January 2014 b issue

Celeb Scoop

E E FR

page 25

Connecting Global News & Views For The Community

UK & Europe Edition

January 2014 / Fortnightly

Volume 5 - Number 2

www.hello-philippines.com

SANDIGAN AWARDS ILLGOTTEN MARCOS JEWELRY PLDT eyeing minority stake in GMA

MANILA - The chairman of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co (PLDT) said it is eyeing to acquire a minority of GMA Network Inc. “It is fair to say that it is still under negotiations. It’s been postponed because of the holidays,” Manuel V. Pangilinan said last Friday.

He said the talks may resume this week.

When asked how big a stake PLDT is acquiring, Pangilinan said, “I think minority is a fair statement.”

He said acquiring GMA “would be helpful” to the PLDT group to meet its goal of becoming a multimedia company.

Pangilinan said content is becoming an important part of PLDT’s fixed line business.

The revival of talks between PLDT and GMA Network came after ABSCBN Corp had struck a partnership with Globe Telecom. The ABS-CBNGlobe partnership would allow the Lopez-owned broadcast company to distribute its media content using the

Ayala-led telco’s mobile network.

In October 2012, PLDT and GMA terminated discussions for the telco’s buyout of the broadcast firm’s major shareholders—the Gozon, Duavit and Jimenez families—who own a combined 79 percent of the network.

Pangilinan had said disagreement over regulatory risk-sharing led to the collapse of negotiations.

Any PLDT acquisition of a broadcast network would have to go through the gamut of regulatory and Congressional approvals.

As it already owns TV5 and BusinessWorld—as well as minority stakes in Philippine Daily Inquirer and Philippine Star—PLDT’s bid for GMA would attract close scrutiny, if not opposition from certain quarters concerned over the concentration of media power in one conglomerate.

InterAksyon.com is the online news portal of TV5, a member of the PLDT group. ■ Darwin G. Amojelar / InterAksyon.com / January 12, 2014 11:50 PM

COLLECTION TO GOVERNMENT Story on page 4

4

www.hello-philippines.com

NEWS

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

Sandigan awards ill-gotten Marcos jewelry collection to government

THE Sandiganbayan Special Division on Monday ordered the so-called Malacañang jewelry collection, one of three collections confiscated from former first lady Imelda Marcos in 1986, forfeited in favor of the government.

In a decision written by Associate Justice Efren de la Cruz, chairman of the anti-graft court’s First Division, the court ruled the jewelry collection, the smallest and least valuable of the three, was part of the Marcoses’ ill-gotten wealth.

The court said “partial summary judgment is hereby rendered declaring the pieces of jewelry, known as the Malacañang

Collection, as ill-gotten, and are hereby forfeited in favor of petitioner Republic of the Philippines.”

Associate Justices Teresita Diaz-Baldos and Alex Quiroz concurred with the decision.

The Marcos family tried to block the Presidential Commission on Good Government from claiming the collection— assessed to be worth from $110,055 to $153,089—saying they it was not covered

by Civil Case No. 0141 filed in 1987.

The Sandiganbayan ruled in favor of the PCGG, though, saying the Malacañang Collection was included in the government claim. The case also includes five Marcos

Swiss foundations—Aguamina, Avertina, Palmy, Vibur, and Maler—and the Arelma foundation in Singapore.

The Malacañang Collection is kept in the vaults of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas along with the Roumeliotes and Hawaii collections, PCGG public information officer Nick Suarez said.

The collection is composed of smaller, less expensive pieces that the Marcoses left behind during the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.

The Hawaii collection, meanwhile, comprises jewelry found in the family’s luggage when they arrived at the Honolulu

International Airport on February 25, 1986.

The 60-piece Roumeliotes Collection was seized from Demetriou Roumeliotes, a Greek national, at the Manila International Airport as he was about to leave the country in March 1986.

PCGG and the Office of the Solicitor General said the three jewelry collections should go to the government because the sum of the Marcos assets previously forfeited by the courts were already well beyond their lawful income of $304,372.43 in 1986 as already pronounced by the Supreme Court. ■ JDS, GMA News / January 13,

2014 / 10:11 PM

‘The worst is over:’ Fireworks show brings hope to shattered Tacloban

A Taclobanon looks up as a fountain of light explodes in the sky on New Year’s Eve. Fr. Amadeo Alvero, director for communications of the archdiocese of Palo, leads a prayer for the New Year.

A burst of light over Tacloban skies.

Rico Blanco performs his song, ‘Bangon,’ for Taclobanons.

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte - Smiles were plastered on the faces of Taclobanons and international volunteers gathered at City Hall grounds as a 15-minute display by multi-awarded pyrotechnics firm Dragon Fireworks lit up the New Year’s sky over the shattered city.

“The worst is over,” Mayor Alfred Romualdez declared in his message even as he urged city residents “not (to) forget (those) who helped us (and) at the same time, let us show them also that we appreciate the help by standing as long as we can, getting on our feet to show that we are not only resilient, we (also) work very hard to be independent and be selfsufficient.”

Fr. Amadeo Alvero, director for communications of the archdiocese of Palo, called the fireworks display “an inspiration for all of us” and proof that, “indeed there is life in this city.”

“We should bring this light towards a

symbol of unity, that there is light that we can see … that we should look up to the fireworks (because) although we may have different views in life, when you look at the light we may have one direction,” Alvero said.

At the same time, Alvero called on Filipinos to unite and “work together towards building a society. Hindi po ‘to magagawa ng isang tao (This cannot be accomplished by anyone), but all of us will (need to) work towards the realization of a beautiful society.”

Rock musician Rico Blanco performed his song, “Bangon,” during the short program before the New Year’s countdown, underscoring the theme of moving forward

and rebuilding.

Romualdez, who was with his wife Cristina, a city councilor, and their two daughters said while Tacloban holds an annual fireworks display to discourage people from setting off their own often dangerous pyrotechnics, said the 20132014 New Year’s event was “special considering na ‘yung nangyari dito, eh panay, I would say, na gloomy, ito naman kaunting dagdag sa saya (what happened here, it has been, I would say, very gloomy, but this adds a little bit to the joy).”

“At masaya ako (And I’m happy) that these fireworks are donated,” he added. ■ Lottie Salarda (text and photos) / InterAksyon.com / January 1, 2014 11:24 AM

PHL says it’s ‘business as usual’ for Pinoy fishermen in West PHL Sea DEFYING China’s new fishing restriction over the disputed South China Sea, the Philippines on Monday said it will not prevent Filipino fishermen from fishing in areas within the country’s territorial jurisdiction situated in the resource-rich waters.

China, in a latest bid to fortify its claim over the waters, recently imposed a new regulation that requires foreign fishing vessels to obtain approval from Chinese regional authorities before fishing or surveying in a large portion of the South China Sea. But at a press briefing Monday, Foreign Affairs spokesperson Raul Hernandez said it was “business as usual” for Filipino fishermen and that the government will not discourage fishing activiites in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines refers to parts of the South

China Sea within its exclusive economic zone as West Philippine Sea. China claims the South China Sea nearly in its entirety even as it overlaps with the territories of its Asian neighbors like the Philippines.

“We are not preventing them (from fishing),” Hernandez said, but advised local fishermen to always coordinate with authorities before venturing out in the sea.

Fishermen, he said, should contact Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources officials “so they would know where they are and if they would need help we could always immediately come to their aid.”

The Philippines does not recognize the amended regulation, calling it “a gross violation of international law” and a threat to the peace and stability of the region.

Although not a party to the disputes, the United States, which declared that it is

in its national interest to ensure peaceful resolution of the conflicts and unimpeded access to the waters, also expressed opposition to the law.

China defended the law, saying it has been in place for three decades “without causing any tension.”

China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia have overlapping claims in the South China Sea where undersea gas deposits have been discovered in several areas and where a bulk of world’s trade pass.

Manila initiated an arbitration process last year to try to declare as “illegal” China’s sweeping claim.

China dismissed the Philippine case, saying it is legally infirm and carries unacceptable allegations. ■ Michaela del

Callar / RSJ, GMA News / January 13, 2014 / 5:01 PM

Selling Meralco shares helped San Miguel make P57B in net profit, says COO Ramon Ang BOOSTED by revenues from the sale of a 27-percent interest in Manila Electric Co., net earnings of San Miguel Corp. likely hit P57 billion last year, an official of the conglomerate said Monday.

“Earnings of San Miguel group had always been on the uptrend over the last 15 years,” San Miguel chief operating officer Ramon Ang told reporters in an interview on the Philippine Stock

Exchange, where his company Top Frontier Inc. went on public.

“Initially we expected 2013 net income to be at P39 billion but it may reach P57 billion because of sale of Meralco shares,” said Ang. San Miguel sold its 27 percent stake in Meralco to Gokongwei-led JG Summit Holdings Inc. for P72 billion last Dec. 12.

Before that – in July – the conglomerate

sold more than 64.33 million Meralco shares for P17.4 billion.

During the first nine months of 2013, San Miguel booked foreign exchange losses valued at P12.3 billion. As a result, net income in January to September was down 60 percent to P7.5 billion on consolidate revenues of P543 billion – up 7 percent on year. ■ VS, GMA News /

January 13, 2014 / 3:46 PM

Malacanang file photo of President Benigno Aquino III.

Palace denies PNoy being held at the neck by power producers

MANILA, Philippines - Malacanang on Monday defended President Benigno Aquino III from Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV’s claim that the chief executive was being held at the neck by power generators, unable to use his full authority to address the power crisis.

In a report, the state-run Philippine News Agency quoted Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. as saying that Aquino would always fight for people’s right and that would include their right to affordable power rates.

Earlier, Trillanes alleged that the chief executive owed the power generators political debt as they were Aquino’s donors during his 2010 presidential campaign.

But Coloma said there was no truth in Trillanes’ statement, saying it was baseless.

Coloma reiterated that Aquino had the people’s best interests at heart and wanted nothing more but fair power rates for all.

“The government has not been negligent and will not be negligent to the welfare of citizens regarding this matter,” Coloma said in a radio interview in Filipino.

“That is why the DOE (Department of Energy) and DOJ (Department of Justuce) are investigating if there has been an abuse of market power regarding the power rate hike because of the Malamapaya shutdown,” he added. ■ Philippine News Agency and InterAksyon.com / January 13, 2014 /

8:01 PM

40% savings!

Discover Cebu! from GBP 149.00 per person

•Return flights Manila-Cebu •2Nights/3Days B&B •Half Day City Tour with Local guide (based on 2 person traveling together)

The Land of smile “Bangkok” from GBP 179.00 per person

Boracay Escapade from GBP 199.00 per person

35%

savings!

•Return flights Manila-Caticlan •2 Nights B&B Accommodation •Half Day Malay Rural Tour Experience

HOT Deal!

Romantic Paris Getaway from GBP 229.00 per person

•Return flights London-Paris •Return flights Manila-Bangkok •2Nights/3Days B&B •2Nights/3Days B&B •River Cruise with a glass •Half Day Floating Market tour of Champange for 2pax (based on 2 person traveling together) T&C of Packages: Flights and Hotel – Standard Room, based on 2 people sharing and subject to availability and taxes. Travel restriction and black out period apply.

HOTELS • TOURS • TRANSFERS • AIRPORT SERVICES • CAR HIRE

6

www.hello-philippines.com

BUSINESS & FINANCE

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

‘Yolanda’ likely cut PH economic growth to 6 pct in 4Q, says FMIC MANILA - The devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda is expected to have dampened Philippine economic growth in the fourth quarter, First Metro Investment Corp (FMIC) said.

In a report, the investment banking unit of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) likely grew by six percent in the fourth quarter of 2013, down from the seven percent in the third quarter.

GDP—which is the amount of final goods and services produced in the country and as such measures economic performance—grew 7.4 percent in the first nine months of the year, faster than last year’s 6.7 percent and higher than the government’s 6-7 percent target for the entire 2013.

“Super typhoon Yolanda is likely to put an end to the streak in Q4, but since the affected areas are predominantly agricultural and roughly accounts for 12

percent of GDP, reconstruction work in 2014 should put back the economy,” FMIC said, adding that the negative effects of the typhoon would last for only a quarter.

It said inflation is likely to pick up due to the supply chain disruption brought about

by Yolanda.

“The November inflation of 3.3 percent, while within the central bank’s comfort zone, may be a sign of things to come,” FMIC said.

But interest rates are likely to react more to US economic growth and the timing and extent of the Federal Reserve’s “tapering,” the Metrobank subsidiary said, referring to the US central bank’s decision to withdraw

its economic stimulus, a key driver of financial market rallies around the world.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has kept its key interest rates at record lows of 3.5 percent and 5.5 percent for the overnight borrowing and lending windows, respectively, since early last year.

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the central bank’s inflation forecast of 4.5 percent for this year could be adjusted lower with the delayed power rate hike, which was factored in this year’s forecast.

The inflation forecast of 3.2 percent for 2015 will have to change also, he said. ■ Maricel E. Burgonio / InterAksyon.com / January 13, 2014 / 11:07 PM

Ayala semiconductor unit plans expansion of Japanese business

MANILA - The semiconductor arm of the Ayala group is eyeing to expand its Japanese business amid renewed investment interest in the Philippines.

In a statement, Integrated MicroElectronics Inc (IMI) said it will be among the exhibitors at the 43rd Internepcon Japan, one of the largest electronics trade shows in Asia, on January 15-17 in Tokyo.

IMI will showcase its comprehensive design-to-manufacturing solutions, covering design and development engineering, advanced manufacturing engineering, test and system development, and volume manufacturing for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in diverse electronics market segments.

“The Internepcon Japan serves as a fitting channel for us to convey to the Japanese market about our broader geographic presence, expanded technical capabilities, and renewed focus on high-

complexity products and services,” said Arthur R. Tan, IMI president and chief executive officer.

“We aim to expand business with Japanese OEMs, especially those in high-value electronics segments like automotive, industrial, storage device, and telecommunications infrastructure,” Tan added.

In a phone interview, IMI strategic planning and marketing manager Frederick Blancas said the company wants to take advantage of the resurgence of Japanese investor interest in the Philippines caused by the political tension between China and Japan.

“We see there are opportunities to increase business for them. We started in Mexico with Japan Climate Systems Corp.

In the Philippines, one of our customers has expanded its volumes and they’re looking at us for their other products as well,” Blancas said.

Japan accounts for about a tenth of IMI’s business.

IMI netted $5.3 million in the first nine months of 2013, up six percent from $4.95 million a year earlier on the strength of its business expansion in Europe, Mexico, and the Philippines.

IMI has manufacturing sites in the Philippines, China, Singapore, the United States, Mexico, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic. ■ Krista Angela M. Montealegre / InterAksyon.com / January 13, 2014 / 11:04 AM

Deal to acquire more shares in PhilStar to be signed this month—MVP

MANILA - The chairman of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co (PLDT) expects to seal within the month an agreement to acquire an additional 20 percent of Philippine Star.

“Well, I would hope within the month we could sign something. Maybe 20 percent,” Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan had said the PLDT group is eyeing to increase its existing 20-percent stake in Philippine Star to 60 percent.

The Belmonte family owns 51 percent of the newspaper, while other individuals hold the remaining shares.

Besides flagship publication, the Belmonte-led group also publishes the tabloids Pilipino Star Ngayon and Pang-Masa. In Cebu, the group controls the island’s oldest English-language newspaper, The Freeman, as well as the tabloid Banat News.

The Philippine Star group has printing press facilities at the Port Area in Manila, Quezon City, and Cebu.

The Belmonte family is also minority owner of People Asia magazine, a venture with the Cojuangco family.

Data from the Securities and Exchange Commission show that Philippine Star posted a net income of P194.97 million in 2011, higher than the P168.23 million in

2010. Its gross revenues amounted to P2.35 billion in 2011, up from P2.25 billion in 2010.

Besides Philippine Star, PLDT, through MediaQuest Holdings Inc, owns TV5, Cignal TV and BusinessWorld, the country’s oldest business newspaper. The telco recently acquired majority ownership of BusinessWorld.

MediaQuest also has a 10 percent stake in Philippine Daily Inquirer, and is eyeing to acquire a minority of GMA Network Inc. Pangilinan said acquiring GMA “would be helpful” to the PLDT group to meet its goal of becoming a multimedia company.

He said content is becoming an important part of PLDT’s fixed line business.

The PLDT group’s investment in media is part of its convergence strategy to provide more content amid flagging revenues from the traditional telecom business.

PLDT’s consolidated service revenues grew two percent to P121.6 billion in the first nine months of 2013 from P119.05 billion in the same period of 2012.

The country’s largest telco said its net income reached P28.95 billion in the first nine months of last year, a two percent increment from P28.38 billion in 2012.

InterAksyon.com is the online news portal of TV5. ■ Darwin G. Amojelar / InterAksyon.

com / January 13, 2014 / 3:49 PM

Defying PSEi’s rise, Top Frontier slumps on market debut MANILA - Shares in Top Frontier Investment Holdings Inc today slumped, as the first company to go public this year defied the rally in the broader market.

At the close of trades, the stock of Top Frontier, a key shareholder in San Miguel Corp (SMC), was down 44.41 percent to P98.95 apiece from its listing price of P178 per share based on valuation issued by independent adviser Punongbayan & Araullo.

In contrast, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) surged 1.67 percent to 5,940.67.

“The Top Frontier shares were given for free, you just have to pay the withholding tax so some people were just selling,” Joseph Roxas, president of Eagle Equities, said in a phone interview.

SMC declared 240.196 million Top Frontier shares as property dividends to its shareholders to address cross-holding issues between the two firms.

Prior to the dividend declaration, Top Frontier owned 66.1 percent of the diversified conglomerate. San Miguel,

PSE officials and Top Frontier executives during listing ceremony. Photo courtesy of PSE.

on the other hand, owned 49 percent of Top Frontier. SMC’s shareholdings in Top Frontier declined to approximately 0.77 percent after the dividend declaration.

“It’s connected to San Miguel. Wherever San Miguel goes, Top frontier will follow. I think people believe that because of the negative press that was coming out last year – they [SMC] have problems servicing their foreign debt—some people are just

trying to be careful,” Roxas said.

SMC shares fell 3.25 percent to P58.05 apiece on Monday. Despite sustaining huge foreign exchange losses, Ang raised the 2013 earnings guidance of the diversified conglomerate to P57 billion from P39 billion on extraordinary gains from the sale of its stake in Manila Electric Co. “Kulang pa sa information drive so I think the investors need to understand [the

company] a bit more,” Top Frontier president and chief executive officer Ramon S. Ang told reporters after the listing ceremony.

“The reason why we listed Top Frontier is for us to share it to the public...It’s an opportunity for people who can buy shares at this level today. In the next few days, pagna-realize ng shareholders ang value, I think it will go up,” Ang said.

Top Frontier listed 490.16 million shares by way of introduction on the Main Board. Unlike an initial public offering (IPO), listing by way of introduction involves no immediate sale of shares, but requires the applicant to do so within a year after joining the bourse.

During the listing ceremony, Top Frontier chairman Inigo Zobel, who controls 59.62 percent of the newly listed company, said going public will enable the firm to access capital both here and abroad to bankroll its mining ventures.

Top Frontier is planning a follow-on offering but it will “need a little time [for the share price] to stabilize first before we move on to the second stage,” Ang said, adding

that he was not ruling out a share sale this year if market conditions turn favorable.

“I think we will only raise funds later on, sell some shares when we have already identified a need of investment. So far, wala pa tayong nakitang paglalagyan ng investment,” he said, adding that Top Frontier may also use proceeds from a possible share sale to settle some of the company’s obligations.

The company has “zeroed in” on at least three foreign investments in coal mining.

Aside from its stake in SMC, Top Frontier, through Clariden Holdings Inc, has interests in mining exploration and development. Its mining rights include mineral production sharing agreements for the Nonoc Nickel Project, Mt. Cadig Nickel Project and Lo-oc Limestone Project.

Clariden also has exploration permits, pending application for production sharing agreement and pending exploration permit applications for certain areas under the Bango Gold Project. ■ Krista Angela M. Montealegre / InterAksyon.com / January 13, 2014 / 4:34 PM

8

www.hello-philippines.com

BUSINESS & FINANCE

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

Global recovery to boost remittance flows to PH—StanChart

MANILA - Remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will grow at a faster pace this year with the recovery of the global economy, Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) said.

In a report, SCB said OFW remittances could grow to 8-8.5 percent this year from last year’s estimate of up to six percent.

SCB said the Philippines would benefit from increased remittance inflows from two of its major sources – the US and Europe.

Global growth is expected to improve to 3.5 percent in 2014 from an estimated 2.7 percent in 2013.

Higher gross domestic product (GDP) growth will boost the income and remittance levels of overseas Filipinos, SCB said. GDP is the amount of final goods and services produced in the country and as

such measures economic performance.

“Our models therefore estimate 2-2.5 percent more support in 2014 than in 2013,” SCB said.

Remittance growth increased 6.8 percent last October, higher than the 5.8 percent increase in the same period in 2012, supported by remittances from Europe and the Middle East.

For the first 10 months of 2013, remittances grew by 6.8 percent to $20.5 billion. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has projected a five percent year-onyear growth for 2013 and 2014.

SCB also expects Typhoon Yolanda to have had a positive impact on remittance growth during the remainder of 2013 and in early 2014.

SCB said growth in remittances from

PH stock market returns above 5,900mark on hopes Fed tapering would slow MANILA - Philippine share prices surged on Monday to bring the benchmark index above the 5,900 level anew after surprisingly soft US jobs data pointed to a slow tapering of the Federal Reserve’s stimulus program.

At the Philippine Stock Exchange, the benchmark index rallied 97.79 points, or 1.67 percent, to close at 5,940.67. All counters finished in the green led by the financial and holding firms counters, which rose 1.96 percent each.

There were two advancers for every decliner, while 40 issues were unchanged.

A total of 1.07 billion stocks worth P5.99 billion changed hands.

Most actively traded stocks were SM Prime, PLDT, Universal Robina, Metrobank and BDO. The day’s biggest loser was key San Miguel Corp shareholder Top Frontier, which saw its shares tumble 44.41 percent to P98.95 each on its stock market debut.

Top gainers were Imperial Resources, Benguet A and B and Yehey, while Pacifica and Leisure Resorts joined Top Frontier as the biggest losers.

“After Friday’s selloff, we had a technical rebound. Investors are realizing that the selloff was overdone so bargain hunters came in,” said Jose Vistan, research head

at AB Capital Securities Inc, referring to the local barometer’s 1.59 percent pullback on Friday.

“Volume has been very small since we started the year and now, we’re seeing a slight pick-up in volumes. It’s only now that investors are coming from their holiday break,” Vistan added.

Investor sentiment got a boost from the release of the US jobs data last Friday, which showed the world’s biggest economy added just 74,000 jobs in December following a revised 241,000 advance the prior month. It was the lowest reading since January 2011 and well below estimates for a 200,000 gain.

“The jobs data is saying the US economy is not booming yet and maybe the Federal Reserve may not rush the tapering,” said Joseph Roxas, president of Eagle Equities Inc. The dismal jobs data was seen as a positive news for some emerging markets like the Philippines, which had suffered significantly from fund outflows as investors flocked to Western assets amid signs of a strengthening US economy. ■ Krista Angela

M. Montealegre / InterAksyon.com / January 13, 2014 / 3:59 PM

Europe accelerated to 16.7 percent, much higher than the 0.3 percent increase in 2012. Remittances from the Middle East grew 24.8 percent versus 5.3 percent in 2012.

US remittance growth was stable at 7.8 percent versus 7.7 percent two years ago, while remittances from Asia dropped 4.5 percent versus 12.7 percent on weaker inflows from Japan and South Korea.

Remittances constitute about 8.6 percent of GDP in 2012, less than the peak of 10.4 percent of GDP in 2006, but still higher than the 7.5 percent registered in 2005. “We believe that remittance growth will continue to translate into solid domestic household consumption that will underpin GDP growth,” SCB said. ■ Maricel E. Burgonio

/ InterAksyon.com / January 13, 2014 / 11:20 PM

Filinvest begins P10B bond sale to raise funds for tourism, power ventures MANILA - Filinvest Development Corp (FDC) kicked off its bond offering today to raise funds for its tourism and power generation ventures.

In a statement, the holding firm of the Gotianun family said it is selling up to P10 billion in 10-year bonds, inclusive of an over-subcription option of up to P3 billion.

The debt papers will carry a coupon rate of 6.1458 percent per annum.

The offer period runs until January 17 with issue date on January 24. The bonds will be issued in minimum denominations of

P50,000 each, and in integral multiples of P10,000, thereafter.

Last month, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) cleared the Filinvest group’s return to the debt market.

Net proceeds of P9.89 billion will be used to repay loans amounting to P5.38 billion, develop a 192-hectare Crimson Resort and Spa in Boracay for P3.50 billion and construct a 405-megawatt clean coal thermal power plant at the Phividec Industrial Estate in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental for P3.26 billion.

BPI Capital Corp is the issue manager of the offering, joining BDO Capital & Investment Corp, First Metro Investment Corp. and Standard Chartered Bank as joint lead underwriters.

China Bank is a co-lead underwriter and East West Banking Corp is the selling agent.

Local debt watcher Philippine Rating Services Corp has assigned a top credit rating to the bond sale. Obligations rated “PRS Aaa” have the highest quality with minimal credit risk. It means the issuer’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

FDC is returning to the debt market after wholly owned subsidiary Filinvest Development Cayman Islands raised $300 million from the sale of seven-year notes in March last year. Real estate arm Filinvest Land Inc recently raised P7 billion from the sale of seven- and 10-year bonds.

Aside from real estate, hotels and power generation, the Filinvest group is also engaged in the businesses of financial services, and sugar farming and milling. ■ Krista Angela M. Montealegre / InterAksyon.com /

Filinvest’s Crimson Resort in Cebu. Photo from skyscrapercity.com

January 13, 2014 / 4:52 PM

Hyundai PH registers flat sales in 2013, as demand for passenger cars weakens MANILA - Philippine sales of Hyundai were flat in 2013, a marked slowdown from the eight percent increase the previous year.

In a statement, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc (HARI) said it sold 2,416 vehicles last month, a 60.5 percent increase from the 1,505 sold in the same month of 2012.

Despite the December uptick, the Korean carmaker’s sales for the entire 2013 of 22,033 units were only 37 units more than the 21,996 sold the previous year.

Sales of passenger cars -- the bestselling category for the Korean carmaker two years ago -- slowed sharply from the 25 percent surge in 2012.

Hyundai’s Philippine distributor sold 13,744 units of passenger cars last year, a mere three percent increase from the 13,382 in 2012.

This was in spite a 113 percent year-onyear increment to 1,600 units for December alone, with the subcompact Eon model hitting a record 686 units sold for a single month.

Sales of light commercial vehicles for

the entire 2013 fell four percent to 8,259 units from 8,614 the previous year.

HARI had been complaining of supply shortfalls last year, as the company imports its entire product lineup from South Korea.

For 2014, the company expects the upbeat outlook for the Philippine economy to fuel the growth of industry sales. The government is aiming for economic growth

of 6.5-7.5 percent this year, faster than the 6-7 percent target last year.

“We are looking forward to a customer value-driven year as Hyundai creates more brilliant customer experiences which should set our brand apart and more endearing to the Filipino,” HARI president Ma. Fe PerezAgudo said. ■ Chelsea Cruz / InterAksyon.com / January 13, 2014 / 10:37 PM

The Elantra model was one of the best-sellers in 2012.

