.

Padilla said when the govern-

BY ROB LEVER

415.957.0696 (San Francisco)

Alex Llorente

OPINION

ment panel met with the NDF leaders in Amsterdam in February, they were surprised by the decision of the other side to abandon the earlier draft in favor of three new documents, which called for the release of captured communist rebels, among others.

He said the government does not want to release the captured rebels since there were instances in the past that the released rebels returned to the hills to resume the armed struggle.

The Netherlands-based communist leaders also demanded that the government abandon its conditional cash transfer (CCT) program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the PAMANA (PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn) program of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, and the Oplan Bayanihan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“We don’t want to go back to the regular track anymore. We have been doing this for years and nothing has happened. We are frustrated because we thought we were making good progress,” Padilla said.

Localized peace talks Padilla suspects the local communist leadership may have not agreed with the proposal of Sison.

“The government panel suspects that the Philippine communist leadership did not agree with the decision of their counterparts in the Netherlands and may have suggested that the latter abandon the plan,” he said.

“So my question is: Are we talking to the right people? Or should we just focus on holding talks with local communist leaders?

There have been signs that there is a disconnect between the communist leaders here and those in Utrecht (the Netherlands),” he added.

Padilla said the government may instead pursue localized peace talks in an effort to end the world’s longest-running Maoist insurgency.

“This might be the answer. We are not closing our doors to all options,” he said, adding that the government peace panel wants a “time-bound and agenda-bound” peace talks.

Padilla said under the localized peace talks, the government may enlist the help of local leaders and civil society groups in dealing with communist rebels.

Padilla also noted that the upcoming May elections may have played a big part in the communist rebels’ decision to abandon the special track.

He said the election season is important for the rebels because they are able to rake in millions of pesos by extorting money from candidates.

Major-General Jose Mabanta, commander of one of the country’s army divisions, earlier said that cach candidate illegally pays between P50,000 and P5 million to buy protection from the NPA, which the military estimates has 4,000 members. (MNS)

More money buys more happiness: U.S. researchers

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WASHINGTON, April 29, 2013 (AFP) – Money does indeed buy happiness, and more money leads to more happiness, according to a study released Monday by economic researchers.

While a link between money and well-being is not surprising, the new study contradicts some earlier research which suggested the effect diminished above a certain level of income which allows people to meet basic needs.

University of Michigan economists Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers say in their paper in the May 2013 American Economic Review, Papers and Proceedings that there is no evidence of a “satiation” point in the money-

happiness equation.

“We find no evidence of a satiation point,” they wrote. “The income-well-being link that one finds when examining only the poor, is similar to that found when examining only the rich.”

They found that the link is valid “when making cross-national comparisons between rich and poor countries as when making comparisons between rich and poor people within a country.”

The study is the latest in a hotly debated field, and appears to contradict a theory dubbed the “Easterlin Paradox,” developed in 1974 by Richard Easterlin, now at the University of Southern California.

Easterlin’s research, which drew notably on surveys from

Japan, suggested little or no increase in national happiness despite the country’s post-World War II economic miracle.

Later research pointed to annual incomes in the United States of $75,000 and in poorer countries in a range of between $8,000 and $25,000, beyond which money no longer impacts well-being.

But Stevenson and Wolfers said their research showed the Easterlin Paradox and similar theories are just wrong.

“If there is a satiation point, we are yet to reach it,” they wrote.

“We find no evidence of a significant break in either the happiness-income relationship, nor in the life satisfaction-income relationship, even at annual incomes up to half a million dollars.”

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UTREACH U.S., Filam investors express strong interest in PHL WASHINGTON, D.C. – Buoyed by the strong interest expressed by American and Filipino-American investors in pouring their money in the Philippines, the Philippine Embassy said today it is seriously considering plans to hold another investment roadshow in the United States next year.

In a statement, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said the plan to hold the 3rd Philippine Investment Roadshow was prompted by the success of the 2nd Philippine Investment Roadshow that was held in Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston from 22 to 26 April.

“The 2nd Investment Roadshow was a great success gauging not only from the turnout of American corporate and government executives but also the strong interest they expressed in investing in the Philippines,” Ambassador Cuisia said.

“As a matter of fact, this roadshow is more successful than the first one we held in 2012,” he further said, noting that the more than 300 participants who joined the three-city investment seminars represented an increase of 31 percent compared to the first roadshow.

Ambassador Cuisia said the 3rd Philippine Investment Roadshow would be held in Houston, Atlanta and Philadelphia sometime between April and May next year.

“We would like to do it this time in Houston, because it is the oil capital of the US; Atlanta because of its trade relations with ASEAN; and Philadelphia because of the presence of many young Filipino-American professionals,” said Ambassador Cuisia who was the moving force behind the two investment roadshows.

Ambassador Cuisia said he expects next year’s roadshow to be participated in by leading corporate executives representing the following sectors: infrastructure (energy, water and highways); business process outsourcing and informa-

Toy company owner in money laundering sent to prison LOS ANGELES – A Diamond Bar woman, who along with her husband owns a Los Angeles-area toy wholesaler, was ordered today to serve a total of 14 months in custody for participating in an elaborate scheme known as a Black Market Peso Exchange, which is an underground moneytransfer system that enables international drug trafficking organizations to launder narcotics proceeds.

Dan “Daisy” Xin Li, 44, co-owner of the Industry-based Woody Toys, Inc., was sentenced today to eight months in prison, to be followed by six months of home detention. At the conclusion of today’s hearing, Li was remanded into custody.

Li was sentenced by United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner, who this morning delayed the sentencing for Li’s husband – Jia “Gary” Hui Zhou, 44 – until January 6, 2014.

As part of their agreements with federal prosecutors, the couple forfeited to the federal government $2 million in proceeds that were derived from their money laundering scheme. Some of that money was previously seized by investigators, but most of the money to satisfy a forfeiture order – $1,982,641 – was paid last Wednesday.

Zhou and Li pleaded guilty in September to conspiring to structure currency transactions with a U.S. financial institution to avoid the filing of a Currency Transaction Report.

The scheme used “structured” cash deposits in the United States to launder illicit proceeds generated by drug trafficking organizations based in Mexico and Colombia.

Structured deposits are cash deposits of $10,000 or less that are designed to avoid laws requiring all cash transactions over $10,000 to be reported to federal authorities. From 2005 through 2011, approximately $3 million in structured, out-of-state cash was deposited into Woody Toys’ bank accounts, according to court documents. During that same time, Woody Toys took in approximately $3 million in cash without filing the required federal documents.

As part of the Black Market Peso Exchange scheme alleged in this case, foreign toy retailers with Colombian and Mexican pesos would contact currency brokers to buy discounted U.S. dollars, which they used to purchase merchandise from Woody Toys. The dollars being “sold” were allegedly proceeds from illegal drug sales that had been deposited in the toy company’s accounts or delivered to the business. The Colombian or Mexican pesos the currency broker received from the foreign toy retailer were remitted to the drug trafficking organizations.

