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HOMELESSNESS CAN’T KEEP THIS PHILIPPINES BOY FROM HOMEWORK
Daniel Cabrera studies using light from a McDonald’s outlet in the Philippines. Photography by Joyce Gilos Torrefranca.
HE is the little boy who has inspired thousands simply by doing his homework. Daniel Cabrera, a homeless boy in the Philippines, was photographed sitting in a carpark and using the dim glow from a McDonald’s outlet to complete his homework on a makeshift bench. The nine-year-old’s display of dedication and perseverance, despite the odds, has warmed the hearts of tens of thousands of people who have since shared the photo online. Joyce Gilos Torrefranca, a medical student, spotted Daniel when she was
walking through Mandaue City last month. She posted two grainy photos to her Facebook page, saying: “I got inspired by a kid.” After the photo went viral, a local reporter tracked down Daniel and his family, discovering they often slept on the streets and begged for money in the city’s dangerous Reclamation Area. Daniel’s mother, Maria Christina Espinosa, told Rappler that her partner died from illness while in jail and she was raising four children. She worked at a nearby food stall, and the family often slept at the stall
because they had no electricity at home, she said. That was no barrier to Daniel diligently doing his grade 3 homework each night, despite owning just one pencil which he guarded in his school bag with rosary beads. He had previously been known to skip school, but a program run by the local authorities, in which they gathered 32 street children and convinced them to continue their studies, struck a chord. He told Rappler that he wants to complete his education. “I think I want to be a policeman....I also want to be a doctor,” he said.
The manager of the McDonalds outlet, Iris Prak, said Daniel was frequently seen doing his homework in the carpark and staff often gave the family water. She said they promised to give Daniel a toy if he showed them a homework paper with a star. Ms. Torrefranca, who initially shared the photo, said she was taken aback by Daniel’s diligent dedication to his homework. “I’m fortunate my parents were able to send me to school,” she said. “I seldom go to coffee shops to study, but this kid just hit me. You really don’t need much,
you just have to be determined and focused on the things that you want to achieve.” Her friend, Giomen Probert Ladra Alayon, was with her when they spotted Daniel and he stopped to talk to the nine-year-old. He said Daniel was completing a homework task to identify animals in English. “This kid’s perseverance in studying makes this picture such an inspiration,” he posted online. “Despite the lack of personal space or inadequate lighting, still he chose to study. Keep it up kid!” n Rachel Olding / July 9, 2015
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July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
DBP officials file plunder charges vs. president, execs over bonuses PLUNDER charges were filed against the president and other executives of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) over alleged excessive bonuses amounting to P312.077 million. In a complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday, DBP Vice President for Program Evaluation Mario P. Pagaragan Jr. and Association of the DBP Career Officials (ADCO) president Francis Romulo Badilla Jr. accused DBP President Gil Buenaventura and eight bank directors, including the chairman of the board, of committing plunder. Also named in the complaint were officials of the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG). Top officials of the DBP and GCG “illegally conspired” to release the 2014 performance-based bonus (PBB) of the DBP executives, according to the complaint. The amount was allegedly over 10 times higher than what is mandated by the rules. The complainants pointed out that under GCG Memorandum Circular No. 2014-05, officials and employees of a profitable government-owned and -controlled corporation (GOCC) are
allowed to receive bonuses of up to 2.5 times over the amount of their basic salaries. The GCG officials gave the DBP officials PBBs of up to 12 times over their basic salaries, the complainants alleged. ‘Grave abuse’. Citing records that they have obtained, the complainants alleged that Buenaventura received a PBB of P2,798,400. According to the complaint, the GCG officials violated Section 10 of Republic Act No. 10149 or the GCG Law which states that the commission must recommend to the President the amount of incentives for certain positions in consideration of the good performance of the GOCC. “Said GCG Officials acted with grave abuse of authority and acting in excess of their authority in illegally and maliciously arrogating unto themselves the Presidential power and prerogative to grant additional incentives,” the complaint read. Aside from Buenaventura, the eight other executives named in the complaint were Chairman of the DBP Board of Directors Jose Nuñez Jr. and directors Reynaldo Geronimo, Daniel
Laogan, Lydia Echauz, Alberto Lim, Raul Serrano, Vaughn Montes and Cecilio Lorenzo. Also named as defendants in the complaint were DBP officials Fritzie Tangkia-Fabricante, Donna Shotwell, Ma. Teresa Jesudason, Ma. Teresa Atienza, Benel Lagua, Anthony Robles, Perla Melanie Caraan, Rafael Danilo Reynante, Cris Cabalatungan, Susan Prado, Alexander Patricio, Dennis Decena, Marietta Fondevilla, Isidro Sobrecarey and other members of the DBP Management Committee. The GCG officials included in the complaint were Cesar Villanueva, Ma. Angela Ignacio, Rainier Butalid and Paolo Salvosa. Meanwhile, the complainants have also asked the Ombudsman to issue a preventive suspension order against the DBP and GCG officials while it is still investigating their complaint. “Respondents DBP and GCG officials, by virtue of their position, has access over all pertinent documents relating to the instant case. Moreover, their continued stay in the office may prejudice the instant case against them due to the power and authority which their positions entail,” Pagaragan and
Badilla said in their complaint.
‘Disgruntled’ complainants. In a
press statement sent to reporters, the DBP Board and Management had dismissed the complaint as just an allegation of “two disgruntled employees”. “The charges were filed by two disgruntled employees of the bank, one of whom did not get any bonus because his performance appraisal did not make him eligible for the bonus, while the other received significantly less than what he got the previous year, again because of his performance ranking,” the DBP Board and Management said. The Board pointed out that the
PBB only amounted to P310 million and not P312 million as alleged by the complainants. The board also said that a total of 2,201 eligible officers and staff of the bank benefited from the P310 million PBB. The Board also maintained that the grant of the PBB has undergone proper procedure and evaluation by the GCG based on the bank’s performance. “The bonuses should be taken in the wider context of DBP’s 2014 financial performance where it posted P4.6 billion in profits, P2.5 billion of which were remitted to the national treasury as dividends,” the Board said. n Elizabeth Marcelo / VS/NB GMA News / July 15, 2015 / 12:10 PM
Japan to buy more Philippine farm products if Manila resumes imports from Fukushima MANILA – Remember that story we ran about a group of Filipino banana growers who were complaining about their shrinking share of the Japanese market despite a free-trade agreement between the two countries? Well, here’s an interesting twist to the contentious implementation of the Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA), which both countries are reviewing. According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), Tokyo is willing to relax import restrictions on Philippine bananas and other farm products if we agree to import products from Japan’s Fukushima prefecture. To recall, Fukushima is home to the nuclear power plant that sustained damage after a powerful earthquake in 2011, raising fears of harmful radiation. Thereafter, the Philippines ceased importing farm products from Fukushima.
Agriculture Undersecretary Segfredo Serrano said Japanese negotiators have asked for the resumption of Philippine imports of Fukushima-grown dairy, rice and fresh vegetables. “They want us to lower our food safety requirements based on the fact that Canada and other countries have already accepted their farm products. But I don’t see any reason why,” Serrano said.
Besides Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom lifted import restrictions on Fukushima products as early as January last year. Serrano said the DA will insist that product samples from Fukushima undergo tests at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) to ensure they are radiation-free before the country resumes imports. Agricultural
imports require the DA’s clearance. “Even if Mars already accepted their produce, it still has to undergo study by our own experts. We have to be careful since it’s their own technical report, which may differ from our own study,” Serrano said. “It’s not a matter of volume. Even if [the shipment] is just one gram, if it has a radioactive content, it will not pass the requirements under the Food Safety Act,” he said. “It’s very political for them to show that they have already addressed the problem. It’s what they want to project. There’s pressure. But I don’t see any reason to give in to their demand,” Serrano added. During the review of the PJEPA, the Philippines has been prodding Japan to bring down duties on farm products. The Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) recently complained that its
members have been losing market share, as Tokyo forges free-trade agreements with other bananasupplying countries, the latest of which was Indonesia. In turn, Japan has asked the Philippines to reduce the number of tariff lines to a “manageable” level. “Our main interest is our traditional exports like sugar, coconut oil, tropical fruits, fishery and processed food,” Serrano said. “We want them [Japan] to bring down to zero all their agricultural tariffs to reciprocate our own reduction of tariff,” he said, adding that the Philippines had unilaterally reduced import duties. “If they want to make true in their commitment to help Philippine agriculture and rural development, put their money where their mouth is,” Serrano said. n Orti Despuez /
InterAksyon.com / July 15, 2015 / 4:31 PM
Megawide, San Miguel prequalify for Regional Prison PPP project MANILA – San Miguel and Megawide will compete for the contract to build a huge prison outside the Philippine capital under the Aquino administration’s publicprivate partnership (PPP) scheme. In a statement, the PPP Center said San Miguel Holdings Corporation (SMHC) and Mega Structure Consortium had passed muster with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and
the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). A third potential bidder, DMCI Holdings Inc, failed to hurdle the prequalification stage. The P50.2-billion Regional Prison Facilities Project involves the design, financing and construction of the modern prison facilities that will rise at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija. The winning bidder also will maintain the facility for 23 years, including the
three-year construction period. The new facility should accommodate 26,880 inmates, and apart from the detention area, should include staff housing, administrative buildings, areas for sports, work and religious activity. The winning bidder will also install high-security equipment. n Cassandra Lee / InterAksyon.com / July 15, 2015 / 5:33 PM
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July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
Transport Department rolls out project reviving ‘Bicol Express’ MANILA – The Philippine government has kicked off the search for a private partner who will help
revive Southeast Asia’s oldest train service. The Department of Transportation
and Communications (DOTC) today announced that it is bidding out the P170.7-billion South Line of the NorthSouth Railway Project (NSRP). Dubbed as the Aquino administration’s biggest public-private partnership (PPP) project to date, it involves the revival of the “Bicol Express” as well as its extension to a total length of 653 kilometers. “Rail systems are a driver for inclusive socio-economic growth. They encourage trade and business activity, and provide access to employment and educational opportunities. The PNR, once a symbol of the country’s economic progress, should be modernized into a
safe, convenient, and efficient system by 2020,” Transport Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said, referring to stateowned Philippine National Railways. At least three local conglomerates– Metro Pacific Investments Corp., San Miguel Corp and Ayala Corp–have expressed interest in bidding for the project. A two-stage bidding process will be adopted, with the pre-qualification date slated for the fourth quarter. Bids will be opened in January next year, and the project awarded by March. The winning bidder will operate, maintain, and upgrade the South Line for 34 years, which period includes
the four years for construction. The South Line will have 66 stations, and starts at the Tutuban in Manila, passes through Calamba, Laguna; Batangas; and Legazpi City, Albay before ending at Matnog, Sorsogon. “This project will impact directly on a grassroots level. Those who have less in life, especially farmers and fisherfolk, will be given efficient means to expand their livelihood. This is our biggest project yet, and this is for those who need it most,” Abaya said. PNR plans to hold 10 daily trips and carry 316,000 passengers per day on its opening year. n Cassandra Lee / InterAksyon.
com / July 15, 2015 / 1:03 PM
Weak exports to dampen Philippine economy in second quarter, warns NEDA chief MANILA – Weak exports could drag down growth in the second quarter, according to the Philippines’ chief economist. “We have some challenges because of the drop in exports. Globally, exports have been less robust than what we have expected. We’re still waiting for the June data. Hopefully there will be an improvement,” Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said during Wednesday’s launch of a framework for evaluating government programs and projects. “Merchandise exports have taken a hit. But the exports of services continue to grow. That’s growing faster in
recent years than merchandise exports,” Balisacan, who is also director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), said. Exports last May fell at their sharpest since December 2011, accelerating from the 4.1 percent drop in April. According to NEDA, the drop in Philippine exports last May was the steepest among Southeast Asian countries. The May decline led to a 5 percent drop in exports in the first five months of the year. The government is aiming for growth of 7 percent for the entire 2015. Anemic exports, along with belowtarget government spending pulled down economic growth in the first quarter.
“We expect that private consumption will continue to grow. Inflation is low, oil prices are low, and consumer confidence is still high. So that can drive consumption growth,” Balisacan said. “As for government spending, we hope that it’s really much better in the second quarter,” he said. “It will be a big challenge to get the 7 percent, but we’ll see. The second half hopefully will pick up. We are not giving up. We have to work much harder especially for government spending,” Balisacan said. The government is aiming for full-year economic growth of 7 to 8 percent. n Rain Castro / InterAksyon.com / July 15, 2015 / 8:05 PM
Remittance growth in single digit ahead of new school year MANILA - Money sent home by Filipinos overseas ahead of the new school year rose in the single digit. In a statement, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said cash remittances grew by 5.8 percent to $2.1 billion last May from $1.9 billion in the same month of last year. May is the final month of summer vacation, with most schools marking a new school year in June. The May remittance figure led to a 5.4 percent increase in year-to-date in ows to 9.9 billion this year from 9.3 billion in the same five months of 2014.
Remittances contribute 10 percent to the Philippine economy, fueling consumer spending, which in turn accounts for at least two-thirds of gross domestic product (GDP). GDP is the amount of final goods and services produced in the country, and as such measures economic performance. Including non-cash transfers, personal remittances increased by 5.5 percent to $2.3 billion last May from $2.1 billion in the same month last year. Year-to-date, personal remittances grew 5.2 percent year-onyear to $11 billion this year from $10.4 billion in 2014.
BSP officials and analysts had said remittance growth would stabilize at the 5-6 percent range in the near term. The BSP ascribed the latest growth to continued overseas demand for skilled Filipinos. Citing data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the BSP said job orders so far this year reached 386,163, of which 35.4 percent was meant for service, production, professional, technical and related workers in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). n InterAksyon.com / July 15, 2015 / 4:17 PM
San Miguel buys out Qatari partner in Liberty Telecoms, acquires Extelcom from Ongpins
MANILA - San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is hiking its investment in the telecommunications business with the buyout of its Qatari partner in Liberty Telecoms Holdings Inc and the acquisition of a separate telco owned by the Ongpin Group. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, SMC said wholly-owned Vega Telecoms Inc is acquiring Express Telecommunications Inc (Extelcom). A partnership between the Ongpins and U.K.-based Ashmore Group, Extelcom is the Philippines’ first mobile operator but has since been overtaken by the PLDT Group and Globe Telecom Inc.
Besides the acquisition of Extelcom, Vega is also investing in High Frequency Telecommunications Inc. In the same disclosure, SMC said Vega is buying out Qtel West Bay Holdings S.P.C., Wi-tribe Asia Limited, and White Dawn Solution Holdings, Inc. from Liberty Telecoms. Vega owns 35.73 percent of Liberty Telecoms’ preferred shares and 9.85 percent of its common shares. Qtel owns 23.36 percent of Liberty Telecoms’ preferred shares and 6.53 percent of its common shares. White Dawn holds another 18.44 percent of Liberty Telecoms’ preferred shares, while
wi-tribe owns another 2.68 percent. All told, Vega is acquiring another 51.01 percent of Liberty Telecoms, thus triggering the mandatory tender offer rule. SMC said Vega will offer to acquire the remaining common shares of Liberty Telecoms still held by the public. Besides Liberty Telecoms, San Miguel also owns Eastern Telecommunications Philippines Inc and Bell Telecommunications Philippines Inc, which Vega acquired in 2010. InterAksyon.com is the online news portal of TV5, which is part of the PLDT Group. n Cassandra Lee / InterAksyon.com / July 14,
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After Ramadan, Pinay housemaids in Bahrain to get training in geriatric care
FILIPINO housemaids in Bahrain will get training in geriatric care as part of a pilot project launched by the Bahrain Red Crescent Society, a Bahrain-based news site reported.
The program will start after Ramadan and will teach housemaids to provide first aid, minor injury treatment and specific home care for the elderly, Gulf Daily News said.
“I have discussed this project with Philippines Red Cross Society and we have got a good feedback from them to train Filipina maids in Bahrain,” BRCS secretary general Dr. Fauzi Ameen said. Ameen said many housemaids are not trained to take care of elderly people, “and we are making them more resourceful by providing them with necessary skills.” The GDN report said the program aims to train as many as 300 domestic workers every year. Ameen voiced hopes the training will better equip women for domestic jobs in Bahrain, while addressing a shortage of skilled carers for the elderly. The report said groups advocating
the rights of migrant workers in Bahrain have criticized the recruitment of untrained women from rural areas. “We have heard of many cases where families complain their maids do not have basic skills to do their jobs,” Ameen said. On the other hand, it said some employers mistreat workers if they slip up. In some cases, salaries are withheld or the maids are assaulted. In turn, the domestic helpers run away from their employers. GDN said that as of April, 563 cases of runaway housemaids had been reported to authorities since September. “It is important for us to target this vulnerable group, which is often
exploited because of poor work skills, and make them trained caregivers or first aid specialists,” Ameen said. The report said there are plans to provide similar future training for other nationalities through tieups with the Indian, Bangladesh, Sri Lankan and other embassies. Meanwhile, Ameen said training would be provided by nurses who work in geriatric care. He said employers would be asked to pay only a nominal fee to enrol their helpers. “Maids can help avoid problems among elderly patients, like bed sores, and if they are trained they can manage such problems at an early stage and avoid unnecessary hospital visits,” he said. n Joel Locsin / LBG, GMA News /
July 15, 2015 / 9:48 AM
OFWs in Asingan town lead cleanup to prepare for rainy season OVERSEAS Filipino workers are taking the lead in cleanup activities in a town in Pangasinan, to prepare for the rainy season. The OFWs are working with Special Program for the Employment of Students beneficiaries in the cleanup, GMA Dagupan’s Glam Calicdan reported. Channeling the spirit of bayanihan, the OFWs and their relatives cleaned
up the municipal plaza, clearing the area of grass and trash. “Ipunin natin at itapon nang maayos ang ating mga basur nang sa ganyan malinis ang ating kapaligiran,” said Rommel Ulep, president of the OFW Association of Asingan. For their part, SPES beneficiaries see the cleanup as a way to help the town, while bonding with their colleagues. “Ang saya po ... we are here to serve
our municipality,” said beneficiary Mark James Marmol. Meanwhile, Asingan LGU Public Employment Service Office manager Rizalina Aying said they have cleaned several waterways and removed some tarpaulins of politicians. “Naglinis na rin kami ng estero, nagalis ng tarpaulin ng mga candidates for election,” she said. n Joel Locsin / LBG, GMA
News / July 11, 2015 / 5:05 PM
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Govt seeks pardon for Pinoy couple sentenced to death in Malaysia THE Philippine government has repeatedly appealed to Malaysian authorities to release on humanitarian grounds a Pinoy couple sentenced to death in Sabah for drug smuggling, the embassy said Tuesday.