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

BUSINESS & FINANCE

www.hello-philippines.com

9

Cool to raising PAL stake, San Miguel focuses on IPO of power subsidiary

Farmers turn to analytics: Gov’t, JICA start project to improve market access MANILA - Farmers will soon benefit from data analytics, which is already a key marketing tool among big companies.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA) have begun an IT-based project that will record supply and demand conditions of agricultural products in the Philippine countryside.

The project is aimed at making efficient the marketing of farm produce, thus improving the incomes of farmers.

Tokyo-based E-Supportlink Ltd has established a pilot with the Sentrong Pamilihan ng Produktong Agrikultura sa Quezon Foundation Inc, involving 250-member-farmers who will be polled to generate various data, such as type of crops, volume, prices, among others.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, E-Supportlink president Shinsuke Horiuchi and the Quezon foundation’s vice chairman Sofronio Pagkaliwagan signed the memorandum of agreement for the project last year.

Analytics or the science of bid data, which has been a key tool improving the marketing function among top companies both here and abroad, has yet to be adopted in the Philippine farming sector.

Leandro Gazmin, director of the DA Agricultural Marketing Service, said the project would expand market access for farmers.

If the pilot becomes successful, the DA plans to replicate the project in other parts of the country. ■ Orti Despuez / InterAksyon.com / January 13, 2014 / 5:23 PM

MANILA - San Miguel Corp (SMC) is not keen on increasing its stake in Philippine Airlines (PAL), as the diversifying food-andbeverage conglomerate prepares for the entry of its power generation unit in the Philippine Stock Exchange.

“San Miguel will only stick to that 49 percent investment [in PAL],” SMC president Ramon S. Ang told reporters on the sidelines of Top Frontier Investment Holdings Inc’s listing ceremony.

SMC acquired its significant stake in the flag carrier after striking a $500-million partnership with tycoon Lucio Tan in April 2012.

Tan had announced plans to exit the aviation business after he was approached by interested investors to take his stake in the airline.

Asked what SMC would do in the face of an attractive offer to buy out even its stake in PAL, Ang said: “If there is such an offer, I will have to discuss it with our partners and board of directors.”

Meanwhile, SMC is “definitely” pushing through with the initial public offering (IPO) of SMC Global Power Holdings Corp this year, he said.

“From the start, we have said will sell up to 49 percent on the first go. At least a billion dollars ang value nun,” Ang said, noting that the maiden share sale will allow strategic investors to enter the generation company.

SMC Global Power, the holding firm for the power generation assets of San Miguel, is the country’s biggest power producer. It accounts for about a fifth of the Philippines’ total supply.

SMC Global Power had deferred its IPO last year because of volatile market conditions. This was the second deferral after the company also postponed its P37billion maiden share sale in 2011.

Aside from its interest in the airline and power generation businesses, SMC is into food and beverage, packaging, oil refining and retailing, infrastructure, telecommunications and mining. ■ Krista Angela M. Montealegre / InterAksyon.com / January 13, 2014 / 4:40 PM

Your share of the national debt at end-Oct: P61,187

MANILA - Each Filipino’s share of the national debt just got heftier after the government borrowed more money to make up for tax collection shortfalls.

In a statement, the Bureau of Treasury said the amount of debt outstanding at end-October hit P5.65 trillion, or 5.4 percent more than the P5.36 trillion in the same period of 2012. Last October’s tally also was 0.7 percent more than the P5.61 trillion outstanding as of September.

Given a population of 92.34 million, each Filipino in October was in hock for P61,187, higher than the P60,753 in September.

Of the total amount outstanding last October, 66 percent was owed to domestic lenders and the remaining 34 percent to

foreigners. The government took out 10.5 percent more loans from domestic sources, even as foreign borrowing dropped by 3.3 percent.

The reduction in the amount of foreign debt “is consistent with the government’s policy objective of reducing the share of external debt in order to minimize foreign exchange risks, while helping the deepening of the domestic capital market.

The government borrows money to plug its budget deficit, which arises whenever tax collections fall short of expenditures. In October, the government incurred a deficit of P11.2 billion after tax revenues of P134.32 billion were short of the P145.5 billion in expenditures programmed for the month.

Besides financing the deficit, the

Income tax filing at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), which accounts for at least two-thirds of government revenues.

government also borrows to trim its liabilities.

Debt payments made last October reached P28 billion. Almost three out of every four pesos paid that month went to settle interest on the outstanding debt.

The government expects it debt to climb to P6.322 trillion this year. Of the total amount, more than two-thirds would be owed to domestic lender. ■ Rain Castro / InterAksyon.com / January 8, 2014 / 3:35 PM

10

www.hello-philippines.com

BUSINESS & FINANCE

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

Kasali kayo: SC tells petitioners vs power rate hike to include IPPs, regulators in case MANILA - The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the petitioners to include seven power producers “as necessary parties” in their petition against Meralco’s power rate hike and rejected the government’s request to be excluded from the case.

This is in relation to the petitioners’ accusation of collusion among players in the industry, after Meralco passed off to end-users the higher generation charge arising from the record prices that power generators quoted it. Meralco was forced to buy at higher rates after the producers with whom it has supply contracts announced simultaneous maintenance shutdowns that coincided with a shutdown of the Malampaya natural gas facility.

Meralco’s move was earlier sanctioned by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

The power producers have been required to be included in the case because they have power supply agreements with Meralco while PEMC is incorporated as the governance arm of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), the high court said.

The Supreme Court rejected the government lawyers’ petition to exclude the Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission from the suit and required the OSG to comment on behalf of these government agencies on or before January 17 and attend the preliminary conference on January 13.

The government should join Meralco in the case because petitioners accused them of conspiring “with vested oil interests in their profiteering activities,” the high tribunal said.

At a December 2013 hearing at the House of Representatives, the Department of Energy said it is looking into a possible “collusion” among power plants that shut down almost simultaneously in November 2013, prompting Meralco to buy more expensive supply from the spot market and to eventually charge its consumers an increase of P4.15 per kilowatt hour (kWh), equivalent to an additional P830 for households using 200 kWh a month.

Different deadlines for respondents.

In a Whereas Order read by Supreme Court spokesman Theodore Te Thursday morning, the high tribunal set different deadlines for the submission of responses from the petitioners, the government regulation agencies as represented by the Office of the Solicitor General, the respondent Meralco, and the mentioned power producers. The OSG was earlier reported saying it was not submitting any comment in the case because it was only cited as a “nominal respondent.”

The high court ordered petitioners to implead (include in the suit) power producers Philippine Electricity Market Corporation, SEM-Calaca Power Corporation, Masinloc Power Partners Corporation, Therma Luzon Inc., San Miguel Energy Corporation, South Premiere Power Corporation, and Therma Mobile Inc. “For a complete determination of the claim,” the Supreme Court ordered the petitioners to include the power producers in its petition by January 13, file and serve its comment by personal service by January 20, and attend the preliminary conference

at the Supreme Court on January 21.

The high tribunal gave the power producers until January 10 to submit their manifestation on whether they waive the right to participate in the case and required them attend the January 13 preliminary conference or to inform the Supreme that it won’t participate in the oral arguments scheduled on January 31. It gave them until January 20 to comment on the case.

‘We will comply’. Party-list lawmakers who are among the petitioners against the power rate increase said they would immediately move to comply with the high court order.

“Tama ang ginawa ng Supreme Court against the power generation companies dahil sila ang puno’t dulo nito (What the Supreme Court did against the power generators is right because they are the end all and be all of this). We will immediately comply with the SC order and implead

these power generators,” Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares said.

“We will comply. Mas mainam nga na isama na ang private power producers dahil sila naman ang pangunahing makikinabang sa rate increase na ito (It is just as well to include the private power producers because they are the main beneficiaries of this rate increase),” ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio said in a news forum.

Colmenares and Tinio’s fellow petitioners are Representatives Luz Ilagan and Emmi de Jesus of Gabriela Women, Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna and Terry Ridon of Kabataan.

A separate petition against Meralco was filed by Anakpawis Representative Fernando Hicap and leaders of militant groups.

Colmenares said that in impleading the power producers, they would also ask the high court to issue a TRO against these companies from “exacting and collecting

their incredibly high generation charge, to stop them from threatening the public with interest payments for these charges.”

“The Supreme ourt was also correct in ordering the Solicitor General to appear in the case because the government through the Energy Regulatory Commission is one of the most guilty parties in this attempt to impose the largest power rate hike in history,” Colmenares said.

At a news forum, Oriental Mindoro Representative Reynaldo Umali said one way out of the situation is for the government to shoulder the costs of the increase through subsidies.

“The government should do its share by providing subsidies and we will task these power producers also to do their share so that in the end, the people will not suffer,” Umali, chairman of the House energy committee, said.

Aside from the members of the leftist Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives, the other petitioners against the power rate increase are the National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms, the Federation of Village Associations, Federation of Las Pinas Homeowners Association, and Rodrigo Domingo Jr. Oral argument is scheduled on January 21.

InterAksyon.com is the online news portal of TV5, which is chaired by Manuel V. Pangilinan. Mr. Pangilinan also chairman of Meralco. ■ With Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, Lorenz Niel Santos and Marlene Alcaide / InterAksyon.com / January 9, 2014 / 6:28 PM

Philippines may miss goal of shifting to digital TV by 2015, says NTC MANILA - The Philippines is unlikely to meet its target of migrating to digital TV by 2015, according to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

“Right now, if we are going to start by 2014, that should be too short,” said NTC chief Gamaliel Cordoba.

The Aquino administration last year decided to adopt Japan’s standard for digital TV. But the government has yet to issue the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the country’s shift from the analog format.

Cordoba said the IRR can be completed

within the first quarter at the earliest, but a second-quarter release of the rules is possible.

“Right now, we are already putting together the IRR. We are doing that all with the stakeholders, including other government agencies. We need to thresh out all the issues before we issue the IRR,” Cordoba said.

He said migration would depend on consumer acceptance, adding that, “We would give them enough time for the transition.”

A key hurdle would be the cost of set-top boxes, which cost from $10-11 each.

Cordoba said NTC is partial to allowing broadcast companies to simulcast in analog and digital to make the transition smooth.

Last November, the NTC issued a Memorandum Circular No. 05-11-2013, adopting Japan’s Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) standard for the Philippines’ migration to digital TV. The NTC order comes on the heels of President Benigno Aquino III’s promise to

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that the Philippines would choose Japan’s standard over that of Europe. Aquino made the promise during a state visit to Japan in October last year.

The regulator in 2010 issued an order adopting ISDB-T as the standard and released draft IRR in July 2011, but Malacañang ordered a review of Europe’s Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial 2 (DVB-T2).

Besides Japan, other countries that have adopted ISDB-T are Brazil, Peru,

Chile, Venzuela, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Paraguay.

Free-TV or non-cable households comprise 90 percent of the Philippines’ 17 million viewers. ■ Darwin G. Amojelar / InterAksyon.com / January 13, 2014 / 5:47 PM

Resulta ng Sin Tax: Shorter work days for tobacco factory workers hit MANILA - Slightly over a year after the Sin Tax Reform Law of 2012 was signed into law, workers at the Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) are complaining that they are bearing the brunt of its implementation, facing possible loss of jobs.

In a statement released to media outfits,

Rodelito Atienza, president of the labor union of PMFTC, said the company has reduced the number of their work days until the month of May. He said the union is asking the company to find ways to soften the impact to their already stressed budget after this policy on reduced work days was implemented.

Tensions between the company and its labor union grew in the last week of 2013 after plant management delayed the release of its production plan for 2014, Atienza said. This made workers worry that the management was planning to shut down operations after it informed the union a week earlier that the company’s market share plunged significantly.

The management of the tobacco giant initially wanted a five-month shutdown of its operations from January up to May 2014 after the company failed to hit its expected sales in the last quarter of 2013. The union refused by citing provisions in their collective bargaining agreement, pushing the company to adjust their plans. But still, the workers claim the management’s final offer was still a “heavy price to pay for simply being diligent and productive,” he said.

“When the company implemented a stock build-up scheme, forcing us to go beyond the 8-hour a day work load for several months, we cooperated, toiled hard, and yet in the end, we are the ones suffering the brunt for the company’s dismal production schemes and far-out projections. We are the last to benefit and yet the first to sacrifice,” said Atienza.

Intended to restructure the excise tax collections of the government on alcohol and tobacco products, the law now on its second year of incremental implementation charge low-priced cigarette brands a P17 excise tax, up from P12 last year. On the other hand, it charges high-priced brands a P27 excise tax, up from P25 last year. By 2017, a P30 unitary tax shall be imposed on all machine-prepared tobacco products and will increase 4 percent annually after that.

Atienza thus said the Sin Tax is “fundamentally unjust law” because it “is a pass-on imposition and it jeopardizes jobs, livelihoods, and ultimately, the entire local tobacco industry.”

“The Aquino administration is in seventh heaven for accomplishing more than their tax revenue targets and the capitalists are also elated for their sustained takings despite the excise tax increase, while ordinary wage-earners diligently bearing the cross are neglected to the extent being sacrificed at the altar of profit,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), to which the PMFTC labor union has been affiliated since its founding in 1993, called out to fellow workers in the tobacco and alcohol industry to lock arms with the PMFTC labor union “before it is too late.” ■ InterAksyon.com / January 13, 2014 / 10:45 AM

HELLO PHILIPPINES IS PUBLISHED FORTNIGHTLY BY UNIVERSAL INFINITY LIMITED. THIS PUBLICATION IS COPYRIGHTED AND ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. UK & EUROPE EDITION • NORDIC, IRELAND, ITALY, SPAIN, AND FRANCE • WWW.HELLO-PHILIPPINES.COM

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

IMMIGRATION / OFNEWS

www.hello-philippines.com

11

PHL embassy official, staff in Kuwait face trafficking charges Pampanga govt asks cabalens to help raise money to save OFW’s life HUMAN trafficking charges should be filed against an official and several personnel of the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, a government panel recommended in a report released Friday.

The Kuwait Anti-Trafficking Task Force, created last September, identified the erring government official as Ibrahim Daligdig Tanandato, assistant to the Nationals Unit head at the Consular Office of the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait.

Tanandato violated the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 as well as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, the task force said.

The anti-trafficking group also recommended charges filed against Muamar Mamosion and Omar Khalil, who were hired by the embassy as Arabic translators, and lawyers Khaled Almas and Ayied Al-Subaie who were hired to represent the embassy.

The group said recruiters Mariam Macapudi and Dolores Suarez should also be charged for violating the Migrants Workers Act of 1995 as amended by Republic Act 10022.

The task force asked the Department of Justice to conduct a preliminary investigation into the conduct of the embassy official and staff as a step on the way to filling cases against them.

The task force did not name the complainants “so as not to prejudice further investigation of certain individuals

and other recruitment agencies.” The time frame of the the incident was also not included in the report.

The complainants said a government official hired them to work as domestic helpers—with a monthly salary of 50 Kuwaiti dinars or around P7,900—without proper documentation from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

The government official then supposedly “took advantage of one of the victims by deceiving her that her back wages have not been paid yet by her previous lawyers.”

The task force said the suspects, including the embassy-hired lawyers and

translators, demanded money from the complainants as attorney’s fees.

Two of the complainants narrated they were also recruited to handle bombsniffing dogs with salaries from P30,000 to P35,000.

One of the complainants allegedly paid one of the suspects P10,000 as a training fee, and an Immigration officer an additional P23,000.

When they arrived in Kuwait, the victims were made to sign a document stating their salary was only 110 Kuwaiti dinars or around P17,500. ■ Mark Merueñas / VS/JDS/HS, GMA News / January 17, 2014 / 5:29 PM

THE provincial government of Pampanga has called on its residents to donate any amount they can to help raise the SAR 1.48 million (P17.5 million) in blood money needed to spare the life of their cabalen Joselito Zapanta.

In a report on GMA News’ “24 Oras” Friday, provincial public information officer Joel Mapiles said the local government is open to accepting cash donations for Zapanta, who is in danger of being executed in Saudi Arabia this month.

“Sana po ang mga kababayan natin ay hindi lang makuntento sa panonood nitong balita. Sana ay tumulong rin sila at makapag-donate ng kahit anong amount para malikom ang pondo na kinakailangan,” he said.

Foreign Affairs assistant secretary Raul Hernandez said in a statement aired on the television report that the government “continues to exert all efforts” to save Zapanta from execution.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, the

presidential adviser on OFW concerns, renewed Thursday his appeal to the public to help raise the amount needed to spare Zapanta’s life.

He said the OFW may be executed this month if the government fails to pay the blood money being asked by the family of the Sudanese national Zapanta was convicted of killing in 2009. Zapanta said it was a case of self-defense.

Philippine ambassador to Saudi Ezzedin Tago reported that the government has so far raised 520,831 Saudi riyal (about P6.1 million) to spare Zapanta’s life.

The amount is still SAR 1.48 million (P17.5 million) short to complete the SAR 2 million being renegotiated with the victim’s family.

The payment of the blood money was originally due on November 12, 2012, but was extended to March 12 last year. A second extension was granted, with the deadline lapsing last November 3. ■ Xianne

Arcangel / KBK, GMA News / January 3, 2014 / 9:16 PM

PHL Congen in HK closed 3 days starting Jan. 31 for Lunar New Year THE Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong will be closed for three days starting Jan. 31 in observance of the Lunar New Year.

In a post on its Facebook page Monday afternoon, the Philippine Consulate said it will be closed on Jan. 31 and on Feb. 1 and 3. It will be open on Feb. 2, a Sunday.

Hong Kong’s government site said that for this year, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 and 3 are holidays.

But in case of emergency, the Consulate said it can be reached at the following

numbers: • 9155-4023, Consular assistance • 6080-8323, Labor • 6345-9324, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration The Consulate can also be reached via its website at www.philcongen-hk.com; Facebook at Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong; and email at hongkongpc@ philcongen-hk.com.

It also said it can receive fax messages at 2866-9885. ■ KBK, GMA News / January 6, 2014 / 8:04 PM

Pinoys in Thailand cautioned vs wearing red, yellow as political tension rises

FILIPINOS in Bangkok were cautioned against wearing red or yellow as the political tension in Thailand continued to simmer.

The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok, in a notice on the situation in Thailand, also reminded Filipinos there to avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

“Participating and/or showing support in any form to any of the parties is strongly discouraged. For information, the red and yellow colors are closely identified with some of the parties involved,” it said.

It added large crowds and demonstrations “should be avoided as there have been incidents of violence with some fatalities.”

Also, it said that while public transportation such as the Sky-train, MRT, taxis, and motorbikes is normal, visitors

to Bangkok at this time may experience increased traffic congestion and security measures.

“Bangkok’s international airport (Suvarnabhumi) and Don Mueang Airport for domestic flights remain operational,” it added.

On the other hand, the embassy said the places to avoid could change periodically, “given the fluidity of the situation.”

“Everyone is, therefore, advised to continue being vigilant and to closely monitor developments,” it said.

The embassy said Filipinos in emergencies may reach it at No. 760 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 30/1 Bangkok 10110, Thailand. Other contact details include: • Hotline: (08) 992-65954 • Trunkline: (02) 259-0139 up to 40, loc.

113 to 115

• Email: bangkok.pe@dfa.gov.ph or bangkokpe@gmail.com Political tension had hounded Thailand in past weeks, with antigovernment forces planning to shut down Bangkok.

A report on the Bangkok Post said anti-government protesters plan to “shut down” Bangkok by Jan. 13, but added consumers appeared to stay calm.

Thailand has been rocked by protest actions seeking to topple Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatraand install unelected leaders in a so-called “people’s coup.”

Protesters had clashed with police and vowed to oust Yingluck and eradicate the influence of her self-exiled brother, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. ■ LBG, GMA News / January 10, 2014 / 9:47 AM

UN adopts PHL-sponsored reso on violence vs. women migrant workers THE United Nations General Assembly has adopted a Philippine-sponsored resolution giving protection to female migrant workers against abuse and exploitation.

In a statement, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) said the UN General Assembly adopted four resolutions under the Advancement of Women report, one of which is “Violence Against Women Migrant Workers,” during the international body’s 68th plenary assembly last December 18.

The resolution urged member-states to ratify conventions from the International Labour Organization (ILO) protecting domestic workers, the families of all

migrant workers, and smuggled persons.

The resolution also calls for the abolishment of sponsorship systems, and for humane and gender-sensitive treatment of all migrant workers and their families “regardless of their immigration status.”

Indonesia presented the bill to the assembly on behalf of the Philippines and seven other countries on the 24th of October.

PCW, in their statement, said governments around the world must ensure the safety of migrant women against exploitation, discrimination, and all forms of sexual abuse.

The commission urged private

institutions to provide gender-sensitive procedures at their workplaces, and encouraged both private and public sectors to realize the contributions of these women to the economy, regardless of their immigration status.

“With the mounting trend of feminization of labor migration in the Philippines, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) expects that through the UN’s adoption of this resolution, policies and programs around the world will provide full protection of Filipino migrant women’s rights and pave way to enhancing the responsiveness of government programs and service delivery,” the PCW said. ■ Rie

Takumi / KBK, GMA News / January 6, 2014 / 4:10 PM

12

www.hello-philippines.com

IMMIGRATION / OFNEWS

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

DOLE: Govt working to repatriate 36 OFWs from troubled Yemen

Pinoys in HK urged to take precautions after 3rd H7N9 case was confirmed FILIPINOS in Hong Kong were reminded Thursday to take precautions against the avian flu after Hong Kong authorities confirmed the third case of H7N9 there.

On its Facebook account, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong reissued its public advisory on avian flu to help Filipinos avoid getting the disease.

“The PCG wishes to reissue its ‘Babala sa Publiko Tungkol sa Avian Flu’ in view of the third case of H7N9 confirmed by Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection,” it said.

Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection on Wednesday night confirmed a human H7N9 case, the third in Hong Kong so far.

The Consulate General reiterated its advice dated Dec. 3, where it urged Filipinos in Hong Kong to: • Regularly wash hands especially if coming from the bathroom, hospital or the house of one’s wards, especially before eating

or after coughing • Wash hands with liquid soap, for 20 seconds, then wipe dry with a clean towel or use a hand dryer • One can also use 70- to 80-percent alcohol in washing hands • Avoid holding one’s mouth, nose and eyes • Cover your nose and mouth with a clean handkerchief when sneezing or coughing • Don’t spit • Wear a surgical mask when in crowded or poorly ventilated areas, or when visiting hospitals or clinics • Don’t go to work or school if you have influenza-like symptoms There is an estimated 195,128 Filipinos in Hong Kong as of December 2012, according to the stock estimate of Commission on Filipinos Overseas. ■ KBK,

GMA News / January 9, 2014 / 12:17 PM

Fil-Jap to star in second installment of ‘Samurai X’ movie

GOVERNMENT efforts are underway to repatriate at least 36 overseas Filipino workers and a child from strife-torn Yemen, the Department of Labor and Employment said Friday.

The DOLE, in a news release on its website, said the OFWs had expressed their wish to be repatriated.

“We are closely monitoring the situation in Yemen and are constantly in touch with the members of the Philippine contingency team there. The safety of our OFWs in Yemen is our foremost consideration,” Baldoz said.

According to the DOLE, there are about 1,300 OFWs in Yemen. Most entered the country using visit visas but found employment and acquired working visas.

Labor Attaché David Des Dicang, who was dispatched to Yemen, said 25 of the 36 OFWs seeking repatriation are medical staff employed at the Ministry of Defense Hospital in Sana’a.

But Dicang said the hospital has yet to finalize the 25 OFWs’ flight details, though he said they are likely to return to the country in three batches.

He said their airfare will be shouldered by the Defense Ministry Hospital.

Also, he said the Defense Ministry Hospital provided each employee a compensation package “equivalent to a three-month salary and a bonus equivalent to a two-week salary.”

The DOLE identified the 25 OFWs as: • Jacqueline Barrozo

• Dulce Corazon Jimenez • Marilou Cayog • Joshua Lozano • Maria Lourdes Barrozo • Jean Tamboong • Zyra Fajardo • Neivin Lusabia • Mary Grace del Rosario • Josephine Rocero • Selly Ruth Edanol • Jeffrey Nulo • Christine Love Deduyo • Diovel Bryan Ganac • Robelia Sinlao • Lovely Aiza Abegonia • Catherine Dimailig • Jopher Juarez • Ria Montemayor • Helen Valenzuela • Mary Joyce Ramirez • Alvin Venturina • Rhea Tabuada Jean Tamboong • Ma. Kristine Lorete • Maria Krisitine Malimban Also, it said the 11 other OFWs and the child who wanted to go home have expired visas and need to pay penalties at $1.50 per day for the expired visas and $1.50 per day for the expired work permits.

Dicang said the Department of Foreign Affairs will shoulder the cost of plane fares of these OFWs. They 11 were identified as: • Jasmin Bedia • Edwin De Jesus • Crystal Jade Dormitorio

• Renato Mendiola • Leticia Dechoson • Kryselle Jean Mendiola • Almario Rigor Jr. • Genalyn Suarez • Romel Martinez • Arriane Joy Mendiola de Jesus • Roberto Dawedou • Mark Daniel Suarez, 2 Some want alert level lowered.

Meanwhile, Dicang said some OFWs “have expressed their desire that the current Alert Level 3 be lowered to Alert Level 2 to allow them to go on vacation and be able to return to Yemen.”

Dicang added the Defense Ministry Hospital’s monetary compensation for kin of seven OFWs who died in last year’s attack is now ready for remittance.

The DOLE identified the seven OFWs who died during the bomb attack as: • Edward Anthony De Guzman • Hezel Puebles • Rosita Santiago • Ruben Valenzuela • Marivic Badenas • Mariane David • Aurora Gormate Also, Dicang said he has assigned area coordinators in the Filipino community to help government update the list of Filipinos there.

“The area coordinators continue to be active and regularly communicate with the Philippine contingency team,” Dicang said.

■ LBG, GMA News / January 11, 2014 / 8:55 AM

FilHarmonic, celebrities at Los Angeles concert for Yolanda victims

FIL-AM group The Filharmonic and various artists got together in Los Angeles Sunday (Manila time) to raise funds for relief efforts for victims of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the Philippines.

The concert by “Music for Relief” for the Philippines was scheduled to start at 3 p.m. Manila time at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.

Among the artists taking part in the concert and related activities are rock bands Linkin Park, The Offspring and Bad Religion, Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart, and Blink 182’s Travis Barker. Other groups taking part

in the effort include Alice In Chains and Friends Fantasy Football League 2013.

Music for Relief is an effort by artists, music industry professionals and fans “working together to create positive change.” Its mission is to support disaster relief and reduce global warming.

It is partnering with International Medical Corps on the ground to deliver critical medicine and emergency medical services “with an emphasis on water, sanitation and disease prevention efforts.”

Aside from the concert, Music for Relief is conducting an online auction with items

that include signed instruments and VIP tickets.

CharityBuzz.com said the items for auction include an autographed collectors set from Filipino boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao.

“Proceeds for the concert will provide immediate relief to the 15 million+ people impacted by Typhoon Haiyan,” the MusicforRelief.org site said.