In a sentencing memo to the court, prosecutors described Woody Toys as “the last ‘spoke in the wheel,’ that cleaned illicit proceeds and enabled drug trafficking organizations to convert their dirty dollars into clean pesos.”

The case involving Woody Toys is the result of an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the multi-agency Southern California Drug Task Force, which is spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Previously in this case, Woody Toys, Inc. was sentenced in November to five years of probation after pleading guilty to money laundering conspiracy charges involving drug proceeds. The sentence prohibits the company from receiving payments of more than $2,000 in cash and the business may not receive cash from anyone who is not a customer. The company must also report the identity and contact information of all its customers. Finally, the business will be subject to unannounced examinations of its books and records.

The probe targeting Woody Toys began in November 2010 based on evidence uncovered during a similar investigation targeting another Los Angeles-area toy wholesaler called Angel Toys, whose owners also went to prison (see: http:// www.justice.gov/usao/cac/Pressroom/2012/021.html). Several former employees of Angel Toys subsequently went to work for Woody Toys.

Investigators say schemes of this kind benefit criminal organizations by giving them a means to launder illicit proceeds using international trade. The system also gives foreign retailers access to discounted U.S. currency, which enables the foreign retailers to avoid steep exchange rates and other fees. Finally, for the U.S.-based company, the scheme is a way to substantially increase sales volume and cash flow.

tion technology; mining; financial services; electronics and electronic devices; and pharmaceutical and biotechnology.

Prominent Filipino economist Dr. Bernardo Villegas, who helped Ambassador Cuisia organize the roadshow and led the business delegation from Manila, has indicated his willingness to support next year’s roadshow.

Consul General Mario De Leon of the Philippine Consulate General in New York said the attendance of a number of senior American corporate executives at the Boston leg of the roadshow indicates the high interest of US companies on the Philippines.

“All the participants were pleased with the presentations of the Philippines’ captains of industries. Now that they know more about the many business opportunities in our country, I am optimistic that the roadshow will lead to increased business transactions between Philippine and American companies particularly in the US Northeast,” Consul General De Leon said.

For his part, Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim of the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago said: “No one remembers the last time there was a trade and investment roadshow of this kind in the US Midwest. This one certainly showed why outsourcing, mining, infrastructure and finance are hot sectors in our region. Now, everybody wants to be in the game.”

“A week after the trade and investment seminar, we continue to hear participants rave about the presentations and the Philippine performance. Everyone is looking forward not only to the next seminar but to their next trip to the Philippines!” Consul General Herrera-Lim said.

Consul General Hellen Barber-De La Vega of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles said that in her ju-

risdiction, the Filipino-American Chambers of Commerce has pledged to build on the success of the investment roadshow when it holds its annual summit from 8 to 10 November this year.

“This demonstrates the confidence in the Philippines as the new rising tiger of Asia,” she said.

According to Ambassador Cuisia, the feedback and comments received from potential American investors, business executives, members of the Filipino-American Community and other participants on the investment roadshow were very positive. “The described the presentations as comprehensive, engaging, impressive and inspiring, particularly Dr. Villegas’s very good macroeconomic presentation where he explained why he believed that the Philippines will enjoy sustained and inclusive growth over the next 10 to 20 years,” the envoy said.

Rainerio Borja, President of Expert Global Solutions-Philippines and a member of the business delegation, also said that “the roadshow is one of the best” he has participated in.

Ambassador Cuisia said last week’s roadshow, which was organized in cooperation with the Philippine Consulates General in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, would not have been possible without the participation of a topnotch business delegation from Manila.

The delegation includes Benjamin Philip Romualdez, President of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines; Isidro Consunji, President of DMCI Holdings; Roberto Dispo, President of First Metro Investment Corp.; Rainerio Borja, President and Country Head of EGS Philippines; Dan Lachica, President of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. and Jesus Zulueta, Jr., Chairman of ZMG Ward Howell.

New York state to sue Bank of America, Wells Fargo NEW YORK, May 6, 2013 (AFP) – New York state Monday announced plans to sue Bank of America and Wells Fargo for violating a 2012 settlement aimed at addressing widespread mortgage lending abuses.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said the two banks had “repeatedly” flouted the terms of the $25 billion March 2012 settlement that makes it easier for homeowners to seek loan modifications.

Under the terms of the settlement, the banks are to expeditiously notify consumers of the receipt of loan modification applications and abide by a time-frame for processing the application.

Schneiderman and consumer advocates contend the failure of the banks to follow the rules has placed homeowners at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure.

“The five mortgage services that signed the National Mortgage Settlement are legally required to take specific,

rigorous, and enforceable steps to protect homeowners,” Schneiderman said in a statement.

“Wells Fargo and Bank of America have flagrantly violated those obligations, putting hundreds of homeowners across New York at greater risk of foreclosure.”

New York last year joined 48 states and the US Justice Department in negotiating the settlement.

Under the settlement, any party party may bring an enforcement action following a 21-day notice to a monitoring committee set up to enforce the agreement.

On Friday, Schneiderman sent a letter to the monitoring committee notifying it that New York will pursue a claim against Bank of America and Wells Fargo if the committee did not act.

A Wells Fargo spokeswoman declined to comment on the matter. Bank of America did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Celebrating business and community partnerships: SCE hosts the 8th Annual Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month event IRWINDALE, Calif., May 3, 2013 — Celebrating business and community partnerships, Southern California Edison (SCE) hosted its eighth annual Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebration today, highlighting the company’s partnerships with local business customers and organizations.

“SCE takes pride in cultivating relationships with diverse business customers and community organizations on energy conservation, supporting our local communities, and working towards a better environment,” said Lisa Cagnolatti, SCE’s vice president, Business Customer Division. “We are pleased to recognize the positive contributions made by Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations and businesses in our service territory.”

Keynoting the event was Jagjeet S. Bindra, a member of the board of directors of Edison International and SCE, and a recognized leader in the South Asian American community. He is the founding chairman of the board of directors of South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting issues affecting the South Asian American community.

“I am honored to be a part of the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration with Southern California Edison,” said Bindra. “It is important to celebrate diversity and recognize the achievements made by leaders in business and nonprofits serving the community

in Southern California.”

The Energy Efficiency Participation Awards were presented to IMPEX Inc. and Park Avenue Chinese Cuisine for their efforts to conserve energy. The Diverse Business Enterprise Award, which honors a business that is part of SCE’s Supplier Diversity and Development Program, will be given to Apex Computer Systems, Inc., a Chineseowned company that provides complete technology services to companies of all sizes.

The Community Partnership Award was presented to the Samoan National Nurses Association (SNNA), which is currently working on a project with SCE to create policies to provide a safer environment for the elderly. Serving as this year’s emcee was Jannelle So, host and producer of Kababayan L.A. SCE began this event in 2006 to recognize the accomplishments of AAPI businesses, their contributions to economic growth, and their commitment to being energy efficient.