Timhar and Nurie Ong were arrested in August 2005 after authorities found 333.66 grams of methamphetamines hidden in a shoebox during a raid in the hotel in Kota Kinabalu where they were staying. Sabah and Sarawak’s High Court convicted the couple of drug smuggling and sentenced them to life imprisonment in November 2006 but raised the sentence to death penalty in October 2009. According to the couple, the prohibited drugs were left with them by a Filipina they met at the airport.
The embassy said the appeal was contained in two letters, one of them, dated September 2010, by President Benigno Aquino III addressed to Agong (Malaysian King) and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. A follow-up letter, this time by Ambassador Eduardo J. Malaya and addressed to the Governor of Sabah, was sent in 2012, the embassy said. “Those appeals are currently under consideration by the Sabah Pardon Board, which is chaired by the Governor of Sabah,” the embassy said in a
statement. “The grant of clemency or pardon is purely discretionary on the part of the Pardon Board, and in most cases, given only after lengthy imprisonment.” it added. The embassy issued the statement after the Ong family called for government assistance on the case. In its statement, the embassy noted that “there has been reluctance by local authorities to carry out the death penalty or undertake execution in recent years, particularly for drug trafficking offenders.”
“There are no indications at this time that the death penalty will be carried out against the couple Ong anytime soon,” the embassy said. It also said that embassy officials last visited the couple on June 17. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), meanwhile, is reiterating its appeal to Filipinos to be aware of modus operandi of drug trafficking syndicates anywhere in the world, and to not fall victim to them, as it carries the death penalty in many countries, including in Malaysia. n Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA / July 14, 2015 / 2:08 PM
Over 90,000 registered Pinoy voters in HK urged to participate in 2016 polls HONG KONG — The Philippine Consulate General and the various representatives of Filipino groups here are joining efforts to convince the over 94,000 registered Filipino voters in the territory to vote in the 2016 elections. Data from the PCG showed that the Filipino community in Hong Kong has the largest number of active voters—83,118—among Filipino communities overseas. Including new registrants, the number reaches 94, 231 as of June 2015. In a meeting last June 29, Consul General Bermardita Catalla
appealed to the representatives of the Filipino community to help the PCG in encouraging more Filipinos there to register as overseas absentee voters. “Kung pwedehosana mas palakasinang registration,” she said. “Importante na nandito sila at nakakapag-desisyon sila sa leadership ng ating bayan.” The Filipino community in Hong Kong ranks 11th in the number of new registrants with 11,113. Catalla, meanwhile, admitted that the Commission on Elections’ failure to send voters’ IDs to those who have previously registered is not helping in convincing those who have yet to
register to go out and register. She clarified that a voter’s ID is not a requirement in voting in Hong Kong. “Iyon naman po, kahit may ID, kahit wala, basta nakalista ang pangalan ay pwedeng bumoto,” Catalla said. Leaders of the Filipino community told Catalla that the more important task is to get both new and old registrants to actually vote. Voters’ registration for the 2016 elections is ongoing until October 31, 2015. In Hong Kong, it is being held at the PCG in United Centre in Admiralty. n KBK, GMA News / July 13, 2015 /
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July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
2 Miss USA finalists shine in Pinoy-made designs TWO finalists in the Miss SA 2015 beauty pageant wore edgy but classy designs made by two established Filipino-America fashion designers last July 13. Former reality show contestant Joey Galon took three days to create a stunning oor-length gown for Miss Nevada Brittany McGowan, a feat he counts as a lifelong goal in an Instagram post. The gown was encrusted with 2,000 silver and platinum handapplied Swarovski crystals with a platinum silver dupioni silk edwardian train that owed around the hips of Miss Nevada, one of the top five finalists for this year’s pageant. Fellow finalist Miss Maryland MameAdjei also donned a Filipinodesigned gown, this time by red carpet favorite Rocky Gathercole. nlike McGowan, Adjei’s gown was an all-black, sheer oor-length
gown that tastefully accentuated her body with black crystals and a collar that enveloped her neck and ared out to resemble Gathercole’s signature look. The gown bore the same sheer look of a piece Gathercole designed for socialite Paris Hilton at the fourth preGrammy celebration by the Senate Music Group in 2014. Galon is an avid pageant fan who first rose to prominence in the TV reality design show “24-hour Catwalk” in 2011. The designer, whose parents hail from the Visayas, also developed the pageant service Runway 4 Life and launched his atelier at the Miss SA pageant in 2010. Gathercole began his career in Pasay City and developed his career with Calash Haut Couture in Dubai before establishing ateliers in the Philippines, SA, and Malaysia. n Rie
Takumi / KBK, GMA News / July 15, 2015 / 5:09 PM
College scholarship search portal launched for OFW parents
Palace, Church hope to convince Indonesia to spare Veloso THE Philippine government and the local Catholic Church on Saturday aired hopes recent developments will convince Indonesia that Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina facing execution for a drug-related conviction, is a victim of drug syndicates. In Malacañang, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said they are hoping the proceedings against Veloso’s recruiters would convince Indonesia of Manila’s quest for justice for Veloso. “We hope the Indonesian government will see the determination of the Philippine government, in our quest to find justice for Mary Jane Veloso - including prosecuting those responsible for her present situation right now,” he said on state-run dzRB radio. He also Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao’s visit to Veloso was a big help for the jailed OFW’s cause. He said Pacquiao further showed the
“intention of the Philippine government to ensure justice” for her. Veloso has claimed she was duped into bringing into Indonesia bags that turned out to contain heroin. The Department of Justice has approved the filing of illegal recruitment, estafa, and human trafficking charges against Veloso’s suspected recruiters Maria Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao. “Nag-file na po tayo ng kaso sa mga illegal recruiters. Iyan po ang ating commitment po sa Indonesian government that as soon as we gather all the evidence, we will file the necessary case against those who put Mary Jane Veloso in a very difficult situation where she is now,” Lacierda said.
CBCP to write government. For its
Indonesian
part, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines will write to the Indonesian government asking it anew to spare Veloso.
OVERSEAS Filipino workers can now have an easier time looking for scholarships for their children in the Philippines through a newly launched portal that parents and students can use to search for courses, schools, and scholarships around the country. Linartes Viloria, chief executive officer of Edukasyon.ph, said the portal will be of big help to households run by OFWs, noting that based on a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas survey, 68.9 percent of OFW remittances are set aside for education. “By giving parents a complete picture of what is available for them, they are advised on the different options they can give their kids vis-a-vis the careers their children aspire for. They no
longer feel helpless from where they are in their child’s education,” Viloria said in a statement. Signing up to the website only requires a valid e-mail, Facebook, or Google+ account, and gives students, parents, teachers, and institutions access to a database of 3,028 schools, 38,467 courses, and 2,440 scholarships. “We understand how difficult it is for our OFW parents to participate in the education planning of their children especially when they are miles away from them. Through Edukasyon.ph we give them an online and free way to find all the possible schools and courses offered which they can advise their children to take based on their interests, budget, and
location,” Viloria said. Parents looking to send their children abroad can even look for scholarships for degree and certificate programs in foreign universities courtesy of Edukasyon.ph’s partnerships with the British Council and Education USA. Those who want to help their children go through technical courses can also look for courses offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. “Distance is no longer a problem for parents when looking for schools and scholarships for their children left behind in the Philippines,” Viloria said.
CBCP Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People executive secretary Fr. Resty Ogsimer told Church-run Radyo Veritas the Church will appeal to Indonesia’s government to free Veloso, whom he said was a victim of human trafficking. “Basically ang task force against
death penalty of Mary Jane Veloso, the president of CBCP at ang chairman of the Commission Bishop [Ruperto] Santos, ay susulat kay Indonesian President [Joko] Widodo para madagdagan ang mga nag-aapela,” he said. “Mas mabuti na maraming letter
na matatanggap ang gobyerno ng Indonesia from different sectors para mas may weight ang ibat-ibang action ng grupo, since CBCP is kilalang institution na can also write a letter direct to President Widodo,” Ogsimer said. n Joel Locsin / JDS, GMA News / July 11, 2015
n Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / July 15, 2015 /
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Hearing-impaired Pinoy student figures prominently in int’l youth gathering A hearing impairment was no obstacle for a young psychology student in bringing honor to the Philippines in a recent international youth leaders’ gathering in Vietnam. Von Reiner Duterte was runner-up at the first Dux Gregis International Youth Leaders Convergence, after giving his tourism pitch for Davao City, GMA Davao reported Wednesday. During the convergence from June 25 to 28, he competed with more than 10 other youth leaders in promoting tourism in their native lands via the World Tourism Marketing Challenge. “It was such a great experience for
me because it is my first independent competition outside of school and it was not easy to get there,” said Von, who is not related to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Topping the competition was another Philippine representative, Patrick Joseph Estillomo of the Aquinas University of Legazpi. Duterte, who is described in his school as an inspiration, overcame what others may have found an impairment via lip-reading. He is scheduled to graduate next year. “Always, always believe in yourself. Always make yourself your number
one enemy, your number one critic and your number one friend. Because if you will get to know yourself, everything will follow,” he said. Duterte’s alma mater, Jose Maria College, meanwhile, congratulated him for his feat. “Our very own Von Reiner S. Duterte, BS Psycholoy student became an inspiration to the Youth when he won first runner-up in the recently concluded World Tourism Competition held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam,” the college said. “To a JMARIAN...Nothing is Impossible ” it added. n Joel Locsin / KBK,
GMA News / July 9, 2015 / 7:22 PM
PHL, Indonesian authorities to meet after Ramadan on Mary Jane Veloso case – DFA OFFICIALS from the Philippines and Indonesia are scheduled to meet after Ramadan to discuss “developments” on the case of death convict Mary Jane Veloso, whose execution was stayed in April following appeals from the Manila government. At the same time, Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose belied claims of a local migrant worker group that Veloso is among the new batch of death row prisoners who will be executed by firing squad. “These claims of certain groups are baseless and mere speculations,” Jose told a press briefing Monday. “Our embassy in Jakarta has not received word from the Indonesian government about this.”
Four Pinay students bag medal in int’l environmental contest FOUR senior Filipino students from Greenhills took home medals for their research projects in an environmental contest held in the United States last month. The four, all students of Immaculate Conception Academy, won gold and bronze medals in the Global Environmental Issues and Us (GENIUS) Olympiad 2015 held at the State University of New York at Oswego last June 14 to 19. Annicka Koteh and Anjeli Panis bagged a gold medal for their “The Feasibility of Utilizing Sago (Metroxylonsagu) Starch and Virgin Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Oil in the Production of an Antibacterial and Biodegradable Plastic Coating.” Koteh and Panis’ study dealt with creating alternatives to fossil-fuelbased plastic coatings for plastic wares such as plates and cups. On the other hand, Melissa Cheng and Tiffany Lao took home a bronze medal for “A Study on the Varying Amounts of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH) and Cassava (Manihotesculenta) Starch as a Biodegradable and Water Soluble Alternative for Polystyrene Packaging Loose Fill.”
Their study also focused on discovering an environmentallyfriendly alternative to plastic by using polyvinyl alcohol and cassava starch in non-toxic loose fills to replace nonbiodegradable polystyrene packaging peanuts used in transporting boxes. The GENIUS Olympiad is an international event hosted by the State University of New York that brings together gifted high school students for environmental solutions in the fields of Science, Arts, Creative Writing, Engineering, Design, and Business Development. Now on its fifth year, 401 projects were selected for GENIUS out of 1,171 submissions from 69 countries. The Philippine representatives participated in the science category where students provide understanding and solutions to environmental problems using scientific knowledge. Students presented solutions using scientific methods for a problem under the following categories: Environmental Quality, Ecology and Biodiversity, Resource and Energy, and Human Ecology. n Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / July
14, 2015 / 1:30 PM
Veloso, 30, narrowly escaped death after the Indonesian government unexpectedly ordered a stay in her execution following President Benigno Aquino III’s last minute appeal to counterpart Jokowi Widodo to turn her into a witness. A meeting among officials of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Justice and the Indonesian Attorney General’s Office and Ministry of law is set to take place “in the coming weeks,” Jose said. The Ramadan ends later this week. The meeting, Jose explained, is intended to update Indonesia on the progress of the case filed against Veloso’s trafficker, who was recently charged with
illegal recruitment, human smuggling, and estafa. “The fact there is a meeting being scheduled means there is no other plan (intended) for Mary Jane,” Jose said, adding “Indonesia will notify us first” if the execution will be carried out. Veloso, who entered Indonesia from Malaysia as a tourist, was arrested by authorities in Yogyakarta in 2010 for possession of 2.6 kilograms of heroin hidden and wrapped in foil inside the lining of her luggage. She maintained her innocence, insisting she was tricked into bringing the tainted suitcase by her Filipino recruiter. n Michaela Del Callar / RSJ, GMA News / July 13, 2015 / 5:29 PM
POEA suspends recruiter for trying to deploy 6 helpers as office workers THE Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has suspended a recruiter for trying to deploy six household service workers as office workers and salespersons. POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac ordered the suspension of the license of CA International Inc., after initiating a complaint against the firm motupropio
Immigration personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport 1 had stopped the six women from boarding their respective ights after they admitted they would work as domestic workers. Cacdac said CA International lied to the POEA and tried to circumvent the rules on the recruitment and deployment of HSWs.
He said the firm “was not forthright in its representations to the POEA regarding the employment status of their recruited OFWs.” “They submitted for processing documents indicating different job positions, compared to their really intended jobs as domestic workers,” he said. n Joel Locsin / LBG, GMA News / July 15, 2015 / 7:19 AM
Young Fil-Am chef impresses Obama with ‘Barack-amole’ dish
UNITED States President Barack Obama gave a young FilipinoAmerican chef a huge shout-out during his speech at the White House’s id’s State Dinner on July 11 for her quirky — and punny — dish.
“I particularly am impressed by the Barack-amole,” a report on SF Gate quoted Obama as praising Aria Pelaez’s work during the feast hosted by S First Lady Michelle Obama. Pelaez’s dish, named the California Rainbow Taco with Mic- ale Obama Slaw and Barack-amole, won the honor of being served to the couple after it was picked as California’s winner for the Health Lunchtime Challenge. The challenge, now on its fourth year, is an initiative by Mrs. Obama under the Let’s Move Anti-Childhood Obesity campaign. It awarded 55 winners with a lunch featuring a selection of the winning dishes, a special performance by the cast of Disney’s Aladdin, and a visit to the
White House itchen Garden. A separate report on ABC 7 Chicago said Pelaez was enthused to meet Michelle Obama, whom she praised for helping “other kids learn that it’s not good to just to eat junk food all day.” Her mother Jenna told SF Gate that her daughter learned how to make healthy food because of the junk food and chips her classmates packed for lunch. She said the challenge “hit home” for them because of their long struggle with packing healthy lunches. Political Blotter listed down the ingredients for the taco, which Pelaez candidly described as a result of her family’s “bland tacos.” n Rie Takumi / KBK,
GMA News / July 14, 2015 / 7:43 PM
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July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
Women, kids traumatized after NPA attack in Gingoog basketball together with our residents while a lot of people were watching and children were in the area when the firing started. The soldier tried to hide inside the barangay hall as they tried to escape the overwhelming fire from the other side. One grenade landed on the stage where several children were located -- that is the area where the 14-year-old child was wounded,” said Bucio, whose eyes misted as she expressed her fear about what would have happened if the grenade had exploded. Bucio said she still cannot forget the shouts of the people in the community. “I still hear how they shouted, how the large explosion and sound of gunfire echoed in the barangay. We have a small barangay with around 530 people; we know each other, I cannot imagine what might have happened if someone was killed,” she said. No children in school. By Tuesday morning, only 10 out of 120 pupils from kindergarten to grade six attended school. “Only 10 kids came to school today. We went to the parents and asked around and they said that most of the children are still traumatized and don’t want to go to school. For those who came, we just asked them to go home and we also encouraged them to let the children just play and enjoy the company of other children,” said Cecil
GINGOOG City – The encounter between the New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas and soldiers of the 58th Infantry Battalion here Saturday afternoon has traumatized several women and children in barangay Alagatan. “My 4-year-old daughter kept on saying ‘God help us, please God help us’ while she cried. As the gunfight ensued, we thought we were about to die as we crawled on the bamboo oor. I held my two children tightly and just prayed for our lives with our neighbors who were with us,” said Gem, who asked that her full name not be revealed. Gem said she is still experiencing the fear and cannot sleep well. “I can’t sleep properly; when the dogs bark we get out of bed in fear. My daughter was in a state of shock after the incident, she can’t talk and just suddenly cries. We just tried to keep on talking to her, and thank God now she responds better; but [she’s] still very different from what she was before the incident,” revealed the 41- year-old mother of two. “The frightening part was that the NPA rebels were hiding underneath the bamboo oor where we were. If the soldier on the CVO outpost had fired back, I am sure we would have all been dead. The soldier just shouted to [the rebels to] let the civilians get out of
the house until the time he [the soldier] surrendered to save us,” said another woman who survived the incident. From their accounts, it appears that Pfc Adones Jess Lupida, the soldier who avoided firing at the NPA rebels hiding beneath the civilians’ bamboo oor, was eventually taken by the rebels as a Prisoner of War. The residents said Lupida is their “hero” because he surrendered to save their lives. Residents said there were 15 people, including five children and two pregnant women in the house balcony playing cards; and some were just observing the game, when the incident happened. “We were all trapped, we did not have time to run away from the house as we all just dropped to the oor when the firefight started. We then slowly crawled towards the lower part of the house which was concrete but it had already injured one of us,” said Neri, referring to how Leticia Bonghanoy Cabrera, 52, was hit by a bullet in the right shoulder. The women also acknowledge that after Cabrera was wounded, an NPA medic aided the injured resident. Emelyn Bucio, chairperson of the barangay council, explained that around 30 other residents mostly children were near the basketball court and stage when the incident happened. “Some of the soldiers were playing
A resident walks towards the bullet-riddled barangay hall where one of the soldiers was killed.