Yolanda battered Visayas and Southern Luzon last Nov. 8, leaving more than 6,100 dead. ■ KDM, GMA News / January 12, 2014 / 5:53 PM

US Coast Guard suspends search for missing Pinoy crewmember off Hawaii

Mayjun Takahashi. Photo by Warner Brothers Japan.

FILIPINA-JAPANESE actress Maryjun Takahashi will be starring in “Rurouni Kenshin: The Great Kyoto Fire” to be released in August this year according to a post on a Facebook fanpage citing the movie’s official site.

Takahashi will portray Yumi Komagata, the lover of Shishio Makoto who is the main antagonist of the film.

In the “Rurouni Kenshin” anime known to many as “Samurai X,” Yumi Komagata is depicted as a slender vixen who fell madly in love with Shishio’s cunning and ambition to rule Japan.

As a loyal aide she reports the

movements of other Juppongatana members, a group of ten powerful swordsmen assembled from all over Japan and led by Shishio.

According to fans of the anime series, the movie will most probably tackle Kenshin Himura’s quest to stop the Juppongatana from overthrowing the Meiji government through a violent coup d’etat.

As a double treat for fans, the page also posted an announcement of a third installment of the film entitled “Rurouni Kenshin: The End of a Legend” which will premiere on September 13, 2014. ■ Andrei Medina / LBG, GMA News / January 4, 2014 / 4:44 PM

THE United States Coast Guard has suspended the search for the Filipino crewmember who reportedly jumped off a Hawaii-bound cruise ship Tuesday midnight.

The search, which covered more than 4,900 square miles of the Pacific Ocean, was suspended after the Coast Guard “saturated all probable locations” for a survivor, said Lt. Justin Gear, command duty officer of the Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Center, in a report on Hawaii Reporter.

The report said two Coast Guard HC-130

Hercules airplane crew conducted searches of the area and dropped two Self-Locating Datum Marker Buoys (SLDMB), which are used in search and rescue missions and are equipped with a GPS sensor.

Upon deployment in the water, an SLDMB transmits its location periodically to the Coast Guard to assist with developing search areas.

“Suspending a search is always an incredibly difficult decision to make,” said Gear. “We offer our thoughts and prayers to

the family and loved ones.”

Various reports said the 34-yearold Filipino, who was not identified, was reported overboard from the cruise ship Grand Princess approximately 1,133 miles northeast of Hilo on Tuesday.

A report on KITV.com said the cruise ship, with its 3,000 passengers and 1,000 crewmembers, was en route to the Big Island on a 15-day trip after leaving from San Francisco on Saturday. ■ KBK, GMA News / January 10, 2014 / 5:53 PM

Fillipino biologist joins advisory panel of global research funding program FILIPINO biologist Michael Purugganan is the new United States representative on the Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP)’s Council of Scientists (COS).

The HFSP is a funding program for frontier research in the life sciences.

The COS, which Purugganan is now a part of, advises the HFSP Board of Trustees in matters including the evaluation of its current programs, the consideration of new ones, and the selection of grants and fellowships.

Purugganan, a University of the

Philippines Diliman alumnus, is a Dorothy Schiff Professor of Genomics, co-director of the Center for Genomics and Systems Biology at NYU, and is NYU’s Dean for Science.

Research in his laboratory is focused on evolutionary, ecological, and functional genomics of plants.

He also advises the Philippine Genome Center and has written about the Filipino genome, the controversial geneticallymodified eggplant, and golden rice . ■ Kim

Luces / JDS, GMA News / January 11, 2014 / 7:45 PM

14

www.hello-philippines.com

EVENTS DIARY UK & EUROPE

DATE / TIME 22 to 26 January 2014 Evening 7:30pm Sat & Sun Matinee 3:00pm 14 February 2014 Friday 6:00pm till late

EVENT From Heaven With Love – A Theatrical Comedy Written and Directed by: Ramon Castillanes Tenoso Valentines Charity Ball

15 February 2014 Saturday 6:00pm to 11:00pm 15 February 2014 Saturday

A Valentines Party

Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1 4RL

Fil LGBT Valentine Masquerade Party

Kensington Roof Top Garden, 99 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA

15 February 2014 Saturday 4:00pm to 11:00pm

Happy Valentine’s Day! – Party and Fundraising Event

East Ham Conservative Club, 1 Vicarage Lane, East Ham, London E5 6AD

16 February 2014 Sunday 6:00pm till late 2 March 2014 Sunday 7:30pm

My Funny ValentACE

FM Bar, Shepherd’s Bush, London

You’ll Never Walk Alone – The West End Unites for the Philippines

Queens Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 6BA

8 and 9 March 2014 Saturday and Sunday 9:00am to 5:00pm 15 March 2014 Saturday 6:00pm to 1:00am 16 March 2014 Sunday 2:00pm

2014 Leeds 2 Days Basketball League

Ramgarhia Sports Centre, 10 Chapeltown Road, Leeds LS7 3AP Mazenod Community Centre, Quex Road, Kilburn, London NW6 4PS The Centre Conference Venue (Spirit), Farnham Road, Slough, Berkshire SL1 4UT Eventim Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, London W6 9QH London / Norwich / Kent

That’s My Pogi Pageant Pooh in Pooh tik

4 April 2014 Friday 8:00pm

Eraserheads

4, 5 and 6 April 2014 Friday, Saturday and Sunday 21 and 22 June 2014 Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm 28 June 2014 Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm 5 and 6 July 2014 Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm

The 70's Superband – The OPM Hitmakers

19 and 20 July 2014 Saturday and Sunday 10.00am to 6:00pm 6 September 2014 Saturday

ORGANISER Philippine Theatre UK

CONTACTS / REMARKS For Information and Tickets: 020 7352 1967 / www.chealseatheatre.org.uk

French Ballroom, Midland Hotel, Forster Square, Cheapside, Bradford

A Joint Charity Project of Filipino Nurses In Bradford and Philippine Nurses Association of UK (Registered UK Charity) Narvacanian-UK (An Affiliate member of Philippine Centre)

Hermie Querubin 07876 687 878 / admin@pnauk.org.uk

Barrio Fiesta in Bristol 2014

Eastville Park, Bristol BS5 6XA

7th Barrio Fiesta in Yorkshire 2014

The Racecourse, Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire Lampton Park, Lampton Road, Hounslow TW3 4DN

HELLO PHILIPPINES proudly presents Hounslow Summer Festival 2014 30th Barrio Fiesta Sa London 2014 Mr & Miss Philippines United Kingdom 2014

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

VENUE Chelsea Theatre, 7 World’s End Place, King’s Road, London SW10 0DR

Apps Court Farm, Hurst Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 2EG TBC

The Filipino LGBT UK is a social and informal support group for Filipino LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender)

MJ Robles 07846 784 767 For Information and Tickets: FilipinoLGBTUK@pinoyworld.eu / 07834 780 490

Cleo 07956 856 007 / Andrea 020 8470 4363

For Tickets: 07427 675 638 / 07753 317 069 Stage Art Productions / Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) / Philippines Typhoon Appeal Filipino Leeds Associations

Mark Senior mark@markseniorpr.com / 07446 169 997 Box Office: 0844 482 5164 / www.delfonmackintosh.co.uk Freddie 07595 248 917 / Rodamin 07446 906 608

FilMo

Vannz Bio 07947 160 826 Robin Gaudiel 07428 677 870 / Lito Martinez 07882 709 234

Finest Workers UK

For tickets and inquiries: 07784 881 850 / sales@finestworkers.com

Side Projects Productions Simply C PR & Events

General Information: 07903 547 676

Filipino Community in Bristol

Wil Manuel 07900 485 194 / Honeylyn 07783 343 848 / Clarence 07500 896 239 / Hilda 07909 724 653 Lolita Boddy 01765 535 015 / Tess Wills 07920 280 549

HELLO PHILIPPINES

Roselle Collado – 07577 813 104 Mike McCarthy – 07538 201 870 Email: events@hello-philippines.com Tickets & General Enquiries: 020 7998 0450 General Information: 01932 244 822

Philippine Centre and ABSCBN The Filipino Channel Philippines-UK

Eva Macadangdang 07983 593 914 / Marlowe Macadangdang 07956 944 520 / Myra Adap del Cruz 07789 695 596 / MP_UK@yahoo.com FREE LISTING of your events on the HELLO PHILIPPINES newspaper and if you know of any Events please contact us and submit your event via email to the following at INFO@HELLO-PHILIPPINES.COM DISCLAIMER: The Events Diary Listing does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Hello Philippines newspaper. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Hello Philippines newspaper. This is merely an Events Diary Listing of what is happening within the Filipino Communities in Europe. This is for general information only.

MONTHLY FILIPINO COMMUNITY MASSES IN GREATER LONDON 2:00pm Five Precious Wounds Parish, Brentfield Road, Stonebridge Park, London NW10 8ER 1st Sunday Mervic Monocillo – 07894 636 140 1st Sunday 5:00pm Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Friary Road, Peckham, London SE15 1RH Allen Abeleda – 07713 625 888 4:00pm St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 103 Woolwich New Road, London SE18 6EF 2nd Saturday Moises Espanola – 07894 648 639 2:00pm English Martyrs Church, Chalkhill Road, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 9EW 2nd Sunday Becky Sarinas – 07949 857 699 / 07425 761 519 / Lina B – 07579 418 510 2nd Sunday 2:00pm St Dominic Catholic Church, 243 Violet Lane, Waddon, Croydon CR0 4HN Merlie Mirto – 07722 216 462 4:00pm St. Anselm and St. Cecilia, 70 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3JA 2nd Sunday Feliciano Ramirez – 07733 680 748 3rd Sunday 3:00pm Sacred Heart of Jesus, New Priory, Quex Road, Kilburn, London NW6 4PS Sheidrick de Leon – 07738 210 202 3rd Sunday 3:00pm Blessed Sacrament Parish, 157 Copenhagen Street, Islington N1 0SR Christy Sangalang – 07709 119 969 Last Saturday 6:00pm Our Lady of Dolours, Servite Parish Church, 264 Fulham Road, London SW10 4EL Fr Allan Satur – 020 7352 6965 / fulhamroad@rcdow.org.uk Roland Adap – r_adap@hotmail.com Last Sunday 2:00pm St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 218 Roehampton Lane, London SW15 4LE Rafael Santiago – 07795 254 451 Every Sunday 5:00pm Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 20 Brixton Road, Oval, London SW9 6BU Ben Ortiz – 07723 318 486 First Wednesdays 6:30pm Filipino Mass and Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Farm Street Church of the Immaculate Conception (Jesuit House Chapel), access on 114 Mount Street, London W1K 3AY Josie Ramos – 07723 024 591

16

www.hello-philippines.com

INTERNATIONAL / GLOBAL NEWS

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

China, US move toward cooperation in space

WASHINGTON - China—which until now has worked alone as it pursues an ambitious space program—seems more open to international cooperation, especially with the United States, European and American experts say.

“There is a change in the Chinese attitude, with a call for cooperation in space. And Americans aren’t reticent—on the contrary,” said Jean-Yves Le Gall, head of the French space agency CNES. Le Gall spoke Thursday as he left a meeting in Washington of high-level envoys from 30 space-faring nations discussing ways to pool efforts to explore the stars. The conference continued Friday with space agency chiefs.

The space race started as an intense Cold War competition between the United States and the former Soviet Union.

But with budgets shrinking, the United States is relying more on private companies

and looking to keep costs down with multinational collaborations—and other countries that are emerging as future major players in space.

The participants at the conference, which included Brazil, China, India, Japan and Russia, “showed a strong desire for coming together” in space exploration activities, Le Gall said, noting that the Chinese showed up in force, with a large delegation.

“The big question for the next three years is whether China will join the International Space Station,” which currently includes the United States, Russia, Japan, Europe and Canada, he said.

“That’s the challenge,” the CNES chief said, recalling that the United States had just extended the orbiting space lab’s mission by at least four years to 2024.

John Logsdon, former director of the the Space Policy Institute at George Washington

University and a NASA consultant, shared Le Gall’s sentiment.

He noted that China has recently indicated its willingness to participate in the International Space Exploration Coordination Group, which currently has 14 members including NASA. Beijing has also openly invited other countries to join it in its own ambitious project that aims to put a Chinese space station into orbit within 10 years.

“Every indication is that China is eager to become part of the inner circle of space countries, rather than going its own path,” Logsdon told AFP. He said it was surprising that China, which, along with the United States and Russia is one of three countries in the world “that knows how to put people in space,” was not “directly involved in things like the International Space Station.”

Logsdon said it was “very possible” that

China would be invited within the next two or three years to join some activities aboard the ISS, although he said it was likely to be part of a broader initiative that could also include Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

The expert recalled that NASA was still not authorized by the US Congress to work with China, because several lawmakers consider it a risk to America’s national security.

But if the European Space Agency were to issue an invitation to China to participate in the ISS partnership, NASA would not be required to oppose it, Logsdon said.

“We have seen a strong willingness among the different space agencies of the world to increase global cooperation in space exploration,” he added.

So far it’s just “rhetoric,” he said, “but it is a step toward reality.”

The head of the French space agency was equally cautious, but he said the

current environment was conducive to increased cooperation.

“Paradoxically, the space-faring nations that are in the forefront”—including the United States and Europe—“don’t have any more money, while those that have the ambition to get there and to be recognized, like China, have money,” he said.

For him, “that constitutes a good ground to get together.” ■ AFP / January 12, 2014 / 10:53 AM

Moscow airports ban carry-on liquids before Olympic Games MOSCOW - Moscow’s three international airports Wednesday announced a flat ban on all carry-on liquids—including medicines—as part of a mass security clampdown ahead of next month’s Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.

The huge hubs handle the vast majority of Russia’s oversees air traffic and will receive the bulk of foreigners arriving for the February 7-23 Olympics on the shores of the Black Sea. The unexpected decision—the latest in a string of restrictions leading up to the Games—sparked immediate protests

because it covers prescribed medication and baby food.

Russia this week launched the largest security operation in Olympic history aimed at warding off the threat of Islamist violence following last month’s twin suicide strikes in the southern city of Volgograd.

The December 29-30 railway station and trolleybus bombings killed 34 and fanned fears of a renewed terror campaign by militants from the nearby North Caucasus, who have threatened attacks before and during the Games.

Sheremetyevo airport said on its website

More than 25,000 flee Indonesian volcano

JAKARTA - More than 25,000 people have fled their homes following a series of eruptions and lava flows from a volcano in Indonesia, an official said Sunday.

Mount Sinabung on the western island of Sumatra sent hot rocks and ash up to 5,000 metres (16,000 feet) in the air “several times” on Saturday, National Disaster Mitigation Agency emergency response director Tri Budiarto told AFP. “So far, 25,516 people have been evacuated. There’s nobody now within a five-kilometre (three-mile) radius of the crater. We are urging those living within seven kilometres southeast of the crater to move too,” he added.

Hot lava, which has been spewing from the volcano for the past two weeks, has flowed into a river and filled up valleys with pyroclastic material, he said.

“There were small secondary explosions when lava flows came into contact with the water, but there are no casualties so far.

We are urging people not to carry out any activity in the rivers,” he added.

Mount Sinabung is one of 129 active volcanoes in Indonesia that straddle major tectonic fault lines, known as the Pacific Ring of Fire.

It had been quiet for around 400 years until it rumbled back to life in 2010, and again in September last year.

In August 2013, five people were killed and hundreds evacuated when a volcano on a small island in East Nusa Tenggara province erupted.

The country’s most active volcano, Mount Merapi in central Java, killed more than 350 people in a series of eruptions in 2010. ■ AFP / January 12, 2014 / 11:47 AM

that the ban covers “all liquids, including personal hygiene items, cosmetics, medicines, liquids, sprays and gels in any amount”.

It also applies to “items used in arts and crafts such as paints, soil and glue”.

The new guidelines—adopted by the Federal Air Transport Agency—will remain in force through March 21 and also be applied at Moscow’s Vnukovo and Domodedovo terminals.

The government’s official Rossiyskaya Gazeta daily said the restrictions will additionally extend to “some regional airports, including those in the south of Russia”.

Existing rules allowed passengers travelling across Russia to take up to 100 millilitres (3.4 ounces) of liquids on board flights.

Security has been of paramount concern ever since President Vladimir Putin beat extreme odds in 2007 to bring Russia’s first post-Soviet Games to the Black Sea resort.

Sochi will also host the March 7-16 Paralympic Games and Putin has publicly forbidden officials from taking vacations until the last foreign visitor leaves the country from that event.

Sochi mail inspections. Russia on Tuesday saw soldiers in armoured vehicles and navy officers on the Black Sea join a

A handout picture taken during the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic torch relay on December 27, 2013 shows a torchbearer in the Volga River town of Sviyazhsk. Photo ©AFP.

37,000-strong contingent of riot and other police overseeing security in and around Sochi.

A Kremlin decree also establishes a so-called “forbidden zone” that blocks highways into the city and prevents residents from using roads leading to Olympic venues without special permits.

Russia’s postal service further announced that it was carrying out checks of all mail and parcels sent to the Krasnodar region in and around Sochi “in order to ensure safety” at the Olympic events.

Security analysts argue that the tremendous attention devoted to Sochi venues may leave the vast country exposed to attacks at other sites.

Russian President Vladimir Putin tries an Olympic volunteers uniform at an equipment centre in Sochi on January 4, 2014. Photo by Alexey Nikolsky ©AFP.

They add that draconian police measures may prove ineffective without serious efforts to infiltrate potential terror cells.

“Passive (police) measures are certainly more visible, but they are also much more expensive and wasteful,” independent security analyst Andrei Soldatov told Moscow Echo radio.

Russia’s latest restriction provoked an immediate chorus of complaints.

The flagship Aeroflot airline in particular sparked an outcry by warning that travellers will be stripped of their medication unless they can prove it needs to be used during flights.

“This is really inconvenient,” a man who identified himself as Yevgeny Koval complained on Aeroflot’s Twitter account.

The liquid ban comes just as other global airlines and governments relax tough guidelines first introduced in 2001 in response to the September 11 attacks in the United States.

The US Department of Homeland Security now allows travellers to take items such as baby formula and medicine “in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces” as long as they are declared at check-in.

The European Union also allows up to a litre (33.8 ounces) of “drinks, toothpaste, cosmetic creams (and) gels” into aircraft cabins provided they are carried in transparent bags and split between smaller containers. ■ Dmitry Zaks / AFP / January 8, 2014 / 1:50 PM

Accidents can change lives Choose the best solicitor

Accidents can happen to anyone, at work, on the road or even when in hospital. When you suffer because of someone else’s negligence you need the right legal representation to help with your recovery and your claim for compensation. At Levenes Solicitors, our dedicated legal team headed by the award winning Mr Mitesh Patel Partner/ Solicitor can help you recover loss of earnings, medical expenses, care and assistance following an accident.

If you or someone you know has suffered a serious accident or injury contact us now, our nationwide presence means that we can visit you at your home and our database of specialist experts are at hand to provide key reports to assist your claim and ultimate recovery. We recover millions of pounds in compensation each year for our clients.

An accident is something you cannot do anything about, but choosing the right solicitor to help you win your case, is in your hands. Call Now.

Freephone: 0800 118 899 MITESH PATEL PARTNER Winner of: Best in Legal Services (British Indian Awards 2013) Lawyer of the Year (Asian Achievers Awards 2013) Email: mpatel@levenes.co.uk

www.levenes.co.uk

18

www.hello-philippines.com

INTERNATIONAL / GLOBAL NEWS

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

Scientists apologise for failing to make girl a dragon

AUSTRALIA’S national science agency has issued a rare apology to a seven-yearold girl for not being able to make her a fire-breathing dragon, blaming a lack of research into the mythical creatures.

The youngster, Sophie, wrote to a “Lovely Scientist” at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), politely asking whether they could make her a winged pet of her own.

“I would call it Toothless if it was a girl and if it is a boy I would name it Stuart,” she wrote in her letter, promising to feed it raw fish and play with it when she wasn’t at school.

Toothless is the name of a dragon befriended by a Viking teenager in the How

to Train Your Dragon series of children’s books. The pair also feature in a popular film franchise. Stuart is her father’s name.

Sophie’s request prompted an unusual apology from the 87-year-old institution, which admitted “we’ve missed something”.

“There are no dragons,” it said in a blog reply posted on its website this week.

“Over the past 87 odd years we have not been able to create a dragon or dragon eggs,” it said, adding that its scientists had observed dragonflies and even measured the body temperatures of the lizard known as a mallee dragon.

“But our work has never ventured into dragons of the mythical, fire breathing variety. And for this Australia, we are sorry.”

The CSIRO said scientists overseas had recently pondered whether dragon fire would be produced by flint, gas, or rocket fuel, and speculated whether its own research into alternative fuels could be a starting block for its dragon research and development programme.

“Would dragon fuel be a low emissions option? Thanks for the fuel for thought, Sophie. We’re looking into it,” it said.

The enquiry had a fairytale ending Friday when the CSIRO announced that, thanks to Sophie’s letter, “a dragon was born”.

“We couldn’t sit here and do nothing.

After all, we promised Sophie we would look into it,” they explained in a new blog.

“Toothless, 3D printed out of titanium,

came into the world at Lab 22, our additive manufacturing facility in Melbourne.”

The electric blue and grey dragon, small enough to be held by hand, is currently en route from Melbourne to Sophie’s home in Brisbane, the CSIRO said.

“Being that electron beams were used to 3D print her, we are certainly glad she didn’t come out breathing them... instead of fire,” said the CSIRO’s Chad Henry.

“Titanium is super strong and lightweight, so Toothless will be a very capable flyer.”

Sophie’s mother Melissah Lester said her daughter had asked for a dragon for Christmas, and her father, Stuart, had told her it would not be possible, prompting the sevenyear-old to contact a scientist for help.

“She is a very imaginative little girl and has been obsessed with dinosaurs and dragons from a very young age and had been pestering us for a dragon for Christmas,” her mum told the ABC. “We had hoped that by writing to the CSIRO they might write back saying it isn’t possible, but it hasn’t worked out that way.”

■ Madeleine Coorey / AFP / January 10, 2014

Israelis pay respects to controversial ‘warrior’ Sharon

THOUSANDS of Israelis on Sunday filed past the coffin of Ariel Sharon, paying respect to a former prime minister whose controversial life inspired admiration and provoked revulsion in equal measure.

Celebrated as a military hero at home, recognised as a pragmatic politician abroad and despised as a bloodthirsty criminal by the Palestinians and the Arab world, the former premier was nothing if not a polarising figure.

But Israelis of all stripes acknowledged the burly 85-year-old as a key figure in their nation’s history, his death on Saturday leaving President Shimon Peres as the Jewish state’s last surviving founding father.

The white-haired former general had been in coma since January 4, 2006, following a massive stroke which felled him at the height of his political career.

Ahead of his funeral on Monday, Sharon’s flag-draped coffin was placed on a black marble plinth in the plaza outside the Knesset, or parliament, for the public to pay their last respects.

By mid-afternoon, thousands of people had filed past the coffin which was flanked by a parliamentary honour guard, arriving in

buses from the other side of the city after the police closed off the surrounding roads.

Among the visitors were people of all ages, soldiers and black-clad ultra-Orthodox Jews rubbing shoulders with families and even a group of Ethiopian Orthodox priests, who brought a wreath.

Some lit memorial candles, others stopped to say a quiet prayer in front of the casket and many saluted as two rabbis read passages from the book of Psalms.

Earlier, ministers held a minute’s silence in memory of Israel’s 11th prime minister as they met for their weekly cabinet meeting.

“He will be remembered in the heart of the Jewish people forever as one of our most outstanding leaders and most daring commanders,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the meeting.

Funeral at ranch near Gaza. Sharon will be buried on Monday afternoon at Sycamore Ranch, his home in the southern Negev desert, after a military funeral at 1200 GMT. With thousands of people expected to attend the funeral, police were preparing to deploy extra units to secure the area, which lies just a few kilometres (miles) from the

northern border with Gaza.

Walla news website said the army was considering whether to deploy a battery of the Iron Dome aerial defence system to defend against rocket attacks from Gaza, but a military spokeswoman refused to be drawn on the report.

World leaders sent condolences over his death, remembering the controversial figure in cautious diplomatic language. Vice President Joe Biden is expected to represent Washington at a special memorial at the Knesset on Monday morning.

Others expected to attend are German

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, outgoing Czech Prime Minister Jiri Rusnok and Middle East Quartet envoy Tony Blair as well as diplomats from Canada, Spain and Russia.

Sharon’s dramatic story was the subject of blanket media coverage on Sunday, with Israeli newspapers dedicating multiple pages to pictures and commentary on his life and legacy.

Once known chiefly as a ruthless military leader who fought in all of Israel’s major wars, Sharon switched to politics in 1973, championing the development of Jewish settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

He was long considered a pariah for his personal but “indirect” responsibility in the 1982 massacre of hundreds of Palestinians

by Israel’s Lebanese Phalangist allies in Beirut’s Sabra and Shatila refugee camps.

His early career as a warrior earned him the moniker “The Bulldozer” but most world leaders chose to remember the politician who surprised many by masterminding Israel’s pullout from Gaza in 2005.

“Bulldozer in war and peace,” said the English-language Jerusalem Post,

describing him as “perhaps the most revered and often reviled of the country’s politicians, perceived alternately as a peacemaker and a warmonger”.

The Palestinians were quick to welcome news of his death, which prompted an outburst of celebration in the Gaza Strip, where the ruling Islamist Hamas movement said it was a “historic moment” marking the “disappearance of a criminal whose hands were covered with Palestinian blood”.

One of the last members of the generation that founded the Jewish state in 1948, Sharon leaves a complex legacy which also includes the sprawling barrier separating Israel from the West Bank.

His policy of separation from the Palestinians culminated in the withdrawal of 8,000 settlers from Gaza, a bold move that earned him the hatred of his former nationalist and settler allies.

Born in British-mandate Palestine on February 26, 1928, to immigrants from Belarus, Sharon was just 17 when he joined the Haganah, the militia that fought in the 1948 war of independence and eventually became the Israeli army. ■ Steve Weizman /

AFP / January 12, 2014

Mediators meet S. Sudan rebel leader as fighting rages

JUBA - Mediators pushed hard for a ceasefire in South Sudan as fighting raged Sunday for the last rebel-held town and the full extent of the destruction wrought began to emerge.

Envoys from the United States and South Sudan’s neighbours met Saturday with Riek Machar, leader of the rebel forces that have been fighting government troops for the past month.

At least one east African envoy has flown back to South Sudan to hold talks with Kiir, diplomats said.

With up to 10,000 dead and nearly half a million displaced, the full scale of the destruction inflicted on the world’s youngest nation is just starting to become clear.

An AFP photographer touring the two oil states of Unity and Upper Nile went to villages around Bentiu, the Unity state capital, which government forces wrested back from rebels on Friday, and saw corpses in the streets and the thatched roofs of torched mud huts still smouldering.

Malakal, the main town in the biggest oil-producing state Upper Nile, has been calm for several days but most residents remain too scared to return to their looted

or torched homes, the photographer said.

Meanwhile the Satellite Sentinel Project, co-founded by Hollywood star George Clooney, released images detailing destruction to homes and markets in two towns, Mayom in oil-rich Unity and Bor, the Jonglei state capital, which government forces are trying to take back from rebels for the second time in a month.

“Evidence of atrocities against civilians should be collected and used for future prosecution for war crimes. There will be no peace if massive human rights abuses can be committed with no accountability,” Clooney said in a statement.