SCE Diversity Facts: Within the region SCE serves, 35 languages are spoken. Over one-third of the nation’s AAPI citizens reside in California, and out of that more than half reside in Southern California. SCE spent over $1.5 billion during 2012 with suppliers owned by minorities, women and disabled veterans – 38.2 percent of all such spending. This represents a 199 percent increase since 2008.

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PALACE CONFIDENT From page 1

the country,” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said. “…the expansion and development of secondary gateways could ease the volume of traffic in the primary gateways of Manila and open the country to more visitors by bringing them closer to their end destinations. Significant investments in the air transportation, as well as in the accommodation sector, are seen to beef up capacities in the years to come,” he added.

According to the DOT, Korea remains the leading visitor market, which captured 25.83% of the total inbound traffic with 328,454 arrivals, followed by the United States with 186,065 or 14.63% of the overall visitor volume.

The Japanese market contributed the third biggest arrivals with 114,269 or 8.99%. Rounding up the top five

visitor markets for the first quarter are China with 98,242 and Taiwan with 53,867 visitors.

The Korean market rose by 23.93%, the highest among the top five major markets.

Other key markets contributing significant volume of arrivals include Australia with 53,679; Singapore with 41,524; Canada with 38,486; Hong Kong with 36,005; United Kingdom with 32,475; Malaysia with 27,212; and Germany with 22,491.

Double-digit gains were recorded by the Russian Federation (26.9%), Hongkong (25.04%), Korea (23.93%), India (22.1%), Singapore (15.42%), Australia (12.65%), and Malaysia (11.86%). The ASEAN source markets grew 14.82% while East Asia increased by 14.15%. (MNS)

PASSENGERS From page 1

cle,” California Highway Patrol (CHP) captain Mike Maskarich told reporters.

According to media reports, 31-year-old newly-wed Neriza Fojas was traveling with eight friends in their 30s and 40s to a wedding shower in nearby Foster City when the limo burst into flames.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Fojas, who lived in Fresno, California, had recently married and had planned to return to her native Philippines for another ceremony next month.

It quoted the driver, Orville Brown, as saying he initially misheard when one of them tried to get his attention through the partition.

“They had the music up in the back, and I figured she was asking, ‘Can I smoke?’” he told the newspaper. “I said, ‘The owner doesn’t allow smoking in the car, and we only have four minutes to the destination.’ “ Less than 15 seconds later the women knocked again. he said. This time, when he rolled down the partition, they were shouting, “Smoke, smoke!” and

“Pull over, pull over!”

He helped some of the survivors to safety but was unable to save the women in the back. “We got out by the grace of God. I just wish that I could have done more,” the newspaper cited him as saying.

San Mateo County Coroner Robert Foucrault said the bodies of the victims “were found forward of the limousine in between the partition, the passenger compartment and the driver’s compartment.

“When we got there ... they were up against the partition .. They were getting away from the fire and that’s why they were in the front, towards the partition.

“You could also probably say that they were trying to get out,” added Foucrault, who told the San Francisco Chronicle” “This is one of the most horrific things I’ve seen in 21 years with this office.”

Maskarich said it was too early to say whether criminal charges would be brought over the tragedy. “It’s going to depend on what we find in the course of the investigation,” he said.

VP BINAY From page 1

Binay went on to defend political dynasties while sharing the stage with 3rd district Rep. Luis Villafuerte Sr. and 4th district Rep. Arnulfo Fuentebella, who belong to two ruling families in Camarines Sur. “Ano ba ang isyu sa dynasty?” Binay said. “Binigay sa bawat mamamayan ang tungkuling mamili ng kanyang ihahalal. Bakit naman ho magkakaroon

ng pagbabawal sa isang anak o isang kamag-anak na kakandidato?”

Binay said members of families who have been in politics for a long time must not be deprived of the chance to run for public office as long as they are willing and capable to serve.

The Constitution prohibits political dynasties, but Congress has yet to pass a law defining dynasties and actually banning them. (MNS)

DE LIMA DARES From page 1

He alleged the WPP has a lot of money without proper auditing of the expenses.

He added the WPP should be reviewed.

Mancao was admitted to the WPP as witness for the government on the murder of noted publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver, Emmanuel Corbito in November 2000.

However, he remains as an accused as the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 18 has not yet discharged him as witness.

Mancao made the revelations following the pronouncement of De Lima that he will be dropped from the WPP. De Lima said she will sign Monday the documents terminating Mancao from the WPP. “He even announced to the world that he will never be captured by the NBI team. Now, with what he’s doing and telling things about WPP, I do not like that. I will sign today the termina-

tion document to drop him from the WPP,” De Lima Monday said.

Mancao escaped Thursday dawn from the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation allegedly in an attempt to evade his impending transfer to the Manila City Jail the same day.

He said he escaped because he fears for his safety when he is transferred to the Manila City Jail.

The manhunt for the fugitive former police officer led NBI agents to various places such as motels, shopping malls, subdivisions in Manila, Antipolo and Cavite. His two cellular phones have been monitored.

Mancao was extradited from the United States to the Philippines in 2009 and implicated Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and former police Senior Supt.

Michael Ray Aquino in the murders of Dacer and Corbito.

Lacson himself went into hiding for a year until the Court of Appeals absolved him of the charges. (MNS)

INTEREST From page 1

the country’s rating from BB+ to BBB, the minimum investment grade, on account of the country’s improving macroeconomic fundamentals.

It said that the upgrade on the Philippines was due to its “strengthening external profile, moderating inflation, and the government’s declining reliance on foreign currency debt.”

Valte said the credit upgrade will most definitely improve the investment

climate in the country as it “encourages and it inspires more confident foreign investors to come and to see the country.” “…and it gives them more confidence at least to invest and put their money here and we all know that would create more jobs,” Valte said.

The upgrade in the country’s credit rating came after S&P raised its growth forecast for the Philippines for this year from 5.9 to 6.5 percent. (MNS)

TUBBATAHA

From page 1

“Towing a ship is not as simple as towing a car. When the ship is submerged, you have to refloat it first - refloat it in a manner that will not affect the seabed anymore. So we can be confident in saying that when the Chinese boat was towed, it was refloated,” Lacierda said.

He said he can categorically say that the damage was not caused by the towing of the boat.

Asked if the government has identified the owners of the vessel and asked for compensation for the latest damage to the reef, Lacierda said a verification process is now underway.

“That would be the responsibility of

the TMO (Tubbataha Management Office). I understand they sent already a correspondence with the Chinese Embassy. And then, also, they also asked for the assistance of the [Department of Foreign Affairs],” he said. (MNS)

SMARTMATIC From page 1

The source code contains the crucial sets of instructions for the PCOS machine, the credibility of which had been marred by allegations that while it guaranteed speed in the 2010 elections when it was first used, it did not guarantee against fraud. (MNS)

“The Perfect Cone” Mayon Volcano is one the most active volcanoes in the world. It is part of the so-called “Rim of Fire.”