A large hole is seen on the wall while children talk behind a bullet-riddled bulletin board on the community stage where a grenade did not explode.
A woman shares what she describes as a horrific ordeal and how they survived the attack.
Empty bullet shells from different firearms were found where the rebels were hiding during the attack.
A mother holds her 4-year-old daughter and 6- year-old child.
A child uses his finger to measure the size of the bullet hole on the wall of the barangay hall.
A soldier sits on the stairway in the two-storey community outpost where one of the soldiers was captured.
Rana, Grade 2 teacher at the Alagatan Elementary School. Gingoog City Mayor Marie Guingona expressed concern for the welfare of the children. “We have sent a team of trauma volunteers to help the children cope with the what they had been through. Right now this is a priority and we don’t want the children and other people in the community to be traumatized and remember this incident,” Guingona said. A hero. All of those who survived while hiding in the house said they were grateful to the soldier who surrendered to the NPA in exchange for their lives. “For us he is a hero, he exchanged his life for our safety. He could have killed several NPAs from his vantage point above the CVO outpost, but he did not fire back or even throw a grenade towards the house,” said Greg, who requested that his real name not be revealed. Gem corroborated the account that the soldier shouted, ‘Please there are civilians, the civilians are in the house!’ If the soldier had fired back, my God, we all would have been dead, thankfully he did not fire at our location and even surrendered in exchange. It was a very frightening experience. I just laid it all to God if he would take us that day then I asked for forgiveness in my prayer and for my children, I held on to my faith in God.”
Captain Jo Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of the Army 4th Infantry Division, condemned the rebel attack on the community, saying it could have been avoided. He said soldiers were in the area for a peaceful mission: helping the barangay install plastic pipes for their water supply. The NPA said in a statement that the NPA custodial unit ensures the humanitarian treatment of the captured soldier, Pfc Adones Jess Lupida, as a POW and in accordance with the rules of engagement, the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), and the NPA points of discipline regarding the humanitarian treatment of prisoners of war. “We assure the family of Lupida and the general public that he is being treated well and will be able to return as soon as conditions allow his safe and orderly release. We will release further advisories from time to time.” The NPA statement added: “We regret the involvement of two civilians who were wounded in the firefight. NPA medics gave Cabrera first aid before she was brought to the hospital. The two are now reportedly out of danger. As soon as possible, we will extend financial aid for their medication.” n Text and photos by Erwin Mascariñas / Interaksyon.com / July 15, 2015 / 8:02 PM
NBI recommends murder, theft charges vs 102 persons in Mamasapano massacre MANILA - More than 100 persons, including three commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and two from the Bangsamoro Islamic Liberation Front (BIFF), were recommended to be charged with murder and theft for the killing of scores of commandos of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25. The MILF commanders were identified as Ben Tikaw, Makku Tikaw and Salik Kikuk, while the BIFF commanders were Mer Amilil and Muslimin Gumanding Amilil. Also recommended to be charged were Marop Kudos Omar alias Marup, Badrudin Minidal Abdullah, Suweb
Inday Balabagan, Suari Anok Bhal, Sabi Samama Dalimbang, Musib Kamot Hasim, Randy Kindi Abdulrahman and Esmail Mamalangkas Kilay of the MILF and Hud Lamban Abdullah alias Hud Amilil, Zaharis Kusain Amilil, Mahmod Pidtub Amilil and Noel Sinsuat Ganoy of the BIFF. The recommendation was contained in a letter submitted by the joint National Bureau of Investigation-National Prosecution Service to Prosecutor General Claro Arellano dated July 13. It was based on the results of the factfinding investigation into the Mamasapano incident of Jan. 25, 2015, “where 35 members of the 55th Special Action Company of the PNP-SAF were found to be victims of the complex crime of direct
assault with murder perpetrated by confederating members of the MILF, BIFF and Private Armed Groups,” the joint NBINPS team said. The 55th Company, which served as the blocking force for the 84th Company that was tasked with arresting Malaysian bomb maker Zulkipli bin Hir (nom de guerre Marwan). Theft charges were also recommended against the respondents for stealing personal belongings of the slain police commandos. Last April, the DOJ recommended the filing of criminal charges against 90 members of the MILF, BIFF and PAGs in connection with the killing of the 55th SAC members.
File photograph of President Aquino at necrological rites for SAF #Falln44.
The DOJ has yet to finish its probe on the killing of nine members of the 84th
Company. n Brian Maglungsod / InterAksyon.com / July 15, 2015 / 6:43 PM
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Moises Espanola – 07894 648 639 Martyrs Church, Chalkhill Road, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 9EW F R E E L I S T I N G o f y o u r e v e n t s i n HEnglish ELLO P HILIPPINES newspaper. If you know of any events please contact us via Becky Sarinas – 07949 857 699 / 07425 761 519 / Lina B – 07579 418 510 nd i2n f Sunday o @ h e l l o - p h i l i 2:00pm p p i n e s . c o m St t o Dominic s u b m i t Catholic y o u r e vChurch, ent. 243 Violet Lane, Waddon, Croydon CR0 4HN Merlie Mirto – 07722 216 462 D I SSunday C L A I M E R : T h e E v4:00pm e n t s D i a r y L i s tSt. i n gAnselm d o e s nand o t nSt. e c Cecilia, e s s a r i l y70 c oLincoln's n s t i t u t e Inn o r Fields, i m p l y iLondon t s e n d oWC2A r s e m e3JA nt, recommendation, 2nd –w 07733 748 o r f a v o u r i n g b y H e l l o P h i l i p p i n e s nFeliciano e w s p a p e rRamirez . The vie s a n d 680 opin ions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or rd 3:00pm 3e r f lSunday ect those of Hello P h i l i p p i n e s nSacred e w s p a pHeart e r . T hof i sJesus, i s m eNew r e l y Priory, a n E v e Quex n t s D iRoad, a r y L iKilburn, s t i n g o fLondon w h a t i sNW6 h a p 4PS pening within the Filipino Sheidrick de Leon – 07738 210 202 C o m m u n i t i e s i n E u r o p e . T h i s i s f o r g e n e r a l i n f o r m a t i o n o n l y . 3rd Sunday 3:00pm Blessed Sacrament Parish, 157 Copenhagen Street, Islington N1 0SR Sangalang 07709 119 201 M O N T HChristy LY FIL I P I N O C–O MMU N I 969 TY MASSES IN GREATER LONDON Last Saturday 6:00pm Our Lady in of Honour Dolours,of Servite Parish Church, 264 Fulham London SW10 4EL 1st Saturday 5:00pm Devotion Our Lady of Fatima (Exposition ofRoad, the Blessed Sacrament / Rosary / Fr Allan Satur – 020 7352 6965 / fulhamroad@rcdow.org.uk / Roland Adap – r_adap@hotmail.com Benediction / Mass) St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB – Last Sunday 12:00pm St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB Oliver Abasolo Abasolo – 07782 07782 661 661 922 922 Oliver F st REE LISTING of your events in H E L L O P H I L I P– PINES n ewspaper. If you know of any events please contact us via 2:00pm Five Precious Wounds Parish, Brentfield Road, Stonebridge Park, London NW10 8ER 1 Sunday Last 218 Roehampton Lane, London SW15 4LE i n f oSunday @ h e l l o - p h i l i 2:00pm p p i n e s . c o m St. t o Joseph’s s u b m i t Catholic y o u r e v Church, ent. Mervic Monocillo 07894 636 140 Rafael Santiago –– 07795 254 451 DstI S C LSunday A I M E R : T h e E v5:00pm ents Diary List i n g Lady d o e s of no t nCatholic e c e s Catholic s a r iChurch, l y c oChurch, nst i t uBrixton te or im p l y i Oval, tPeckham, s end o r s eLondon m eSW9 n t , r6BU e c o m1RH mendation, Sunday Our Sorrows Friary Road, SE15 1 Every Holy Redeemer 20 Road, London or favouring by Hello Philippines newspaper. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or Ben Ortiz – 07723 318 486 Abeleda r e f l e c t t h o s e o f H e l l o P h i l i p p i n e s nAllen ewspa p e r . T h– i s07713 i s m e 625 r e l y 888 an Events Diary Listing of what is happening within the Filipino nd First Wednesdays 6:30pm Filipino and Novena Mother Perpetual Help, Farm Street SE18 Church of the Immaculate C om m u n i t i e s i n E u r o4:00pm p e . T h i s i s f o r St g ePeter n e r a lMass i n fApostle or mat io n o n lto y . Our Saturday the Catholic Church, 103 of Woolwich New Road, London 6EF 2 Conception House Chapel), on 114 Mount W1K 201 M O N T HMoises LY FIL I P I(Jesuit N O –C07894 O M M648 U N639 I T Y access MASS ES IN G R EStreet, A T E RLondon LOND O N 3AY – Josie Ramos – Espanola st 07723 024 1nd Saturday 5:00pm Devotion in591 Honour of Our Lady of Fatima (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament / Rosary / 2nd Sunday
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English Martyrs Church, Chalkhill Road, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 9EW Benediction / Mass) St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB – Becky Oliver Sarinas Abasolo––07949 07782857 661699 922/ 07425 761 519 / Lina B – 07579 418 510 2:00pm Five Precious Wounds Parish, Brentfield Road, Stonebridge Park,CR0 London 1 Sunday 2:00pm St Dominic Catholic Church, 243 Violet Lane, Waddon, Croydon 4HN NW10 8ER 2nd Sunday Mervic Monocillo – 07894 636 140 Merlie Mirto – 07722 Catholic 216 462 Church, Friary Road, Peckham, London SE15 1RH Sunday 5:00pm Our Lady of Sorrows 1 Allen Abeleda 07713 625 70 888 2nd Sunday 4:00pm St. Anselm and– St. Cecilia, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3JA Saturday 4:00pm St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 103 Woolwich New Road, London SE18 6EF 2 Feliciano Ramirez 07733 680 748 Moises Espanola –– 07894 648 639 rd Sunday 2:00pm EnglishHeart Martyrs Church, Chalkhill Park, London Wembley HA9 9EW 2 Sunday 3:00pm Sacred of Jesus, New Priory,Road, Quex Wembley Road, Kilburn, NW6 4PS 3 Becky Sarinas – 07949 857 699 / 07425 761 519 / Lina B – 07579 418 510 Sheidrick de Leon – 07738 210 202 Sunday 2:00pm St Dominic Catholic Church, 243 Violet Lane, Waddon, Croydon CR0 4HN 2 3rd Sunday 3:00pm Blessed Sacrament Parish, 157 Copenhagen Street, Islington N1 0SR Merlie Mirto – 07722 216 462 2 Sunday 4:00pm St. Anselm and St. – Cecilia, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3JA Christy Sangalang 07709 70 119 969 Feliciano Ramirez – 07733 680 748 Last Saturday 6:00pm Our Lady of Dolours, Servite Parish Church, 264Kilburn, FulhamLondon Road, London SW10 4EL Sunday 3:00pm Sacred Heart of Jesus, New Priory, Quex Road, NW6 4PS 3 Sheidrick de Leon – 07738 210 202 Fr Allan Satur – 020 7352 6965 / fulhamroad@rcdow.org.uk / Roland Adap – r_adap@hotmail.com 3 Sunday 3:00pm Blessed Sacrament Parish, 157 Copenhagen Street, Islington N1 0SR Last Sunday 12:00pm St Pius X Catholic Church, Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB Christy Sangalang – 07709108 119Orme 969 Last Saturday 6:00pm Our Lady of Dolours, Servite Parish Church, 264 Fulham Road, London SW10 4EL Oliver Abasolo – 07782 661 922 FREE LISTING of your events in H ELLO PHILIPPINES newspaper. If you know of any events please contact us via Fr Allan Satur – 020 7352 6965 / fulhamroad@rcdow.org.uk / Roland Adap – r_adap@hotmail.com Last Joseph’s 218 Roehampton Lane, London SW15 4LE Last Sunday 12:00pm St Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB i n f oSunday @ h e l l o - p h i l i 2:00pm p p i n e s . c o m St. t o Pius s u bX mCatholic i t Catholic y o u r Church, e v Church, e n t . 108 RafaelAbasolo Santiago 07795 254 451 Oliver – – 07782 661 922 D I S CSunday LSunday A I M E R : T h e E v2:00pm e n t s D i a r y L i s tSt. ing d oes no t nCatholic e c e s Church, s a r iChurch, ly co n s t20 i t uBrixton te or im p Lane, l y i Oval, t s London end o r s eSW15 m eSW9 n t ,4LE r6BU ecommendation, Last Joseph’s Catholic 218 Roehampton Every 5:00pm Holy Redeemer Road, London –i e 07795 451 o r f a v o u r i n g b y H e l l o P h i l i p p i n e s n eRafael w s p a pSantiago er. The v w s a n254 d op inions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or Ben Ortiz – 07723 318 486 Every Sunday 5:00pm Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 20 Brixton Road, Oval, London SW9 6BU reflect those of Hello Philippines newspaper. This is merely an Events Diary Listing of what is happening within the Filipino Ben Ortiz – 07723 318 486to Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Farm Street Church of the Immaculate First Wednesdays and C omm u n i t i e s i n E u r o6:30pm p e . T h i s i s f o r Filipino g e n e r a lMass infor m a tNovena ion only. First Wednesdays 6:30pm Filipino Mass and Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Farm Street Church of the Immaculate Conception (Jesuit on 114 Mount W1K House Chapel), access on 114 Mount Street, London W1K 3AY – – Josie Josie Ramos Ramos – – 201 M O N T HConception L Y F I L I P I(Jesuit N O CHouse O M MChapel), U N I T Y access MASS ES IN G R EStreet, A T E RLondon LOND O N 3AY 07723 024 07723 024 591 1st Saturday 5:00pm Devotion in591 Honour of Our Lady of Fatima (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament / Rosary / 2
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July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
INTERNATIONAL / GLOBAL NEWS
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China’s Q2 GDP growth beats forecasts as stimulus kicks in CHINA’S GDP expanded 7.0 percent year-on-year in the second quarter, official data showed Wednesday, beating expectations as months of central bank policy stimulus helped support the world’s secondlargest economy. The gross domestic product figure announced by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) matched the 7.0 percent expansion in the first three months of this year, and exceeded the median forecast of 6.9 percent in an AFP survey of 14 economists. The figure was in line with the government’s official target for GDP growth this year of “about 7.0 percent”. The better-than-predicted GDP result encouraged some economists to nudge their full-year forecasts higher. China’s economy, a key driver of world growth, expanded 7.4 percent last year, slower than the 7.7 percent in 2013, and its weakest annual growth since 3.8 percent in 1990. The slowdown has been a major factor in a global fall in commodity prices, and so far the economy has largely failed to pick up momentum this year. “The domestic and external economic conditions are still complicated,” NBS spokesman Sheng Laiyun said. “The global economic recovery is slow and tortuous and
the foundation for the stabilisation of China’s economy needs to be further consolidated.” But in more bullish remarks he added that the figures showed growth had “stabilised” and was “ready to pick up”. “It’s very likely economic growth in the second half will be better than the first half,” he added, citing positive factors including policy support and a recovery in the property market. Chinese authorities are looking to diversify growth away from bigticket projects that helped drive years of double-digit GDP expansion to consumer demand, which is seen as more sustainable. But too fast a deceleration in investment can be harmful to overall growth. They have been taking more aggressive preemptive steps with the People’s Bank of China (PBoC), the central bank, cutting benchmark interest rates four times since November and reducing bank reserve requirements in a bid to boost lending. Such measures can take time to affect growth. ‘Upside risk’. The NBS also said industrial output, which measures production at factories, workshops and mines, rose 6.8 percent year-on-year in June, accelerating from May’s 6.1 percent.