Fighting continued Sunday around the flashpoint town of Bor, rebel military spokesman General Lul Ruai Koang told AFP. “We are still holding our positions, but the government forces are shelling them,” he said, adding he did not know if close combat was also taking place.

Mediation efforts rise a notch.

Mediations efforts rose a notch meanwhile.

US envoy Donald Booth told journalists he and other mediators had spent over three hours with Machar in an undisclosed

location in South Sudan “trying to move him toward agreeing to sign a cessation of hostilities agreement”.

Booth confirmed that a major sticking point remains the 11 Machar sympathisers arrested by forces loyal to President Salva Kiir shortly after the fighting began.

Machar’s side has insisted the detainees should be released, while Kiir is equally adamant they should face justice.

“We continue to put pressure on both sides—on both sides to sign the agreement and also on the government to agree to the release of the 11... who remain detained in Juba,” Booth said.

The meeting with Machar, a former vice president and seasoned rebel fighter, and the trip to see Kiir come as talks in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa appear to be running out of steam. Mediators for the East African regional bloc IGAD have been trying to incorporate the proposals of both sides into a draft ceasefire document.

Fighting erupted in South Sudan on December 15. Kiir accused Machar of attempting a coup. Machar in turn accused Kiir of using the coup accusation as an excuse to carry out a purge.

What began as clashes within army units spread rapidly with government troops fighting huge battles against breakaway soldiers and ethnic militiamen loosely allied to Machar.

The conflict sparked a sharp upsurge in ethnic violence between members of Kiir’s majority Dinka tribe and Machar’s Nuer community.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon warned that evidence of widespread atrocities committed during the month-long conflict would be investigated, and the perpetrators “held accountable.”a The fighting has forced nearly 400,000 people to flee their homes and caused

“very substantially in excess” of 1,000 dead, according to the United Nations.

International Crisis Group, an independent think-tank, estimated as many as 10,000 people have been killed in the month of fighting in the country, which won independence from Khartoum only in 2011.

Of those forced to flee, some 350,000 are internally displaced and the remainder have fled into neighbouring countries.

The UN’s refugee agency said Sunday that around 10,000 people have fled north into Sudan, making it the second-largest recipient of refugees after Uganda. ■ AFP / January 13, 2014 / 1:58 AM

NEWS

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

www.hello-philippines.com

19

Fil-Am kid to build schools in Tanauan with bracelets project

AT age 10, most children are barely aware of the larger world, often taking news at face value and not knowing the stories behind the pictures they see on TV. Some, however, take the extra step and compare what they see to how they live. In the process they notice the differences between their way of life and those they can only experience through television or the internet.

This is exactly what happened to Malaya David, the Filipino-American child behind the Haiyan Bracelets project.

“It feels unfair that my sister, friends, and I have schools to go to, but others don’t,” Malaya told GMA News Online via email, referring to the young victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in central Philippines. “If we have a school, all kids should have a school.”

Armed with this thought, Malaya came up with the Haiyan Bracelets project, a fundraiser for children who lost their schools to the super typhoon last November.

School project. Since she started churning out the red, yellow, and blue

Filipino-American Malaya David, 10, uses craftmanship and the internet to help young victims of Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines. Photo from www.haiyanbracelets.wordpress.com.

bracelets with her friends and family, Malaya has gathered enough donations to build schools in Tanauan, Leyte, a seaside community hit hard by Yolanda An anonymous donation of $100,000 made their goal possible in the span of two months. The amount put them in touch with Feed the Hungry Philippines, a non-profit

organization that helped them make all donations to the project tax deductible and added support to the project.

Through an email interview with GMA News Online, Amihan David, mother of Malaya, explained that Tanauan was chosen because they have contacts in place to ensure transparency and accountability in

how their funds are spent.

“We plan to be involved every step of the way, both in designing the structure of the schools by working with engineers and the transparency of the expenditure of funds,” said Amihan.

Two lifelong friends, Geline Avila, a political observer, and her daughter Isa, will help monitor how the funds are used in Tanauan, as well as the purchasing of tents to be used as temporary classrooms for school children.

According to them, Tanauan Mayor Pel Tecson estimated one school to cost P1.8 million, meaning the Project’s current funds can generate at least two schools.

In the genes. Malaya’s strong desire for justice was bred into her by her grandfather, Amado David, a union organizer, and her family’s strong sense of social justice.

“I would like to think that all of this has something to do with their desire to help the children in Tanauan rebuild their schools.

Our family supports their efforts and we are all very proud of them,” said Amihan.

Amihan said children in other states have already started to take notice of Malaya’s initiative, with inquiries from Seattle, Washington, and Maryland asking if they could start their own chapter of Haiyan Bracelets.

“The idea is to create a circle of kids throughout the US to get involved. It doesn’t have to be bracelets. [They could help through] bake sales, jewelry making... and turn it into a fundraising effort for these children,” said Amihan.

She said they are hoping that other businesses and organizations will match the donation made by what Malaya and other volunteers are making with their bracelets.

“It will take years to rebuild what Haiyan destroyed. While $102,000 is a large amount, we want this effort [to be sustainable] because the need is so great.

Malaya and Tala are not done yet and they look forward to making lots of friends in the Philippines,” said Amihan. ■ Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / January 13, 2014 / 3:38 PM

Norway pledges $8M more for rebuilding in Yolanda-hit areas NORWAY on Wednesday announced it is contributing $8 million more for rebuilding efforts in areas hit by super typhoon Yolanda.

A report by state-run Philippines News Agency said the addition, announced by Norway Foreign Affairs Minister Borge Brende, will bring Norway’s contribution to $43 million.

“It is very important for the Norwegian government to also signal very clearly that when we are in an emergency phase we are also committed in the rebuilding and hopefully, we can rebuild better,”Brende said during his visit to Basey town in Samar, one of the areas hit by Yolanda.

He pointed out the added aid was

Norway’s response to the United Nations’ second appeal for help.

Norway ranked third in terms of aid next to United States and United Kingdom, he noted.

“From a relative small country I think that also shows our commitment in supporting and in solidarity with the people of the Philippines,” he said.

Brende said Norway’s priorities include humanitarian organizations, Norwegian Red Cross, Church Aid, Caritas, Save the Children and civil society organizations.

The PNA report said Norway is also supporting UN agencies like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF),

World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Brende, the first Norwegian official to visit the Philippines, also noted the devastation left by Yolanda.

He is expected to seek an audience with President Benigno Aquino III and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. ■ BM,

GMA News / January 8, 2014 / 9:43 PM

PABASA 2014

Date & Time: Place:

17 April 2014 18 April 2014 19 April 2014 HOLY CROSS

(Thursday from 20:00H Ð 24:00H) (Friday from 9:00H Ð 12:00H and 16:00 Ð 24:00H) (Saturday from 07:00H onwards CHAPEL, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF

The 'PABASA' (which mean 'reading') is a Filipino Lenten tradition of continuous chanting the account of salvation history in Filipino poetry form. The Pabasa lasts for around 16 hours, with one or two people/groups alternating in singing verses from the Pabasa.

In the Philippines, the Pabasa started from way back in the Spanish Times when the missionaries introduced Christianity to the islands. In order to facilitate their catechetical work, they narrated the history salvation in poetry form which had greater appeal to the sensitivities of the Filipinos.

All over the world, wherever there are Filipinos, they bring with them this Lenten tradition along with many other cherished Catholic traditions.

ANY VOICES ARE WELCOME. If you wish to donate Salabat Tea (Ginger Tea) or Biscuits are most welcome.

For enqueries, please contact Betilda on 07919380513 or Merla on 07939684558.

Thank you and God Bless.

20

NEWS

www.hello-philippines.com

‘One-man rice cartel’: Davidson Bangayan and David Tan, one and the same person - DOJ chief MANILA – Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Monday confirmed that the names Davidson Bangayan and David Tan refer to one and the same person being investigated in the rice smuggling case brought up in a recent Senate inquiry.

Bangayan appears to be a one-man cartel, de Lima said, citing documents and information gathered by the National Bureau of Investigation.

Bangayan is a Chinese-Filipino from Davao linked to rice smuggling in the country with connections with officials at the Bureau of Customs and other government

agencies, she said.

“The initial report from NBI last Friday says this guy actually exists. He seems to be a one-man cartel,” de Lima said.

The name “David Tan” was mentioned at a Senate hearing on rice smuggling.

De Lima said the NBI has been able to collect documents and pictures on Bangayan’s identity. She said the NBI already knows the various businesses Bangayan is engaged in, including his addresses.

“The NBI knows his various addresses.

We have pictures of him. We know what businesses he runs. And the NBI is also

MANILA, Philippines – The law creating the Governance Commission for Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG) authored by Senate President Franklin Drilon allows the granting of the controversial P9.5-million bonuses to members of the Social Security Commission.

Guesting at the Tapatan Forum at Aristocrat Restaurant in Manila, Marissu G. Bugante, Social Security System vice president for public affairs, said that aside from the P9.5-million bonuses granted to its executives, each member of the Commission received P40,000 per diem

for every board meeting. The Commission meets a maximum of twice a month.

“That policy was instituted by the GCG law, which is not only applicable to SSS but also to all GOCCs. Each GOCC falls under a certain category. If, say, a GOCC earns P10 billion and above, they have what is called a category pay etc. etc,” Bugante explained, speaking in Filipino.

Besides the Drilon-authored law, Bugante said Executive Order No. 24, issued by President Benigno Aquino III also allowed the granting of such compensation prior to the enactment of the Governance Commission for GOCC (GCG).

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

validating reports of his connection,” she said.

The DOJ is renewing its investigation on Bangayan following these pieces of information.

“The validation continues. In fact, there is NBI information on his alleged protectors and alleged connections inside Customs and other offices. We’re are trying to access potential witnesses and whistleblowers,” de Lima said.

The Senate referred the case to the DOJ and the NBI. ■ InterAksyon.com / January 13, 2014

/ 1:00 PM

Drilon law allows P9.5-M bonus to SSS execs, says media chief The law laid down the mandate of GCG, “and prior to that there was an Executive Order No. 24, which also provided guidelines on the compensation of the members of the Board of GOCC,”said Bugante.

The SSS website lists the present members of the Commission as Juan B. Santos, chairman; Emilio De Quiros Jr., vice chairman, president and chief executive officer; and commissioners Diana V. PardoAguilar, Eliza Bettina R. Antonino, Daniel L. Edralin, Bienvenido Laguesma, Ibarra Malonzo and Marianita Mendoza.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, as ex-officio member of the Commission, did not receive the bonus. “Let me explain, the labor secretary does not receive anything.

The secretary of labor is not included among those given bonus, under the GCG policy,” said Bugante.

“According to our records, eight members of the SSS board received the P9.5 million bonuses (in 2012). [There were those who received] more than one million [pesos[ because that depends on attendance in the Board meetings, for which per diem is paid. For every meeting they get P40, 000 and every year they receive the said bonus.”

According to Bugante, some members received more than P1 million in bonuses.

Section 23 of RA 10149 says that, “The charters of each of the GOCCs to the contrary notwithstanding, the compensation, per diems, allowances and incentives of the members of the Board of Directors/Trustees of the GOCCs shall be determined by the GCG using as a reference, among others, Executive Order No. 24 dated February 10, 2011: Provided, however, That Directors/ Trustees shall not be entitled to retirement benefits as such directors/trustees.”

Bugante said: “Based on the guidelines issued by GCG, from the start of each year, every GOCCs has its target that must be met. Based on guidelines released by GCG, if 90 percent of the targets have been met, the members of the Board are given Performance Based Incentives (PBI).”

Bugante explained that PBI is the determining factor in the granting of the compensation, such as bonuses, to members of the SSS Board.

“The Government Commission on GOCC made the assessment and validation based on the agreed target and commitment that was done prior to the year. So, they assessed them and saw that they deserved

to get a bonus,” Bugante said.

Section 11 of Executive Order 24 explicitly limits the amount to be received

by SSS Commissioner under the maximum per diem per year to P960,000. “The maximum amount of Performance-Based Incentives which may be paid to members of the Board of Directors/Trustees shall be based on the size of the GOCC but not to exceed a reasonable percentage of a Board Member’s actual annual per diems received. Actual amounts provided shall be based on metrics agreed upon by the Board of Directors/Trustees and the supervising department, endorsed by the Department of Finance and the Department of Budget and Management, and subject to and upon approval of the President.”

Under the law, there are nine members of the Social Security Commission: three members from the labor sector, one of whom should be a woman; three members from the management sector, one of whom should be also be a woman; the Secretary of Labor as ex-officio member; one representative from the general public and the Chief Executive Officer and President of SSS. ■ Ernie Reyes / InterAksyon.com / January 13, 2014 / 6:11 PM

DFA won’t comment on report about China’s plan to seize Pag-asa Island from PH 24 hurt in Cotabato university bomb attack

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said it would not comment on reports regarding China’s plans to seize Pag-asa Island from the Philippines this year.

DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez told reporters in a text message that the department normally does not want to comment on reports that come out in the media.

“But we do comment on official pronouncement by governments all over the world that would affect the interest of the country,” Hernandez said.

“We don’t comment on news articles that have unnamed and unofficial sources,” he added.

Over the weekend, state-owned China Daily Mail said Chinese Navy had a combat plan to take over Pag-asa Island.

The report said the plan aims to recover an island “stolen” by the Philippines from China.

But it clarified that there would be “no invasion into Filipino territories.”

The source of the report, which was translated from Mandarin on China Daily Mail, was titled “Sudden major move

of Chinese troops this year to recover Zhongye Island by force.”

Pag-asa Island is the largest island in the contested Spratly Islands, a resourcerich region in the West Philippine Sea

InterAksyon file photo of Pag-asa Island.

(South China Sea. It is being claimed

by Beijing, Manila, Hanoi, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, and Bandar Seri Begawan. ■

Pots de Leon / InterAksyon.com / January 13, 2014 / 9:47 PM

COTABATO - A suspected improvised bomb attack at a university campus in the Philippines, has left 24 people wounded -- many critically -- including students and teachers, police said Monday.

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

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

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

Police told AFP they believe the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device, but ordnance experts are still determining the exact details.

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

The school is situated in Arakan, a quiet farming community on the southern

island of Mindanao, populated mostly by indigenous tribes.

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

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

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

In October 2011, an Italian Catholic priest who had been helping tribal groups was shot and killed as he was leaving his parish in Arakan.

In September, Oranza said police recovered and defused an improvised bomb planted near the school’s flagpole. ■ Agence France-Presse / January 13, 2014 / 2:52 PM

NEWS

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

www.hello-philippines.com

21

With nearly 9 of 10 Filipinos suffering dental disease, DOH steps up oral health drive in schools MANILA – Nearly nine of 10 Filipinos have dental caries, and worried health authorities are trying to bring that down by focusing on the younger generation.

The Department of Health’s National Capital Region office Friday unveiled plans to step up its oral health campaign in Metro Manila, with the director for DOH-NCR, Dr. Eduardo Janairo, noting the Philippines is far behind other countries in the Western Pacific Region concerning oral health.

“The two most common oral health problems in the country are dental caries and periodontal diseases. These two dental concerns can be avoided by improving oral health conditions among pre-school

children and inculcating a positive oral health behavior to children who will be entering school age,” added Janairo.

The DOH-NCR is leading the promotion of oral hygiene through the prevention of dental caries among school-aged children, and providing dental sealants to children aged 12 and below who have healthy but erupted permanent molars.

Government data show 87.4 percent of Filipinos have dental caries, also known as tooth decay and cavity. The more advanced periodontal disease is a condition where the tissue – gums, deeper supporting tissue, and bone – around a tooth or teeth become infected and swollen. The 2011

National Monitoring and Evaluation Dental Survey (NMEDS) says 48.3 percent of Filipinos have periodontal disease.

Janairo said prevention “is a very important strategy in the promotion of oral health especially among school aged children,” because, when children are initiated into healthy behaviour early

enough, “the practice is more likely to become sustainable and will hopefully continue as a life-long habit that will be passed on to their children.”

Meanwhile, DOH-NCR is collecting data and information on dental health concerns in Metro Manila in a bid to identify health facilities in the region where people with oral health concerns can be helped.

There are plans as well to ask help from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation to give special attention to oral health and include it in their case rate identification, separate from all other diseases, according to Janairo.

The DOH-NCR oral health campaign

was piloted at Santiago Syjuco Elementary School, where 181 school children received given dental sealant--applying a plastic material to a tooth in order to prevent dental caries or other forms of tooth decay.

Those who received the treatment will be monitored and documented every six months until they reach 12 years old.

Janairo said early loss of milk teeth can lead to incorrect or imperfect alignment of the permanent teeth. Untreated dental disease may bring inconvenient pain, which may affect a child´s performance in school, social interactions and health. ■ Jet

Villa / InterAksyon.com / January 10, 2014 / 5:19 PM

Chiz defends Jinggoy, says nothing wrong with realigning P100-M PDAF to Manila MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Sunday took the cudgels for Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, saying there was nothing wrong with the latter’s decision to realign part of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to the City of Manila where his father, former President Joseph Estrada, is the current mayor.

“Theoretically ang pag-realign ng pondo, wala namang mali at masama doon at hindi rin illegal iyon. Pati iyong PDAF, hindi naman illegal at bawal iyon noon. Nagkaroon lang ng kaso na binalabak isampa sa ilang senador at congressman dahil sa pagkakagamit, at hindi pagkakaroon ng PDAF,” Escudero, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance said in interview with dzBB radio.

[Theoretically, there is nothing with realigning one’s budget, it’s not also illegal.

The same goes with the PDAF, it’s not illegal

and prohibited. There were plans to file cases against some senators and congressmen because of the way they utilized their PDAF and not because they have PDAF.] Earlier. Jinggoy confirmed that he had realigned half of his P200-million pork allocation for this year to Manila. But the senator maintained there was nothing wrong with the realignment because “I did not give it to Mayor Estrada, I gave it to the people of Manila.”

Jinggoy is one of nine senators who have opted to utilize their pork allocations notwithstanding the Supreme Court decision declaring the Priority Development Assistance Fund unconstitutional.

Jinggoy said the realignment was included in amendments during Senate deliberations on the P2.268-trillion 2014 national budget and explained he chose Manila to help the

city’s poor and because the national capital is in deep financial trouble.

Jinggoy also gave P50 million each of his remaining his pork allocation to Caloocan City and the town of Lal-lo in Cagayan.

Escudero on Sunday said the fund assistance to local government units is a regular item in the national budget that was augmented by Jinggoy through his P200million pork barrel allocation.

The augmentation was Jinggoy’s personal decision that was agreed upon during an allsenators’ caucus before the national budget was approved, according to Escudero.

“Dati na ‘yan, in-augment lamang ni Senator Estrada kasi sinusunod naman namin ang desisyon ng mayorya ng Senado na nagsasabing kada senador, magdedesisyon kung saan n’ya gustong malagay iyong original P200 million na ipinanukalang PDAF

sa ilalim ng 2014 NEP (national expenditure program),” Escudero said.

Escudero said the new issue against Jinggoy was just being highlighted by some quarters because the latter had been accused of being involved in the alleged P10-billion pork barrel scam allegedly masterminded by businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles.

Last week, Sen. Antonio Trillanes assailed Jinggoy’s realignment of his fund to Manila, saying “talagang pakapalan na ito [this is really a case of shamelessness].”

While Trillanes agreed that there was nothing illegal about the realignment, he claimed that there was conflict of interest in Jinggoy’s decision.

“Sana dito, si Senator Jinggoy, naging mas circumspect siya. Alam na nga niyang under fire siya, naging reckless pa siya sa pag-allocate. Iyon ang problema doon. Kung

Sen. Chiz Escudero. Photo ©Senate.gov.ph.

wala silang isyu [sa PDAF], ‘di niyo tatanungin eh. Ngayon ngang may issue pa siya, ganyan pa ang gagawin niya. Talagang pakapalan na lang ito,” Trillanes told reporters on January 9.

[I hope Senator Jinggoy could have been more circumspect. He already knew that he was under fire but he still became reckless in allocating his funds. That’s the problem there.

If they don’t have an isssue with their PDAF, the realignment won’t be questioned. Now that he is still facing an issue, he will still do this. This is really a case of shamelessness.] ■ Ernie Reyes / InterAksyon.com / January 12, 2014 / 3:10 PM

A DAY OF PILGRIMAGE TO OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM “We adore you, O Christ and we bless you, Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.”

Pilgrimage Chaplain: FR. NORLAN JULIA, SJ

Date: PALM SUNDAY, 13 April 2014 Price: £25 (includes donation to Anglican Shrine, Catholic Shrine and the Priest)

ACTIVITIES: 06:30 AM Assembly in front of Charing Cross Hospital 06:45 AM Departure from London to OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM Information: In 1061, the Lady of the Manor, Richeldis de Faverches, was taken in spirit to Nazareth, shown the house where the Annunciation took place and asked by Our Lady to build a replica in Walsingham. She was promised that 'Whoever seeks my help there will not go away empty-­‐ handed.” (The Roman Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, England 2012)

10:00 AM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM

13:30 PM 15.30 PM 16:00 PM 17:00 PM

Arrival and orientation around Anglican Shrine Stations of the Cross at Anglican Shrine Procession to Catholic Shrine via Royal Pilgrims Way (45 minutes to 1 hour walk) Lunch (Bring your own pack or food to share) Blessing of Palms Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (Catholic Shrine) Departure from Walsingham

PAY ON RESERVATION: £15 required deposit and itemized donation will be in our receipt. Any interested friends, please contact Betilda on 07919380513 or Merla on 07939684558. The Community Prayer Crusade-­‐West London is a non profit organization with no budget.

Reservation without deposit is not considered as reserved.

LET’S START OUR HOLY WEEK WITH A MEANINGFUL DAY OF SACRIFICE AND OFFER OUR PERSONAL INTENTION TO OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM.

Thank you and God Bless.

Arthritis 22

www.hello-philippines.com

HEALTH and Lifestyle

ARTHRITIS is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation within a joint.

In the UK, around 10 million people have arthritis. The condition affects people of all ages including children (see below).

There are many different types of arthritis that cause a wide range of symptoms. Two of the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the UK, affecting an estimated 8.5 million people.

In people affected by osteoarthritis, the cartilage (connective tissue) between their bones gradually wastes away, leading to painful rubbing of bone on bone in the joints. The most frequently affected joints are in the hands, spine, knees and hips.

Osteoarthritis often develops in people who are over 50 years of age. However, it can develop at any age as a result of an injury or another joint-related condition.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a more severe, but less common, form of arthritis than osteoarthritis. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the affected joints, causing pain and swelling to occur. This can lead to a reduction in movement and the breakdown of bone and cartilage.

In the UK, rheumatoid arthritis affects around 400,000 people, and often starts in people between the ages of 40 and 50 years old. Women are three times more

likely to be affected by the condition than men.

Symptoms of arthritis. There are many different symptoms of arthritis and the symptoms you experience will vary depending on the type of arthritis you have.

However, common arthritic symptoms include: • joint pain, tenderness and stiffness • inflammation in and around the joints • restricted movement of the joints • warmth and redness of the skin over the affected joint • weakness and muscle wasting Arthritis and children. Although arthritis is often associated with older people, it can sometimes affect children. In the UK, about 12,000 children under 16 years of age have arthritis.

Most types of childhood arthritis are referred to as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). JIA causes pain and inflammation in one or more joints for at least six weeks.

Although the exact cause of JIA is unknown, the symptoms often improve as a child gets older, allowing them to lead a normal life.

The main types of JIA are discussed below.

Oligo-articular JIA. Oligo-articular JIA is the most common type of JIA. It affects four or less joints in the body, most commonly in the knees, ankles and wrists.

Oligo-articular JIA has good recovery rates and long-term effects are rare.

However, there is a risk that children with the condition may develop eye problems, so it is recommended that they have regular eye checks with an ophthalmologist (an eye care specialist).

Polyarticular JIA (polyarthritis).

Polyarticular JIA, or polyarthritis, affects five or more joints. It can develop at any age during childhood.

The symptoms of polyarticular JIA are similar to those of adult rheumatoid arthritis.

The condition is often accompanied by a rash and a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above.

Systemic onset JIA. Systemic onset JIA begins with symptoms such as a fever, rash, lethargy (lack of energy) and enlarged glands. Later on, joints can become swollen and inflamed.

Like polyarticular JIA, systemic onset JIA can affect children of any age.

Enthesitis-related arthritis. Enthesitisrelated arthritis is a type of juvenile arthritis that affects older boys or teenagers. The

IF you have arthritis, there are a number of things you can do to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

For example, you can: • control your weight to ease pressure on your joints • avoid stress or injury to your joints to prevent or reduce the severity of osteoarthritis • ensure good posture to strengthen healthy joint structure • use physiotherapy and a walking stick or cane to help prevent your condition getting worse • ensure that you regularly undertake weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, to help prevent osteoarthritis. This type of exercise will increase the strength of the muscles that support your joints It is not true that avoiding exercise will help reduce joint problems occurring in later life.

Occupational therapy. Your GP can refer you to an occupational therapist who will be able to advise you about the equipment that you may need to assist your independent living.

They can also write supporting letters to your local social services department. If you need to adapt your home, a range of services and merchandise is available, so it is important to shop around.

Preventative measures. Arthritis can sometimes make you less flexible and less mobile. This can increase your risk of having an accident.

Listed below are a number of measures

you can take to limit this risk.

• Eliminate home hazards - always keep your home well lit and remove all loose wires and cords that you may trip over. Make sure treads, rugs and carpets are secure. Keep rubber mats by the sink and in the bath to prevent slipping and always clean up spills immediately. Install grab rails in the bathroom and toilet to help you stand up without falling. Your GP or local authority may be able to provide support and advice about safety in the home.

• Improve your balance - exercise that helps improve your balance can prevent a fall. Being physically active can prevent up to 25% of falls. Ideal forms of exercise for improving balance include t’ai chi, yoga and dance.

• Exchange high heels for flats - high heels are bad for your posture and make you more prone to falling, so wear flat, comfortable footwear.

• Don’t drink too much alcohol -

alcohol can affect your balance, making you more likely to take a knock or a fall. Keep within the government’s recommended daily amounts of alcohol consumption (no more than 2-3 units for women and 3-4 units for men). A unit of alcohol is half a pint of normal strength lager or beer, one pub measure of spirit or one small glass of wine. Read more about alcohol units.

• Check your sight - as you get older, you will probably experience some deterioration in your eyesight. It is important to get your sight checked regularly by a qualified optician. Poor eyesight can increase your risk of accident and injury.

• Ask for help - if you know you have arthritis, avoid standing on chairs to reach high cupboards or change a light bulb.

Also, try to avoid doing chores that you know will cause more pain. Write a list of the jobs that need to be done around the house and save it for the next time your friends or family visit. ■ NHS Choices

Living with arthritis

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

condition can cause pain in the soles of the feet and around the knee and hip joints where the ligaments attach to the bone.

Treating arthritis. There is no cure for arthritis but there are a number of treatments that can help slow down the condition’s progress.

Medication can help relieve the symptoms of arthritis. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.