Mayon Volcano spews ash; 5 killed MANILA, May 7 (Mabuhay) – Five people including 4 foreigners were killed by falling rocks after Mayon Volcano spewed ash Tuesday morning, a National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) official said.

NDRRMC executive director Eduardo del Rosario said the 5 fatalities were among the at least 20 mountaineers who went up the volcano in three groups. Seven hikers were injured.

Del Rosario said a chopper was already on its way to rescue trapped mountaineers.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the 5 fatalities were part of a group of climbers that included 5 foreigners and 3 Filipino tour guides. In that group, 4 foreigners of unknown nationalities and a local tour guide, identified only as “Jerome”, were killed after being hit by falling rocks.

He said another group of 7 climbers took the Santo Domingo route up the volcano and were also hit by falling rocks. He said 3 of the Mayon climbers of the Santo Domingo group were injured.

Volcano tour guide Kenneth Jesalva, who went up the Malilipot route with the first group, said they first heard a loud rumbling before they were hit by volcanic rocks.

“Paakyat kami noon sa taas, nagpapahinga kami saglit at may

narinig na kaming malakas na gulong ng mga bato. Iyung iba po naming kasamahan natamaan ng bato,” Jesalva said.

“Tumakbo po kami sa may safe na lugar, yung bato na mag-cocover sa amin, pero di talaga kinaya,” he added.

The bodies have yet to be brought down to the base camp, Jesalva said.

Phreatic explosion Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) executive director Renato Solidum explained that the spewing of ash was caused by a hydrothermal explosion. This type of explosion is also called “phreatic”.

Solidum explained that a hydro-thermal explosion is streamdriven, which means that the volcano has let out steam that got trapped over time.

“The steam column that was produced was grayish, but mainly it is water. There is not much pressure on it. There is no new magma yet… The steam carried with it the old ash at the crater of the volcano.” Solidum said.

“It is a normal process in any volcano. If you look at Mayon Volcano, it continuously moves steam, even other volcanoes in the country. But once that steam is trapped, there can be pressure and that can trigger a shallow explosion,” Solidum added.

MANILA, May 6 (Mabuhay) – The Philippines is aiming to speed up convictions in the country’s worst political massacre to ensure justice amid fears the trial could drag on for years, the country’s top justice official said.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the government wants judgments against the Ampatuan Muslim clan, accused of being behind the murder of 58 people in 2009.

“The marching orders of the president is that during his term up to 2016, there’s got to be convictions,” de Lima said.

She concedes it may be impossible to convict all the suspects but hopes they can at least get the “principal accused”.

More funds were being allocated to protect witnesses as the case moves through a special trial court.

The prosecution has so far completed presenting evidence and the testimonies of 130 witnesses to pin down clan patriarch Andal Ampatuan Snr and other family members for the massacre.

She said the government viewed the Ampatuan massacre “as the single most important case” that needed to be resolved to show the public it was serious in ending a culture of impunity afflicting the country.

“It is a litmus test for the government. If we fail to get convictions (by 2016), the public will be very disappointed because that will mean that wheels of justice in this country really grind so slowly.”

“There will be a general feeling of helplessness,” she warned.

The Ampatuans allegedly ordered the massacre to stop a political rival, Esmael Mangudadatu, from running against one of its members for governor of Maguindanao, a poor farming province in southern Mindanao island.

Andal Ampatuan Jnr, allegedly led his clan’s private army in waylaying a convoy carrying

his rival’s wife, relatives, lawyers and 32 journalists, and then gunning them down on a grassy hill.

Witnesses said Ampatuan Jnr personally took part in the killings after the clan patriarch gave his consent during a family meeting days earlier.

The Ampatuans had ruled the province of Maguindanao for about a decade under the patronage of then-president Gloria Arroyo, who had used the clan’s militia as a buffer against Muslim separatist rebels.

The province and other parts of Mindanao are the bastions of the Philippines’ Muslim minority and some Muslim groups have waged a separatist rebellion for decades.

Other clans like the Mangudadatus and Ampatuans have entered politics, jostling for regional power.

Deadly rivalries among these clans are common in the south, although the 2009 massacre was the worst of its kind.

When President Aquino assumed office in 2010, he vowed justice. But of the 196 accused, 93 still remain at large and pose a threat to witnesses.

The Ampatuan patriarch, two sons and several family members are among those in detention while being tried in the emotionally-charged case, de Lima said.

But even in jail, the Ampatuans remained influential, with their wealth enabling them to retain a battery of highly-paid lawyers who try to block each and every move by the prosecution, she added.

Some 72 clan members not accused in the case are also running as candidates in this month’s local elections, including so-called “good Ampatuans” under the political party of Aquino.

While it contests only local positions, the clan could use its remaining political clout to consolidate power and continue intimidating opponents, rights groups say.

Phivolcs said the wind was forcing the ash to go west, towards Albay’s 3rd district, consisting of Guinobatan, Jovellar, Libon, Oas, Polangui, and Pio Duran.

Solidum said there is no way to predict if another ash explosion will occur.

“In previous episodes of eruption of Mayon Volcano, sometimes other ash explosions would happen, but the interval would not be very regular,” Solidum said.

“We don’t know when that will happen. We always reiterate that people should be careful especially those in the permanent danger zone. We have sufficient instrumentation there - cameras, seismic instruments. What we need to do is to evaluate the condition of the volcano continuously.”

Solidum said Phivolcs is maintaining alert level 0 for Mayon, since there is no new magmatic activity yet.

In its latest advisory, Phivolcs said a volcanic eruption is not imminent.

Governor Salceda, meanwhile, said all “human activities” within the 6-kilometer radius permanent danger zone of the volcano have been suspended.

The permanent danger zone covers some parts of Legazpi, Santo Domingo, Malilipot, Bacacay, Tabaco City, Ligao, Guinobatan, Camalig and Daraga. (MNS)

PHL aims for massacre convictions by 2016

“Because of their resources and money, they still have minions in Maguindanao, and we cannot totally rule them out (as a political force),” de Lima stressed.

Advocates urge SC to uphold RH Law MANILA, May 7 (Mabuhay) – The Purple Ribbon for Reproductive Health (RH) Movement, composed of women ‘reproductive health advocates,’ staged a picket in front of the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday morning to call on the high court magistrates to uphold the constitutionality of Republic Act (RA) No. 10354, also known as the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, and commonly known as the Reproductive Health Law. The law is being assailed by several petitions before the high tribunal, which issued a status quo ante order to temporarily halt the implementation of the law while the petitions are being heard.

The group came up with an open “mothers’ letter” addressed to the high court magistrates to stress that the petitioners “twisted” their arguments to support the claim that the law’s provisions on contraceptives and reproductive health education are violative of the 1987 Constitution.

The group insists that the law aims to ensure that women have the freedom of choice and are able to take care of their physical well-being, and that of their unborn child.