It was ahead of a median forecast for 6.0 percent expansion in a survey of economists by Bloomberg News. Retail sales, a key indicator of consumer spending, increased 10.6 percent last month from the year before, the NBS said, a faster pace than May’s 10.1 percent. It also beat a Bloomberg News survey’s median 10.2 percent. And fixed asset investment, a measure of government spending on infrastructure, expanded 11.4 percent in January-June year-on-year, the same as for the first five months of the year and remaining at its lowest since 2000. In light of the figures Nomura lifted its annual GDP forecast from 6.8 percent to 6.9 percent. But it cautioned in a note that “headwinds from property investment and overcapacity remain” and authorities were likely to further ease monetary policy this year. Chaotic trading on the country’s key stock markets in recent weeks has added to uncertainty. However, Julian Evans-Pritchard, China economist at capital Economics, said in a note that GDP benefitted temporarily during the second quarter as a whole from the “unsustainable surge in financial sector activity”. “Looking ahead, the support to
growth from the financial sector should soon fade,” he said. “But the recent step-up in policy support will limit the downside risks,” he added. Despite the positive GDP figure, China’s benchmark stock index closed down 3.03 percent as investors questioned whether there would be more stimulus measures. “The GDP numbers are really good,” Bernard Aw, a Singapore-based strategist at IG Asia told Bloomberg News. “The better-than-expected GDP reading suggested that Beijing may take its foot off the pedal on more stimulus measures for the time being. This will affect sentiment in the stock market.” China’s total trade declined in
the first half of this year, official data showed Monday, falling well short of the government’s targets, and posing a significant weight on growth. Manufacturing has also languished with official and private surveys showing it hovering near the borderline between expansion sandcontraction. “The resilience of retail sales in June is a further encouraging sign that downside risk, while not negligible, is receding, despite recent equity-market volatility,” Andrew Colquhoun, head of Asia-Pacific Sovereigns at Fitch Ratings, wrote in reaction to the data. “Nonetheless, the longer-term outlook remains one of structural slowdown as the economy works through a painful process of adjustment and deleveraging.” n AFP / July 15, 2015
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July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
Behind the veil: China policies hurt minority businesses KASHGAR, China - The Silk Road trading centre of Kashgar has been Muslim for centuries, but despite hordes of people thronging the main bazaar, Gulnur’s headscarf shop had barely any customers. As violence increased last year in China’s far western region of injiang, home to mostly Muslim ighurs, authorities banned veils and other Islamic coverings wreaking havoc on her business. “We’re all branded as terrorists because of a few bad people,” said Gulnur, who is ighur. “The Chinese don’t understand that we’re not all the same. “Regulations like this will only alienate people,” she added. It is an example of the challenges Beijing faces pacifying the region, where ighurs accuse the Chinese government of discrimination and restrictions on language, culture and religion. Xinjiang shares a border with Afghanistan and Pakistan and is culturally closer to Central Asia than China’s Han heartland. Authorities blame the violence which has increased in intensity and spread beyond the region in recent years, with more than 200 people killed in 2014—on Islamist separatists. In the past year many forms of Islamic dress have been banned and
beards ruled out for young and middleaged men as Beijing works to root out what it calls “religious extremism”. Posters throughout the region list the prohibited “five abnormal appearances” face veils, burqas, young women in tight headscarves, the beard restrictions, and any clothing with a crescent moon and star logo akin to the Turkish ag. One propaganda image shows a woman in her 30s with a simple head covering looking in a mirror and seeing a smiling face, while a veiled female is confronted with a skeleton on fire. Taxis throughout the region are not allowed to pick up customers wearing banned items. The city of Karamay has barred them from public transport, and Turpan has stopped burqa sales. At a bazaar in Hotan, Patigul showed off what was once her most
popular item: a 15 yuan ($2.40) white lace veil covering the bottom half of a woman’s face and held in place by surgical mask-style straps. “The government has been discouraging wearing veils for years, but we never expected a complete ban and it’s hurt business,” she said. “We weren’t prepared, and suddenly couldn’t sell about half our inventory.” Bearded beauty. A man from Kashgar was jailed for six years in March for growing a beard and his burqa-wearing wife sentenced to two years, reports said. Beijing—which says it has brought injiang development and higher living standards insists that more conservative forms of dress are foreign imports from the Middle East and not part of Uighur culture. Face veils represent a “cultural reverse”, eng Cun, the Communist
Party secretary of Kashgar reportedly said in March. “We have to take strides forward as a secular, modern country,” he added. France and Belgium have enacted similar bans on veils, provoking widespread debate unseen in China. But a traditional Uighur saying declares: “The beauty of language is in its expressions, the beauty of a man is in his beard,” and analysts say the injiang measures risk backfiring. “There is clearly a stronger emphasis now among Uighurs on maintaining the religion and practising Islam as the state insists on ruling what is culturally acceptable,” said David Brophy, a professor at the niversity of Sydney and Uighur expert. “Islam is a central part of people’s identity as Uighurs.” In cities across injiang, ighurs and Han Chinese residents live almost entirely separately, with a heavy security presence in places frequented by Han and tourists. In some places the very fabric of ighur city life has fallen victim to government regulations. At 40, Abdul Resli has been a traditional builder for more than half his life and has 20 men working for him in Kashgar’s old city. But the area has been largely demolished and rebuilt in governmentmandated redevelopment over the last
decade, putting artisan brickmakers out of business and leaving him fewer homes to work on. Authorities say the works are to improve safety standards, but Abdul says earthen brick walls have stood for 500 years. “I can’t trust the quality” of newer bricks, he says. “But it’s what I’ve been told to use.” ‘A lot of hassle’. Officials across Xinjiang declined to discuss the ban on Islamic clothing or its effects on small businesses when contacted by AFP. The increase in violence has also hurt businesses itself, with tourist numbers down nearly 5 percent last year and the injiang government acknowledging that “in uence from terrorist attacks” was a factor. Eminjan, a seller of traditional knives with a thick moustache, said most of his business dried up after a group of Uighurs stabbed 31 people to death at a train station in Kunming in March last year. Like many interviewed for this story, he preferred to identified by only one name for fear of government reprisals. “These knives are not illegal, and they’re a part of ighur history,” he said. “But if the police search you and find one, especially for young men, it will bring you a lot of hassle. So people don’t buy them because it’s not worth the trouble.” n AFP / July 15, 2015
Record-breaking Solar Impulse 2 grounded for ‘several months’
Iranian women wave the national flag during celebration in northern Tehran after Iran’s nuclear negotiating team struck a deal with world powers in Vienna on July 14, 2015
Iran press hails new era free of Western sanctions TEHRAN - The Iranian press hailed a new era free of Western sanctions Wednesday following a hardwon nuclear deal with major powers, although sceptical conservative newspapers warned implementation would be the test. “The World Changed,” headlined reformist daily Etemad, calling Tuesday’s agreement between Iran and the six world powers the “Diplomatic Revolution of July 14, 2015”. The Financial Asia carried the single word “Deal” beneath its masthead. nder the agreement, Iran will be freed from the Western and UN sanctions that have crippled its economy, in return for curbs on its atomic programme for at least 10 years. Financial daily Donyaye Eqtesad said Iran had “entered the postsanctions age.” “Iran Siege Broken,” headlined the moderate daily Ghanoon. Another reformist daily, Ebtekar, lionised the deal’s architect, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad arif, with
a front-page montage likening him to national hero Mohammad Mossadegh. A democratically elected prime minister who nationalised Iran’s oil industry, Mossadegh was overthrown in a 1953 coup engineered by London and Washington that ushered in decades of autocracy. It was left to conservative newspapers that opposed a nuclear deal throughout the long months of negotiations to sound a negative note. Kayhan said that differing interpretations of the terms of the deal by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his S counterpart Barack Obama raised question marks about what had been agreed. Its even more conservative rival Vatan-e-Ermooz was also sceptical, headlining: “Awaiting Implementation”. “The big challenge of such texts reveals itself during implementation,” the paper warned in an editorial. “The goals of the S in the post-deal stage are not necessarily those written in the nuclear agreement.” n AFP / July 15, 2015
GENEVA - The sun-powered plane Solar Impulse 2 will be grounded for months in Hawaii to carry out battery repairs, after completing nearly half of an unprecedented round-the-world flight, the project said Wednesday. “Irreversible damage to certain parts of the batteries will require repairs which will take several months,” it said in a statement. The team said last week that battery temperatures in the innovative craft had surged during a gruelling, five-day journey from Japan to Hawaii, and there was no way to cool the battery packs once the aircraft was in flight. There had been hope that repairs could be completed by next month, but the statement said fixes will take until “early spring 2016.” A spokeswoman for the project separately told AFP that it was possible the battery packs needed to be replaced entirely if the existing system could not be repaired. “We don’t know yet if we have to change everything or if we can repair (the existing material)”, but any new parts would have to be produced by the project, she said. “It’s not like you can order them,” as the craft is unique, she added. Not a ‘technical failure’. The aircraft has been flown by Swiss businessman and pilot Andre Borschberg, 62, who has
already set a new record for the longest solo plane flight. His 118-hour journey across the Pacific smashed the previous record of 76 hours and 45 minutes set by US adventurer Steve Fossett in 2006. His partner, Swiss aviator Bertrand Piccard had been scheduled to pilot the next leg of the journey from Hawaii to Phoenix, Arizona. The Solar Impulse 2 team said the battery overheating during the long flight across the Pacific Ocean was not caused by “a technical failure” or “a weakness in the technology.” Instead, the problem was a failure to fully anticipate the quick rate at which battery temperatures can rise in tropical climates. “The Solar Impulse engineering team will be studying various options for better cooling and heating processes for very long flights,” the project said. The aircraft took off from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this year powered by 17,000 solar cells, with the project aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy. Its wingspan is longer than a jumbo jet but its weight is roughly the same as a car
thanks to its light construction. A series of setbacks. Once repairs are completed, the plane is expected to cross the United States, stopping in New York before a trans-Atlantic flight to Europe. From there, the pilots plan to make their back to the point of departure in Abu Dhabi. The battery damage is the latest in a series of hitches. Borschberg experienced a problem with one of his eyes, which forced him to cut short his flight over Asia and return to Switzerland for several days. The plane was also not supposed to land in Japan, but bad weather en route from Nanjing in China to Hawaii forced a diversion at the start of June. Solar Impulse 2 was stranded in Japan for nearly a month, with the crew scouring long-range forecasts for a favourable weather window. “Setbacks are part of the challenges of a project which is pushing technological boundaries to the limits,” the project said Wednesday. n AFP / July 15, 2015
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Ex-ISAFP head, once hounded by Jonas Burgos case, is new Army chief MANILA - New Army chief Major General Eduardo M. Año, the controversial general whose promotion was once stalled by allegations of involvement in the Jonas Burgos abduction, has vowed to defeat the New People’s Army by 2016. His appointment by President Aquino Wednesday earlier triggered a strong reaction from the mother of the farmer-activist and poster boy of Filipino desaparecidos. Edita Burgos chastised President Benigno Aquino III for naming Año to the post. Año accepted his new post, vowing to take care of the troops and honing the capabaility of the Army given new challenges, in change of command ceremonies at Fort Bonifacio witnessed by President Benigno S. Aquino III. Año served as chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces (ISAFP), a post to which he was momentarily stalled from assuming after the family of Jonas Burgos accused him of involvement in the 2007 disappearance of the activistfarmer. He eventually assumed the post after being cleared by the Department of Justice, and his last posting was as chief of the 10th Infantry Division in Mindanao. Año replaced Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri, who this week was appointed new Chief of Staff of the AFP. In his speech at the turnover, President Aquino said he did not know Año personally, but was impressed by his past work, especially in leading the operations to bag such high-value targets as the Tiamzon couple who are alleged to be communist rebel leaders;
and Major Gen. Jovito Palparan, another controversial general linked to the abduction of two University of the Philippines coeds eight years ago. Aquino said Año did not achieve these by “tsamba” (luck or uke), but through methodical, tried-and-tested work in deep intelligence work.
Edita Burgos aghast, scores PNoy’s move. Relatedly, Edith Burgos, mother
of Jonas and widow of the late world press freedom icon Jose Burgos Jr., issued this reaction to General Año’s appointment as Army chief: “This is a sad day for human rights victims and defenders. Truly, with the appointment of Gen. Año as Army chief there is no hope at all that justice will be obtained for human rights crimes during the watch of Aquino. “I fear for defenders, victims and independent minded human rights workers. With so much power in the hands of a head of an Institution reputed to be a violator of human rights, we can only pray to the Lord Almighty to have mercy.” Mrs. Burgos insisted that the officer had a role in the case of her son, who was abducted by six people as he lunched at a Quezon City mall on April 28, 2007 and remains missing. The family’s persistence in hounding the military to surface Jonas was boosted two years ago when they got hold of key evidence, including a purported “postapprehension” report of a military unit, with a mug shot of Jonas, looking like he had just been mistreated. Edita Burgos submitted the new evidence, under seal, to the Supreme Court. “With all the pieces of evidence
gathered in the case of Jonas, pointing to Año and his co-officers, I believe that at one point during Jonas’ disappearance, Año had custody of Jonas.” Mrs. Burgos also did not spare President Aquino from blame, recalling how he had asked her for evidence on her son’s case and promised to study it well. She was aghast that Mr. Aquino, in his speech at the Army turnover rites, even cited Año’s achievement in bagging the fugitive general Jovito Palparan, wanted for a string of cases, notably the abduction of Karen Cadapan and Sheryl Empeño, UP students. “For all we know, that [Palparan’s arrest in Manila, after several years in hiding] was arranged...it is easy enough for him to arrest his ‘boss,’ who at the time of his arrest was already in fear of his life and reportedly ailing.” The arrest, Mrs. Burgos said, “may have been arranged” to favour Palparan, and should not be touted as proof of the mettle of Año, who cut his teeth in military intelligence. Año had repeatedly denied any role in the Burgos abduction, saying what he did when he was assigned in Central Luzon was limited to the usual intelligence work of the AFP. Edita Burgos said the President’s move to name Año to the key Army post gave her a different view of Mr. Aquino, who had tackled the Jonas Burgos case in a privilege speech as senator, with his mother former president Cory Aquino even seated at the Senate gallery. “If before, Christian charity
PNoy hedging his bets with ‘two-coalition’ plan for 2016 - analysts MANILA – President Benigno Aquino III appears to be hedging his bets with his perceived plan, as bared by Senator Francis Escudero, to form a new coalition for 2016 while preserving the old one, political analysts say. On Friday, Escudero, speaking about a two-hour meeting Thursday between Aquino, himself and Senator Grace Poe, said “the mere fact he (Aquino) is talking to Senator Poe indicates he has not made a choice —although only one person from the Liberal Party has expressed an intention to run in the 2016 elections” and is “proof that he has not made up his mind and wants to broaden his perspective on his field of choices.” Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Aquino’s losing running mate in the 2010 elections and fellow Liberal Party member, has been long considered the administration’s presumptive standard bearer next year against Vice President Jejomar
Binay. However, Roxas has consistently lagged in opinion surveys even as Poe, the independent neophyte senator who ran under the administration coalition in 2013, has seen her numbers catch up and, in some cases, even overtake Binay’s. Earlier, Poe said Aquino asked her and Escudero, also an independent on the 2013 administration ticket, to help preserve the coalition that supported
him in 2010 and 2013, although no positions or offers were discussed. Escudero, who also plans to seek higher office next year, said Aquino himself reminded them of what happened in 1992, when four candidates from the same coalition that had supported his mother in 1986 decided to seek the presidency —which was ultimately won by Fidel Ramos. n Jove Francisco / News5 / July 11, 2015 / 9:21 AM
Major Gen. Eduardo M. Año delivers his acceptance speech at his assumption as new PA chief. The former head of the ISAFP and the 10th ID of the Army in Mindanao was named the new commanding general of the Army on Wednesday, July 15. Malacañang Photo Bureau
prevented me from thinking ill of President Aquino when he named General Año as ISAFP chief, now I cannot help but think that he [Aquino] is disingenuous and insensitive to the plight of the human rights sector,” Edita told InterAksyon.com in an interview. Still, she concluded in her statement to the media, “We take comfort in the thought that the One Judge sees all and will extract payment.” Rebel, ASG threats. With Internal Peace and Security Program “Bayanihan” to be concluded by 2016, newly-appointed Army head Año vowed to defeat the New People’s Army by 2016. “The objective is to defeat the Communist Party of the PhilippinesNew People’s Army by the end of 2016, so we will focus on areas (with heavy rebel and lawless element presence), particularly the Eastern Mindanao area. We will focus our resources and deploy the best commanders there,” he added. Aside from the Eastern Mindanao area, other rebel-infiltrated areas include Bicol and parts of the Eastern Visayas. NPA strength is currently placed at 4,100 or 400 lower than the 4,500 reported in 2014. About half of them are based in the Eastern Mindanao provinces. With this prioritization, Año believes that the objective of beating the NPA threat means that the insurgent threat must be reduced to make them inconsequential. “This means to say that they can be regarded as (just) a law enforcement matter,” he added. As for the Abu Sayyaf, he said they will continue sending elite units to Basilan and Sulu to complement ongoing law enforcement operations there. However, Año did not give any timetable on immobilizing the estimated 1,000 bandits, saying these are merely concentrated in small groups.
PNoy to new PA chief: Ensure peaceful, clean polls. Just like his
marching orders to new Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri, President Aquino III on Wednesday also ordered new Army chief Maj. Gen. Año to ensure peaceful and clean elections next year. “Ang atas at hamon ko sa ating unipormadong hanay: Siguruhin ninyong magiging payapa at malinis ang pagpili ng ating mga kababayan ng mga pinuno; sa bawat pagkakataon, mangibabaw nawa ang interes ng sambayanan,” the President said in his speech during the PA Change of Command ceremony at the Philippine Army Wellness Center in Taguig City. President Aquino stressed that peace is the foundation of the longterm prosperity of the country. The President admitted that he did not know Maj. Gen. Año personally but “I was impressed for what he has accomplished and contributed in the military.” “Pinamunuan niya ang operasyon sa matagumpay na pag-aresto kay Jovito Palparan, sa mag-asawang (Benito & Wilma) Tiamzon, at sa marami pang matataas na opisyal ng mga rebeldeng grupo. Batid natin: Ang tagumpay na ito ay hindi dinaan sa tsamba, bagkus sa mahusay na estratehiya at dedikasyong tugisin ang masasamang elemento sa lipunan ni Major General Año,” the President said. President Aquino expressed optimism that Año will be able to continue, if not surpass, the positive changes that his predecessor has achieved in the Army. Año, a former commander of the PA’s 10th Infantry Division of the Eastern Mindanao Command, replaced Iriberri as Philippine Army chief. President Aquino appointed Iriberri as the new Chief of Staff of the AFP last Friday. Both Iriberri and Año were members of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983. n InterAksyon.com
/ With reports from Priam F. Nepomuceno and Jelly F. Musico , PNA/ July 15, 2015 / 11:19 AM
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July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
Binay’s last hurrah: Socialized housing loan ceiling raised to P1.7M COCKTALES
THE socialized housing loan ceiling has been increased to P1.7 million from P1.25 million last month, apparently one of the major acts of Vice President Jejomar Binay as chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council before he resigned from the Aquino Cabinet. The HUDCC, in a notice to the housing industry published July 14, said its board on June 8 voted to increase the “economic housing loan and price ceiling” by 36 percent in view of the increased prices in raw land, construction materials and labor costs since 2006, when the previous P1.25 million ceiling had been set. According to the HUDCC, the cost of construction materials alone had increased by 34.75 percent since, while the consumer price index, a basket of basic goods and services, had risen by 40.32 percent. Binay, following corruption charges
against him and his family, resigned from the Aquino Cabinet two weeks later on June 22.