For osteoarthritis, analgesics (painkillers), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids are often prescribed. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended such as: • arthroplasty (joint replacement)

• arthodesis (joint fusion) • osteotomy (where a bone is cut and re-aligned) The aim in treating rheumatoid arthritis is to slow down the progress of the condition and minimise joint damage. Recommended treatments may include: • analgesics (painkillers) • disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) • physiotherapy • regular exercise Support groups. Support groups, such as Arthritis Research UK and Arthritis Care offer information, advice and support for people living with arthritis. ■ NHS Choices

Arthritis - Exercise

IF you have arthritis, keeping active through regular exercise can help manage your condition. However, it is important you find the right type and level of exercise.

Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve your posture and reduce your chance of getting osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones).

In a survey carried out by Arthritis Care, 57% of people with arthritis said they found exercise to be an effective way of managing their symptoms.

Exercise programme. There are three types of exercise that combine to make up a good fitness programme. They are: • range of movement - this helps improve strength and flexibility and promotes good posture; try swimming, t’ai chi and golf • strengthening - this will help build the muscles, which in turn provide better support for your joints; try weight training.

• aerobic - this raises your heartbeat, which helps to improve your level of fitness by strengthening your heart; some of the best forms of aerobic exercise are brisk walking, cycling and tennis.

Remaining physically active gives you the best possible chance of managing the symptoms of arthritis effectively. It is also essential for minimising your risk of developing a number of other health problems.

Finding the right level. Finding the right level of physical activity is very important if you are to gain the health benefits of exercise. Try to be realistic about the amount of exercise you are able to do and choose an activity you enjoy.

You may experience some pain when you first start a new exercise programme.

This is often due to new muscles being used. However, if you feel pain for longer than two hours after exercising, or you have any pain in the joints, consult your

GP or physiotherapist before doing the exercise again.

Exercising with osteoarthritis. Listed below are some tips for exercising with osteoarthritis.

• Regular exercise can be the best way to help reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. By keeping active you will strengthen the muscles surrounding your joints which will reduce further joint deterioration.

• Exercise will help you maintain a healthy weight which means you will put less strain on your joints.

• A moderate exercise programme is far more beneficial than a strenuous programme. Too much exercise can cause further pain and joint degeneration.

• Try to do small exercises every day to improve your range of movement. Arthritis Care provides a comprehensive list of exercises for you to try.

• Never force a painful joint.

Exercising with rheumatoid arthritis.

Listed below are some tips for exercising with rheumatoid arthritis.

• It is very important for people with rheumatoid arthritis to get the right balance between rest and activity.

• You can still exercise during a flareup, but you should reduce the intensity of your workout.

• Exercise when you are least tired.

• Try to do small exercises every day that improve your range of movement.

• Exercising in the morning can help to reduce morning stiffness.

• Exercises that build and strengthen muscles can help protect and support your joints.

• Swimming, cycling and brisk walking are low impact exercises and particularly good for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

• Concentrate on maintaining good posture at all times. ■ NHS Choices

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

A balanced diet DESPITE what you see in some diet books and TV programmes, healthy eating can be really straightforward.

A diet based on starchy foods such as potatoes, rice and pasta; with plenty of fruit and vegetables; some protein-rich foods such as meat, fish and lentils; some milk and dairy foods; and not too much fat, salt or sugar, will give you all the nutrients you need.

When it comes to a healthy diet, balance is the key to getting it right. This means eating a wide variety of foods in the right proportions, and consuming the right amount of food and drink to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.

Most adults in England are either overweight or obese. That means many of us are eating more than we need, and should eat less. And it’s not just food: some drinks can also be high in calories. Most adults need to eat and drink fewer calories in order to lose weight, even if they already eat a balanced diet.

Food groups. All the food we eat can be divided into five groups. Try to choose a variety of different foods from the first four groups.

They are: • Fruit and vegetables.

• Starchy foods, such as bread, rice, potatoes and pasta. Choose wholegrain varieties whenever you can, or eat potatoes with their skin on for more fibre.

• Meat, fish, eggs and beans.

• Milk and dairy foods.

• Foods containing fat and sugar.

Most people in the UK eat and drink too many calories, and too much fat, sugar and salt, and not enough fruit, vegetables and fibre. It’s important to have some fat in the diet, but you don’t need to eat any foods from the ‘Foods and drinks high in fat and/ or sugar’ group as part of a healthy diet.

1. Fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetables are a vital source of vitamins and minerals. It’s advised that we eat five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables a day.

There’s evidence that people who eat at least five portions a day are at lower risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers.

What’s more, eating five portions is not as hard as it might sound. Just one apple, banana, pear or similar-sized fruit is one portion. A slice of pineapple or melon is one portion. Three heaped tablespoons of vegetables is another portion.

Having a sliced banana with your morning cereal is a quick way to get one portion. Swap your mid-morning biscuit for a tangerine, and add a side salad to your lunch. Add a portion of vegetables to dinner, and snack on dried fruit in the evening to reach your five a day.

2. Starchy foods. Starchy foods should make up around one third of everything we eat. This means we should base our meals on these foods.

Potatoes are an excellent choice of a starchy food and a good source of fibre.

Leave the skins on where possible to keep in more of the fibre and vitamins. For example, when having boiled potatoes or have a jacket potato, eat the skin too.

Try to choose wholegrain or wholemeal varieties of starchy foods, such as brown rice, wholewheat pasta and brown wholemeal bread. They contain more fibre (often referred to as ‘roughage’), and usually more vitamins and minerals than white varieties.

3. Meat, fish, eggs and beans. These foods are all good sources of protein, which is essential for growth and repair of the body. They are also good sources of a range of vitamins and minerals.

Meat is a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and B vitamins. It is also one of the main sources of vitamin B12. Try to eat lean cuts of meat and skinless poultry whenever possible to cut down on fat. Always cook meat thoroughly. Learn more in our section on Meat.

Fish is another important source of protein, and contains many vitamins and

Arthritis-Diet

THERE are many food myths surrounding arthritis, but some studies suggest certain foods may help to reduce pain and inflammation and slow the progression of arthritis.

Some people say dairy products cause arthritis and that cider vinegar and honey will cure it.

Others believe acidic fruits, such as

lemons, oranges and grapefruit, and nightshade vegetables, such as potatoes, aubergines and peppers, can make symptoms worse.

Many people living with arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, also say there is a link between certain foods and the flare-ups they experience.

Healthy, balanced diet. Although there

HEALTH and Lifestyle food NEWS

minerals. Oily fish is particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Aim for at least two portions of fish a week, including one portion of oily fish. You can choose from fresh, frozen or canned, but canned and smoked fish can be high in salt.

Eggs and pulses (including beans, nuts and seeds) are also great sources of protein. Nuts are high in fibre and a good alternative to snacks high in saturated fat, but they do still contain high levels of fat, so eat them in moderation. Learn more in Eggs and Pulses and beans.

4. Milk and dairy foods. Milk and dairy foods such as cheese and yoghurt are good sources of protein. They also contain calcium, which helps to keep your bones healthy.

To enjoy the health benefits of dairy without eating too much fat, use semi-

www.hello-philippines.com

skimmed milk, skimmed milk or 1% fat milks, lower-fat hard cheeses or cottage cheese, and lower-fat yoghurt.

5. Fat and sugar. Most people in the UK eat too much fat and too much sugar.

Fats and sugar are both sources of energy for the body, but when we eat too much of them we consume more energy than we burn, and this can mean that we put on weight. This can lead to obesity, which increases our risk of type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, heart disease and stroke.

But did you know that there are different types of fat?

Saturated fat is found in foods such as cheese, sausages, butter, cakes, biscuits and pies. It can raise your blood cholesterol level and increase your risk of heart disease.

Most people in the UK eat too much saturated fat, which puts us at risk of health problems.

When it comes to a healthy diet, balance is the key to getting it right.

This means eating a wide variety of foods in the right proportions. is little evidence to support these claims, some studies suggest certain foods may help reduce the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis and slow down the condition’s progression.

These foods all contribute to a healthy, balanced diet, which will help with your arthritis and also reduce your risk of developing health complications, such as heart disease, osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) and obesity.

If you are taking steroids over a long

period of time you are more likely to develop osteoporosis. To reduce your risk, eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products (milk, cheese and yoghurt), nuts, seeds and fish, such as sardines or whitebait (particularly if you eat the bones).

Sunlight is our main source of vitamin D but it can also be found in oily fish and fortified foods, such as cereals and margarines.

There is increasing evidence that the Mediterranean diet is good for arthritis as well as a number of other conditions. This diet includes plenty of fruit and vegetables, fish, grains and pulses and a moderate amount of red meat.

23

Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, can help to lower cholesterol and provide us with the essential fatty acids needed to help us stay healthy. Oily fish, nuts and seeds, avocados, olive oils and vegetable oils are sources of unsaturated fat.

Try to cut down on foods that are high in saturated fat and have smaller amounts of foods that are rich in unsaturated fat instead. For a healthy choice, use just a small amount of vegetable oil or reduced fat spread instead of butter, lard or ghee.

When having meat, choose lean cuts and cut off any visible fat. Learn more in Eat less saturated fat.

Sugar occurs naturally in foods such as fruit and milk, but we don’t need to cut down on these types of sugar. Sugar is also added to lots of foods and drinks such as sugary fizzy drinks, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, pastries, ice cream and jam.

It’s also contained in some ready-made savoury foods such as pasta sauces and baked beans.

Most of us need to cut down on foods with added sugar. Instead of a fizzy drink, for example, try sparkling water. Have a currant bun as a snack instead of a pastry. Learn more in Sugars. ■ NHS Choices Foods rich in omega-3 are believed to have an anti-inflammatory effect, which may reduce the pain associated with inflamed joints. Omega-3 is found in oily fish, such as sardines, mackerel and salmon.

You should try to eat at least two portions of oily fish a week. Omega-3 is also found in nuts and seeds (particularly linseed or flax seed), and is regularly used to fortify margarines, cereals and bio-live yoghurt drinks.

Certain foods, such as patés, uncooked meats and unpasteurised dairy products can increase the risk of developing food poisoning. If you are taking immunosuppressant medication, you should avoid these foods. ■ NHS Choices

Foods rich in omega-3 are believed to have an anti-inflammatory effect, which may reduce the pain associated with inflamed joints.

Omega-3 is found in oily fish, such as sardines, mackerel and salmon.

24

www.hello-philippines.com

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Thanksgiving Rally at Trafalgar Square THANK you Rally held on Sunday, 12 January 2014 at Trafalgar Square, London from the Filipino Community to the United Kingdom and to the rest of the world for the tremendous support they have extended to the victims of the recent typhoon Yolanda. ■

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

CELEBRITY, SHOWBIZ & ENTERTAINMENT SCOOP

www.hello-philippines.com

25

‘Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy’ hits P400M gross but gets no acknowledgment from MMFF head

WENN Deramas, the director of the Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy”, on Saturday said his movie breached the P400-million mark that afternoon, five days after the MMFF ended.

That amount would make the Vice Ganda comedy not only the festival’s box-office champion, ahead of first-week frontrunner “My Little Bossings”, but also the new highest-grossing Filipino film ever — beating last year’s festival top grosser, “Sisterakas”.

“Sisterakas”, which Deramas also

MMDA chair and MMFF overall head Francis Tolentino. Photo by Bernard Testa ©InterAksyon

directed and which was headlined by Vice Ganda, “My Little Bossings” co-star Kris Aquino, along with Ai Ai de las Alas, earned P393 million during its entire theatrical run.

On Sunday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman and MMFF overall head Francis Tolentino said that the 39th staging of the festival grossed nearly P1 billion from the 13-day run of all its eight film entries.

The P1 billion mark would be easily surpassed if the tally included the earnings of the films that enjoyed extended runs after the festival closed on January 6. Last year’s festival earned total sales of P767 million.

“With almost a billion pesos in overall box office, we are overwhelmed and so proud that the MMFF has managed to break records,”Tolentino said.

“But more than the money, and despite the issues that surrounds the festival every year, we have set out to prove, and actually proven that MMFF is a strong Filipino tradition that brings us together as a family

despite the hardships that we’ve faced as a nation, especially this year with a hard hit from Typhoon Yolanda,” he added.

Curiously, Tolentino did not release any official figures, including the individual grosses of the entries.

He also did not acknowledge that “Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy” had surpassed “My Little Boy Bossings” after repeatedly announcing that the latter — which has Presidential sister Kris Aquino as co-star and co-producer — was the top grosser during the first week.

The “issues” he mentioned but did not specify could include the controversial snub of the entries “Kimmy Dora: Ang Kiyemeng Prequel” and “Boy Golden” during the awards night. Both movies received no honors despite earning positive reviews from critics. The action thriller “10000 Hours” — a fictionalized account of the life on the run of senator and rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson — swept most of the awards.

Tolentino said proceeds from the festival

Vice Ganda and Maricel Soriano in a scene from ‘Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy’.

will benefit the Movie Workers Welfare Fund, the Film Academy of the Philippines, the Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and the Optical Media Board.

A week before the festival opened,

Tolentino was criticized by Film Academy director general Leo Martinez for failing to account for the funds that were supposed to be received by industry beneficiaries from previous stagings of the MMFF. ■ Clara Masinag / InterAksyon.com / January 12, 2014 / 7:20 PM

‘Metro Manila’ nominated for best foreign language film at BAFTA Awards

The cast of ‘The Bluebird of Happiness’ performs during a sneak preview of the musical at Greenbelt 5. Photo by Teddy Pelaez ©InterAksyon.

‘The Bluebird of Happiness’ sweeps BroadwayWorld Philippines Awards AN all-new Filipino musical originally conceptualized 17 years ago won eight out of its 13 nominations in the 2013 BroadwayWorld Philippines Awards, the entertainment website devoted to theater productions posted on its website Wednesday.

“The Bluebird of Happiness” — an original musical adaptation of Maurice Maeterlinck’s Belgian play called “The Blue Bird” that opened to rave reviews in September — won Best Filipino Musical, Best Actor for Musical (Anton Posadas), Best Featured Actress for Musical (Lynn Sherman), Best Direction of a Musical (Jaime Del Mundo), Best Choreography for Musical (Nancy Crowe), Best Music for a Filipino Musical (Rony Fortich) Best Musical Direction (Mon Faustino, Rony Fortich, Sweet Plantado) and Best Scenic Design (Mio Infante).

The honors capped a triumphant comeback for the Christian theater group Trumpets. The musical was also a longtime labor of love for theater stalwarts Jaime del Mundo and Audie Gemora.

“Audie actually owned a Betamax of the film version of the original play that starred Shirley Temple so you can just imagine how long he wanted to do it,” Del Mundo recalled to InterAksyon in an earlier interview. He added that since writing its first draft in 2010, the musical underwent a slow

IT may not have been shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film but the accolades are far from over for Sean Ellis’ “Metro Manila”, the celebrated UK-produced film shot entirely in the Philippines and starring an all-Filipino cast.

Last Thursday (Friday, Manila time), the British Academy Film and Television Arts Awards, the UK counterpart of the Oscars, announced its nominations for this year.

“Metro Manila” is nominated in the BAFTA’s aptly called Best Film Not in the English Language category.

It is up against Abdellatif Kechiche’s “Blue is the Warmest Color” (France), Paolo Sorrentino’s “The Great Beauty” (Italy), Joshua Oppenheimer and Christine Cynn’s “The Act of Killing” (Denmark) and Haifaa AlMansour’s “Wadjda” (Saudi Arabia).

Of the five films, only “The Great Beauty” has been shortlisted for the Oscar Best Foreign Language Film. The winners will

Lorenz Martinez and OJ Mariano in a scene from ‘Lorenzo The Musical’.

Tom Rodriguez as Aladdin.

development process that included at least six revisions before he and Gemora agreed on a final version.

Aside from “The Bluebird of Happiness”, the only other musical to win more than one award is “Lorenzo”, the debut offering of Christopher de Leon’s Green Wings Entertainment and Atlantis Productions’ “Piaf”.

Directed by Nonon Padilla and with music by Ryan Cayabyab, the rock musical based on the life and times of San Lorenzo Ruiz snagged three awards for Best Featured Actor for Musical (Terence Guillermo), Best Costume Design (Gino Gonzales) and Best Sound Design (Rards Corpus).

Another true-to-life production based on the biography of French diva Edith Piaf,

“Piaf” won Best Actress in a Play for Pinky Amador and Best Featured Actress in a Play for G Tongi.

Like Amador and Tongi, two other winners in the acting categories are crossover thespians — namely Isay Alvarez, who won Best Actress in a Musical for “Katy”, and matinee idol and “My Husband’s Lover” star Tom Rodriguez who won Best Featured Actor for Disney’s “Aladdin”.

The complete winners, all determined through online voting, are as follows: Best Filipino Musical (New/Revival) “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets) Best Filipino Play (New/Revival) - “Banwa!”

(Department of Humanities-UPLB) Best Locally Produced Broadway Show (Musical/Play) - “Disney’s Tarzan” (Viva

be announced at the awards ceremonies that will take place in London on Sunday, February 16.

After winning the Audience Award in the World Cinema (Dramatic) section at last year’s Sundance Film Festival in the US, “Metro Manila” went on to win the Critics Award for Best Film in the Hamburg Film Festival.

It also won big in the recently concluded Moët British Independent Film Awards, taking the honors for Best British Independent Film, Best Director for Ellis and Best Achievement in Production. Actors Jake Macapagal and John Arcilla were likewise nominated for Most Promising Newcomer and Best Supporting Actor, respectively.

The film tells the story of a hard-luck farmer (Macapagal) who took his family to Manila hoping for better opportunities.

Instead, they found themselves in an even tighter bind than they were before.

Atlantis Theatricals) Best International Touring Production (Musical/Play) - “The Grufallo” (ABA Productions) Best Actor (Musical) - Anton Posadas for “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets) Best Actor (Play) - Anton Juan for “The Maids” (World Theatre and Music Project) Best Actress (Musical) - Isay Alvarez for “Katy” (Spotlight Artists Centre) Best Actress (Play) - Pinky Amador for “Piaf” (Atlantis Productions) Best Featured Actor (Musical) - Terence Guillermo for “Lorenzo” (Green Wings Entertainment) Best Featured Actor (Play) - Alexander Cortez for “Collection” (Dulaang UP) Best Featured Actress (Musical) - Lynn Sherman for “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets) Best Featured Actress (Play) - G Tongi for “Piaf” (Atlantis Productions) Best Crossover Artist (Mainstream to Theater) - Tom Rodriguez for “Disney’s Aladdin” (Atlantis Productions) Best Direction of a Musical - Jaime del Mundo for “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets) Best Direction of a Play - Jose Estrella for

John Arcilla and Jake Macapagal in a scene from ‘Metro Manila’.

In its review, popular British film magazine Empire gave the film four stars and praised Ellis for his “terrific work balancing the disparate elements of his crime-laced drama”. Two popular British dailies, The Guardian and the Telegraph also published glowing reviews of the film.

Also starring Althea Vega, JM Rodriguez, Ana Abad Santos, Moises Magisa, Angelina Kanapi, Erin Panlilio and Reuben Uy, “Metro Manila” enjoyed a commercial theatrical run in the country last October. ■ Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / January 11, 2014 / 12:28 PM

“Adarna” (Dulaang UP) Best Book, Lyrics for a Filipino Musical (New/Revival) - Luigi Nacario for “Hansel and Gretel” (Kids Acts Philippines) Best Choreography (Musical) - Nancy Crowe for “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets) Best Costume Design (Musical/Play) Gino Gonzales for “Lorenzo” (Green Wings Entertainment) Best Lighting Design (Musical/Play) John Batalla for “Collection” (Dulaang UP) Best Music for a Filipino Musical (New/ Revival) - Rony Fortich for “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets) Best Musical Direction (Musical) - Mon Faustino, Rony Fortich, Sweet Plantado for “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets) Best Scenic Design (Musical/Play) Mio Infante for “The Bluebird of Happiness” (Trumpets) Best Sound Design (Musical/Play) Rards Corpus for “Lorenzo” (Green Wings Entertainment) Best Theater Company - Kids Acts Philippines Best Theatrical Venue - CCP Main Theater ■ Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / January 10, 2014

/ 1:46 PM

26

CELEBRITY, SHOWBIZ & ENTERTAINMENT SCOOP

www.hello-philippines.com

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

GMA International bringing the Kapuso experience abroad GMA International, the business unit that manages the operation and distribution of GMA Network’s international channels, marks another year of success as it continues to strengthen its presence abroad.

The year 2013 saw GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV and GMA News TV International reaching more Filipino households abroad with Palau and Malaysia being the latest addition to over a hundred countries and territories where the channels are available.

In an effort to provide its viewers with better services, the channels were also launched on new carriers in Singapore, Canada, and, most notably, in the Middle East which has the second largest Filipino population next to North America.

Consistent with the Network’s purpose of providing superior news and entertainment,

GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV presented its subscribers with new original shows such as The Balikbayan Project, the first original series produced by GMA Pinoy TV, which follows the Basco family as they rediscover their roots in the Philippines, and Home Away From Home, a docu-series that features the homes of noteworthy Filipinos from all over the world. Furthermore, GMA News TV International has included regional newscasts in its programming lineup, in order to connect our kababayans overseas with their home provinces.

As a testament to its successful endeavors throughout the year, GMA International has also been recognized by various awardgiving bodies for their business practices and original programs. GMA won a record of eight NAMIC Excellence in Multicultural

The star-studded cast of the Kapusong Pinoy sa Dubai concert composed of Julie Ann San Jose, Marian Rivera, Rachelle Ann Go and Christian Baustista at the meet and greet for the show

GMA’s fierce songstress Rachelle Ann Go and Asia’s romantic balladeer Christian Bautista performing a duet at the Kapusong Pinoy sa Dubai concert

Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez thrill audiences at the US tour of My Husband’s Lover

Marketing Awards (EMMA), a prestigious global marketing competition, which is the most the Network has received in its history of inclusion in the said competition.

GMA Pinoy TV’s longest running program on immigration law, Pusong Pinoy sa Amerika, garnered a bronze Telly Award in the Information Category and won for Best TV Show in the Migration Advocacy and Media Awards. Moreover, the program was cited for its Outstanding Reporting on Civil Liberties Ethnic Communities in the NAM Ethnic Media Awards.

Furthermore, Power ng Pinoy, a program that showcases success stories of Filipinos abroad, also accumulated major wins in three prestigious competitions, receiving two gold Hermes Awards, two bronze Tellys, and an Honorable Mention in the Plaridel Awards.

Continuously upholding its promise of bringing Filipinos closer to home, the Network’s international operations unit goes beyond developing original and relevant programming for its Filipino subscribers by also initiating on-ground events for the Filipino community abroad.

To celebrate its eighth year, GMA International, with My-HD, its new partner in the Middle East, brought Christian Bautista, Rachelle Ann Go, Julie Ann San Jose and Marian Rivera to Dubai for a concert entitled Kapusong Pinoy sa Dubai which attracted scores of supporters from the Middle East.

Kuh Ledesma and Jonalyn Viray display their vocal prowess in a duet during the US tour of My Husband’s Lover

Dennis Trillo and Glaiza de Castro with the GMA Pinoy TV team at the Philippine Independence Day Celebration in Vallejo, California

GMA International bringing Filipinos abroad closer to home at the PIDC parade in Vallejo, California

Likewise, Kapuso artists were on hand to join their fellow Pinoys in the different celebrations of Philippine Independence Day outside the country. Apart from these festivities, GMA International also took part in the OPM Festival and Pista sa Nayon event in Canada, which highlighted the best of Filipino Music; Battle of the Barrios, a talent competition for the Fil-Am youth in New York; and the eagerly anticipated My Husband’s Lover US Tour that solidified the show’s status as a groundbreaking success.

Owing to recent events, some carriers of GMA International broadcast the channels

free of charge, effectively keeping our overseas countrymen updated on the developments since the Yolanda tragedy.

GMA International also showed solidarity with the Filipino community abroad in the fundraising initiatives for the victims of the typhoon.

“GMA International remains one at heart with Filipinos abroad,” expressed GMA VP and Head of International Operations, Joseph Francia. “We look forward to continuing our efforts of sharing the Kapuso experience to our kababayans in the years to come.” ■

Joey de Leon grills Joey Marquez in ‘Startalk’ Filipino satire about social media is finalist in US comedy video contest

NATATAWANG inamin ni Joey Marquez na kinakabahan siya sa one-on-one interview sa kaniya ng tukayo niyang si Joey de Leon sa showbiz talk show ng GMA-7 na Startalk nitong Sabado.

Sa kabila ng kaba, naging magaang at masaya ang panayam ni De Leon kay Marquez, na mapapanood sa bagong Kapuso series na Paraiso Ko’y Ikaw kasama sina Kim Rodriguez at Kristoffer Martin.

Kwento ni Marquez, seryoso at iyakan ang role na kaniyang gagampanan sa serye na kakaiba sa karaniwang niyang mga papel na nagpapatawa.

Pero bago nito, isa-isang sinagot ni Marquez ang mga maintrigang tanong ni De Leon tulad ng kung sino sa mga babae sa buhay niya ang kaniyang pinakaminahal.

Sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng mga unang letra ng pangalan ng mga babaeng naugnay kay Marquez, hindi naman nito itinanggi na espesyal ang pagtingin niya kay “A” dahil ito ang kaniyang pinakasalan noon.

Ang tinutukoy ni Marquez ay si Alma Moreno, na kamakailan lang ay napabalitang hiwalay na rin sa huli nitong napangasawa na si Marawi City Mayor Sultan Fahad “Pre” Salic.

Ayon kay Marquez, napanood niya ang interview kay Alma at nalulungkot siya dahil

ang tanging hangad niya ay maging masaya ito kasama si Salic.

Nang tanungin kung may balak ba si Marquez na mag-aasawa din uli, sagot ng aktor: “Mag-aasawa din naman ako siguro siyempre . Kaya lang aasikasuhin ko lang muna mga anak ko ngayon pagkatapos nun, ‘pag naglakihan na sila mag-aasawa rin ako.”

Hindi naman itinanggi ni Marquez na may babaeng nagpapasaya sa kaniya ngayon, sabay biro pa na marami.

Tungkol naman sa usaping pulitika, sinabi ni Maquez na wala sa isip niya ngayon ang 2016 elections at pagtakbo sa anumang posisyon.

“Siguro ang tanong dito kung gusto pa ng tao ang serbisyo ko. Kahit ano naman gusto mong takbuhin pwede, ang tanong e gusto ka ba nila,” paliwang ni Marquez na dating naging alkalde ng Paranaque. ■ FRJ, GMA News / January 11, 2014 / 6:27PM

AN entry from the Philippines is one of the 12 finalists of America Meet World, “a global comedy video contest” that will see the winner flying to New York City to meet three executives from “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”.

“Episode 1: Hunger” of “Junjun: The Social Network Savvy Beggar” features, well, what the title says.

Written by Nace Cruz and featuring the acting chops of the same, the clip tackles the theme of technology in three minutes. It falls under the Satire category.

“I saw it as a big opportunity to showcase the Pinoy brand of humor to the whole world,” he told InterAksyon.com in an online interview.

A doctor, Cruz makes time to indulge in his other passions: hosting, stand-up comedy, and filming viral videos.

He created Junjun “to satirize some of the absurdities of social media”. He added that it was his way of showing to the rest of the world how wide the reach of social media in the Philippines was.

“Katuwaan lang,” was how the video started out. Cruz said he did not think it would get noticed at all. They shot most of the scenes either in the village they lived in

or in neighboring areas, taking just a single afternoon.