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Mayor’s husband slain in new violence LEMERY, Philippines, May 6, 2013 (AFP) – The husband of a town mayor was killed and a bomb attack injured four people in separate incidents of violence linked to Philippine mid-term elections next week, police said Monday.

The attacks came as national police went on heightened alert for fear of more violence before the May 13 vote.

Gunmen shot dead John Apura in an ambush as he was campaigning for his wife on the central island of Panay, provincial police chief Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz said in a statement.

An aide was also killed while another was wounded in the attack, he said.

Apura’s wife Ligaya Apura is running for re-election in the

Panay town of Lemery and told police they had received death threats.

“It was a politically motivated attack because my husband had received a prior threat,” said a distraught Apura, who is running under the opposition coalition.

She also said armed men had been threatening her political supporters although she would not identify those behind the violence.

In another incident, a bomb was hurled at the home of Roderick Furigay, mayor of Lamitan City on the southern island of Basilan, late Sunday and wounded four people, said city police chief Chief Inspector Almer Ismael.

The mayor was meeting his political supporters when the at-

tack occurred. Furigay, a member of President Benigno Aquino’s coalition, was unhurt.

Filipinos go to the polls next week to vote for more than 18,000 posts, from town mayors to members of parliament. Intense political rivalries are common, especially in the countryside.

On April 25 gunmen killed 13 people in an ambush on a mayor’s convoy in the southern island of Mindanao.

Days earlier a mayor allied to Aquino was hurt and her two aides killed in a similar attack by communist rebels also in the south.

Commission on Elections spokesman James Jimenez said political violence was expected but a police presence would be increased in areas deemed as critical.

UNA bets express sympathy for Loren MANILA, May 6 (Mabuhay) – Senatorial candidates of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) expressed sympathy for rival candidate, re-electionist Sen. Loren Legarda, following reports that she is the target of a demolition job by a fellow Team PNoy candidate.

In a press statement, UNA candidate Nancy Binay said she is saddened to hear that a fellow candidate of Legarda in Team PNoy was the one pulling her down.

She said that in comparison, the UNA senatorial bets are united as a team.

“We are helping each other to improve our chances. In the last three months of campaigning together, we are becoming closer to each other and we are already like sisters and brothers and one family.

Our relations as friends and as UNA candidates have becoming more strong as the elections near,” Binay said.

Another UNA candidate, former senator Richard Gordon, also expressed sympathy for Legarda.

“I sympathize with Loren. Somebody wants to be number one ahead of her and, is that the kind of people you want to be elected in the Senate?” he asked.

Legarda, a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, was initially one of 3 “common candidates” of Team PNoy and UNA before they were dropped by UNA for their failure to attend their sorties. The other common candidates are Chiz Es-

cudero and Grace Poe. UNA secretary general and campaign manager Toby Tiangco earlier confirmed receiving reports that paid hacks identified with Team PNoy candidate Alan Peter Cayetano was behind the smear job against Legarda.

“It is saddening that Loren’s fellow LP candidate is the one initiating the black propaganda against her. Behind the ‘daang matuwid’ (straight path) is a mix of personalities who put ambitions over principles,” Tiangco said in a statement.

Legarda faced the media last Thursday to dispute allegations that she failed to declare a New York condominium unit that she owns in her statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).

Legarda, who is leading in pre-election surveys, said the accusation is merely part of black propaganda that a senatorial candidate launched to discredit her.

Legarda refused to name the senatorial candidate she believes is behind the black propaganda.

“Ang tawag nga ng media sa kanya, ‘Boy Kuryente,’” she said, referring to the candidate’s supposed reputation for spreading false information.

She said the candidate allegedly also spread nasty rumors about then Liberal Party presidential candidate Benigno Aquino III’s mental health during the 2010 presidential race.

Cayetano supported Aquino’s rival, Senator Manny Villar, in the 2010 presidential race. (MNS)

One week before elections, PCOS faces more glitches MANILA, May 6 (Mabuhay) – Several glitches marred the testing and sealing of the precinct-count optical scan (PCOS) machines in a school in Quezon City today as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resumed its series of dry runs for the upcoming midterm elections.

Some cluster precincts in President Corazon Aquino Elementary School in Batasan had hardly begun the mock elections when the PCOS machines appeared to be malfunctioning already even before the final testing and sealing (FTS) process could start.

In Cluster 288, for example, which is composed of five precincts, the machine did not accept the Security Code being registered by the poll clerks.

The poll clerks were merely copying the number code provided by Comelec but it registered as “incorrect”.

Board of Election Inspector Chairperson Onoritz Tagumpay attested to the seemingly malfunctioning counting machine.

“Pagpasok ko ng pin, nanghingi sya agad ng second pin. Supposed to be hindi pa muna kasi magrurun pa kami ng diagnostics,” she says.

President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the meeting with the local leaders and the community at the Lingayen 1 Central Elementary School covered court in Barangay Maniboc, Lingayen, Pangasinan on Thursday (May 2). The Liberal Party (LP) was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. (MNS photo)

In Cluster 273, meanwhile, the machine failed to initiate after the screen revealed the message “terminated unexpectedly”. The poll clerks did not do anything but just plug in the machine.

“Ino-open namin pero yun na

naman ang lumalabas so baka may problema ito,” said Board of Election Inspector Rose Sarong.

There were also cases of paper jamming and machines stalling for a few minutes but all of them worked eventually.

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MOTORING 350 reasons to celebrate Lamborghini’s birthday (Relaxnews) – What is 4.5km long and boasts over 190,000 horsepower? The Lamborghini 50th birthday convoy of new and classic models.

In a fitting tribute to the at-times eccentric supercar builder on the occaision of its 50th anniversary, a convoy of 350 Lamborghinis will tour through some of the most picturesque regions of Italy on their way to Sant’Agata Bolognese where the celebrations will begin in earnest.

The convoy will be the most complete collection of Lamborghinis ever assembled with examples of every vehicle the company has ever built, from the original 350 GT right up to and including the current flagship V12 Aventador.

The cars and their drivers come from all over the world with the youngest owner a mere 22-yearsold and the most senior 75. The 190,000hp pro-

The 350GT built in 1963 was the first vehicle, other than a tractor, to roll of the Lamborghini production line and as such will lead the 350-car strong convoy. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

cession will leave Milan on May 8 and pass through Lombardia, Toscana, Lazio, Umbria and

Emilia Romagna, stopping over in Forte dei Marmi, Grosseto, Roma, San Giustino Valdarno and

Bologna, where they will arrive on May 10 in the afternoon.

On Saturday, May 11 the Lamborghinis will depart again for Sant’Agata Bolognese, for the final celebrations of the 50th anniversary.

Fans who want to get up close and personal with the cars will get their first chance at 10am on May 7.

The convoy in its entirety will be at the parc fermé in Piazza Castello, Milan before it sets off on the first leg of the tour to Bobbio on the morning of May 8.