MBC officers’ shares went missing amid spectacular stock surge. The
trail to unlocking the mystery of the Manila Broadcasting Corp. share price being recently levitated by unknown forces—the stock had become a beastly 30-bagger in just two weeks—may be found in a two-page shareholders’ list. The just-released top 100 stockholders list of the broadcast network is nearly identical from the previous quarter’s, save for three missing names: Ruperto Nicdao Jr., Robert Pua and Jose Ma. Parocco. Nicdao (MBA Asian Institute of Management and AB Math, magna cum laude, De La Salle University) happens to be the president of Manila Broadcasting; Pua the comptroller and compliance officer and Parocco the assistant vice president for sales.
Nicdao, who is 60 this year and has been a member of the MBC board since 1988, was listed as of March 31 as the direct owner of 129,200 shares. In the same report, Pua and Parocco appeared as direct owners of 12,294 and 12,293 shares, respectively. In addition, Pua was listed as the proxy holder for MBC affiliate Cebu Broadcasting Co., which owns 12.42 percent of MBC. By the June 30 list, the three key MBC officers had inexplicably dropped off the radar. There were no known disclosures to the Philippine Stock Exchange if the triumvirate had indeed disposed of or transferred their shareholdings, and to which parties and at what prices. The price surge of the thinlytraded stock—there were no buyers and sellers for four months before the late April-early May aberration —had stumped the market and left the Capital
Markets Integrity Corp. clueless despite requiring the MBC management a record eight times for explanation. In all, the separate explanations given by Pua, chief finance officer Eduardo Cordova and even treasurer Julio Manuel Macuja, brother-in-law of MBC chairman and majority owner Fred Elizalde, had been identical. All three claimed that they were “not aware of any circumstance, incident or transaction that would cause the unusual share price” to jump from P3.10 to P95.50 in the two-week period. At its brief trading peak, Manila Broadcasting was a stock on steroids. Its market value was twice more than GMA Network’s, even while its P132.6 million net income for 2014 represented just 13 percent of GMA Network’s P1.01 billion profit for the same year. Then, just like fever, the frenzy subsided. After days of slow, steady decline, Manila Broadcasting closed Friday at a more subdued P35 a share, with only 1,400 shares and P51,800 changing hands. Still, at P35 a share, the unknown buyer/buyers had valued the Elizalde network 18 times more than the stock’s book value of P1.90, by any measure an over owing assignment of faith.
ConAgra stops San Miguel’s application. The US giant ConAgra
Construction cranes are silhouetted in the horizon in Ortigas district. Citing rising cost of raw land, construction materials and labor, HUDCC has raised the socialized housing loan ceiling to P1.7 million. ©InterAksyon.com file
Foods has successfully stopped San Miguel Corp. from launching its Healthy Choice, Healthy Living brand of vinegar and soy sauce.
The local trademark office has agreed with the American multinational that San Miguel’s choice of trade name could confuse consumers with ConAgra’s own Healthy Choice brand, even though ConAgra’s products under the disputed mark consisted of prepared dinners and entrees, bakery goods and frozen confections. Globally trademarked since 1988, ConAgra also managed to have the Healthy Choice brand locally registered way back in March 2000, a decade ahead of the March 2010 application of San Miguel. The US food giant is better known in the Philippines for its Hunt’s ketchup and pork and beans products, which are marketed locally by the Gowongkeis’ Universal Robina Corp. ConAgra was represented in the litigation by Vera Law (Del Rosario Bagamasbad & Raboca); San Miguel, by Bengzon Negre Untalan. Money talks. It is not only the Taft and Quezon City campuses of the Philippine Women’s University that are being threatened with foreclosure. Even a Tagaytay property of a Benitez family member may go under the hammer for alleged non-payment of real estate taxes since 2003. The United Nations Children’s Fund is looking for a contractor who will undertake a national study on online sexual exploitation and abuse in the Philippines, with the possible contractors bidding against each other in submitting the lowest quote with no set oor. n Victor C. Agustin / July 15, 2015 / 2:53 PM
Osmeña tells Poe: ‘Mag-VP ka muna’ MANILA - Not laying it down as political strategy but to look at it from the perspective of Senator Grace Poe, Senator Sergio “Serge” Osmeña said on Wednesday that he thinks Poe should stay with the Liberal Party coalition and run as vice president. Senator Poe should run as the vice presidential candidate of Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas instead of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Osmeña said. In an interview, Osmeña, who served as campaign manager of the Yellow Coalition in 2010, explained that it is better for Poe to run under the same coalition where she topped the senatorial race. “I am not advising her. I am just looking at it from her perspective. I am not talking of a political strategy, but I think she would be better off, would be a better president, if she first serves six years as vice president,” Osmeña said, noting that Poe is relatively new in politics, and she can use the six-year term of a vice president as preparation
for the 2022 presidential race. “Because she is new in this game. This is not just winning an election. The headache comes with running the country. If she starts stumbling around, then the country will stumble along with her,” Osmeña said. However, Osmeña said, Poe has the gifts and a good talent, to make a good president. “So, if she serves as vice president for six years, in 2022, she will be a sure winner. Even for vice president, she is also a sure winner.” Osmeña said that the vice presidential race is the safest route for Poe to be the president in 2022, without the baggage of questions on her residency and citizenship. “If I were her uncle, which I am not, that is the safest way to go, because right now if she runs for president, sure she leading in the survey, and we’re very happy for her succeeding at that. But, anything could happen during a campaign,” Osmeña pointed out. It is safer for Poe to run as the candidate for vice president of Roxas since she has no strong opponent from any declared
candidate, Osmeña said. “She is sure to win as VP, she would have no viable opponent; then she can have six years to prepare to be president,” Osmeña said. “Whoever wins as president, she has 6 years to study, to learn the ropes on how to be a better president in 2022,” Osmeña underscored. However, Osmeña pointed out, if Poe decides to run as president, it should not be with the Liberal Party, since the ruling coalition has a lot of issues to hurdle. “I see in Poe a clean unblemished candidate perceived as good in her legislative work, she is popular, there is no negative point with her. As a matter of fact, 70% of voters, I just took a survey, said they believed PNoy is honest but covers-up his corrupt associates. So right there you already know that people harbor a certain perception.” Meanwhile, Osmeña said he was discounting the probability that President Aquino will support the Poe-Chiz tandem, “since no presidential bet will carry the local candidates of the ruling coalition.”
File photograph of Senator Grace Poe, InterAksyon.com
Thus, Osmeña said, President Aquino should convince Poe to run as Roxas’ VP. “If not, he cannot persuade the voters to choose Roxas. If Grace says, ‘No, I am running for president,’ then that will likely break the coalition and greatly weaken the chances of LP. He has to convince Grace to stay married to the Liberal Party coalition.” “Poe is getting the high ratings in the presidential surveys, Mar Roxas is going to get swamped if she decides to run against him,” Osmeña said.
That is why President Aquino is trying to convince Poe to run with Mar Roxas, to scratch her from the presidential race and transpose her ratings to the candidate of LP, Osmeña underscored. “If Grace does not join the presidential race, then maybe 60 percent of her votes will go to Mar Roxas. and the other 40 will be properly divided along with Binay and Duterte, plus whoever else is running. That is an advantage for Mar.” n Ernie Reyes / InterAksyon.com / July 15, 2015 / 7:31 PM
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HEALTH and Lifestyle
July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
‘I cannot run away from my hay fever’ HE sprinted his way into the record books, but athlete Marlon Devonish can’t escape his hay fever. Marlon, 33, is one of Britain’s most successful sportsmen. He was part of Britain’s Olympic gold medal-winning relay team at Athens in 2004 and has
received an MBE for his contribution to British sport. To get there, Marlon has had to overcome numerous sporting injuries, including a hamstring injury in 2000 that stopped him from competing in the Sydney Olympics that year. But what
many people don’t know is that he’s also had to learn to manage severe hay fever. “It’s something I’ve had to deal with since childhood,” says Marlon. “It runs in the family.” Around 20% of Britons have hay fever. Like most of them, Marlon expects seasonal bouts of sniffing and sneezing. Unlike most people, he has gold medals that depend on his physical condition, especially in the summer racing season. “I get the usual symptoms of itchy eyes, nose and throat, but I also get exercise-induced asthma. Because I’m so allergic to the pollen in the air, it causes my chest to tighten when I run. So if I don’t manage my hay fever carefully, it can seriously affect my performance on the track. “I have to get clearance every year from the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) so that while I’m competing, I can use an inhaler to control my asthma. My hay fever is at its worst at the height of summer when there is more pollen in the air. This is when I have to be most
vigilant with my medication. “I don’t have to be so careful in the winter when I’m not competing, but I still have to monitor the condition closely.” Eating well. Despite living with hay fever since childhood, Marlon has never let it hold him back from his active lifestyle. “I used to suffer badly when I was younger because I’d rub my eyes until they were red raw, but it never stopped my love of sport. When I was at school, I used to get involved in everything I could. “My favourite sports were basketball and football which, unfortunately, I don’t really have time to play now because my training schedule is so hectic.” As an Olympic athlete, Marlon trains six days a week to stay at the peak of his physical and technical fitness. He also keeps a close watch on his diet. “It’s so important that I eat well when training. As a sprinter, protein is a vital part of my diet because when you sprint, you tear your muscles on
a microscopic level. You then need to replenish the protein in your system for muscle building. So I eat lots of meat for protein and carbs for energy.” Keeping in shape. Marlon has always kept a close eye on his health and fitness. “My mum’s a nurse, so from a young age I was made very aware of my health. Apart from hay fever, the other problem that runs in the family is high blood pressure. My gran has it. She’s had to control her diet and cut down on saturated fat and salt. “I’m aware this is something I may have to watch out for when I get older. Marlon thinks the 2012 Olympics will have a positive effect on the UK’s health. “I hope it will act as a catalyst to improve our lifestyles. I don’t think they’re particularly great in the UK. You only have to turn on the TV to see the programmes about our unhealthy lifestyles, from booze culture to obesity. “After the event is over, we’ll be left with some great sporting facilities, which will hopefully inspire kids and adults alike to keep themselves healthy.”
It involves pollen being injected into your body, so you may have an allergic response. There have been a few cases of severe reactions to desensitisation injections. They should only be given in specialist centres and only if your symptoms can’t be controlled by other methods. Complementary medicine. Although there is little evidence-based research in this area, some people believe these therapies work for them.
Butterbur, also known as ‘bog rhubarb’, is a herbal remedy that is believed to have the same effect as an antihistamine but without causing drowsiness. Echinacea, usually used to treat colds, is said to reduce your sensitivity to allergens. Euphrasia (or Eyebright) comes as eye drops and is sometimes used for symptoms of hay fever such as watery or itchy eyes. n NHS Choices
n NHS Choices
Hay fever treatments THERE are a variety of treatments for hay fever including tablets, eyedrops, nasal sprays and injections. Finding which works best for you will help you stay symptom-free through the summer. Antihistamines. Histamine is a chemical released by your body after it’s been exposed to a trigger such as pollen. It produces symptoms of hay fever such as sneezing or itchy, watery eyes. Antihistamines block the action of histamine in the body. According to John Collard, clinical director of Allergy UK, this then reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction. “Older-style sedating antihistamines, such as Piriton, are taken three or four times a day and can make you drowsy,” says Collard. “Non-sedating antihistamines, such as
loratadine, are only taken once a day and don’t cause drowsiness. Different people find different brands work best for them.” As well as tablets, antihistamines are available as nasal sprays, eye drops or liquids to be swallowed. Most are available as over-the-counter drugs. Steroid nasal sprays. Steroid nasal sprays are more effective than antihistamines at treating some symptoms of hay fever, such as a blocked nose. They just work on the nose and hardly any of the steroid is absorbed by the body. There are almost no side effects with a normal dose. You can use steroid nasal sprays for long periods of time without any risk. They take several days to act and need be taken continually for several weeks as their effect builds up with time. If you have other symptoms, steroid nasal sprays can be used in addition to
other treatments, for example for itchy and watery eyes. Cromoglycates. Cromoglycates are not antihistamines. They’re a type of hay fever medicine mainly available as eye drops but you can also get them as nasal sprays. If antihistamines aren’t working on their own, you can use cromoglycates as well. This medication has few side effects and works on specific areas such as the nose or eyes. Hay fever injections. Immunotherapy or desensitisation treatment may work if your symptoms are severe and are not controlled by other hay fever medicines. If you want this type of treatment, you need to go to a specialist allergy clinic after referral from your GP. Initially you have to have an injection every week or fortnight at the clinic and then regularly for up to two years.
Five tips to reduce hay fever symptoms YOUR lifestyle can affect how severe your hay fever symptoms are. A recent report, based on a survey of more than 2,000 people with hay fever, found that lifestyle factors, such as stress and exercise, can have a major impact on hay fever. Follow these tips to stop the sneezing. 1. Calm down. Try to reduce your stress levels. The survey showed a clear link between stress and the severity of hay fever symptoms. Almost seven out of ten stressed-out hay fever sufferers rate their symptoms as unbearable or debilitating. As stress levels drop, symptoms become milder. 2. Exercise more. Regular exercise can improve your hay fever. The survey found that people with hay
fever who exercise most have the mildest symptoms. Exercise will help reduce your stress levels, too. Aim to do 150 minutes (two and a half hours) of moderate-intensity
aerobic exercise, such as cycling and fast walking, every week. However, during hay fever season, it’s best to avoid exercising outdoors when the pollen count is high. This is generally
first thing in the morning and early evening. Instead, exercise in late morning or afternoon when pollen counts tend to be lowest. If pollen counts are really high, stick to indoor exercise, for example at your local gym or swimming pool. 3. Eat well. The survey suggests that people with hay fever who eat a healthy diet are less likely to get severe symptoms. Eat a varied, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, but be aware than some healthy foods can make hay fever symptoms worse. Foods that can worsen hay fever symptoms include apples, tomatoes, stoned fruits, melons, bananas and celery.
4. Cut down on alcohol. Watch how much you drink at your summer picnics! Alcohol worsens hay fever. Beer, wine and other spirits contain histamine, the chemical that sets off allergy symptoms in your body. As well as making you more sensitive to pollen, alcohol also dehydrates you, making your symptoms seem worse. 5. Sleep well. Try to avoid too many late nights during the hay fever season. The survey found that people with hay fever who get a good night’s sleep tend to have the mildest symptoms. Just one in eight (13%) people who had at least seven hours sleep a night reported severe symptoms, compared with one in five (21 ) who regularly had five hours sleep or less a night. n NHS Choices
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HEALTH andNEWS Lifestyle food
July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
The truth about sweeteners ARTIFICIAL sweeteners: chemical cocktails or a potent weapon in the fight against tooth decay, diabetes and obesity? Whatever your opinion, there’s no avoiding them. They are found in thousands of products, from drinks, desserts and ready meals, to cakes, chewing gum and toothpaste. Fears about their potential toxic effects have been around ever since the first sweetener, saccharin – once known as “the poor man’s sugar” – was discovered in 1879. Cancer, strokes, seizures, low birthweight, high blood pressure, vomiting, dizziness – all have been cited as risks from consuming sweeteners. But none of these claims have stuck, and demand for sweeteners continues unabated as consumers try to cut their sugar intake while still satisfying their sweet tooth. The UK sweetener sector is valued at £60 million, and more than a quarter
of British households buy artificial sweeteners. Sweeteners are low-calorie or calorie-free chemical substances that are used instead of sugar to sweeten foods and drinks.Find out what the evidence says on the safety of some of the most common sweeteners approved for use in the UK:
Saccharin link to cancer discredited.
Discovered in the US in 1879, saccharin is the oldest artificial sweetener. It is calorie-free and 300 to 400 times sweeter than sugar. Some people find it has a bitter or metallic aftertaste. A wide variety of foods and drinks have saccharin added to them, including baked goods, chewing gum, drinks and table top sweeteners. Saccharin is also used in cosmetic products (such as toothpaste, mouthwash and lip gloss), as well as vitamins and medications. Saccharin is not broken down when digested. It is slowly absorbed into the system and rapidly excreted,
unchanged, by the kidneys. After being suspected of causing bladder cancer in rats, the Canadian government banned saccharin as a food additive in 1977 (although restricted access to saccharin as a table top sweetener was maintained). The US government warned that it could cause cancer. Since then, many studies have disproved any link to cancer. After a complete evaluation of the evidence in 1999, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that saccharin could no longer be considered a possible carcinogen in people. The European Scientific Committee for Food (SCF) re-evaluated the safety of saccharin in 1995 and concluded that it did not pose a cancer risk to people. It stated that “while it is unlikely that the tumours in the male rat bladder are of relevance for man, it has not been possible to unequivocally demonstrate this”. Saccharin is still banned in Canada, although the ban is under review. Some health groups maintain that infants, children and pregnant women should avoid it due to the possibility of having an allergic reaction, although there is no evidence to back this up. Acceptable daily intake: 5mg/kg body weight. All sweeteners in the EU will have undergone a rigorous safety assessment by the European Food Safety Authority
The facts about sugar MOST adults and children in the UK eat too much sugar. Cut down by eating fewer sugary foods, such as sweets, cakes and biscuits, and drinking fewer sugary soft drinks. Sugars occur naturally in foods such as fruit and milk, but we don’t need to cut down on these types of sugars. Sugars are also added to a wide range of foods, such as sweets, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, and some fizzy drinks and juice drinks. These are the sugary foods that we should cut down on.