Director Henry Posadas used his SLR camera, with his wife Sofie and son Migs playing the mother and son in the video. “(He) threaten(ed) to divorce his wife if they refused to play the mom and kid roles… (which) goes to show na pampulubi din ang budget namin for this,” quipped Cruz.

Despite being a finalist, “Junjun: The Social Network Savvy Beggar” is not among

A screen grab from ‘Episode 1: Hunger’ of ‘Junjun: The Social Network Savvy Beggar’, written by and starring Nace Cruz.

the five most viewed or highest rated videos.

The Filipino entry is up against contestants from Canada, India, Malawi, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and Uganda.

According to the America Meet World website, the finalists were chosen by judges who are current or former executives at The Onion, Yahoo! North America, and E! Entertainment Networks. Another is an author of a book for aspiring comics.

They are judged according to “comedic value, creativity and originality, production quality, (and) adherence to one of the listed contest themes”.

There are perks to being a finalist, adds the website. The lucky ones may have the opportunity to “further develop their content” or “receive support to create new content”.

The winner will be declared no later than March 14, according to the website.

Netizens can vote for an entry ten times.

Public voting closes on February 28, 9PM Eastern Standard Time in the US. The contest aims to “introduce Americans to great talent from around the world”. ■ Tricia Aquino / InterAksyon.com / January 11, 2014 / 11:59 AM

52 Pembroke Road, London W8 6NX Tel.: 020 7602 7171 Email: lakbayasia@btconnect.com Web: www.lakbayasiapilgrimages.co.uk www.lakbayasiapilgrimages.co.uk—pass the word

ORIGINAL CREATION & COPYRIGHT RESERVED BY © HELLO PHILIPPINES 2014

OFFER

“Mail Order Cakes” Nationwide!

FREE DELIVERY

FOR ORDERS OVER £50.00 Visit our website and ORDER ONLINE:

www.dlitas.co.uk

Call: Lita 07904 619 126 / 01724 843 688 Email: enquiries@dlitas.co.uk

ISRAEL, PALESTINE, MAINLAND GREECE No one else does it: Best / Unique Combination!!!

By Cyprus Airways – ONLY ON 2 to 14 APRIL 2014!!!

PARADISE = HAWAII..... BY KOREAN AIR

ISLANDS OF OAHU / MAUI + SEOUL OVERNIGHT few seats available ONLY ON 7 to 17 MAY 2014 UK TOUR – Llangollen, WALES + WALES NORTH COAST – 31 MAY - 1 JUNE 2014

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, FATIMA & LOURDES 20 to 30 June 2014 Soon

choco mocha cake ube macapuno cake

vanilla cake

mango cake

- 6 days to BELARUS - MOLDOVA short break - SCANDINAVIA.............etc.

ORIGINAL CREATION & COPYRIGHT RESERVED BY © HELLO PHILIPPINES 2014

WE NOW

EFTELING THEME PARK - try it!!!

HOLLAND – 14 to 16 MARCH 2014 HOLY LAND w/overnight in CYPRUS

42 Years as Insurance Brokers and Insurance Scheme Management Underwriters

FILIPINO COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

We are one of the UK’s leading independent, standard and non standard insurance scheme management underwriters for commercial and household.

Invites You

As both a broker and underwriter of insurance, we have a wealth of experience and expertise to support the needs of our diverse clients.

PRE VALENTINES BALL HIGHLIGHTED BY

Miss Gay Philippines Newcastle QUEEN OF HEARTS

SATURDAY, 8 FEBRUARY 2014 For Inquiries: Sally Sellars – 07886 742 417 Rodger Maningding – 07725 892 489 Eva Bartolome – 07542 026 296

ALL SEXY GAYS OUT THERE THIS IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE SPONSORS ARE WELCOME COME & JOIN US ENTRANCE:

£5.00

✔ Religious Scheme

(insure place of worship, any religion, community hall and religion schools) ✔ Catering Scheme (Restaurants and Takeaways)

✔ Event Insurance ✔ Combined Commercial ✔ Retail Insurance ✔ Commercial Property

PERSONAL INSURANCE SOLUTIONS COVER ✔ Domestic Household Insurance ✔ Convicted & Refused Insurance Solutions ✔ Buy2Let Insurance

Crownsway Insurance Brokers Limited D.J.S. House, 183 Holyhead Road, Birmingham B21 0BD

0 1 2 1 5 5 4 3 5 6 6 commercial@crownsway.co.uk / www.crownsway.co.uk Crownsway Insurance is an independent insurance broker.

Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

ORIGINAL CREATION & COPYRIGHT RESERVED BY © HELLO PHILIPPINES 2014

ORIGINAL CREATION & COPYRIGHT RESERVED BY © HELLO PHILIPPINES 2014

BUSINESS INSURANCE SOLUTIONS COVER

28

www.hello-philippines.com

CELEBRITY, SHOWBIZ & ENTERTAINMENT SCOOP

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

Isay Alvarez-Sena topbills PETA’s latest rock musical ‘Rak of Aegis’

ISAY Alvarez-Seña has every reason to look and feel good these days.

She has just been voted by fans as Best Actress in a Musical for her compelling portrayal of legendary jazz singer Katy dela Cruz in Spotlight Artists Centre’s successful restaging of “Katy” last year.

She’s on her way to fully recovering from her ailment that she earlier revealed to be “chronic lymphocytic leukemia” as she happily announced that she will undergo her last treatment for the disease next month.

And she’s opening the new year on a high note—well, make that literally singing all those high notes—as a featured headliner for “Rak of Aegis”, the original Pinoy rock musical that closes the 46th season of the Philippine Educational Theater Association.

“Actually, it was our arranger, Myke Salomon, who came up with the idea last year when the musical ‘Rock of Ages’ was a big hit. So kalokohan lang yun, sabi niya, why don’t we do ‘Rak of Aegis’ and then the whole thing just started from there,” Isay recalled in an interview with InterAksyon during the recent press preview that gave an exciting sneak peek

of the actual finished product.

Describing the family musical as “pangmasa” and “something everyone will really enjoy”, Isay insists that there is more to the musical than the songs of the hugely popular pop-rock band that inspired it.

The story takes place in the flooded village of Villa Venizia where a once booming shoemaking industry is now flailing. Aileen (Aicelle Santos alternating with Joan Bugcat), a young woman who works in a mall aspires to be a YouTube singing sensation in order to help her family. Along the way, Aileen also found what writer Liza Magtoto describes as “love in the time of calamity”.

“I play the role of Mary Jane, the barangay chairman of Villa Venizia (alternating with Kaila Aguilos) who also happens to be the mother of Kenny (Poppert Bernadas alternating with Myke Salomon), the love interest of Aileen.

Kenny’s father, Kiel is played by my husband, Robert Seña who is married but with whom my character had a relationship in the past,” Isay added.

Asked how Aegis reacted when the project was brought to their attention, director Maribel

Legarda said the group did not hesitate to give it their stamp of approval. They are even promoting “Rak of Aegis” in their official Facebook page and are looking forward to attending the musical’s opening night on January 31.

For her part, Isay said she’s very happy and excited to be working with young talented artists like Myke Salomon, who is more known as a beatboxer and a member of the super pop group the Sabado Boys, and Poppert Bernadas, a mainstay of the Ryan Cayabyab Singers.

And then, there’s also Aicelle Santos, who last year was shortlisted by Cameron Mackintosh for the role of Gigi in the Manila auditions for “Miss Saigon” and is best known for being part of the super singing group La Diva that also features Jonalyn Viray and Maricris Garcia.

“When me and Robert started producing original Filipino musicals at Spotlight Artists Center, we wanted to work with young talented artists. Myke was in ‘Magsimula Ka’, Poppert was also both in ‘Magsimula Ka’ and ‘Katy’ and of course, Aicelle who also played the young Katy. We’re proud to say that these young

Isay Alvarez-Seña

talented actors started with our group,” the actress enthused.

Despite having their own theater company, Isay and Robert said it’s always a pleasure for them to be part of PETA productions. During the press preview, Legarda revealed that only the two did not have to audition for their roles.

“We love being part of PETA productions because their focus is on original Filipino productions which also happens to be our focus at Spotlight Artists Centre. We live very near the PETA theater so logistically puwede

Isay, husband Robert Sena, and Aicelle Santos answer reporters’ questions during the press preview.

namang mangyari na mapasama kami sa shows nila”, Isay quipped.

Also starring Ron Alfonso, Jet Barrun, Kakai Bautista, Gimbey Dela Cruz, Neomi Gonzales, Pepe Herrera, Carlon Matobato, Julienne Mendoza, John Moran, Jerald Napoles, Gie Onida, Phillip Palmos, Paeng Sudayan, and Gold Villar, “Rak of Aegis” runs from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at The PETA Theater Center located at No.5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City. ■ Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / January 12, 2014 / 9:03 AM

Mocha Girls headline sizzling special issue of UNO magazine

NOT too many performers can end a year and start a new one the same way: with a big bang.

The Mocha Girls certainly can.

Last month, the popular all-female song and dance group landed on the cover of UNO men’s magazine in a sizzling undated special issue devoted entirely to all six of them.

In addition to a generous sprinkling of provocative photos including a free musthave calendar and exclusive behind-thescenes peek of their recent tours of Japan and Canada, the issue also includes informative features on each member of the group, allowing fans to know what makes each Mocha Girl tick.

They also got to see the group up close and personal during the issue’s recent launch punctuated by a spirited performance and meet-and-greet autograph signing at Off The Grill Bar in Timog Avenue where the girls regularly perform.

Founding leader Mocha Uson said the current incarnation of the Mocha Girls composed of herself, former EB babe Mae de la Cerna, Franz Fainsan, newest recruit Georgina Knight and returning members Seika Hashizume and Jhane Santiaguel is

Frontwoman Mocha Uson (singing) is the only remaining original member of the girl group.

Photo by Teddy Pelaez ©InterAksyon.

“the best and perfect line-up” of the group since it was formed back in 2006.

“It’s a privilege and an honor for me to work with these talented ladies every single night,” Mocha told InterAksyon.

In an earlier interview, Mocha said that since the group is known for the almost nightly high-octane performances that she describes as “basically a whole body workout” keeping fit and eating healthy is very important.

Each member of the group is also given their respective spotlight or solo numbers during their shows and have their own individual following on Facebook and Twitter.

“There’s no rivalry. As the leader of the group, I want to help each of the Mocha

The Mocha Girls perform during the recent launch event for the UNO special issue at Off The Grill Bar in Quezon City.

Girls reach their maximum potential. I want to develop them as individual artists in the future,” Mocha declared.

Mae concurs. “We’re all supportive of each other. Kagaya ni Seika, first time niyang kumanta ng solo so nung kinakabahan siya, kinakabahan din kami.”

Introduced as an official member last April and reinstated last July after a brief departure, Seika said the best thing about being a Mocha Girl is “getting paid for doing what we enjoy.”

“It’s super fun. Parang hindi siya ganun ka-pressure na trabaho since nag-e-enjoy kaming lahat,” added Georgina, who also joined the group last April.

One reason that eventually leads to a member’s departure from the Mocha Girls is the strict enforcement of “Rule No. 1” or simply, “No boyfriends allowed”. That’s no longer an issue with returnee Jhane who left in 2011.

“It’s good to be back. Ito kasi talaga ang passion at gusto kong gawin sa buhay at na-miss ko ng sobra. Okay na ngayon, wala nang boyfriend,” Jhane revealed.

Franz, who replaced Jhane in the line-up back then, has since emerged as one of the most popular members, with male fans often chanting her name during her naughty solo numbers.

“Yung ginagawa ko kasi sa show ang

KC Concepcion to study abroad after losing Dyesebel role to Anne Curtis #KC Concepcion continues to reap glowing reviews for her performance as the leading lady in the delightful Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Boy Golden”, but she couldn’t hide her disappointment when she failed to land a coveted television project.

The actress told her Twitter followers on Wednesday that she will take a break from showbiz to take “short courses for personal development” abroad after ABSCBN handed the coveted role of Dyesebel to Anne Curtis instead of her.

Anne made the announcement in a press conference on Thursday that she will star in the latest soap opera revival of the Mars Ravelo franchise about a lovely mermaid who falls for a human. Dyesebel was last portrayed by Marian Rivera in a 2008 series on GMA. ■ InterAksyon.com / January 10, 2014 / 1:12 PM

naaalala nila lagi,” she said in explaining her popularity with the fans.

And what exactly is it that Franz does?

Blogger and musician Dave Aguilar simply describes it as “rated SPG (Striktong Patnubay at Gabay ng Magulang ay Kailangan)”.

In differentiating each Mocha Girl, Mocha says what keeps the group going is the drive to reinvent itself.

Mae uses her sweet personality to create the group’s choreography; Franz comes across as the anti-thesis to pop with her naughty hip-hop moves; Jhane is both rockerchic and alluring belly dancer; Seika provides the J-Pop flavor while Georgina brings her fashionista look to the stage.

And Mocha? Best defined as “a postmodern feminist and superwoman in one sexy, smart package”, the singer has displayed a knack for acting as well. In Ato Bautista’s “Mga Alaala ng Tag-Ulan”, she played a reserved and mysterious woman who is the exact opposite of her own personality.

Asked by InterAksyon what Mocha Girls fans can look forward to in 2014, Mocha said that in addition to more live performances and hopefully another out of the country tour, they hope they can finally release a new studio album, their first since 2012’s “18+ Restricted”.

UNO Magazine’s Mocha Girls Special issue is currently available in all leading bookstores and magazine stands nationwide.

■ Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / January 9, 2014 /

2:18 PM

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

CELEBRITY, SHOWBIZ & ENTERTAINMENT SCOOP

www.hello-philippines.com

29

GMA Pinoy TV brings fresh new shows to its international audience GMA Pinoy TV welcomes the new year with a fresh lineup of programs that are sure to excite Filipino audiences overseas.

A story of love and obsession will be brought to international television screens this January 21 with the premiere of The Borrowed Wife starring Camille Prats, TJ Trinidad, Rafael Rosell and Pauleen Luna. Focusing on the question, “Is there reason enough for a spouse to become someone else’s lover?” the series takes viewers into the lives of four characters bound together by a secret that will set them onto an interconnected path towards love and redemption.

On January 28, three more shows will be launched on GMA’s flagship international channel. The first of these will see Primetime Queen Marian Rivera paired for the very first time with GMA Artist Center’s prime leading man Alden Richards in the new and absorbing drama series, Carmela. The story will see its title character forced to make heart-wrenching decisions as she struggles with being judged because of her beauty and with a love that can never be.

GMA Pinoy TV subscribers will also see a compelling new drama that will challenge viewers to discover the nuances of personal

relationships and encourage them to examine how deeply they know their loved ones. Jennylyn Mercado, Yasmien Kurdi, Mark Herras, and Mark Anthony Fernandez star in this new series entitled Rhodora X, which will also premiere on January 28.

Rounding out this year’s January lineup is Paraiso Ko’y Ikaw, a beautiful tale of true love that defies all odds. The series, which features sought-after Kapuso teen stars Kristoffer Martin and Kim Rodriguez and introducing Phytos Ramirez, will begin airing on January 28.

This February 18, Max Collins and Luis Alandy will engage viewers in Innamorata, an intriguing story of the dangers of losing one’s self in wanting someone or something so much.

Furthermore, GMA Pinoy TV continues to bring even more fun, laughter and entertainment to Pinoys abroad with the latest episodes of the comedy game show Celebrity Bluff hosted by the award-winning comedienne/actress Eugene Domingo with Jose Manalo, GMA’s original creation Picture! Picture! with Ryan Agoncillo as game master, the musical variety show Sunday All Stars, the longest-running

Primetime Queen Marian Rivera and Alden Richards of drama series Carmela.

showbiz-oriented talk show Startalk, and the first ever reality-sitcom Pepito Manaloto, an original concept from award-winning comedian/actor Michael V. For more details and program information, visit the GMA International website www. gmanetwork.com/international, Facebook pages www.facebook.com/GMAPinoyTV, www.facebook.com/gmalifetv, and, www. facebook.com/gmanewsinternational, and Twitter pages @GMAPinoyTV and @GMA_ LifeTV. ■

Aljur Abrenica and Louise delos Reyes of Kambal Sirena.

Jackie Rice, Luis Alandy, and Max Collins of Innamorata

Kristoffer Martin and Kim Rodriguez of Paraiso Ko’y Ikaw.

Pauleen Luna, Rafael Rosell, Camille Prats, and TJ Trinidad of The Borrowed Wife.

Primetime King Dingdong Dantes and Primetime Queen Marian Rivera capture the hearts of the Vietnamese THE massive popularity of Kapuso Network’s Primetime King Dingdong Dantes and Primetime Queen Marian Rivera continues to spread across Vietnam after the two prime celebrities topped the list of the most favorite foreign actor and actress in Today TV’s Face of the Year Awards 2014.

Dingdong received the largest number of votes in the top foreign actor category while Marian topped the list in the foreign actress category. Overall, Marian, who got the highest number of online votes, bagged the Most Favourite Foreign Actress recognition from Today TV.

Two local Vietnamese actor and actress also competed alongside Dingdong and Marian for the most favourite foreign actor/ actress recognition but Dingdong and Marian were the frontrunners in the online votes.

Dingdong and Marian’s primetime shows Marimar and Dyesebel were a hit among the Vietnamese audience and made the royal couple household names in the South East Asian country.

This year, they will continue to charm their Vietnamese fans as Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Akin Tadyang (Dangerous Love) will be aired on Today TV. ■

MTRCB officials, members get fresh mandate from PNoy

MANILA - President Benigno S. Aquino III reappointed lawyer Eugenio H. Villareal as chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) with a term expiring on September 30 this year.

MTRCB chairman Eugenio ‘Toto’ Villareal.

Photo by Analy Labor ©InterAksyon.

MTRCB vice chairperson Emmanuel H. Borlaza and executive director Victoriano S. Muring Jr. were also reappointed by the President.

The other members of the MTRCB who will remain in their posts are Robert R. Andrews, Jaime A. Bengzon, Patrocinia D. Binungcal, Manuel R. Buising, Ma. Gabriella R. Concepcion, Francia C. Conrado, Nicasio D. Cruz, Ma. Marta Ines A. Dayrit, Teresita R. Daza, Noel R. Del Prado, Carmencita A. Guerrero, Mario A. Hernando, Marra Lanot, Eric Henry Joseph F. Mallonga, Anna-Lissa

S. Martinez, Maria Carmen S. Musngi, Leah L. Navarro, Cecilia L. Nubla, Jay C. Revestir, Jose G. Romero IV, Elizabeth O. SiguionReyna, Rommel M. Sogueco, Gladys ReyesSommereux, Benedicto H. Tarnate Sr., Jose Antonio K. Veloso, Teresita B. Villarama, and Alfred A. Yuson.

The two new appointees as MTRCB members are Ricardo M. Salomon Jr. and Ma. Lourdes Lilia Espinosa-Supnet. Salomon replaced Catherine S. Babao-Guballa and Espinosa-Supnet replaced Ma. Lourdes Bautista. ■ PNA / January 11, 2014 / 5:54 PM

Jennylyn Mercado (left) , Mark Herras, Yasmien Kurdi, and Mark Anthony Fernandez of Rhodora X.

Pinay OFW wins The X Factor Israel FILIPINO caregiver Rose Fostanes (center) is congratulated by judges of The X Factor Israel and fellow finalists after she won the talent competition on Tuesday, January 14, with her rendition of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way.’

Fostanes also surprised viewers and swept the show’s judges off their feet with soulful renditions of hit songs by the likes of pop stars Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera. ■ Photo

courtesy of The X Factor Israel / January 15, 2014 / 9:19 AM

30

NEWS

www.hello-philippines.com

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

Dasmarinas Village fires security agency in Nov 30 Mayor Binay incident

OFFICIALS of the Makati City residential village, where the city’s mayor, Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, and his security detail were involved in a gun wielding incident,

have apparently decided to replace the security agency Binay encountered at one of the village gates.

In a January 14 “circular” that found

its way to cyberspace via Twitter, the Dasmariñas Village Association informed its residents that the “Right Eight Security Agency will be replaced by First Eagle Security Agency...to address the issue of loss of confidence” and that the transition to the new agency has been underway.

Last December, a security video surfaced and it purportedly showed Mayor Binay being prevented from passing through the village’s Banyan gate last November 30 and minutes later a member of his security detail can be seen wielding a long firearm and an umbrella.

Video of the incident, which was first published on the Philippine Daily Inquirer website, shows Mayor Binay alighting from his vehicle and talking with the village security guards preventing his convoy from

exiting through the village’s Banyan gate.

The DVA said in its circular bearing the name and signature of its president Jay Pantangco that their “loss of confidence” in Right Eight stems from “unauthorized and inaccurate representation of DVA to the (m) edia in matters pertaining to the November 30 Banyan gate incident...Right Eight management cited inaccurate policies involving VIPs.” “Our existing policy covers the President and Vice President of the Philippines. On a case to base basis, exceptions are granted provided that ample lead time is given to DVA,” Pantangco said in the circular.

The Right Eight Security Agency Inc. apologized for the incident.

“The reason we apologized is that we have an SOP (standard operating procedure)

for three government officials. We extend courtesy, for security reasons, that goes for the President of the Republic of the Philippines, the Vice President, and the mayor of the area that we are guarding,” said Ram Antonio, owner of the Right Eight Security Agency, in interview with GMA News.

Right Eight security guards will apparently not lose their jobs. In the circular, Pantangco said Right Eight security guards “have been given priority to be absorbed by First Eagle Security to continue serving in Dasmariñas Village.”

“DVA has more than 60 guards manning the Village on a 24-hour basis daily and has a fire engine and ambulance ready to respond during emergencies,” according to the village association via its website. ■ ELR,

GMA News / January 14, 2014 / 10:54 PM

Ex-Manila councilor asks SC to strike out lump sum funds in 2014 budget THE Supreme Court may have abolished the pork barrel system, but Congress and Malacañang seemed to have approved a national budget still filled with lump sum allocations.

This was the accusation by former Manila councilor Greco Belgica as he filed a petition on Monday asking the Supreme Court to annul and set aside lump sum discretionary funds supposedly found in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2014.

“Despite the clear pronouncement in the Belgica case, Congress and the Executive refused to listen and have passed a GAA for 2014 filled with lump sums that are of the same character disallowed by the Belgica case,” he said in his new petition.

Belgica enjoined the high court to uphold the “supremeacy” of the 1987 Constitution, even “before a single centavo

of taxpayers’ money is unconstitutionally utilized” in 2014.

Belgica said that despite the SC decision against the 2013 PDAF and other lump sum funds, the 2014 GAA still contained appropriations with “multiple or overbroad purposes.”

“Instead of identifying the specific purpose for each specific appropriation, the 2014 GAA tacitly condoned the continued existence of lump-sum appropriations and simply passed on the responsibility of spelling out the details of the appropriation to the agency concerned,” he said.

Among the funds that Belgica branded as “lump sum discretionary funds” are: • the Unprogrammed Fund worth P139,903,759.00 • the e-Government Fund worth P2,478,900,000.00

• Contingent Fund worth P1 billion • the Local Government Support Fund worth P405 million, and • several “more equally invalid items” dispersed with the individuals departments’ budget The lump sum appropriations from the Unprogrammed, e-Government, Contingent, and Local Government Support funds totalled P143,787,659,000.00 or 8.94 percent of the total 2014 national budget.

“The 2014 GAA is proof that the two political branches have decided to ignore the Supreme Court. It is a budget that is full of lump sums that let discretion run riot!” he said.

Among those named respondents were Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, the Department of Budget and Management, and Congress represented by Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker

Feliciano Belmonte.

In its Nov. 19, 2013 decision, the high court, declared as unconstitutional the Priority Development Assistance Fund in the General Appropriations Act of 2013 and “all informal practices of similar import and effect.”

On Dec. 20, 2013, the GAA 2014 or Republic Act No. 10633 was signed into law that alloted P1,608,503,084,000.00 in total appropriations.

Belgica also claimed that for the 2014 GAA, 90 percent of the appropriations are considered “released,” unlike in previous years when special allotment release orders (SAROs) were required.

The government is currently investigating a fund mess involving individuals, which Justice Secretary Leila de Lima earlier suspected to be insiders from DBM, who use fake SAROs to misuse government funds.

In his petition, Belgica said the lump sum appropriation in the 2014 national budget, to be constitutional, must state in detail the specific purpose for each amount of appropriation, which he said would enable President Benigno Aquino III to exercise his line-item veto power.

Citing the P1 billion contingency fund as an example, Belgica said: The sum of One Billion is pegged to the single, vague purpose of ‘contingency.’ In short, [the President] is forced to either make the blanket acceptance of whether it is valid that the nation prepare for ‘contingencies’ by funding it (without knowing what kind of contingencies the fund really refers to) or veto it entirely (thereby potentially incurring the blame for the nation not being prepared for a specific contingency).” ■ RSJ/KBK, GMA News / January 13, 2014 / 4:05 PM

Compliance check: Sen. Pia seeks status review on P92-B sin tax collections MANILA, Philippines – One year after its enactment, Senator Pia Cayetano on Monday filed a resolution seeking a public status review on the collections of sin taxes amounting to P91.6 billion in 2013 from tobacco and alcohol, which was supposed to fund public health services, universal health care and promote alternative livelihoods to farmers and workers as mandated by Sin Tax Reform Act. Senate Resolution No. 440 directed the Congressional Oversight Committee on the Sin Tax Reform Act to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the level of compliance with the law’s revenue targets and social objectives.

Hailed as a landmark health and revenue measure, the Sin Tax Reform Act was signed as Republic Act 10351 by President Benigno Aquino III on December 20, 2012, and became effective a year ago on January 1, 2013.

“One year after we struggled and succeeded in the passage of the Sin Tax Reform Act, have our people started to benefit from higher sin tax collections as this landmark law had envisioned?” she asked, referring to the law which raised excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol products, with the objective of generating funds for social services and curbing excessive smoking and drinking habits among Filipinos.

“There is an urgency for Congress to undertake this review to ensure that the twin goals of the law are being observed and complied with, namely, to enhance government’s tax collections from alcohol and tobacco products, and to allocate substantial funds from sin tax revenues for public health programs,” she added.

Cayetano said initial data coming from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) itself indicate that for the first eleven months of 2013 alone, the agency was already able to exceed its whole-year sin tax revenue target for 2013 under RA 10351.

She noted that sin tax collections amounted to P91.6 billion from January

After grandson’s shooting, Willie Nepomuceno asks PNoy to address peace and order problem

ACTOR-IMPERSONATOR Willie Nepomuceno, whose grandson was shot last week in Marikina in what police said was a case of mistaken identity, has appealed to President Benigno Aquino III to address the country’s peace and order problem.

“Dapat talaga yung lider, hands on.

Every nook and corner, every step of the way, may constant monitoring,” he said in a report on GMA News’ “24 Oras” Monday.

Nepomuceno’s grandson survived the shooting and is now recuperating at a hospital after doctors removed the three bullets in his body, the report said.

Marikina police have already arrested one suspect and have traced the group behind the

shooting through a Facebook account.

The report said the suspects were all Marikina residents who Nepomuceno said came from an “affluent” part of the city.

“Ito ‘yung retiring places, mga retired generals, businessmen. Malalaki bahay dun. Parang may exclusivity. Mga affluent,” he said.

In an earlier interview that was also shown on the “24 Oras” report, Nepomuceno couldn’t hide his displeasure at the way the investigation is being carried out.