This year also sees Aston Martin’s 100th birthday and the much more reserved British company is also in the middle of a European tour.

However, its convoy consists of only three vehicles.

Volvo announces greener motoring breakthrough (Relaxnews) – Volvo’s kinetic energy recovery system promises more power, greater acceleration and better fuel economy.

The technology, which has been thoroughly tested over 2012, uses a carbon fibre flywheel, housed in a vacuum and fitted to the rear axle of a production car. When the car slows down quickly – that is, when the brakes are applied – the energy generated through rapid deceleration causes the flywheel to spin at up to 60,000 revolutions per minute as it captures the energy. When the car is ready to move forward again, the flywheel engages the rear wheels, via a specially developed transmission, and those saved-up rotations are used to drive the wheels rather than the car’s engine.

“The testing of this complete experimental system for kinetic energy recovery was carried out during 2012. The results show that this technology combined with a four-cylinder turbo engine has the potential to reduce fuel consumption by up to 25 percent compared with a six-cylinder turbo engine at a comparable performance level,” says Derek Crabb, Vice President Powertrain Engineering at Volvo Car Group. “Giving the driver an extra 80 horsepower, it makes a car with a four-cylinder engine accelerate like one with a six-cylinder unit.”

In other words, the technology should allow manufacturers to fit cars with smaller, less powerful, less fuel-thirsty and less polluting engines without robbing the vehicle of acceleration or performance.

More importantly, thanks to the use of lightweight materials in the flywheel’s construction (carbon fibre, rather than heavier steel) and the use of a vacuum to minimize friction, and therefore energy loss, the technology can actually drive a vehicle on its own, without the engine, for short periods of time (in the same way that a battery in a petrol/electric

hybrid car can). “This has a major impact on fuel consumption. Our calculations indicate that it will be possible to turn off the combustion engine about half the time when driving according to the official New European Driving Cycle,” explains Derek Crabb.

This characteristic means that the technology will be at its peak in ‘active’ driving conditions, such as busy town centers and on heavily congested routes where constant braking and accelerating are required.

This form of technology is known as Kinetic Energy Regeneration System (KERS) and is already applied widely. For example, in Formula One, a KERS system is used to give the competing vehicles a massive, though short-lived, power boost. A number of modern road-going cars also use a form of kinetic energy recovery system. For example, the Toyota Prius range of hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles capture the energy that would otherwise be lost as heat through braking, to top up the charge on their batteries and therefore extend the range of the cars. Likewise a number of non-hybrid cars such as the Fiat 500 and Ford Fiesta use a similar technology to enable their stop-start feature which automatically shuts down the engine when the car comes to a complete halt under braking and then starts it again when

the driver reapplies his or her foot to the accelerator.

However, what makes Volvo’s system so revolutionary is that it uses a flywheel, rather than a generator and batteries and that it is being applied to a standard, internal combustion engine as a means of increasing horsepower and acceleration while increasing fuel economy.

Car companies are taking an active approach to addressing the issues surrounding peak oil and the ongoing impact that personal private mobility is having on the environment. Ford, Mercedes and Nissan signed an agreement in January to pool resources in the joint pursuit of a commercially viable hydrogen fuel cell car before the end of this decade. Of the agreement, Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development, Ford Motor Company said: “Working together will significantly help speed this technology to market at a more affordable cost to our customers. We will all benefit from this relationship as the resulting solution will be better than any one company working alone.”

Although hybrid power and plug-in electric vehicles are beginning to make headway with environmentally minded motorists around the world, a full-scale green motoring revolution will never happen until issues

such as range anxiety (the distance a car can travel, usually less than 60 miles or 100 km, before its battery needs recharging) and a current dearth of recharging points are addressed. Switching from plug-in vehicles to ones powered by a hydrogen fuel cell would eradicate those problems.

“Fuel cell electric vehicles are the obvious next step to complement today’s battery electric vehicles as our industry embraces more sustainable transportation,” said Mitsuhiko Yamashita, Member of the Board of Directors and Executive Vice President of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., supervising Research and Development. “We look forward to a future where we can answer many customer needs by adding FCEVs on top of battery EVs within the zero-emission line up.”

And, while alternative fuel technologies such as plug-in electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells will one day consign the petrolburning internal combustion to the history books, commercializing the technology and supporting infrastructures is still some years away. Therefore technological breakthroughs like the Volvo flywheel will serve well not only as a stopgap until that point, the principles behind it can be just as easily applied to an electric or fuel cell vehicle to achieve similar energy savings in the future.

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Alex: Nothing wrong with Angel happy about working with sister Toni Phil’s future plan for her

Alex Gonzaga Alex Gonzaga Gonzaga, and ToniToni Gonzaga

Actress Alex Gonzaga said she sees nothing wrong with working with her sister, Toni Gonzaga, for ABS-CBN’s “The Voice of the Philippines.”

Alex recently returned to the Kapamilya network to help her sister in hosting the upcoming singing competition.

She said working with Toni would even be better for her since she’d get to

save on food expenses.

“Hindi naman po [masama na makatrabaho ko ang ate ko]. Mas maganda kasi makakatipid ko.

Ang pagkain siya na ang bibili, sa dressing room [hati kami],” she said.

Alex admitted, however, that she feels the pressure of working alongside Toni, who is one of the biggest stars of ABS-CBN at the moment.

But she is happy that her sister has been very supportive of her.

“Excited pa nga siya, ang dami na niyang sinasabi na, ‘O, Catherine, ito ang gagawin mo kapag nag-gi-guest ka rito,’” Alex said.

Aside from “The Voice of the Philippines,” Alex is also part of the gag show “Banana Nite.” She is also set to do a series on ABS-CBN. “Exciting talaga, and happy talaga ako kasi lahat ng pwede kong magawa ay nabigyan ako ng chance, like ‘Banana Nite,’” she said. (MNS)

Angel Locsin Angel Locsin

ACTRESS Angel Locsin said is happy about the plan of Philippine Azkals striker Phil Younghusband to marry her.

In a recent interview with Phil, the footballer said he sees Angel as the one he’s going to marry, but clarified that they are still taking their time.

“I said I have plans of marrying Angel in the future. But I didn’t say in the immediate future but I hope she’s the one.”

He described Angel as “very genuine and kind.”

Angel said she heard about Phil’s pronouncement and she was “flattered” by it.

“Hindi ko din alam kung papaano ito. Kasi narinig ko lang din yun, hindi pa ako maka-react talaga. Pero kung may taong mahal mo na very vocal naman sa nararamdaman niya, nakaka kilig naman talaga,” she said.

Angel added that she’s thinking the same and she’s really happy with the kind of relationship they have presently.

“Sa ngayon, gusto kong isipin na oo. Masaya naman talaga kami. Yung happiness na binibigay niya, iba din talaga. Napakabait na tao ni Phil at napaka swerte ko,” she said.

Also, the actress said she is keen to keep their relationship private.