Why cut down on sugars? Evidence from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey shows that most adults and children eat more sugar than is recommended as part of a healthy balanced diet. Many foods that contain added sugars (and often have few other nutrients) are also high in energy, which is measured in either kilojoules (kJ) or calories (kcal). Eating these foods often can contribute to you becoming overweight. Being overweight can increase your risk of health conditions such as: • he rt di e e • type 2 di ete To eat a healthy, balanced diet, we should eat these types of foods only occasionally, and get the majority of
our calories from other kinds of foods such as starchy foods and fruits and vegetables. Sugary foods and drinks can also cause tooth decay, especially if you eat them between meals. The longer the sugary food is in contact with the teeth, the more damage it can cause. The sugars found naturally in whole fruit are less likely to cause tooth decay because the sugars are contained within the structure of the fruit. But when fruit is juiced or blended, the sugars are released. Once released, these sugars can damage teeth, especially if fruit juice is drunk frequently. Fruit juice is still a healthy choice, and counts as one of your recommended daily five portions of fruit and vegetables. But it is best to drink fruit juice at mealtimes in order to minimise damage to your teeth. Tips to cut down on sugars. For a healthy, balanced diet, cut down on foods and drinks containing added sugars. These tips can help you cut down: • n te d o ug ry i y drin nd juice drinks, go for water or unsweetened fruit juice (remember to dilute these for children to further reduce the sugar). • you li e i y drin try diluting fruit juice with sparkling water. • p e or i uit or urr nt bun, scone or some malt loaf with low-fat spread. • you t e ug r in hot drin or dd
sugar to your breakfast cereal, gradually reduce the amount until you can cut it out altogether. • ther th n pre ding marmalade, syrup, treacle or honey on your toast, try a low-fat spread, sliced banana or low-fat cream cheese instead. • he nutrition l el to help you pick the foods with less added sugar, or go for the low-sugar version. • ry h l ing the ug r you u e in your recipes – it works for most things except jam, meringues and ice cream. • hoo e tin o ruit in ui e r ther than syrup. • hoo e holegr in re t ere l but not those coated with sugar or honey.
Nutrition
labels
and
sugars.
Nutrition labels often tell you how much sugar a food contains. You can compare labels and choose foods that are lower in sugar. Look for the “Carbohydrates (of which sugars)” figure in the nutrition label. • high – o er 22.5g o tot l ug r per 100g • lo – 5g o tot l ug r or le per 100g the ount o ug r per 100g i between these figures, then that is a medium level of sugars. The sugars figure in the nutrition label i the tot l ount o ug r in the ood. t includes sugars from fruit and milk, as well
(EFSA) or its predecessor, the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF), before they can be used in food and drink. Moreover, Cancer Research UK and the US National Cancer Institute have said there is no evidence that sweeteners are associated with cancer risk in humans. “Studies on artificial sweeteners have found that they do not increase the risk of cancer,” states Cancer Research UK. “Large studies looking at people have now provided strong evidence that artificial sweeteners are safe for humans.” As part of the evaluation process, the EFSA sets an acceptable daily intake (ADI), which is the maximum amount considered safe to consume each day over the course of your lifetime. You don’t need to keep track of how much sweetener you consume each day, as our eating habits are factored in when specifying where sweeteners can be used. Are sweeteners healthy? Safe, yes, but are they healthy? Food manufacturers
as the sugars that have been added. A food containing lots of fruit or milk will be a healthier choice than one that contains lots of added sugars, even if the two products contain the same total amount of sugars. You can tell if the food contains lots of added sugars by checking the ingredients list (see below). Sometimes you will see a figure for “Carbohydrates”, and not for “Carbohydrates (of which sugars)”. The “Carbohydrates” figure will also include starchy carbohydrates, so you can’t use it to work out the sugar content. n thi e he the ingredient li t to see if the food is high in added sugars. Labels on the front of packaging There are labels containing nutrition information on the front of some food packaging. This includes labels that use red, amber and green colour-coding and advice on re eren e int e o o e nutrient which can include sugar. Labels that include colour-coding allow
claim sweeteners help prevent tooth decay, control blood sugar levels and reduce our calorie intake. EFSA has approved the health claims made about xylitol, sorbitol and sucralose, among others, in relation to oral health and controlling blood sugar levels. Dietitian Emma Carder states: “Research into sweeteners shows they are perfectly safe to eat or drink on a daily basis as part of a healthy diet.” She also says they are a really useful alternative for people with diabetes who need to watch their blood sugar levels while still enjoying their favourite foods. “Like sugar, sweeteners provide a sweet taste to foods and drinks, but what sets them apart is that, after consumption, sweeteners don’t increase blood sugar levels,” she says. It has been suggested that the use of artificial sweeteners may have a stimulating effect on appetite and, therefore, may play a role in weight gain and obesity. However, research into sweeteners and appetite stimulation is inconsistent. Also, there is little evidence from longer-term studies to show that sweeteners lead to increased energy intake and contribute to the risk of obesity. “While more research is needed, sweeteners continue to have a useful role in offering a sweet taste without adding extra calories,” says Carder. n NHS Choices
you to see at a glance if the food is high, medium or low in sugars. • red high • er ediu • green lo Some labels on the front of packaging will display the amount of sugar in the ood proportion o the . are guidelines about the approximate amount of particular nutrients required for a healthy diet. ngredient li t. You can get an idea of whether a food is high in added sugars by looking at the ingredients list. Added sugars must be included in the ingredients list, which always starts with the biggest ingredient. This means that if you see sugar near the top of the list, you know the food is likely to be high in added sugars. Watch out for other words used to describe added sugars, such as sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose, hydrolysed starch and invert sugar, corn syrup and honey. n NHS Choices
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July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
US seeks to seize $12.5-million in Napoles assets from Philippine pork barrel scam
The US Justice Department said Janet Napoles moved $12 million to US accounts in the names of, or controlled by, her family, and used it to buy a condominium in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the motel, and other properties. File photo by Bernard Testa
WASHINGTON DC - The US Justice Department moved Tuesday to seize $12.5 million in assets of Janet Napoles, a businesswoman at the center of a broad Philippines corruption scandal dubbed the “pork barrel scam.” The department filed a civil forfeiture complaint to gain control of assets including a swank Los Angeles condominium, a motel near Disneyland, and a Porsche Boxster that Napoles bought for a daughter allegedly with money intended for development and disaster relief. The complaint filed in the Los Angeles Federal District Court said Napoles paid tens of millions of dollars
in bribes to Philippine politicians and officials from 2004-2012 to get 200 million in funds which were supposed to help poor Filipinos. The organizations Napoles ran did not deliver the services, and she took the money for her own personal use, the department said. “The Justice Department will not allow the United States to become a playground for the corrupt or a place to hide and invest stolen riches,” said Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell in a statement. The Department said Napoles moved $12 million to US accounts in the names of, or controlled by, her family,
and used it to buy a condominium in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the motel, and other properties. Napoles, already in jail in the Philippines for kidnapping her cousin in 2014, has been charged along with family members in the corruption case. Last year she gave prosecutors a list of name implicating more than 100 people in the scandal, which resulted in the arrest of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, one of the Philippines’s most powerful politicians; Senator Jose Estrada, son of a former president; and Senator Ramon Revilla, an action film star, among others. n AFP / July 15,
2015 / 7:56 AM
‘Pork’ in 2015 budget likely used for admin’s election ‘papogi’ - Briones MANILA – Up to P30 billion in “pork barrel” funds allegedly inserted in the 2015 national budget will likely be used by the administration to woo the support of local governments in the run-up to next year’s elections, former National Treasurer Leonor Briones said. The issue of pork’s continued existence again made headlines recently when former Senator Panfilo Lacson alleged that the Priority Development Assistance Fund and the Disbursement Acceleration Program, which are supposed to have
been scrapped after the Supreme Court declared these unconstitutional, remain “alive” in this year’s national budget. However, warnings of pork’s existence in the 2015 budget—through various lump sum insertions—were already made late last year by the likes of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Briones herself. Nevertheless, Lacson’s revelation spurred Senator Sergio Osmeña III to suggest that the issue be brought before the Supreme Court because it was an insult to the tribunal’s earlier ruling. Sought for comment, Briones,
convenor of Social Watch, said the continued existence of pork had served to broaden the powers of government through the “Assistance to Local Government Units,” which is controlled by the Office of the President, as she pointed out that the 2015 General Appropriations Act is the last national budget not covered by the election ban on project spending. She said the ALGU would likely be used to dispense projects to favored local government executives and those who will back the administration. n Jove Francisco / News5 / July 15, 2015 / 9:11 AM
Social Watch convenor and former National Treasurer Leonor Briones
Comelec poised to impose fines over unreported campaign expenses MANILA - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to impose administrative fines against 4,667 candidates during the 2013 elections for failing to file their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE). Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista estimated that the administrative fines amounted to P52,300,518.00. “The slapping of fines on these erring candidates shows the resolve of the COMELEC to strictly enforce campaign finance laws, rules and regulations,” he said. There are incumbent officials
included in the list, which was not made immediately available. Section 14 of Republic Act 7166 provides that all candidates and treasurers of political parties are required to file their SOCEs. The law states that “no person elected to any public offices shall enter upon the duties of his office until he has filed the statement of contributions and expenditures.” COMELEC Resolution No. 9939, promulgated on April 6, 2015, lists the scale of administrative fines for candidates and parties who failed to file their SOCEs.
According to the Resolution, National Parties and candidates for senatorial positions will be fined P30,000 for first offense and P60,000 for second offense. The candidates for House of Representatives (Legislative Districts), City Mayors and City Vice-Mayors shall be fined P20,000 for first offense and P40,000 for second offense. Municipal Mayors, Municipal ViceMayors and Municipal Councilors, on the other hand, shall be fined P10,000 for first offense and P20,000 for second offense. n Jet Villa / InterAksyon.com / July 15, 2015 / 4:57 PM
More women pilots in male-dominated airline industry MANILA - The demand for pilots around the world has continuously increased through the years, and the needs are felt even in the Philippines. Aspiring pilots face many risks in their profession, and are therefore rewarded for the prestige for taking command in the cockpit matched with the promise of good compensation. In the male-dominated airline industry these days, female pilots are rapidly earning their seats in the cockpit alongside their male counterparts. It all started with Harriet Quimby, an American aviation pioneer and the first woman to earn a pilot’s license in the United States in 1911. Fil-American Jessica Macabares Cox
was the first pilot who became the world’s first armless person to receive a flying license in the United States, in 2008. In the Philippines, the first to earn that distinction was Capt. Aimee Carandang, the country’s first female commercial pilot who became a full-fledged captain for Philippine Airlines in 1993. Records for the first quarter of this year from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) shows that there are 25 certified aviatrixes operating planes across the country. CAAP Assistant Director General-Flight Standard Inspectorate Service (FSIS) Capt. Beda Badiola, in an interview, said “the proportion of female pilots, percentagewise, it’s still small, with only less than 2%,
but the number is steadily growing. There are a lot of female aircraft commanders now — in PAL, Cebu Pacific and even in the other airlines,” he said. “More women are flying because the challenge is there. They say it’s a man’s world. But female pilots would say ‘if you guys can do it, so can we,’” he added. To prove his point, Badiola shared that even his daughter (Mrs.) Ileen BadiolaLogos shifted careers and belatedly went on to become a pilot at age 42. “My daughter is married. With 2 kids. I asked her to learn how to fly. I persuaded her to change careers. She’s an AB Masscom graduate of Ateneo and already a middle manager. Good thing is she adapted quickly, maybe it’s in the
File photograph shows PAL Capt. Rommel Enriquez and co-pilot Capt. Geraldine Gamallo at NAIA terminal 2 before boarding their flight.
genes,” he beamed. Ileen is now a licensed commercial pilot with instrument rating and into her
final interview with a reputable airline operator. n Eric B. Apolonio / InterAksyon.com / July 15, 2015 / 8:13 PM
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Scoop ‘Mana’ wins Best Film, Best Actress at Madrid International Film Festival 28
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A Filipino movie produced by an educational institution won Best Film and Best Actress at the conclusion of the 2015 Madrid International Film Festival Saturday in Madrid, Spain. Gabriel Fernandez’s “Mana” (subtitled “Inheritance”), commissioned by the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde for its Silver Jubilee in 2013, won the highest honor of the annual film festival dedicated to independent films. In addition to the festival’s top award, the film also won for Cherie Gil the Best Lead Actress in a Foreign Language Film award. Gil bested a field of 14 nominees that included compatriots Vilma Santos (“The Bit Player”) and Sheena McBride (“Gemini”). “Mana” was also nominated for
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Best Direction, Best Lead Actress (main competition), Best Supporting Actress (Fides Cuyugan-Asensio), Best Cinematography, Jury Prize and Best Producer for a Foreign-Language Film. Fernandez and Gil were among those who represented “Mana” in the festival’s awards night. Among the other winners—as announced in the official Twitter feed for Film Festival International of London, Nice, Madrid, Berlin and Milan—were Mathew Berkowitz for “Wild in Blue” (Best Director), Frank Cermak, Jr. for “Wild in Blue” (Best Lead Actor), Rachel Hurd-Wood for “Highway to Dhampus” (Best Lead Actress) and “Highway to Dhampus”, Best Feature Film.
The story of the siblings of a dying matriarch who are forced to come to their hometown in Negros to deal with issues of inheritance, tradition and the family legacy, “Mana” showcases an ensemble cast that also includes Jaime Fabregas, Tetchie Agbayani, Ricky Davao, Epy Quizon and the late Mark Gil, Cherie’s brother. “Happy And proud Thank you so much MADRID intl film festival !Ralphie!!!! We done it ! Again!! Gabriel Fernandez thank you so much for this GIFT of a film. And of course to La SALLEstBenilde and to all the students who were part of #mana! We will always have Madrid !!.” Cherie posted on Facebook shortly after the film’s victory.
July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
“Ralphie” is of course, Mark Gil whose real name is Ralph Eigenmann. In a behind-the-scenes featurette on the film, Cherie talked fondly about her late brother and how she loved working with him. When it first opened to select SM Cinemas in February last year, “Mana” received a grade “A” rating from the Cinema Evaluation Board. Fernandez started his career as a screenwriter who wrote the films “Gangland” and “Sa Piling ng Aswang” for the filmmaking tandem of Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes. Also an actor and production designer, he made his directorial debut with the 2006 black comedy, “Nasaan si Francis?”. n Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / July 12, 2015 / 2:21 PM
‘Mana’ director Gabriel Fernandez and Cherie Gil pose for a picture after their twin triumphs at the Madrid International Film Festival on Saturday. Photo posted by Cherie Gil on Instagram
Jennylyn Mercado, Maria Ozawa, Valeen Montenegro shine brightest in FHM party DISPLAYING the form that catapulted In a recent interview with Interaksyon, Another TV5 star, Alice Dixson, who her to the top of FHM Philippines’ 100 Valeen said she still can’t believe all the was in the Top 10 last year and finished at Sexiest Women list this year, a luminous attention she’s getting following her FHM number 14 this year, was also a welcome Jennylyn Mercado was a picture of cover stint but hopes she can sustain it with presence at the party. The prized actress confidence at the traditional FHM victory projects that will prove that she’s not just a acted as backstage host but did not walk party now renamed Bro-Con held “flavor of the month”. the runway. Saturday at the SMX Convention Other TV5 stars who Center. made it this year were Ritz Jennylyn, who also performed Azul (No. 36) who a song and dance number to the made a lot of delight of the predominantly male audience, was not the only one who sizzled on and off the runway that night. Retired Japanese porn star Maria Ozawa, who graced the magazine’s cover last June and promptly debuted in the coveted list at number 16, was among those who drew the loudest cheers. Ditto with TV5’s Valeen Montenegro who is FHM’s cover girl for this month and ranked number 24 this year. Maria Ozawa, Jennylyn Mercado, and Valeen Montenegro. Photos by John Bradley ©InterAksyon
jaws drop with her sexy construction worker outfit and Sports5 broadcaster and PBA courtside reporter Mara Aquino (No. 88). “KISPinoy” host and star of Digital5’s “Tanods” and “Jinrilationships” Jinri Park earlier tweeted that she wouldn’t be at the party because she was going to Europe. Patricia Javier, one of 2015’s big comeback stories and FHM’s cover girl last April, also turned up the heat during her turn in the spotlight. Likewise, among the 100 Sexiest that made their respective splashes include Daiana Menezes, Phoemela Baranda, Aubrey Miles, Bangs Garcia, Aiko Climaco, Meg Imperial, Sunshine Garcia, Abby Poblador, Sanya Smith, Ornusa Cadness, Pauleen So, Maica Palo, Red dela Cruz and Lhea Bernardino.
Ellen Adarna was also in the audience but did not participate in this year’s program as she said she was there to give moral support to her friend, Beauty Gonzalez, who landed at number 41 on the list. Also a revelation that night is former “Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition” winner Myrtle Sarrosa who appeared all grown up and ready for her closeup. Now 20 and no longer in her teens, Myrtle’s presence more than made-up for the absence of fellow cosplayer Alodia Gosiengfiao. But aside from Jennylyn, volleyball superstar Rachel Ann Daquis and, okay, Ellen Adarna, no other member of this year’s Top 10 was present in the event especially Jennylyn’s fellow GMA talents Andrea Torres (No. 2), Sam Pinto (No. 4), Solenn Heussaff (No. 5) and Max Collins (No. 9). Angel Locsin (No. 6) was also a no-show. n Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / July 13, 2015 / 6:42 PM
Chot Reyes credits social media for early success of Digital 5 shows JUST four months since it launched its initial line-up of new online-only shows, Digital 5 has made quite an impact on social media. And no one is happier than former national basketball team coach and Digital 5 head Chot Reyes, who feels like a proud father to what is largely the brainchild of his current team, given the warm reception that has greeted his “starters.” “We’re very happy with the public’s response to our programs, specifically ‘Tanods’, ‘Jinrilationships’, ‘Kwentong Barbero’ and ‘Kontrabando’. Aside from the millions of views that these shows have enjoyed, there’s also a good amount of social media engagement that extends the discussions on these shows after people have seen the latest episodes,” Reyes told InterAksyon during a recent luncheon with selected members of media. Daniel Feliciano, head of digital strategy of Media5, attributes the popularity of Digital 5 content not only to the first-rate quality of the programs but also to the social media platforms that helped push them to viral levels. “The massive number of viewers who appreciate Digital 5 content are informally
putting their own personal stamp of approval by sharing them online with their friends on social media. This for us is a good indication that we’re producing the right content that resonates with our target audiences,” Feliciano pointed out. Reyes and Feliciano are pleased with the sustained social media activity on “Tanods” in particular. Coach Chot’s favorite online sitcom about the misadventures of a fictional motley crew of community watchmen is a big hit with online viewers who regularly wait for the next uploaded episode. “Fans of ‘Tanods’ post their comments and reactions on the show’s Facebook page. For us, this kind of direct feedback is one of the best ways for us to determine the direction of the show, where we are and what we need to improve,” Reyes noted. Outside of social media, Digital 5 is also allowing personal interaction between fans and their shows’ stars. In the case of “Tanods”, the show’s cast — which includes Jun Sabayton, Martin Escudero, Jinri Park and newcomer Bea Benedicto — did an appearance at the recently concluded Toycon at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall.