“What kind of system do we have?

Mga government hospitals, walang gamit, walang gamot. Ang pulisya, hot pursuit daw

pero walang namang pang gasolina,” he said.

The Marikina police, on the other hand, defended their operations.

“Hindi totoo kasi every P10,000 ang budget (sa gasolina),” said Superintendent Reynaldo Jagmis of the Marinika police in an interview on “Unang Balita.”

He also denied that witnesses are afraid to talk due to fear for their safety. “May nakukumbinsi naman kami. Psy war ang laban diyan.”

Nepomuceno has appealed to witnesses to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. ■ KBK, GMA News / January 13, 2014 / 7:36 PM

to November 2013 alone, which already surpassed the BIR’s full-year collection target for 2013 at P85.8 billion.

“Compare P91.6 billion to the BIR’s sin tax collections in 2012 at P50.4 billion, then that already represents P41 billion in incremental revenues, or an increase of 81.5 percent. And this still does not include the collections from December 2013,” she pointed out.

“But while the higher figures are encouraging, it only shows one-half of the picture. What we would like to see is the other half: How much of these billions in incremental revenues were earmarked and actually allocated for universal health care, government health programs, and to promote economically viable alternatives for tobacco farmers and workers? All of these are mandated by the law.”

She said under Section 8 (B) of RA 10351, fifteen percent (15%) of incremental revenues from excise taxes on tobacco products shall be exclusively used for

programs to promote economically viable alternatives for tobacco farmers and workers in tobacco-producing provinces.

The remaining incremental revenues, on the other hand, should be allocated to universal health care under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), medical assistance, and the health enhancement facilities program as mandated by Section 8 (C) of the law.

“Until now, there are no rules and regulations governing the earmarking of funds from incremental revenues. And as such, these funds have not been released to the concerned agencies. These are clear delays and violations of the law. The Department of Budget and Management, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the Department of Finance owe the people and the Congress an explanation where the billions in sin tax collections are going,” she concluded. ■ Ernie Reyes / InterAksyon.com / January 14, 2014 4:28 AM

NEWS

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

www.hello-philippines.com

31

LPA brings rains, swells Agusan River, floods Butuan and nearby towns

BUTUAN CITY – Heavy rains brought by the first low pressure area in the country has swollen Agusan River, flooding Butuan City and nearby towns.

The city government has declared a state of calamity as it assigned local emergency response team to evacuate families affected by the floods.

Supt. Romy Palgue, Butuan City deputy police director, the Butuan floods inundated 15 barangays and forced at least 180 families or around 4,000 individuals to leave for various evacuation centers.

The local police are trying to convince more families to move out of their homes to avoid loss of lives.

As of posting time, rains continue. ■ Text and

A makeshift canoe ferries passengers across the flooded road in Barangay Mahogany.

Motorcycles try to navigate the raging waters of a creek along the national highway in Barangay Lemon that overflowed.

A boy is left with some stuff on a makeshift boat.

Evacuees carry their mattress on a canoe toward the evacuation area.

Evacuees arrive at one of the evacuation sites.

Residents move out of the flooded areas toward designated evacuation sites.

A family cramped into a small classroom in an evacuation center in Barangay Baan Km3.

Children earn money by using a makeshift raft to ferry residents across the flooded waters.

photos by Erwin Mascarinas / InterAksyon.com / January 13, 2014 / 12:01 PM

A teen on a raft made from banana trunk tries paddle across a flooded rice field in barangay Buhangin.

‘Insertion’: UP-PGH mention in Sin Tax implementing rules unfair to other public hospitals - DOH MANILA – The proposed implementing rules and regulations should not specify funding for the University of the PhilippinesPhilippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) or it would be unfair to other public hospitals that also provide health service, Health Undersecretary Ted Herbosa told InterAksyon.com.

In a phone interview, Herbosa reacted to an earlier story and said specifying that UP-PGH be a research center and a consultant in human resource policies in the health industry were insertions in the IRR. “I don’t know (who made the insertions), certainly people from UP-PGH. It was not me, although I myself am basically from UPPGH and only seconded to the Department of Health. I work at the DOH only because

the Chancellor of UP-Manila allows me. I will be returning to UP-PGH after my work here,” he said.

“Whoever made the insertions do not understand what Secretary Ona and I are trying to do,” he added.

The DOH official said these insertions create mandates “larger than what the law specifies. It cannot be that way.”

Herbosa said he was among those who clamored for the passage of the Sin Tax Law, which did not specify any public hospital for any specific funding.

“Was funding for UP-PGH discussed during the Sin Tax deliberations? It was not designed for one specific hospital,” he said.

For a universal health care system.

This is because the DOH is trying to institute a universal health care system that

is sustainable, Herbosa said. And that can only be done if the money is given directly to the people.

As the law provides, 85 percent of Sin Tax revenues goes to the implementation of a universal health care system and this is done by paying for the health premiums of the poor enrolled at the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Herbosa explained.

Already, he said, 14.7 million families or roughly over 40 million Filipinos are enrolled under PhilHealth. This is a “dramatic” improvement from the previous year’s enrollment of 5.2 million families.

UP-PGH, like other public hospitals, will still get paid through the services they render to their patients, he said.

Whoever inserted the provision on UP-

Ex-US Navy man, despondent over split with Pinay GF, nabbed for hostage-taking in QC

MANILA, Philippines – He should be flying home to Oregon on Tuesday (Jan. 14), but a retired US serviceman is instead spending time in jail after holding hostage the cashier of a Quezon City apartelle in a desperate bid to get his girlfriend to talk to him again after their split.

Quezon City police took nearly three hours to persuade Robert Mark Stasastis, 57, formerly of the US Navy to set free the woman employee of the Paradis Apartelle on T. Morato Avenue. He was checked in the apartelle, and was reported to have been

drinking heavily after his Filipina girlfriend broke up with him.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Chief Supt. Richard Albano said a check of the suspect’s documents showed that he is set to leave for the US on January 14.

The police said he used a kitchen knife and threatened to kill the apartelle’s unnamed cashier if his girlfriend will not come over to talk to him. The police eventually pacified the suspect and persuaded him to surrender. ■ Jaime Sinapit /

InterAksyon.com / January 12, 2014 / 8:37 PM

A hospital room at the Philippine Heart Center.

PGH in the IRR of the Sin Tax law only “wants a return to the old system of sponsorship through PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund), where specific hospitals are identified.”

“Our way benefits all Filipinos, whether they go to UP-PGH or Heart Center,” he said.

Putting money into UP-PGH benefits only Filipinos from Metro Manila and other nearby regions, Herbosa said.

“Our way creates equity, for those from other parts of Luzon, from Visayas, Mindanao,” he said.

“What about other teaching hospitals?

Like Ospital ng Maynila? Or Quirino Medical Center?” he added.

‘UP-PGH overfunded’. Specifying that UP-PGH be a research center is redundant,

Herbosa said. “It is already a research center through its National Institutes of Health, where (Health) Secretary (Enrique) Ona sits as the chair of the board,” he said.

UP-PGH already has the highest budget among government hospitals at P3 billion, higher even than Heart Center’s P200 million. It gets a third of the UP budget, the health official said.

UP-PGH is a 1,400-bed university hospital that does research, provides health services, and teaches future medical professionals. “It is already a laboratory for its students. What PGH needs to do is improve its own governance.

“What we’re doing is a game-changer,” Herbosa said. ■ InterAksyon.com / January 14, 2014 10:09 AM

32

www.hello-philippines.com

NEWS

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

House panel mulls scrapping VAT on electricity for fixed tax to bring down power rates

MANILA, Philippines -- The House of Representatives’ committee on ways and means is studying the possibility of scrapping the 12 percent value added tax on electricity and replacing it with a lower fixed tax to bring down power costs.

“The objective is how to bring down the cost of electricity in a manner that the government’s revenue activities would not be burdened, but at the same time, make it sensitive to the demands of the people,” Marikina Representative Romero Federico Quimbo, chairman of the committee, said.

He added that the committee will study the possibility when Congress resumes session starting next week.

In particular, he said the committee will “revisit the VAT on generation and distribution,” which he said is just being

passed on to consumers.

Without VAT, power rates would go down by at least 80 centavos per kilowatt hour, Quimbo said, quoting an international study.

While this would affect the government’s revenues, he said the lower electricity rates would encourage more investors and spell better prospects for the economy.

House Bill 344 filed by Bayan Muna Representatives Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate, seeking to scrap VAT on power, has been pending at the committee level since July last year.

The bill aims to classify the “sale of electricity by generation, transmission, and distribution companies and electric cooperatives and the services of franchise grantees of electric utilities, and the sale or

importation of machinery and equipment directly used in generation, transmission and distribution of electricity as Value Added Tax exempts transactions.”

“We could take off from this bill and make necessary adjustments,” Quimbo said.

At the same forum, Mindoro Oriental Representative Reynaoldo Umali said reducing the cost of power would not make it affordable to consumers but would make the country more investor-friendly.

Quimbo and Umali also supported initiatives to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, particularly the provision on cross-ownership.

“We will see if it is alright that the distributor is also the owner of the power plant. It appears there’s an inherent conflict

there. This needs to be looked at,” Quimbo said.

Earlier, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. also voiced support for amending the EPIRA to address the cross-ownership issue and prevent market abuse.

Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone on Tuesday has filed House Bill 3676, which seeks to bar cross-ownership of generation and distribution companies.

He wants distribution companies, their subsidiaries, officials, stockholders and their relatives banned from holding interests in generation companies and vice-versa.

“No distribution utility or its respective subsidiary or affiliate or stockholders or official or director or any of their relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, shall be allowed

to hold any interest, directly or indirectly, in any generation company,” the bill said. “Likewise, no generation company, or its respective subsidiary or affiliate or stockholders or official or director or any of their relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, shall be allowed to hold any interest, directly or indirectly, in any distribution company.”

Evardone said the failure of EPIRA “to provide a ban on cross ownership between generation companies and distribution utilities resulted in the sky high power rates to the detriment of the Filipino power consumers.” ■ Lira Dalangin-Fernandez / InterAksyon.com / January 14, 2014 / 3:02 PM

President Aquino orders probe on fuel price discrepancies

President Aquino III leads the laying of the time capsule of the San Gabriel Power Plant Project in Brgy. Sta Rita, Batangas City Tuesday, January 14, 2014. Assisting him are Federico Lopez, Chair and CEO of First Gen Corp.; Oscar Lopez, Chair Emeritus, Lopez Group; DOE Sec. Jerico Petilla, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, Exec. VP Richard Tantoco of First Gen Corp. and Francis Giles Puno, President and COO, First Gen Corp. Photo by Rey Baniquet ©Malacanang Photo Bureau.

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has ordered the Department of Energy (DOE) to look into reports that fuel prices are higher in some parts of the country.

“Nagulat ako nung sinabing may price difference,” Aquino said Tuesday after the groundbreaking ceremony of the San Gabriel Power Plant Project in Batangas City. “There shouldn’t be a price difference.”

He said he had discussed the issue with Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla, who had promised to “look into the matter, investigate it.”

Aquino made the statement after he was asked why fuel prices are higher in Batangas

compared to other areas in the region. He was unable to answer the question, and said he would have to wait for the results of the investigation.

In the meantime, the DOE has directed oil companies to start submitting reports on fuel prices for all the gas stations throughout the country.

Once the reports are in, the fuel prices will be posted on the department’s website, Aquino added.

“From that day we will see if there are disparities, and if the disparities are valid or invalid, and of course if these are invalid we will [address] the situation,” he said.

PNoy rejects emergency powers to solve power, transport crises MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III has rejected the proposal to grant him emergency powers to address the looming increase in power rates as well as the problem of lack of mass transit systems in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.

“I would like to emphasize I never asked for it. It was proposed I understand by certain members of Congress. I never asked for emergency powers,” said Aquino on Tuesday after gracing the groundbreaking ceremony of the San Gabriel Power Plant Project in Barangay Sta. Rita, Batangas City.

Last week, the administration’s Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone said Congress should study the possibility of granting the chief executive emergency power “to deal with two catastrophic problems confronting our country today.”

Evardone said “people are getting impatient and are now seeming hopeless,” thus the government “cannot afford a business-as-usual approach in dealing with” the power and transport crises.

“It has been proven that palliative solutions to these problems have very little impact,” the lawmaker said.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the President has the power to declare a state of national emergency through a delegation from Congress.

Section 17 of the Charter’s Article XII states that, “In times of national emergency, when the public interest so requires, the State may,

during the emergency and under reasonable terms prescribed by it, temporarily take over or direct the operation of any privately-owned public utility or business affected with public interest.”

But Aquino said, “I don’t think we are in a situation na [that] we have to [employ] Section 17 of Article 12 [of the Constitution].”

He said the administration would instead focus on identifying workable solutions after finding out the cause of the problem.

“I think it is incumbent upon us that this situation that greatly affects the welfare of many of our countrymen we should know what actually transpired and what correct actions should be undertaken to address the situation,” Aquino said.

The President cited the government’s ongoing investigation into the alleged collusion among power producers that led to the big time increase in electricity prices.

The Department of Energy is looking into the simultaneous and unplanned shutdown of eight power plants in the provinces of Zambales and Batangas that allegedly resulted in the sudden power rate hike.

“Our impression is there are people who really made a very significant profit from this situation,” Aquino said. “My personal position is that if it’s a commercial decision that was wrong, the government never promised that they will be shielded from their wrong decisions.” ■ InterAksyon,com / January 14, 2014 / 3:37 PM

Power rate hike. Last month, the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) announced a record rate hike to be implemented in a staggered manner to pay for higher charges by dieselfired power generation companies, after the Malampaya natural gas platform shut down for periodic maintenance.

The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order against the increase, and is scheduled to hear the petition questioning the rate hike next week. Among the issues to be debated is the alleged collusion between Meralco and energy suppliers.

On Monday, Petilla assured customers of Meralco, the country’s largest power distribution firm, that they will continue to be serviced by generation companies.

The Energy chief admitted consumers may be slapped with generation charges even higher than the record P4.15/kilowatt hour hike due to deferred interest payments

by Meralco, which services over 5.1 million customers in the greater Manila area.

“Meron naman power e, merong supply. It’s just a matter of whether it will be supplied. And I am confident it will be supplied,” Petilla said in an interview with reporter Julius Segovia aired over GMA News’ “24 Oras.” ■ Kimberly Jane Tan / KBK/YA, GMA News / January 14, 2014 / 12:09 PM

Bayan Muna includes power producers in plea, asks SC to stop firms from collecting high charges MANILA, Philippines - As ordered by the Supreme Court, Bayan Muna partylist has included several private power producers in its petition against the hike in electricity rates.

In its amended petition against the Manila Electric Company’s P4.15 per kilowatt-hour power rate hike, Bayan Muna included the following companies as respondents to the case: Philippine Electricity Market Corporation; Sem-Calaca Power Corp; Masinloc Power Partners Corp; Therma Luzon, Inc; San Miguel Energy Corp; South Premiere Power Corp; and Therma Mobile Inc. Bayan Muna also asked the high tribunal to stop the firms from collecting high generation charges pending the resolution of the petition.

Three days ago, Meralco warned of rotating blackouts in the summer months as the high tribunal’s TRO threatens to disrupt

the overall power supply chain.

“With the TRO in place, it will not be farfetched to imagine that some generation companies might altogether refuse to sell electricity to Meralco or decide to sell to Meralco only such amount of electricity as is commensurate to the resulting rate of P5.6673 per kilowatt-hour (kwh),” Meralco said in its 230-page “consolidated comment with counter-petition” on the TRO. “Either way, the insufficient power

File photo of Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares from congress.gov.ph.

supply will result in rotating blackout, particularly during the summer months, which historically drive up the demand for electricity,” it added.

Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares said the power producers should also be stopped from collecting companies very high rates to prevent Meralco’s anticipated rotating blackouts.

“We are asking the Supreme Court to issue a TRO and/or a preliminary injunction to restrain the respondents from implementing the rate hike during the pendency of this petition, including the imposition or collection by respondents... and suppliers of the generation charges subject of this petition,” Colmenares said.

But Colmenares claims that Meralco’s warning is just a “blackmail” as there is enough supply of electricity. ■ Marlene Alcaide / News5 and InterAksyon.com / January 13, 2014 / 3:56 PM

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

www.hello-philippines.com

33

Visit of Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende Highlights Strong Phl-Norway Engagement and Cooperation FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario welcomed today Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende in his first visit to the Philippines. The three-day visit, from January 07 to 09, nine weeks after Minister Brende assumed his position as Norway’s Foreign Minister, highlights the strength of Philippines-Norway relations – from political and economic cooperation, to people-topeople exchanges.

Secretary del Rosario thanked Minister Brende for Norway’s substantial support of US$41.3 million to typhoon-related relief efforts in Central Philippines and for

Norway’s keen interest in the Philippines’ recovery and reconstruction efforts to build back better and establish climate-resilient communities.

“We are deeply moved by the Norwegian Government’s immediate response, which ranged from financial assistance and relief goods, to the deployment of volunteers and an “Experts on Mission,” Secretary del Rosario said.

Minister Brende himself visited some of the affected areas on 08 January to gain insights on how Norwegian assistance has been utilized and to see how Norway could further contribute to theReconstruction Assistance on Yolanda (RAY) program.

Norway will not only encourage other European partners to meet the US$ 788 million UN appeal which now stands at 42%, but also consider helping further the fisherfolks and farmers affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

The two ministers discussed Norway’s participation in the country’s peace processes, given that Norway is the ThirdParty Facilitator in the peace talks between the Philippine Government and CPP-NPANDF on the one hand, and also a member of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in the Mindanao Peace Process, on the other.

The ministers likewise welcomed their mutually beneficial maritime cooperation.

Norwegian-owned, operated or maintained vessels employ some 21,000 Filipino seafarers. The Norwegian Shipowners Association has maintained a state-of-theart Maritime Training Center in Taguig and plans to expand further its training facilities.

Norway has shared its technical expertise to ensure thatthe Philippines complies with the Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).

Minister Brende’s visit served as a fitting backdrop to the holding of the 1st Philippines-Norway Bilateral Consultations last January 08. Office of European Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson co-chaired the meeting together with Mr. Tore Hattrem, Director General of the Regional Development Office in Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The consultations covered current, bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of common concern.

Aside from the peace process and maritime cooperation, the Bilateral Consultations also provided an opportunity to discuss cooperation in other areas such as trade and investment, labor, education, renewable energy and disaster management.

“Norway wants to do more strategic investments that can unlock growth and more on the PPPs,” Foreign Minister Brende confirmed during the meeting today with Secretary del Rosario.

With its current demographic challenges, Norway has agreed to explore the possibility of establishing a mechanism for the systematic employment of Filipino healthcare workers. Norway has also committed to participate actively in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Conference to be held in Manila in September this year. In the regional and multilateral arena, developments in ASEAN, ASEM and the Arctic Council were discussed.

The Philippines and Norway agreed on the importance of preserving freedom of navigation, maritime security and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, specifically UNCLOS. Before concluding his working visit to the Philippines, Foreign Minister Brende will call on President Benigno S. Aquino III this afternoon where further strengthening of cooperation between the Philippines and Norway is expected to be discussed.■ Philippine Embassy Philippines / January 9, 2014

Philippine Embassy Building to Rise in Pakistan THE Philippine Embassy in Pakistan awarded on 17 December 2013 the contract for the construction of the Philippine Chancery and Ambassador’s Residence at the Diplomatic Enclave, a special security zone for diplomats, in Islamabad to Gold Roof Pvt. Ltd. after a competitive procurement process.

Of the three companies that participated in the bidding process, Gold Roof (Ltd) emerged as the Single Calculated Responsive Bidder. The winning bidder, a Pakistani construction firm based in Dubai, was credited in having worked on similar projects at the Diplomatic Enclave in

Islamabad for the Embassies of Myanmar, Tajikistan, Qatar. China, Brunei and the United Arab Emirates.

The Philippine Embassy complex will be located on a 6,640-square meter property provided by the Pakistani Government on a perpetual lease arrangement for a token amount. The complex will include the chancery office building, the Ambassador’s Residence, a Filipino Community Center with recreational facilities and other amenities.

The project will also feature energy efficiency measures, use of solar power generation and “green building” specifications.

The unique architectural design of the

complex was inspired by the Banawe Rice Terraces. The project, which is expected to be completed within the next 18 months, will have facilities that will showcase Philippine arts and culture, products, and trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines.

In simple signing ceremonies held in the Pakistani capital, Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan Domingo D. Lucenario remarked that the construction of the Philippine Chancery is indicative of the importance that the Philippine Government attaches on its bilateral relations with Pakistan.

The Ambassador said that “it is our way of conveying the message that we advance the already strong ties that exist between the two countries.”

The grounbreaking ceremony will be held within the month to herald the yearlong celebration of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Pakistan. ■ Philippine Embassy, Philippines / January 10, 2014

Ambassador Domingo D. Lucenario, Jr. (8th from left) and Mr. Raja Nazeem ul-Amin (5th from right), Director of Gold Roof (Pvt.) Ltd. are joined by members of the Bids and Awards Committee, led by Second Secretary and Consul Mr. Conrado B. Demdem, Jr., (7th from left) and officials of Gold Roof (Pvt.) Ltd. at the signing ceremony. Other members of the BAC include (from left) Ms. Helen Fime-Subido (BAC Secretariat Head), Mr. Florencio Constantino Jr., Mr. Simeon Abarquez, Jr., Mr. Salmineo de Castro, Col. Reuel Sorilla, and Ms. Rowena Severo.

Ambassador Domingo D. Lucenario, Jr. and Mr. Raja Nazeem ul-Amin.

DFA, UNODC Train Foreign Service Personnel on Assisting Filipino Victims of Human Trafficking

DFA Forges Partnership with Araneta Center, DFA NCR-Northeast Soon to Open in Ali Mall, Cubao DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and Mr. Jorge L. Araneta, Chairman and President of Araneta Center, Inc., signed on 07 January the Memorandum of Agreement on Araneta Center’s hosting of a DFA Satellite Office at Ali Mall in Araneta Center, Cubao, under the Public-Private Partnership arrangement.

The signing, which took place at the DFA Main Building in Pasay City, is in line with the

Department’s objective of decongesting the DFA main passport processing facility at the ASEANA Business Park in Parañaque.

The opening of DFA NCR- Northeast at the Ali Mall Government Center, Level 2, Ali Mall, Cubao in February 2014 will complement the four (4) other DFA satellite offices serving the residents of Metro Manila and neaby cities and municipalities.

■ Philippine Embassy, Philippines / January 8, 2014

THE Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA’s) Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) and the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) conducted, through technical assistance from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), a training course on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) for Philippine foreign service personnel on December 19, 2013.

Around 40 personnel participated in the training. This included OUMWA staff who coordinate assistance to TIP victims, as well as other personnel from the DFA, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Department of National

Defense, Department of Labor and Employment and other agencies who will soon be deployed at various Philippine Embassies and Consulates abroad.

DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Jesus I. Yabes opened the proceedings by emphasizing that the participants have an important duty in protecting Filipinos from being victimized

by TIP, as well as in assisting Filipino TIP victims abroad.

UNODC Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officers Ms. Rachelle Gershuni and Ms. Morgane Nicot, along with OUMWA Special Assistant Mr. Renato Villa, trained

the participants on understanding the key TIP concepts and the existing legal frameworks in the Philippines and in other countries, as well as on how to properly assist TIP victims.

This training is part of the DFA’s continuing program to update the capacity of the Philippine foreign service in protecting the rights of overseas Filipinos, and assisting Filipinos in distress abroad.

The Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Vienna assisted in securing technical assistance from the UNODC for this training. ■ Philippine Embassy Philippines / January 10, 2014

34

www.hello-philippines.com

NEWS

PNoy declares January 20 national day of prayer and solidarity MANILA, Philippines - Following the series of calamities that tested the country’s resilience last year, President Benigno Aquino III has declared January 20 as National Day of Prayer and Solidarity.

In a radio interview on Sunday, Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma said the event would have the theme “One Nation in Prayer.” “(It) is going to be held in accordance with the Filipino people’s recognition of

the guidance of Divine Providence in our forward movement towards a more progressive future,” Coloma said.

While the main program will be held in Malacañang, Coloma said all Filipinos across all sectors and all religious beliefs are enjoined to participate.

In his New Year’s vin d’honneur toast, Aquino told members of the diplomatic corps how Divine Providence has played a great role in lifting up the Filipino spirit despite the tragedies that befell the country.

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

“Some of you have marveled at the resilience of our nation, a people who’s fate though challenged remain constant and only deepened,” said Aquino.

“Our unbreakable spirit and ability to recover find root in our firm belief in a benevolent God who has the perfect plan for all of us. These tragedies tell us that despite all our efforts, we are indeed powerless without God,” the President added. ■ Dexter San Pedro / InterAksyon.com / January 12, 2014 / 4:00 PM

Malacanang Press Bureau file photo of President Benigno Aquino III.

PNoy has P143 billion in rehab funds after Senate approves P14.6-B supplemental budget MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Government now has a total of P143-billion funds for post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction programs for next year after the Senate approved in third and final reading the P14.6 billion supplemental budget, it was learned Wednesday night.

With 15 affirmative votes, zero negative votes and zero abstention, the Senate approved House Bill No. 3423, authorizing the creation of a P14.6-billion supplemental budget, which will be sourced from the savings realized as a result of the Supreme Court decision declaring the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) as unconstitutional.

Aside from the P14.6 billion supplemental budget, the government has P12-billion funds from the extension of the validity of the savings incurred in the 2013 national budget; P100 billion programmed and unprogrammed funds from the 2014 national budget and P16.9 billion calamity and quick response fund (QRF).

Senator Francis Escudero said the P14.6billion supplemental budget will be used for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of areas hit by typhoon Yolanda and other calamities including the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Bohol and Cebu, and the Zamboanga City siege.

Under the measure, the P14.6 billion supplemental budget will be given to government line agencies responsible for the review, repair and reconstruction of public infrastructures heavily damaged by recent calamities, particularly during the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda (international code name: Haiyan).

From the P14.6 billion supplemental budget, P11.2 billion will be used as calamity rehabilitation fund while P3.4 billion will be used as quick response fund by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Escudero said.

A total of P2.75 billion and P1.25 billion will be allotted for the Department

of Education and state universities and colleges, respectively for the repair and rehabilitation of school and academic buildings.

P3 billion will be given to the Department of Public Works and Highways to repair roads, bridges and other government infrastructure.

The restoration of declared historical sites which were damaged specifically by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the Visayas region will receive a total of P1.5 billion.

Expenses for the repair of hospitals amounting to P1 billion and purchase of hospital equipment amounting to P500

million will also be allotted through the Department of Health.

The amount of P1.5 billion will be given to the National Housing Authority for its purchase of relocation sites and construction of housing units.

The Department of Transportation and Communications, on the other hand, will receive P1 billion to repair airports and ports and P1 billion to the local government units to repair rural health centers and fund other rehabilitation programs.

“Given the magnitude of the damage caused by the past disasters, it is our obligation as your legislators to ensure that the government will have adequate funds to perk up its capacity to respond sufficiently to the immediate needs of the victims of recent disastrous events,” said Senate President Franklin Drilon, who introduced the bill encouraging the passage of the supplemental budget.