Phil and Angel met in February 2011, after the footballer asked the actress for a date through micro-blogging site Twitter. (MNS)

Marjorie Barretto

Marjorie Barretto denies sexy photos Actress-turned-politician Marjorie Barretto denied that she’s the woman on the “scandalous photos” circulating online.

“No. That’s not me. I would never do something like that. That’s not my nature,” Barretto told entertainment site Pep.ph on Monday.

One of the sexy photos shows a woman who looks like Barretto exposing her right breast, while the other photo had the same woman in black panties with her legs open.

Barretto told the website that she is looking into possibility of taking legal actions against who uploaded the photo.

She is currently a reelectionist councilor in Caloocan City.

Aside from “scandal photos,” Barretto is also involved in the latest feud against her sister Gretchen Barretto and their mother Inday Barretto. (MNS)

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Katrina Halili on Hayden Kho: ‘Past is past’ HaydenKho:

Katrina Halili

“Past is past.” This is what actress Katrina Halili said when asked for a

reaction about the recent encounter of her partner, Kris Lawrence, and

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controversial actor Hayden Kho. Halili said she is proud of how Lawrence handled the situation when he bumped into Kho at an event last December.

“Parang masaya na kami, bakit pa kami magagalit doon (Kho), ‘di ba? Oo naman po [proud ako sa ginawa ni Kris] kasi ayaw ko din naman po ng gulo, kasi para saan pa? Kasi masaya naman kaming dalawa. Kasi walang kailangan pang ano, para guluhin pa namin ‘yung buhay namin,” said Halili, one of the actresses in the sex video scandal involving Kho in 2009.

After the said encounter, Halili shared that she and Lawrence saw Kho again in a mall just recently.

Asked how she felt when she saw the controversial actor again, Halili said: “Wala... ang weird lang kasi kakakita lang nila ni Kris.”

Halili said they were then dining at a restaurant when Lawrence saw Kho, but the latter has already walked past them.

“Siguro, unang-una, ‘yung masaya na ako sa buhay ko and kung anuman ‘yung nangyari before, parte na ‘yon ng buhay ko. Hindi naman kailangang mag-stop doon. Dapat may matutunan tayo sa nangyari sa atin, ‘yun lang, so positive lang,” she said.

Halili said she is also happy that Kho is reportedly back with celebrity doctor Vicki Belo.

Kho said he feels comforted that some of the people whom he had altercations in the past have already moved on.

Kho said if there is one thing common among him, Lawrence and Halili, it’s their choice to leave the negative things in the past and just move on. (MNS)

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Melai rekindles romance with Jason Comedienne Melai Cantiveros admitted that she and Jason Francisco are now officially back together.

This came after Cantiveros got linked to several other men in the past, including Azkals’ Misagh Bahadoran, a certain “Dan” from Cebu, and the Australian guy whom Francisco reportedly got extremely jealous of.

Cantiveros said: “Ang love life ko naman, stable naman. ‘Yun din ang dati kong love life. Siya naman talaga, sino pa ba ang dati kong love life?”

The “Apoy sa Dagat” star has also set the record straight as to why she rekindled her romance with Francisco. “[Kasi mahal ko]. Alangan naman balikan ko hindi ko mahal?” she said.

Cantiveros said she now believes in the saying that “love is sweeter the second time around.”

“Kapag love mo, kaya mo panindigan, walang question yun. Love is the reason itself,” she said.

Meanwhile, Cantiveros broke her silence for the first time about the reported tiff between her boyfriend and actor John Prats.

The two actors figured in a spat last March 21 after Francisco hit Prats on his cheek and chin three times at the Music Museum during a taping for an episode of “Banana Split.”

Francisco said he punched Prats because he was hurt by the jokes about him and Cantiveros.

He apologized to Prats and the staff of the program after the incident.

“Hindi naman naapektuhan [ang friendship namin ni John]. [Pero] dapat silang magkaayos dahil parepareho lang naman tayong tao sa mundong ito. Pagdating ng panahon magkakapatawaran din,” Cantiveros said. (MNS)

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KITCHENOMICS FAMILY FEATURES

I

n the warm summer months, nothing beats spending time together creating fun snacks that promote healthy eating and a little creativity.

The summer boasts a wealth of fresh fruit to draw inspiration from — especially everyone’s favorite — watermelon. Its cool, juicy flavor speaks to your senses.

Plus, it’s packed with key vitamins and minerals, so it’s a snack you can feel good about serving to your family.

Fabulously Fresh Ideas Kick off this fun-in-the-sun season and make memories with fresh ideas that get the whole family involved. Create a splash at your next barbeque or summer party with this adorable Mermaid Tail. Fashioned from watermelon rinds, your family will love to help you create this masterpiece as well as devour it. Need to perk up lunch? Your family will love mixing and matching their own flavor combinations with Watermelon Sandwich Wraps. These healthy, edible creations are sure to bring about many smiles.

You can find more sweet summertime recipes and ideas at www.watermelon.org.

Mermaid Tail Cutting board 1 large oblong seeded or seedless watermelon Kitchen knife and paring knife Large bowl and spoon or scoop Green dry erase marker Channel knife Dowels and toothpicks Optional decorations (found at any craft store): Edible turquoise shimmer powder/disco dust, mermaid cookie cutters, light blue or turquoise fabric or mermaid decorations.

1. Wash watermelon under cool running water and pat dry.

2. On cutting board, place watermelon on its side and cut off 4 inches from one end of watermelon to provide a sturdy base. Cut remaining watermelon in half lengthwise.

3. Hollow out both halves of the watermelon with spoon or scoop, reserving watermelon pieces to dice up for serving or cutting out mermaid shapes.

4. Use dry erase marker to trace mermaid tail freehand lengthwise across one entire half. With knife of your choice, carefully trim away to form the outline of mermaid tail. Use the channel knife to form scales and details.

5. For added detail, brush on edible turquoise shimmer powder/disco dust (purchased at cake decorating store or craft store).

6. Use pencil-sized dowels to secure the mermaid tail to top of base. Decorate with watermelon cubes or mermaid watermelon cutouts and serve.

If using the mermaid watermelon cutouts as topper for cupcakes, as shown, add watermelon cutout with toothpick or small dowel first and then ice around it.

Wacky Watermelon Facts

The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred in Egypt some 5,000 years ago.

Watermelon is the most consumed melon in the U.S., followed by cantaloupe and honeydew.

Early explorers used watermelons as canteens to store liquids.

To date, the world’s heaviest watermelon was recorded in 2005 and weighed in at 268.8 pounds.

Watermelon is made up of 92 percent water.