“Within a few hours, we sold out all the especially created ‘Tanods’ notebooks and giveaway tote bags. That’s absolutely amazing for an online show that is barely two months old,” Feliciano quipped. Reyes and Feliciano concede that social media has been very helpful in getting the word out on original entertainment that can be viewed online through any Internet or data-connected device from smartphones, tablets, desktops, or smart TVs at TV5.com. ph/originals.
The cast of ‘Tanods’.
With this realization, both are also one in saying that Digital 5 intends to utilize the online tool further not just to frontline their existing and upcoming series but also to announce meet-and-greet activities related to the programs. “We will be tapping existing social media influencers and online personalities, to allow the fans to see their favorite shows and their respective cast members in a different, and perhaps more intimate, light,” he added. Buoyed by the tremendous public reception, Digital 5 intends to further push other ongoing original shows like the lifestyle video blog, “Bloom,” and the equally hilarious showdown between the haves and the havenots, “Clash of Class,” even as new shows are already past the drawing board stage. “We will have more exciting comedy shows as well as fresh and exciting concepts for food shows in the coming months,” Reyes revealed. Asked how he feels about Digital 5 being compared to Netflix, the popular American provider of streaming media that has successfully expanded its business model with original programming that includes quality
Chot Reyes with Daniel Feliciano, Media5 head of digital strategy. Photo by Edwin P. Sallan ©InterAksyon
online-only shows like “House of Cards,” “Orange is the New Black,” and “Daredevil,” Coach Chot said that while the comparison is flattering and acknowledged that Netflix is an inspiration, Digital 5 still has a long way to go before they approach that level. “One major difference is that Netflix is subscription-based while our shows at Digital 5 can be viewed for absolutely free,” Feliciano added. Just the same, Coach Chot is very pleased with the progress of Digital 5 in just a matter of months. “To be even mentioned in the same breath as Netflix is very encouraging for us,” he exclaimed. n Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / July 13, 2015 / 11:22 PM
July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
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Reading, family bonding, and being prepared among celebs’ rainy day rituals NGAYONG tag-ulan, hindi nagpapigila ng ilan sa mga Kapuso stars sa pagiging productive at paggawa ng kani-kanilang hobbies. Sa ulat ng “24 Oras” nitong nakaraang linggo, ibinahagi ng “The Rich Man’s Daughter” star na si Glaiza de Castro ang activity na ipinapalit niya sa araw-araw na jogging tuwing umaga ngayong dumadalas na ang pag-ulan. Aniya, isa sa mga hilig niyang gawin sa malamig at maulan na panahong kagaya ng nararanasan ngayon ay ang pagbabasa, at isa sa mga librong pumukaw ng atensyon niya ngayon ang obra ni Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago. “It’s really important that we educate ourselves, that we try to find ways para matuto tayo arawaraw,” ayon kay Glaiza. Pagbabasa rin ang pinagkakaabalahan ng “Beautiful Stangers” actor na si Benjamin Alves, na nasanay naman sa biking tuwing maganda ang panahon. Paliwanagni Ben, “I always get something out of it. Even if I reread an old book, I always get something out of it. If you want to learn something, you have to get a book.” Samantala, aminado naman ang
leading lady ni Glaiza sa teleserye na si Rhian Ramos na pasaway siya noon dahil mahilig pa rin siyang lumabas kahit na umuulan, ngunit simula nang maranasan niya ang ma-stranded sa loob ng 12 oras dahil sa baha ay hindi niya na umano binabale-wala ang mga babala sa balita. Bukod pa diyan, naghahanda na rin lagi si Rhian ng mga gamit na maaaring ibigay sa mga nangangailangan ng tulong sa oras na sumapit ang mga hindi inaasahang sakuna nadala ng mga alamidad dahil sa bagyo. “Mag-prepare ng gamit na maitutulong mo sa iba, kasi you’ll never know what’s going to happen,” aniya. Sinisiguro rin ng Kapuso actress nasi Janine Gutierrez ang kanyang kaligtasan sa pamamagitan ng pananatili sa bahay. Ayon sa aktres, “Kapag umuulan, ma-traffic or minsan bumabaha pa. So kung wala ka talagang kailangang puntahan importante, sa bahay na lang kasama ng pamilya.” Lagi naman nakikinig sa balita at iba’t ibang advisories ang Kapuso teen star na si Miguel Tanfelix at “The Rich Man’s Daughter” star na
si Mike Tan upang mapanatili ang pagiging handa ngayong panahon ng tag-ulan. Ayon kay Mike, “Lagi kong kinukuha ‘yung advice ng GMA, ‘yung kailangan sa isang bag may tubig, canned goods, pito, ashlight.” “Siguraduhin lang na may charge lagi ang phone, may stock na pagkain. Kapag sinabing evacuate, evacuate talaga,” payo naman ni Miguel. Lagi rin daw maging handa sa posibilidad na magkaroon ng sakuna, imbes na maging panatag sa panandaliang kaligtasan, ayon sa beteranang aktres na si Eula Valdes at sa Kapuso hunk actor na si Pancho Magno. “Katulad niyan, apat na bagyo agad-agad. Kailangan alerto, presence of mind, and kung ano ang magagawa para maging ready, gawin na lahat. You’ll never know kung kalian aabutin,” ayon kay Eula. Dagdag naman ni Pancho, “‘Wag laging iisipin na hindi naman tataas [ang baha]. Siguro kailangan laging i-anticipate ‘yung mga hindi magagandang mangyayari, para maging ready ka.” n Bianca Rose Dabu /
BM, GMA News / July 12, 2015 / 5:03 PM
GMAnewsfeed, the First Facebook-only Newscast in the Philippines THE only thing stopping his rise to the top was Andre Rieu & Johann Strauss Orchestra and Essential Einaudi by Ludovico Einaudi. Manny is not too upset however, as he is amongst classical music royalty and that’s not bad for a Yorkshire carpenter’s son. Emmanuel as named as ‘one to watch’ by The Independent and ‘rising star’ by BBC Music Magazine and as ‘unsigned artist of the month’ by Yamaha and 26 year old Emmanuel Vass is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most charismatic pianists on the contemporary scene. 2013 saw the launch of his first recording From Bach To Bond and his first recital tour under the same heading, which took in seven venues across the North of England and columned in his London debut at Steinway Hall with a subsequent performance at St James’ Piccadilly both of which attracted considerable media interest, including a live broadcast on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune. He was also broadcast on Classic FM in October 2014. The From Bach to Bond title Emmanuel chose for the recording and tour re ects both his eclectic taste in music and his versatility as a pianist. He is at was with the challenges of Bach as with the demanding pianistic technique
required for his own arrangements - in the manner of Liszt - of the James Bond theme and Bohemian Rhapsody. (His performances of these have drawn huge attention on Youtube). Emmanuel’s supreme versatility is also revealed in the calibre and variety of his recent engagements His busy solo recital day has included performances at The Bridgewater Hall (Manchester), Sheffield Cathedral, Leeds College of Music, the Long Gallery at Castle Howard and Hexham Abbey. He has also performed at the Steinway Hall, Queen’s Theatre, West End; 1901 Arts Club Waterloo, St Lawrence Jewry and St James’ Piccadilly. He has performed for Lord Levy and the Russian Ambassador in the Golden Room in Kensington Palace Gardens, for the Filipino ambassador at St Sepulchre’s Church, London and for the French Ambassador at The Lowry Theatre in Salford. At the Variety Club Jubilee Ball her played for the Prince and Princess of Monaco on the same programme as The Manfreds, Blake and Lulu. In September 2012 he made his first BBC Radio 3 appearance as part of a Radio 3 Masterclass. Presented by David Owen-Norris and filmed in front of a live audience at BBC Broadcasting House, London the Masterclass is
available to watch on the BBC YouTube channel. Notes for Editors: Emmanuel Vass was born in Manila, Philippines and grew up in East Yorkshire. Having passed Grade 8 piano with distinction at the age of 15 he subsequently studied with Robert Markham at Yorkshire Young Musicians, the Centre for the Advanced Training for Gifted Young Musicians based at Leeds College of Music. This was followed by four years at the Royal Northern College of Music, where Manny studied with John Gough and was supported by scholarships from the Leverhulme Scholarship Trust and the Sir John Manduell Scholarship Trust. He graduated in 2011.
Tour Dates: 2nd June - Chatsworth House, Derbyshire 5th June - National Centre for Early Music, York 6th June - St Peter’s Church, Nottingham 12th June - St Paul’s Church, Manchester 13th June - Grassington Festival 16th June - Holy Trinity Church, Leeds 19th June - Arts Centre, Pocklington 26th June - St Philip’s, Church, Alderney
Edge 27th June - St Mary’s Hall, Sandbach 3rd July - St Andrew’s Church, Sheffield 4th July - St Martin in the Bull Ring, Birmingham 6th July - The Forge, London 11th July - Castle Howard, York 13th July - Fringe Festival, Buxton 17th July - St George’s Church, Preston 13th July - Bolton Abbey, Skipton
All ticket enquiries: emmanuelvass.co.uk http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/classical-artist-albums-chart/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdWqDKX-Yf0
23rd August - Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow 24th August - Edinburgh Festival Fringe 25th August - St Michael’s Hawkshead, Lake District 7th September - The Atkinson, Southport 8th September - St Mary Le Tower, Ipswich 12th September - St Peter’s Church, Woking 13th September - Chapel Royal, Brighton 26th September - St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol
www.emamuelvass.co.uk www.twitter.com/mannyvass www.facebook.com/mannyvass
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Lovi Poe excited for TV comeback HOT off the heels of her successful GMA Pinoy TV show in Kuwait, Kapuso actress Lovi Poe returns to primetime via Beautiful Strangers. Lovi is filled with excitement as she portrays her character, Joyce, a woman who is seeking revenge from a family who wronged her. “I’m so happy to be part of an exciting series, which will feature some of the best actors on TV
and film. Kaya naman ganado at masayang-masaya ako na muling mapanood sa primetime,” she says. She also recently finished working on a movie, Lakambini, wherein she plays the role of Gregoria ‘Oryang’ De Jesus, the founder of the women’s chapter of the Katipunan. “It’s a dream role for me, and it’s such a huge challenge to be doing a film about a woman who made a history,” relates Lovi. n
Why is Benjamin Alves happy to work with Christopher de Leon and Dina Bonnevie? KAPUSO star Benjamin Alves says bagging a role in the upcoming primetime series Beautiful Strangers as Lawrence Castillo, the son of the characters portrayed by well-lauded actors Christopher de Leon and Dina Bonnevie, is a dream come true. In an interview with Benjamin during his contract signing with GMA Network, he reveals that this is something he wished would happen. “I’ve seen these guys act and I look up to these guys since I was young. It’s cliché but when you’re a kid you want to work with them and then you are [working with them].” Still, Benjamin admits feeling overwhelmed whenever he films scenes
with Christopher and Dina. “When I’m working with Tito Boyet and Miss D, the hardest part is to just stay relaxed. You know you just do diligence naman, memorizing the lines and everything, but it’s just to not be in awe, because you’re working with these people,” he says. Benjamin also shares what Christopher once told him in the set. “He pointed it out to me that he’s already worked with my uncle (Piolo Pascual), as a son. Sabi niya, ‘I’m working with you now, I hope I see something different.’ That’s where the challenge is, I think, to make sure that he sees something different; and also because I want to
make sure everybody sees something different from me here, as far as acting.” In Beautiful Strangers, Benjamin’s character, Lawrence is a son who constantly fights with his dad simply because he doesn’t like him. “There are reasons naman, and I’m very much like my dad in the sense na pare ho kaming babaero. He’s not bad naman but he’s not clean. He’s more on the dirtier side or the rougher side.” Under the direction of Albert Langitan, Beautiful Strangers which also stars Heart Evangelista, Lovi Poe, and Rocco Nacino, will soon air on GMA Pinoy TV. n
Dina Bonnevie portrays challenging role in GMA’s Beautiful Strangers SEASONED actress Dina Bonnevie finds her role in GMA Network’s upcoming primetime series Beautiful Strangers a challenging one. Dina, who is back as a Kapuso, plays the role of Alejandra Castillo, wife of Ronaldo (Christopher de Leon) and a doting mother to Lawrence (Benjamin Alves). Alejandra is a strong woman in the outside, but weak in the inside.
“I don’t want to do the typical kontrabida na pasigaw-sigaw na nagtataray. I’m trying a different attack now. No loud voices. Parang meek as a lamb. Parang for me, I always make what I do my truth. Every scene I do, iyon ang truth in Alejandra. If you make every scene your own truth which is not the truth the audience knows, then you are not the typical kontrabida, we
are gonna make it a little different. Alejandra is just fighting what is hers,” explained Dina in an interview. Aside from being reunited with Heart Evangelista, Dina also revealed that she really wanted to work with Lovi Poe that’s why she accepted this project. “I really wanted to work with Lovi because I haven’t worked with her. I
like her. Nagagandahan ako sa kanya. She is dusky, olive skin, na really beautiful, doe eyes. Ang ganda ganda ng mata niya. And I really wanted to reunite with Heart.” She is very excited for this show which she hopes will pique the interest of viewers since “there are a lot of scenes that imitate life. Very real yung mga eksena. The scenes are so real.” n
‘Beautiful Strangers’ star Rocco Nacino gets blue belt in Jiu Jitsu MULA sa white belt, na-promote na nitong nakaraang linggo ang Kapuso hunk actor at “Beautiful Strangers” star nasi Rocco Nacino sa blue belt ng combat sport at martial arts na Jiu Jitsu, na isa sa kanyang paboritong sports at fitness regimen. Hindi maitago ng actor ang kanyang saya lalo na nang masorpresa siya ng kanyang mga guro at kasamahan dahil sa naturang promotion. Aniya sa isang Instagram post noong nagdaang linggo, “Today marks a new chapter in my journey as a Jiu Jitsu practitioner. Wasn’t able to attend the General Assembly because of work but was surprised earlier at training to be called up to the front and be promoted from white belt to blue belt in front of my team mates.” Nagpasalamat rin siya sa kanyang teammates at professors na nagiging inspirasyon niya para mas pagbutihin pa ang kanyang performance sa Jiu Jitsu. Matatandaang ilang beses nang nagwagi ang actor sa ilang Jiu Jitsu tournaments, kabilang na ang Rollapalooza
2015, ang taunang komeptisyon para sa non-professional Jiu Jitsu-enthusiasts, kung saan nakapaguwi siya ng gold medal. “Thank you to our Lord God for all these blessings, everything has been good lately. And I am more humbled and motivated today. Thank you to my team mates for always pushing me to my limits, to our higher belts who always beat us up in order to further improve us, and especially our Black Belts, Professors Ralph Go, Hansel Co and @alisulit for guiding me and the whole team,” ayon kay Rocco. Dagdag pa ng “Beautiful Strangers” star, “ Hands are still shaking, and still in awe, but I’m very very happy today. Excited to continue learning and improving myself! Cheers to hard work and determination!” Samantala, bukod nga sa kanyang upcoming GMA Primetime soap kung saan makakasama niya ang Kapuso actress at kasintahang si Lovi Poe, pati na sina Heart Evangelista, Benjamin Alves, at marami pang iba, naghahanda rin ngayon si Rocco para sa isang Jiu Jitsu competition na magaganap sa Japan sa darating na Setyembre.
Kabilang sa mga paghahandang kanyang ginagawa ang pakikipaglaban sa mga kasamahan at guro mula sa mas matataas na level, gaya ng purple belt at black belt. Bukod sa training ng katawan at pag-iisip, natututo rin daw si Rocco ng pagiging mapagkumbaba sa combat sport na kanyang pinasok, na siya ring tinuturo niya kay Lovi kapag nabibigyan sila ng pagkakataon para naman sa selfdefense. Aniya sa ulat ng 24 Oras nitong Lunes, “Makes me motivated in a different way, humahaba pasensya ko dito. Nage-enjoy rin ako kasi para akong nasa school ulit... Kung ia-apply mo sa self-defense, kapag inatake ka ng isang tao, nasa right mind ka kung paano ka makakaalis sa situation safely.” Payo niya pa sa mga gusting sumubok ng Jiu Jitsu, “I make sure na lagi akong nakikinig sa professor namin, lagi akong open and humble at ready to learn. And lagi akong handa na mag-fail. This is the place to fail and learn and be better.” n Bianca Rose Dabu / NB, GMA News
July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
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Richard Gutierrez says uniqueness of ‘KISPinoy’ led him to host K-Pop talent show ALTHOUGH not as frequent as his twin brother Raymond, actor Richard Gutierrez has had his share of hosting gigs, mostly reality competition shows for which he has received accolades. In 2012, Richard was the PMPC Star Awards winner as Television’s Best Lifestyle/Travel Show Host for his work on GMA Network’s “Pinoy Adventures”. He was also nominated by the Golden Screen Awards for TV for his other noteworthy hosting engagements. Welcoming challenging projects whether as an actor or as a host is one of the reasons why Richard opted to be
a freelancer following the expiration of his exclusive contract in 2013. This is also why he was thrilled when TV5 offered him to host its new talent search series “KISPinoy”, which will premiere this Saturday, July 11 at 9PM. “I’m a fan of talent search shows but I like that this show is the first of its kind in the country and very specific to K-Pop. It caters to a different group of audience, to younger K-Pop fans. It’s something new, something different and a nice addition to my resume,” Richard recently told Interaksyon and other media in a recent pocket press conference for the show.