“With such a significant amount of funding to be handed to its disposal, the government will be fully equipped to rebuild the provinces ravaged by the calamities especially in building the needed classrooms, power utilities and housing units,” he added.

Drilon further explained that the funds will be used “to accelerate recovery for our countrymen in the Visayas and other

affected areas and to intensify efforts for rehabilitation, repair and reconstruction of severely damaged buildings and facilities as early as possible.”

“President Aquino himself views the issue of rehabilitation as ‘a vital priority’ when he certified this bill as urgent,” he added.

Escudero added that the Senate Finance Committee, the House Committee on Appropriations and the Commission on Audit will strictly require accountability of the expenditures through quarterly reports which will be reviewed by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), before being listed on their website for transparency purposes.

Meanwhile, Escudero said that the bicameral conference committee on the supplemental budget will be opened to the public in order to avoid doubts on the perceived realignment that will favor certain legislators particularly on congressional insertions.

“Our scheduled bicam is on December 10, at 9 a.m. It’s open, it’s public. In fact live streaming siya kamukha nang ginawa namin sa committee hearing, sa plenary debates. Hopefully we can complete it in one or two days,” Escudero said. ■ Ernie Reyes / InterAksyon.com / Philippine News Agency / December 5, 2013 / 4:41 AM

Where are our Amazon, Ebay Xmas orders?: Philpost, Customs trade blame as parcels go undelivered MANILA - Do you have eBay or Amazon purchases and Christmas gifts still undelivered by your local post office?

Chances are they’re still stuck at the government clearing house while the Philippine Postal Corp (Philpost) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) are pointing fingers at one another as to whose fault it is.

Philpost has publicly appealed to the BOC via a statement released to media to address the backlog of parcels still waiting to be inspected and appraised by the latter’s personnel at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.

According to Postmaster General Josie Dela Cruz, the standard operating procedure during during the “ber” months leading to the Christmas holiday season was “hampered” by the lack of Customs examiners required to inspect the parcels before dispatch.

“We have already communicated to the new BOC chief, Commissioner John Phillip Sevilla, and even sent photos of the undelivered parcels so he can see

for himself the backlogs in the delivery of packages,” she said.

Charo Logarta-Lagamon, BOC head of public information, told InterAksyon.com that it was true that there is a manpower shortage, especially at CMEC, resulting in a huge pile of parcels still left languishing at the clearing house.

“But Comm. Sevilla has already liaised with Philpost to work on a solution to address this. Our existing personnel at CMEC are working overtime until 7 pm before the Christmas rush but the volume was huge,” she said.

However, the items that were already cleared but still left undelivered by Philpost are already out of BOC’s hands, she said.

Also one of the issues that had to be resolved, Logarta-Lagamon said, is the lack of an automated system that would make the clearing faster, such as the proper turnover of parcels for inspection to Customs.

Assistant Postmaster General Mike Lalanto denied this. He told InterAksyon.

com that BOC no longer needs to be flagged by Philpost since the first stop of all the parcels is really Customs before these are handed over to the state-run postal company for dispatch.

“We cannot open parcels without the presence of Customs [personnel] so these had to come through them first,” the Philpost official said.

He denied that CMEC, which he

manages, is one “big palengke [wet market]” where Philpost and Customs personnel and fixers are mixed in one big mess of a clearing house, as InterAksyon. com sources, some of whom have claimed parcels at CMEC, alleged.

“We have specific front desks in CMEC where people can easily talk to the appropriate personnel for their concerns,” Lalanto said.

As for the December parcel backlog, Philpost is already in the process of dispatching the parcels sent via Express Mail System, and only the “ordinary” parcels are left for sorting. “EMS parcels are barcoded so it is easy for Customs to sort and inspect. These are tracked by our system,” the Philpost official explained.

Lalanto said the parcels started to pile up when the BOC was undergoing a revamp, resulting in delayed shipments and parcel inspection.

A group of BOC collectors who were reassigned to different posts sued the government and eventually obtained a temporary injunction against the revamp.

“Before former BOC Commissioner [Rufino Biazon] resigned, we were already coordinating and working on the electronic system for CMEC. Now that Commissioner Sevilla is here, he has already dispatched additional personnel at CMEC and the electronic system now will push through,” Lalanto said. ■ Likha Cuevas-Miel / InterAksyon.com / January 10, 2014 / 6:02 PM

36

www.hello-philippines.com

NEWS

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

State of calamity declared in towns across Mindanao; at least 14 people dead A state of calamity has been declared in several towns in Mindanao as heavy rains continue to pound the southern region and Visayas, while at least 14 people have been killed in the floods and landslides triggered by the downpour.

Davao del Norte’s capital, Tagum City, and the towns of Carmen, Kapalong, and New Corella were placed under a state of calamity Monday, according to a report on “24 Oras.”

A state of calamity was earlier declared in Butuan City and in the town of San Francisco in Agusan del Norte.

The rains have been brought on by a lowpressure area in the region since last Friday.

The LPA is currently east of Dipolog City, according to PAGASA’s 5 p.m. update Monday.

Casualties and missing persons. In its 7 p.m. update Monday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) counts 14 dead, 34 injured and 14 missing in Davao Region and Caraga.

The deaths counted so far are: • 1 due to drowning in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur • 1 due to drowning in Babag, Compostela Valley • 3 due to landslide in Bango, Compostela Valley • 1 due to landslide in Monkayo, Compostela Valley • 1 due to drowning in New Bataan, Compostela Valley • 5 due to landslide in Bangol, Tarragona, Davao Oriental • 1 due to landslide in Tubaon, Tarragona, Davao Oriental • 1 due to drowning in Marayag, Lupon, Davao Oriental

According to the NDRRMC, a total of 40,610 families or 199,212 persons in 190 barangays in 46 municipalities in 10 provinces of Regions X (Northern Mindanao), XI (Davao Region) and CARAGA have been affected by the bad weather.

Zero casualties so far in Davao del Norte. Despite flood waters being deep enough to drown in areas like New Corella, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Asst.

Provincial Administrator Romulo Tagalo said predictability in water movement allowed the province to prevent casualties in the area.

“We know kung tataas, ilang oras bababa ang tubig from the highlands.

The early warnings are all in place. The people positively responded to the call for preemptive evacuation,” he said.

Chest-high waters from the overflow of Tuganay and Bingcunan rivers remain in municipalities like Carmen, whose residents have set up tents on defunct bridges until the waters subside.

“Carmen is below sea level. ‘Pag nagback-up ang dagat ‘pag high tide, the water from the sea comes back. Kaya it prevents the outflow of the rainwater sa mga rivers natin,” said Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario.

Del Rosario also said that the province has zero casualties so far.

Knee-high floods have also closed Miranda Bridge, which directly connects Carmen to Tagum City. As a result, the oneway Maharlika Bridge was opened to twoway traffic, despite residents being forced to walk through floodwater already present in the area.

Classes suspended in Caraga, Davao

LTFRB revokes license of Don Mariano Bus Lines four weeks after deadly Skyway plunge MANILA, Philippines -- The Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board said on Tuesday that it has revoked the franchise of the Don Mariano Bus Lines, one of whose units was involved in the deadly plunge off the Skyway in Taguig City on December 16 in which 18 persons died.

The LTFRB said franchise revocation is the stiffest penalty it can impose on Don Mariano.

The firm operates 78 buses.

LTFRB Chairman Atty. Winston Ginez announced the cancellation of all the certificates of public convenience issued to the Novaliches-based transport firm.

“This Board finds the respondent Don Mariano Transit Corp. to have violated or willfully and continuously refused to comply with the rules and regulations of this Board,” said Ginez. “Accordingly, this Board hereby directs that the certificates of public convenience of the respondent Don Mariano Transit Corp. under case numbers 2002-3351-52; 53-54, 55, 2002-3503 involving 78 units are hereby cancelled, and reverted back to the state.”

The LTFRB ordered the destruction of all the licensed plates numbers issued to the 78 Don Mariano buses.

The cancellation of the franchises of Don Mariano Transit Corp. came a day before the lapse of the 30-day preventive suspension the LTFRB slapped against the

LTFRB chairman Atty. Winston Gines announces the board’s decision on the Don Mariano bus firm in a briefing on Tuesday.

bus company after one of its buses fell off the Skyway in Taguig City last December 16.

Ginez said the Board noted several accidents involving Don Mariano Transit Corp. buses and did not only focus on the deadly mishap last month. “(The respondent failed) to observe due diligence in selection of its drivers and undertake the necessary drastic action after series of accidents but it was likewise remiss in providing and maintaining its services safe, proper and adequate for the benefit of the public at large. The respondent’s involvement in recent accidents and other unlawful acts is quite alarming,” Ginez said.

■ News5 / January 14, 2014 / 10:57 AM

Region. The Philippine News Agency reports that the Department of Education suspended classes at 12:15 p.m. Monday in all levels in Compostela Valley, Dinagat Islands and in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur. Classes in pre-school to high school levels were suspended in Davao del Norte, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. Roads impassable in Caraga, Davao Region. For its part, the Department of Public Works and Highways said the rains have rendered some roads in Caraga and Davao Region impassable.

It said its office in Caraga reported landslides, road slips and floods, including along the national highways. Some roads were temporarily closed to public traffic.

The DPWH said the roads rendered impassable due to major landslides included the following roads in Surigao del Sur: • National Road Junction (NRJ) Cuevas –

Bislig Road • Junction Gamut – San Miguel-Bayugan Road • SDCR – Mahayahay, Bislig City • SDCR – Nurcia Section The Asuncion – San Isidro – LaakVeruela Road in Davao del Norte and the Payasan – Los Arcos road in Agusan del Sur are also impassable.

Some roads were flooded in at least 0.3 meter of water, including the following in Surigao del Sur: • National Road Junction (NRJ) Cuevas – Bislig Road, Sta. Maria Section, submerged in 1.50 meters of water • SDCR – San Vicente Barobo Section, 1 meter Several roads in Agusan del Sur were also under water, including: • NRJ Barobo – Agusan del Sur Bdry. Road, 1.2 meters • NRJ Awa-Lianga Road, Anibongan Section, 1 meter

• Agusan-Davao Road, Bunawan Brook, 1 meter • near Solibao Bridge, 0.8 meter Problems in Yolanda-hit areas.

According to another report on “24 Oras”, the continued rains hampered efforts by local health units to curb problems like diarrhea among Typhoon Yolanda victims in Tacloban City, Leyte. Fogging and clearing operations were also suspended, heightening the residents’ susceptibility to chikungunya and dengue. Four clinicallyconfirmed cases of measles have also been reported to health authorities.

“There are lots of people na bumalik from Manila to Tacloban and... possibly some of them already have the virus in their system na pwedeng [nakahawa].

Kasi airborne, ‘di natin masasabi,” said Dr. Gloria Fabrigas, health cluster head of Tacloban City. However, she added, there is no reported outbreak of the virus in the city.

In Ormoc City, water levels in the Pagsanghan River reached critical levels, causing local government units to launch the forced evacuation of 20 adults and 25 children on Sunday evening. While forced evacuation isn’t enforced in Tacloban, authorities have opened the Tacloban Astrodome to those who wish to evacuate.

Passengers stranded in Bicol. In Bicol, boat passengers were stranded due to the bad weather, according to the Philippine Coast Guard in a post on its Facebook account.

“A total of 171 passengers were stranded at the port of Coast Guard District Bicol particularly in the area of Camarines Sur as of 2 PM, January 13, 2014,” it said.

■ Rie Takumi / BM/JDS, GMA News / January 13, 2014

/ 6:03 PM

Repeal of Epira, public control of power industry are best solutions to power crisis - FDC

MANILA, Philippines - Advocacy group Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) on Monday pushed for what it deemed a more permanent and effective solution to the power crisis.

It said that instead of giving emergency powers to President Benigno Aquino III to ensure affordable and secure supply of electricity, the government should move for the repeal of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) and put the power industry under “effective public control.”

In a statement, FDC president Ricardo B. Reyes said that his group sees Samar Rep. Ben Evardone’s call for emergency powers for Aquino and Kabataan partylist Rep. Terry Ridon’s proposal for the state to takeover power utilities “as motivated by the need for radical responses to a dead-end situation for Epira, the law that privatized the power industry.”

Reyes, however, said the legislators’ proposals “are of emergency character only, conditioned by a declaration of a state of emergency -meaning temporary, and which will give the corporate powers allowance to fix their mess and privatization a new lease on life.”

Reyes said “only public control can assure that public welfare is put above profits and planning directs its development rather than market mechanisms.”

But the FDC head was quick to add that public control would not mean governmental monopoly through the National Power Corporation, which “we experienced under the Marcos dictatorship (and) resulted (in) corruption, wastage and unending indebtedness.”

Reyes said “learning from the past and considering present circumstances, public control should mean” the following: • Dismantling private monopolies in

power generation and distribution • Reintroducing the state as owner and player in power generation and distribution along with the social sector- the cooperatives • Renationalizing the transmission sector State planning of the power industry, which shall also harness private capital to contribute, not to dominate the power industry ■ InterAksyon.com / January 13, 2014 / 7:14 PM

38

www.hello-philippines.com

SportS

Filipino fighter Eumir Marcial wins Best Asian Youth Boxer of the Year

THE Asian Boxing Confederation recently announced the conferment of the Best Asian Youth Boxer of the Year award to PLDT-ABAP boxer Eumir Felix Marcial and Best Asian Competition for 2013 plum to the Asian Youth Championships organized by ABAP last March in Subic Bay. Marcial was cited for his performance in the Asian Youth Championships where he bagged the gold medal in the 64 kg. light-welterweight class. Three other Filipino boxers topped their catgories in th same competition: Jade Bornea (light-flyweight), Ian Clark Bautista (flywieght) and James Palicte (lightweight).

ASBC also predicted that since Marcial is turning 18 years old this year, he will be eligible to fight and will be a force to reckon with in this years Asian Games slated in Incheon, South Korea.

ABAP was also commended for hosting the Youth Championships in Subic Bay last March, which drew 24 countries. The Philippine boxing federation was praised for working hard for a well-organized tournament that projected a “friendly and smiling competition.”

ABAP president Ricky Vargas, thanked the ASBC for the recognition saying “Marcial is one of our prized discoveries from our grassroots development program and is one of those we are looking at to carry the torch for the country in future competitions.”

Vargas, who also serves as president of Maynilad, also shared the honor with the many people and entities who made

Air Force, Nomads clinch victories in UFL Division Two debuts PHILIPPINE Air Force and Nomads FC clinched victories in their Division Two debuts in the 2014 United Football League last Sunday at the Emperador Stadium.

Air Force, which suffered relegation after finishing at the bottom of Division One last season, routed Forza FC, 4-1, courtesy of two goal-performances of Ian Araneta and Jimmy Vergara.

The expat-laden Nomads, which dropped down from Division One because of the cap rule on foreign players, edged Laos FC, 1-nil, thanks to an early goal by

sure the hosting in Subic was a resounding success.

“We couldn’t have pulled it off without the blessings of our chairman, Manny V. Pangilinan and the support of those in the MVP group who pitched in: PLDT, SMART, Maynilad and the MVP Sports Foundation.

Of course, the Philippine Sports Commission also helped.”

Meantime, the boxer medalists who won in the recently-concluded Southeast Asian Games held in Myanmar last month are slated to receive their cash incentives from ABAP when they report for training next week after the Christmas break.

All 10 Filipino boxers came home with medals — three golds, four silvers, and three bronzes.

“We’re very proud of our male and female boxers who slugged it out even under adverse conditions. We are also proud that our benefactors from PLDT, SMART and MAYNILAD again came through.

They all chipped in for the P2M total cash incentive,” added Vargas.

Gold medal gets P300,000, silver P200,000 and bronze P100,000. This is apart from the incentive from the Philippine Sports Commission. ■ InterAksyon.com / January 2, 2014 / 5:51 PM

UFL powerhouse Global appoints new Scottish coach for League competition GLOBAL FC has appointed a new coach to steer the powerhouse club in this year’s season of the United Football League.

Leigh Manson has taken over fellow Scottish Brian Reid, who left the squad due to family concerns.

“I am excited,” Manson told InterAksyon.com. “I felt that this is the chance of making a difference to a country.”

Manson is the founder of Total Football, a training group based in Japan which has ties with top international clubs such as Manchester United, FC Barcelona and Arsenal FC, among others. It also has a partnership with the Azkals in training football to children.

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

Manson also had stints in the regional football development programs of the United Kingdom and Japan.

Manson said that he doesn’t feel pressure joining Global, which has had high expectations in the past seasons due to its star-studded lineup composed of imports and national team members.

“I don’t feel a huge amount of pressure as Global should be winning trophies,” he said. “In football, you cannot guarantee anything. My job is to make sure that we are working hard and we play good football.”

Manson, who has also worked with the Azkals and the Philippine national youth teams in the past, also had a piece of

advice to Filipino football players.

“What I often see is Filipino players are working very hard, and then they throw themselves in tackles when they don’t need to,” he said.

“We try to teach players to work hard, to be smart, that’s enthusiastic. Players love the game and they will work hard but they also have to work smart.”

Also joining Manson in the coaching staff of Global are Mexican goalkeeping coach Jorge Kuriyama and assistant coach Diego Sandoval.

Manson will make his debut with Global against the Loyola Meralco Sparks on Tuesday. ■ Karl Decena / InterAksyon.com / December 22, 2013 / January 14, 2014 / 1:03 AM

Jamal Lord at the seventh minute.

New squads Ceres-La Salle FC and Manila Jeepney FC also nailed triumphs in their respective League debuts last Saturday.

Ceres blanked Manila All-Japan, 4-nil, while Manila Jeepney also posted the same scoreline against Philippine Navy.

In other Division Two matches, Cimarron FC prevailed over Union Internacional Manila, 3-2, while Agila FC walloped Dolphins United, 4-1. ■ Karl Decena / InterAksyon. com / December 22, 2013 / January 13, 2014 / 12:24 PM

Petron to go back to being San Miguel Beermen for Commissioner’s Cup

THE San Miguel Beermen will be back in the PBA beginning in the Commissioner’s Cup as the league’s oldest franchise will carry the iconic brand once more.

No less than San Miguel Corporation president Ramon Ang made the announcement, which comes in time for the silver anniversary of the team’s Grand Slam feat in 1989.

“San Miguel Beer is synonymous to brewing excellence. We built our success as a conglomerate on San Miguel’s name. We are happy to announce its return to the PBA and we look forward to its future success,” said Ang in a statement.

The franchise, which began its history as Royal Tru-Orange in 1975, has carried the Petron Blaze brand since the 2011 Governors’ Cup. San Miguel Beer, on the other hand, lent its name to the conglomerate’s team in the ASEAN Basketball League for two

seasons during that span. Incidentally, the franchise’s top center June Mar Fajardo spent one year in a Beermen uniform.

Ang is hoping that the return to its traditional name will mean more hardware for the team.

“On the 25th anniversary of that historic feat, we will gun for more championships with a new generation of talented and hardworking players and coaching staff,” Ang added.

“As in the past, our aim is to stay true to the San Miguel brand of excellence and to play hard and well above our fans’ expectations.”

The flagship team of SMC has also carried brands of Magnolia and Gold Eagle Beer in the past. The franchise is the winningest team in PBA history, with 19 championships. It last title came in the 2011 Governors’ Cup, when it shifted to the Petron brand. ■ InterAksyon.com / January 13,

2014 / 5:20 PM

SportS

January 2014 / Fortnightly – No. 2 • UK & Europe Edition

www.hello-philippines.com

39

Ray Parks-less NU-BDO tops Wangs on Dennice Villamor game-winner; NLEX, Cebuana win

GELO Alolino scored 15 points and Dennice Villamor knocked down a threepointer with one second remaining as the Ray Parks-less NU-Banco de Oro Bulldogs squeaked past Wang’s Basketball, 8381, in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup on Monday at the JCSGO gym in Cubao, Quezon City.

After starting the conference with six straight losses, NU-BDO picked up its second win in the last three games despite missing their two-time UAAP MVP Parks, who was out with a sprained right foot.

Several Bulldogs proved they were ready to step up in his absence with Alolino, Glenn Khobuntin, Robin Rono, Villamor and

Troy Rosario all finishing in double figures.

Khobuntin (14 points and 12 rebounds) and Villamor (12 and 11) both finished with double-doubles for NU-BDO. NU-BDO had to come back from a 12-point deficit, 55-43, in the third period.

They still trailed by two points, 81-79, with just 6.9 second remaining before Khobuntin found Villamor for a wide open trey that won the game for the Bulldogs.

Abel Galliguez scored 14 points to lead the Couriers, who dropped down to 4-8.

In the other games, the NLEX Road Warriors cruised to a 93-68 rout of Cafe France after a big third quarter blast while the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems crushed Arellano-Air 21, 89-71.

Garvo Lanete scored 20 points, including nine points on perfect 4-for-4 shooting in the crucial third period, as the Road Warriors turned an eight-point halftime lead, 38-30, to a whopping 20-point advantage, 69-49, entering the fourth.

Kirk Long added 13 points while Ronald Pascual had 11 as defending champion NLEX raised their record to 7-1 after a fourth consecutive win.

Jam Cortes scored 21 points for the Bakers, which lost for the first time in five games.

Paul Zamar, meanwhile, scored 14 points to lead five Gems players in double figures.

Cebuana Lhuillier improved to 4-4 while Arellano-Air 21 fell to 1-11.

The scores: NU-BDO (83) – Alolino 15, Khobuntin 14, Rono 13, Villamor 12, Rosario 10, Labing-isa 9, Celda 4, Neypes 2, Perez 2, Javolona 2, De Guzman 0.

Wangs Basketball (81) – Galliguez 14, Ilad 11, Acosta 10, Vijandre 9, Franco 8, Juico 6, Gomez 5, Banal 5, Castro 4, Lopez 4, Ferrer 3, Sanchez 2, Saitanan 0, Macuha 0.

Quarterscores: 21-19; 43-51; 60-66; 83-81.

Second Game: NLEX (93) – Lanete 20, Long 13, R. Pascual 11, Alas 9, K. Pascual 8, J. Pascual 6, Hermida 5, Dela Cruz 4, Adeogun 4, Dela Rosa 4, Raymundo 3, Koga 3, Ganuelas 3, Amer 0.

Cafe France (68) —Cortes 21, Ebondo 12, Abundo 12, Parale 8, Nimes 6, Gallardo 4, De Leon 3, Banua 2, Mutombo 0, Opoiso 0, Batino 0, Montilla 0, Sarangay 0.

Quarterscores: 22-14; 38-30; 69-49; 93-68.

Third Game: Cebuana Lhuillier (89) – Zamar 14, Banal 12, Sumang 10, Paredes 10, Gamalinda 10, Bustos 7, Javier 6, Padilla 6, Martinez 5, Leynes 5, Casajeros 4, Olivares 0, Noble 0, Flores 0.

Arellano-Air 21 (71) – Webb 20, Palma 12, Rogado 78, Ciriacruz 7, Nuilan 7, Arquero 6, Tayongtong 6, Bartolo 2, Fran 2, Acidre 2.

Quarterscores: 25-18; 44-31; 70-47; 8971. ■ InterAksyon.com / January 14, 2014 / 12:58 AM

UFL on AksyonTV: Loyola, Global battle in powerhouse clash; Kaya collides with Pachanga

DEFENDING Cup champion Loyola Meralco Sparks start their quest for another silverware with a tough encounter against rival Global FC in the 2014 United Football League on Tuesday at the Emperador Stadium.

Loyola will clash with powerhouse Global at 8 p.m. after the match between Pachanga Diliman FC and Kaya FC at 5 p.m. Both matches will be aired live on AksyonTV, the sports and news-related channel of TV5.

The Sparks are entering the League competition with high expectations after bagging the Cup title last December.

Leading the squad once again are brothers Phil and James Younghusband, who are both hoping to bring another title for Loyola this season.

Global is parading its new coach in Leigh Manson, who took over fellow Scottish Brian Reid right before the start of the League competition. The squad remains a title favorite this season, with imports and national team members still on its star-studded lineup.

In the first match, Kaya and Pachanga aim to nail triumphs in their season openers.

Kaya is looking to regain its status as one of the league’s top squads by improving its fourth-place finish last season.

Pachanga is targeting to continue the momentum of its impressive performances recently after a fifthplace run in the League last season and reaching the Cup finals last December. ■

‘I’ve been yelling at them’: Mark Caguioa lights fire under Ginebra towers for better rebounding JAPETH Aguilar and Greg Slaughter may be leading the way for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel when it comes to statistics, but there’s no question about how Mark Caguioa remains the leader of the team.

And after the Gin Kings, who boast the PBA’s tallest frontline in Aguilar and Slaughter, got battered in the rebounding department in last week’s Manila Clasico loss to the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, Caguioa lit a fire under the twin towers for their effort

Two days after scuffle, Calvin Abueva misses game as Alaska suffers third straight defeat TWO days after a heated scuffle with Meralco’s Jared Dillinger, Alaska forward Calvin Abueva missed the Aces’ assignment against GlobalPort on Sunday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

He was not fielded in by coach Luigi Trillo during the first half of the game, drawing puzzlement from observers, as Abueva told Sports5 reporter Erika Padilla that he was fine before the game. He was even seen warming up prior to tipoff.

At halftime, however, Abueva’s tune had changed, saying that he had suffered a

sprained ankle during Alaska practice that would keep him out of the rest of the game.

The Aces lost their third straight game, dropping to 4-9 in the PLDT MyDSL Philippine Cup to move to the brink of elimination.

After the game, Trillo told InterAksyon. com that Abueva indeed had a sprained ankle. The coach added that Abueva was expected to play in Alaska’s final assignment, a must-win game against Barako Bull.

Last Friday, Abueva was involved in

an altercation with Dillinger in the fourth quarter of the Aces-Bolts encounter.

The incident saw Dillinger getting his nose bloodied after being challenged by Abueva on a drive.

The two men remained tangled as they fell toward the baseline, with Abueva hitting Dillinger. Dillinger then pinned Abueva against the railing separating the court from the seats, before cooler heads intervened.

Both men were assessed a technical foul after the incident. ■ InterAksyon.com / January 12, 2014 / 6:19 PM

“That’s our problem. You know what, I’ve been yelling at these guys at practice dahil we’re not gonna win games lalo na coming into the playoffs,” Caguioa told InterAksyon.com.

Against the Mixers, the Gin Kings got massacred off the boards, 60-39. Despite being smaller, San Mig Coffee came away with 22 offensive rebounds, even as neither Aguilar nor Slaughter hit doubledigit numbers off the boards.

The two big men had better rebounding

efforts on Sunday against Barako Bull, as Slaughter finished with 15 while Aguilar had 10.

Still, Ginebra once again lost the battle of the boards, 56-53, and allowed 16 offensive rebounds.

That’s a big problem, according to Caguioa.

“We’re playing a smaller team, malaki na nga kami talo pa kami sa rebounds.

Hindi pwede mangyari yun.” ■ Rey Joble / InterAksyon.com / January 12, 2014 / 9:20 PM

sport Filipino fighter Eumir Marcial wins Best Asian Youth Boxer of the Year Story on page 38

UFL powerhouse Global appoints new Scottish coach for League competition Story on page 38

Petron to go back to being San Miguel Beermen for Commissioner’s Cup Story on page 38

AIR FORCE, NOMADS CLINCH VICTORIES IN UFL DIVISION TWO DEBUTS Story on page 38