Watermelon Sandwich Wraps Tortillas: Wheat, flour, corn, spinach or sun-dried tomato Spreads: Chive cream cheese, hummus, guacamole, Greek yogurt Meats: Turkey, ham, chicken breast, roast beef or pepperoni Sauces (marinades and salad dressings): BBQ, ranch, pesto, Thai peanut sauce, teriyaki, ginger Cheeses: Feta, pepper Jack, mozzarella Veggies and other toppings: Watercress, olives, scallions, cilantro, romaine, jalapenos, fresh mint, basil, shredded carrots, spinach, sprouts and cucumber slices 1 watermelon spear: about 1/2 inch thick, 1 inch wide and as long as your tortilla Create your own combination or try one of these. Start with a spread to help stick other fillings together. Place toppings in center of tortilla with the watermelon spear on top. Roll tortilla over watermelon spear, tucking in all ingredients. Fasten with toothpick if needed.

English Tea Sandwich Wrap: Flour tortilla, chive cream cheese, ham, watermelon, watercress Greek Wrap: Spinach tortilla, plain Greek yogurt, feta cheese, watermelon, black olives Latin Watermelon Wrap: Flour tortilla, ham, watermelon, cilantro, guacamole, scallions, pepper Jack cheese, jalapeno Southwest Chicken Wrap: Corn or flour tortilla, guacamole, pepper Jack cheese, spicy chicken, romaine lettuce, watermelon, bacon ranch dressing, salsa

Watermelon Caprese Wrap: Flour tortilla, pepperoni, watermelon, mozzarella, basil, pesto sauce Thai Peanut Chicken Wrap: Wheat tortilla, roasted chicken, Bibb lettuce, Thai peanut sauce, carrots, watermelon, cilantro Southwest Veggie Wrap: Spinach tortilla, cucumber, watermelon, cilantro, Swiss cheese, BBQ ranch dressing, guacamole Mid Eastern Veggie Wrap: Wheat tortilla, hummus with pine nuts, mint, thin cucumber slices, watermelon Ginger Chicken Wrap: Wheat tortilla, teriyaki ginger sauce, chicken, sprouts, watermelon, sweet chili and ginger, Bibb lettuce Hawaiian Wrap: Spinach tortilla, pineapple cream cheese, sweet chile with ginger, ham, watermelon

Watermelon Strawberry Mint Salsa Breakfast Push Pops Diced watermelon chunks Yogurt of choice Granola Push pop molds, sold at most restaurant supply stores Layer watermelon, yogurt and granola into molds and top with yogurt and watermelon chunks. Freeze push pop molds and enjoy.

1 cup diced watermelon (seeds removed) 3/4 cup diced strawberries 1/4 cup diced red onion 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves 2 tablespoons diced seeded jalapeno chile 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to taste) Gently stir together all ingredients in bowl. Let stand to blend flavors, about 1 hour. For a dynamite combination, serve salsa with Caribbean or jerk seasoned grilled items, or with pretzels.

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I, in this short 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 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 the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how difÂżcult it may be. Promise to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted. Grateful Thanks - RIPLEY

NOVENA of CONFIDENCE O Lord Jesus Christ, To your most Sacred Heart, I conÂżde this/these intention.

(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 on Your mercy,Lord Jesus!You will not fail me.Lord Jesus, I know You will not fail me Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your love for me.

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Eating more protein may help you

A new US study finds that some lipsticks and glosses contain high levels of toxic metals. Photo: Graça Victoria/shutterstock.com

Lipsticks and glosses found to contain toxic metals (Relaxnews) – The quest for lush lips could be exposing women to toxic metals in lipsticks and glosses, a new study from the University of California Berkeley finds.

Researchers tested 32 different lip glosses and lipsticks commonly sold at drug and department stores in the US, but didn’t reveal brand names.

Some products were found to contain potentially dangerous levels of certain metals, including lead, cadmium, chromium, and aluminum.

“Lipsticks and lip glosses often have levels of toxic metals which approach or exceed acceptable daily doses based on public health guidelines,” researcher Katharine Hammond, a professor of environmental health sciences, told HealthDay News. “At an average level of use, it’s not likely to be an issue,” she added, but it could be a concern for children playing with makeup or heavy adult users of lipsticks.

The study was published online May 2 in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

“Trace amounts of metals in lip products need to be put into context,” Linda Loretz, chief toxicologist for The Personal Care Products Council, said in a statement. “Food is a primary source for many of these naturally present metals, and exposure from lip products is minimal in comparison.”

This isn’t the first research to focus on toxins in lipsticks. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics previously tested 33 lipsticks, finding more than 60 percent contained lead. In addition, a December 2011 study of 400 varieties of lip products by the US Food and Drug Administration found lead in some products, but the agency said the levels were low enough to pose no safety concern.

(Relaxnews) – One way to lose weight? Eating more protein could be a guiding goal, at least according to a new survey.

While dieters are faced with myriad options for shedding extra kilos, University of Minnesota researchers wanted to see how simply eating more protein could affect the weightloss efforts of middle-aged women.

In the study, 1,824 women aged 40 to 60 years old were asked what they knew about dietary protein and if they ate more protein as a way to prevent weight gain. Women were also asked to correctly identity “good protein sources,” such as salmon, and the recommended amount of protein in the diet.

“Eating more protein” – which could be as simple as opting for fish in lieu of pasta – was reported by 43

percent of the women as a way to prevent weight gain. When researchers looked at current protein consumption and changes in weight over the following two years, they found that the women who reported “eating more protein” had lost weight.

The survey was published in the May edition of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.

A separate study promoting proteinrich diets for weight loss is from the University of Missouri-Columbia, which found that eating a proteinpacked breakfast can help you shed weight. In the study, dieters who consumed 35 grams of protein for breakfast snacked less throughout the day and reported more control over food cravings. Findings appeared in March in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

A diet focused on healthy proteins could help you succeed in losing weight, a new US study suggests.

Photo: Paul Cowan/shutterstock. com

Caffeine in kids’ foods ‘dangerous’: US regulator (WASHINGTON-AFP) – The US food and drug regulator on Friday called the addition of caffeine to children’s foods like chewing gum and jelly beans “dangerous” and warned of a possible crackdown.

Food and Drug Administration deputy commissioner Michael Taylor said the rise in such caffeineadded products outside the beverage industry was “very disturbing,” after candy giant Mars Inc. announced a caffeinated version of its Wrigley gum.

That was added last month to a slew of “high energy” foods on the market sporting substantial added caffeine, including pancake syrups, instant oatmeal, waffles, potato chips, marshmallows and sunflower seeds.

“We believe that some in the food industry are on a dubious, potentially dangerous path,” Taylor said

in a comment on the FDA website.

“The gum is just one more unfortunate example of the trend to add caffeine to food.”

“One pack of this gum is like having four cups of coffee in your pocket.”

In late April, Wrigley, the longtime popular chewing gum brand, introduced its Alert Energy Caffeine Gum, saying the product is aimed for adults and “lets people control the amount of caffeine they want on-the-go.” But critics say Wrigley products are available on the market to people of all ages.

“Our concern is about caffeine appearing in a range of new products, including ones that may be attractive and readily available to children and adolescents, without careful consideration of their cumulative impact,” Taylor said.

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