Richard Gutierrez. Photo by Edwin Sallan ©InterAksyon
Richard said another thing that excites him about “KISPinoy” — which stands for “K-Pop Icon Search Philippines” — is that there’s a strong possibility that the show will also be aired in Korea. “There will also be Korean K-Pop stars who will be invited to be judges on the show so it has a more global appeal. I’m also excited for the contestants as in addition to receiving P1 million, they will also win a recording and management contract and will be trained in Korea.” Asked if he himself is a K-Pop fan, Richard admitted that while he’s not hardcore fan, he has done his research and understands why K-Pop is such a worldwide phenomenon and has become an acceptable music subgenre. He also admires the Koreans for the way they do things similar to Hollywood in terms of entertainment productions. “I’m aware that K-Pop is such a big global industry now. And I also know a few K-Pop stars like Rain whose character I portrayed in our local adaptation of ‘Full House’ many years back. I also know 2NE1, U-KISS and a few others,” he revealed. He has also become attached to the contestants as his work on the show began as early as last April during the audition process conducted in SM Malls nationwide.
“From the auditions, we chose the Top 150 contestants that performed in front of the judges. They will be then narrowed down to Top 20 and then the Top 5. These final 5 contestants will all have a chance to go to Korea to train there and create their own music video in Korea,” he shared. Richard observed that choosing who makes it to the next round is no easy task for the judges, which also include singer-songwriter Rico Blanco and award-winning actress Gelli de Belen. “I’ve seen a few performers who really sing well but their personality did not connect with the judges who are looking for that special qualities that mixes talent and personality, someone who could break barriers outside the country and connect with audiences,” he noted. Aside from the talents of the contestants, many of their respective back stories also left quite an impression to Richard. “As part of the whole process, I was the first person they talked to before and after they perform. I met so many people from all walks of life during this early stage of the competition. There are sad stories, happy stories, nervous contestants, confident contestants. Ibaibang personalities ang makikita ng mga tao ditto. And my job is to be on their side,” he noted. Making Richard’s job easier is co-
‘My Faithful Husband,’ ‘di pangkaraniwang love affair story—Dennis Trillo NAGSIMULA nang mag-taping sina Dennis Trillo at Jennylyn Mercado sabalik-tambalan nilang proyekto na “My Faithful Husband.” Pagtiyak ni Dennis, hindi pangkaraniwang love affair story ang bagong ihahandog ng GMA. Sa “Starbites” report niLhar Santiago sa GMA News TV’s Balitanghali nitong Biyernes, inamin nina Jennylyn at Dennis nana-miss nilang makatrabaho ang isa’tisa. Matapos ang limang taon na hindi nagkasama sa proyekto, makikitaang
closeness ng dalawa sa taping ng “My Faithful Husband” kaya hindi maiwasan na tanungin kung nagkabalikan na ba talaga sila. Matapos magturuan sa pagsagot, natatawang sinabi ni Dennis na hindi sila sanay na makatanggap ng naturang katanungan. Habol na sagot naman ni Jennylyn, “Pagdating sa mga personal na bagay naganyan kumbaga, hanggang trabaho na lang siguro yung kaya naming sagutin.”
Gayunman, nagpapasalamat ang dalawa sa bagong drama project na ibinigay sa kanila. Hindi raw nila inaasahan na magkakasama pa sila sa proyekto. “Character-wise, iba yung character niya, iba yung character ko, tapos yung takbo ng story ibang-iba talaga,” ani Jennylyn. “Hindi siya yung typical na love affair, love triangle story,” dagdag naman ni Dennis. n FRJ, GMA
News / July 10, 2015 / 5:05 PM
Julie Anne San Jose wants to make her parents proud AT the young age of 21, Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose has already hit the high notes when it comes to her career. The Kapuso star has her hands full with three regular shows Sunday All Stars, Pepito Manaloto, and GMA News TV’s Day Off - plus an upcoming afternoon soap Buena Familia, which is set to premiere this July. Julie Anne will play the role of 19-year-old Darling Buena in the forthcoming series opposite Jake
Vargas. “’Yung story pong Buena Familia, nasa upper class ‘yung family namin tapos maghihirap kami,” she said during a recent interview. Asked to share a bit more about her role, Julie Anne said: “Hindi siya sobrang mahinhin. Hindi siya pacute. Mahilig siyang lumabas at magshopping. Tapos very artistic din siya. Mahilig siyang kumanta at mag-play ng instruments.” With a successful career under her belt, how does Julie Anne juggle her time? “Time management lang.
Kasi for me, as long as you love what you’re doing and as long as you’re passionate about your craft, hindinghindi ka mapapagod. Hindi ko po iniisip ‘yun kasi happy naman po ako sa mga ginagaw ako, love ko ‘yung ginagawa ko, love ko ‘yung trabaho ko,” she explained. Meanwhile, one more thing that will surely take up most of her time come August is her studies. An AB Communication Arts student of Angelicum College in Quezon City, Julie Anne plans to take up a full
course load and wishes to graduate next year so as to make her parents proud. “Kailangan mataas ‘yung grades kasi last semester, Dean’s lister ako. So sabi ko, masarap sa feeling. Saka siyempre, sa mga magulang mo, masarap ‘yung feeling na ibabalita mo sa kanila na ‘okay naman po ako sa school,’” she shared. Catch more of Julie Anne in Buena Familia premiering soon on GMA’s agship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. n
host Jinri Park, the Korean-born model and actress who moved to Cebu when she was 6 years old. “Jinri’s job is to be like a paparazzi for the show. She is with the contestants before they even meet me. I’ve known her before we started the show and her personality is always very bubbly, very happy. As a host, I think she’s doing very well, she knows a lot about K-Pop so if I have any questions regarding K-Pop, Korea, Korean food, Jinri’s always there.” As for himself, Richard is aware that hosting a show about K-Pop might require him to appear as a K-Pop star himself, complete with all those colorful stage outfits. “I’ve consulted different people, Koreans and even talked to one K-Pop star on the phone, and they all said, ‘I don’t have to change my look because I’m a host, I’m not a contestant,” he explained. “So I’m still going to be myself, host the show the way in my usual style and just be myself. It’s really the contestants who need to transform and really look like K-Pop artists.” n Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / July 11, 2015 / 6:40 PM
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PHILIPPINE EMBASSY AROUND THE WORLD
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July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
Filipino-American Youth Leaders Engage with Young PHL Senators TWO of the youngest Senators in the Philippines met with FilipinoAmerican youth leaders in a roundtable discussion on social entrepreneurship and youth empowerment on July 07, in the Senate of the Philippines. Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV and Senator Juan Eduardo “Sonny” Angara engaged with the ten Filipino-American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPRO) delegates in an indepth discussion about the Philippine legislative process and the bills they have filed. “The legislative process of the Philippines is not much different from that of the United States. The process of filing and passing bills are pretty much the same. We have the same checks and balances in place to guard our democratic processes,” Senator Aquino said. “We are using the Senate and the legislative process as a platform to push for advocacies. The Go Negosyo Act and the Philippine Lemon Law are two
bills that I filed that have been enacted into law and I have several pending bills on Youth Entrepreneurship, Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT), and Fair Competition.” Senator Aquino, a social entrepreneur and former Chairperson of the National Youth Commission, shared with the delegates his advocacies on youth empowerment and involvement, as well as his strategy on how to effectively communicate with the youth audience in the country. “We don’t have a formula for communicating with the youth. We just ensure that we make transparency part of the culture of the office and be comfortable with being open with the things that we do,” he said. Senator Angara, who is also active online, shared, “people want to know who you are and they are interested in the personal side of your life. I think we’ve gotten used to having more likes from posts about our family rather
than the bills we’ve filed.” The delegates, who were eager to ask questions about the challenges of being a young politician, programs on technology education and literacy, mechanisms for responding to online queries, described the roundtable discussion as informative and inspiring. Jennifer Coli ores, a lawyer working in the Public Counsel Services in Boston Massachusetts said, “many of us were moved by their stories and to see young professionals in such a highly in uential office is really inspiring. We are here because we are dedicated to the Filipino-American community back in the U.S. so it’s wonderful to see two young Filipino senators who are committed to serving the Filipino community here.” Towards the end of the discussion, some words of advice were shared to their fellow youth leaders. Being a young politician in an old institution, Senator Aquino emphasized the importance of humility saying “be
humble enough to ask for help and guidance from your elders. More often than not, they are willing to share their experiences and expertise with you.” FYLPRO was founded in 2012 by Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. and his wife Mrs. Ma. Victoria J. Cuisia, in cooperation with the Ayala Foundation Inc. Each year, FYLPRO gives ten high-performing nextgeneration Filipino-Americans the special opportunity to travel to the Philippines and dialogue with the highest officials and policymakers in
the Philippines, including leaders of industry, legislators, media, artists and cultural experts, entrepreneurs (both traditional and social), as well as innovators in different fields. The 2015 FYLPRO is made possible with the invaluable partnership of the Ayala Foundation, Inc. and the generous support of corporate sponsors Ayala Corporation, Chevron Holdings, Chevron Philippines, Chevron Malampaya, Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Philamlife, PHINMA, Philippine Airlines, and SGV and Co. n Philippine Embassy Philippines / July 9, 2015
DFA Spokesperson speaks about The West Philippine Sea issue in Tuguegarao City
DFA Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Charles C. Jose delivers his lecture on the West Philippine Sea at the Hotel Roma in Tuguegarao City on July 10.
DFA Spokesperson answers questions from the audience during the open forum on July 10.
Assistant Secretary Jose holds lecture in Cagayan State University.
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), held a multisectoral advocacy campaign on the West Philippine Sea issue in Tuguegarao City from July 09 to July 11. The talks covered the core issues of the West Philippine Sea dispute, the Philippine official policy and its guiding principles, as well as government efforts on the issue. DFA Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Charles C. Jose discussed the West Philippine Sea issue before an audience composed of local officials from various government agencies in Tuguegarao City, students and youth, NGOs, businesses, members of the media, and uniformed personnel from the local law enforcement agencies on July 10. Other panel speakers include Representative Randolph Ting (3rd District of Cagayan), PIA Regional Director Purita Licas, Lieutenant Colonel Vladimir Cagara (Armed Forces of the Philippines), Captain Julius Caesar Victor V. Lim (Coast Guard District North Eastern Luzon), Mr. Mac Angelo Adriano (Office of the City Mayor), and Mr. Arsenio Bañares (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources). During the open forum, the audience expressed their concerns over China’s nonparticipation in the arbitration case and its aggressive actions in the South China Sea/ West Philippine Sea. The DFA Spokesperson
Bombo Radyo’s Marvin Cangcang and Radyo ng Bayan host interview Assistant Secretary Jose.
(Left) A student asks a question during the open forum, (Right) PIA Regional Director Purita Licas delivers closing remarks.
Assistant Secretary Jose holds press conference with the media on July 10.
stressed that international disputes such as the West Philippine Sea issue need to be resolved in a peaceful and durable manner. He also pointed out the crucial role of the international community in ensuring that all states observe international norms. “We want a regional order that is based on the rule of law,” he stated. Assistant Secretary Jose delivered a lecture before students and professors at the Cagayan State University on the same day and urged them to promote the issue in their own circles and communities. He thanked the University for supporting the West Philippine Sea information campaign and providing the venue. PIA Regional Director Purita Licas reinforced Assistant Secretary Jose’s message in her closing remarks, stating that, “We are conducting this multi-sectoral campaign to ensure that all of you will have sufficient knowledge and understanding of an issue that has serious implications on future generations.” The DFA Spokesperson also engaged members of the media through a press conference on July 10, and gave interviews to DZGR Bombo Radyo and PBS-DWPE Radyo ng Bayan. He encouraged the reporters to keep the local audience informed and interested by continuing discussions on the West Philippine Sea issue in their broadcasts. The DFA and PIA aims to conduct more multi-sectoral forums throughout the country this year, with the next one set to be held in Dumaguete City. Similar forums have already been held in Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro City, Subic, Olongapo, Laoag City, Vigan City, and Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. n Philippine Embassy Philippines / July 13, 2015
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AFTER 12-round war with undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao admitted that he was surprised at the outcome as he expected to win the megafight between two of this generation’s greatest fighters. “It’s a good fight. I thought I won the fight. He didn’t do nothing,” Pacquiao said as he was interviewed in the ring. “He always moved outside. I got him many times with solid punches. I believe I won the fight.” Pacquiao was pressed during the interview on why he wasn’t able to fight his usual way in the contest. The official Compubox stats showed
him connecting on only 81 of his 429 punches (19%) while Mayweather landed 148 of his 435 (34 ). “He’s moving around. It’s not easy to throw a lot of punches if he’s moving around. But if he stayed, I can throw a lot of punches.” He added, though, that he was not bothered by Mayweather’s size and strength in this one. “I can handle his power. He’s not strong like (Antonio) Margarito or other opponents like (Miguel) Cotto, like that.” “He’s not bigger than me. It’s not the size. Size doesn’t matter. I’ve been fighting bigger than him. No problem.”
MANILA - Manny Pacquiao’s life story, with its inspiring triumph over adversity after each fall, has been mirrored yet again in his fight with Floyd Mayweather, despite his loss by unanimous decision. Thus ran the common thread of officials reacting to the outcome of the fight. Malacanang Palace, in a statement released by Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. on behalf of President
Aquino, said: “Filipinos can hold their heads up high: our national pride, Congressman Manny Pacquiao, did us all proud when he stood his ground against one of the best boxers of our time, Floyd Mayweather. “President Aquino reiterates his thanks to Manny for serving as an inspiration to every Filipino in overcoming the daily challenges in the pursuit of a better life and future.”
n InterAksyon.com / May 3, 2015 / 1:31 PM
Pacquiao’s good fight inspires Filipinos, say Philippine officials And then, reiterating his pre-fight unsolicited advice for the Filipino boxing icon to devote more time to his family while he is still healthy,, Mr. Aquino expressed hope that “Manny may now be able to devote more time with his family and that he is able to maintain good health that
will serve him in good stead in all his future endeavors.” Other officials’ reactions had similar themes of thanking Pacquiao for inspiring Filipinos “Sa araw na ito, ipinakita ni Manny na tayong mga Pilipino ay handang humarap at bumangon sa anumang pagsubok.
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EL GAMMA PENUMBRA THANKS SUPPORTERS FOR ‘ASIA’S GOT TALENT’ VICTORY THIS time, the votes were more than enough to put them over the top. Four years ago, shadow play dancers El Gamma Penumbra dazzled local viewers of ABS-CBN’s “Pilipinas Got Talent”, the Philippine edition of the famous “Got Talent” franchise, where they made it all the way to the Grand Finals. Despite being a crowd favorite, however, the group did not get enough public votes to even land in the top three. The eventual winner that year was the singing group the Maasinhon Trio, which was largely criticized for not being in the same league as El Gamma Penumbra and the two runners-up in terms of talent. Turn to page 28
VP Binay: No need to waive my right to bank secrecy Story on page 12
El Gamma Penumbra with ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ host Rovilson Fernandez.
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GMA Network turns over 1,783 blood bags to the Philippine Red Cross Story on page 24
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CONTROVERSIAL actress and TV host Kris Aquino has dropped another bombshell again. One day before the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution that swept her mother to power in 1986, the self-styled Queen of All Media posted a blog entry called “The State of My Heart” that revealed more details about her short-lived romance with Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista last year. Kris’ recollection of her special relationship with the actor-comedian turned politician dubbed as Bistek included a marriage proposal from the latter, which she described as “probably the least romantic proposal any woman has ever received.” “On the first Friday of April nearly a year ago during merienda, he said he was tired, he didn’t want to play games, he was tired of chasing and of running away, and he wanted to feel secure with someone he could grow old with. He said, walang romance, walang lokohan, walang bolahan. Okay na raw ba ko to marry him kasi nga PAGOD na sya?,” Kris wrote.
Kris Aquino and Herbert Bautista.
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MANNY PACQUIAO, ANO ANG REGALO KAY PRINCE HARRY?
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Although she did not categorically state that she said yes to his proposal, Kris agreed that she wanted to grow old with Mayor Herbert. “I knew we’d never be bored conversing, and maybe this was where God led 2 individuals who deserved a chance at life long companionship with maturity, and full acceptance of equally colorful pasts.” Quoting a line from her favorite Sharon Cuneta movie, “Minsan Minahal Kita”, Kris also wrote, “He made me believe, he made me believe we had a chance.” As Kris further recalled all of her happy moments with Mayor Herbert, she also revealed that it all came crashing down after she made their relationship public on “Aquino & Abunda Tonight,” her nightly talk show with Boy Abunda. “I made the mistake of speaking about him the following night on A&A. The next day, over the phone he broke up with me, right before Bimb’s 7th birthday party.
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Mabuhay ka Manny. Lagi kang ipagmamalaki ng bawat Pilipino [Today, Manny showed that we Filipinos are ready to face whatever challenge. Manny, every Filipino is proud of you ,” came the cheeron statement from Vice President Jejomar Binay. Story on page 28
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MANNY PACQUIAO: ‘I THOUGHT I WON THE FIGHT’
Another casino rising, right in the heart of gridlocked Manila FOR casino habitues from the Santa Cruz and Balintawak areas frustrated by the dailly gridlock from driving to Solaire and City of Dreams for their regular fix, a neighborhood solution is under way. Construction of a hotel-casino complex within the former San Lazaro racetrack is going full-blast, hopefully in time for its soft opening this December. The project is called Winford Leisure and
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DINGDONG, MARIAN ‘WILL BE GRATEFUL’ WHETHER FIRST BABY IS A BOY OR A GIRL KAGAYA ng lahat ng soon-to-be parents, excited narin sina Marian Rivera at Dingdong Dantes na malaman ang kasarian ng kanilang unang baby. Ayon sa ulat ni Nelson Canlas sa “24 Oras” nitong Martes, nagtungo na sa OB-gynecologist si Marian kasama ang kaniyang asawa nitong Lunes upang malaman kung boy o girl ba ang kanilang panganay. Gayunpaman, tila binibitin pa ng kanilang coming baby ang kniyang mga magulang dahil hindi pa raw makumpirma ang kasarian nito. Kuwento ng aktres, “Akala naming makikita
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PHILIPPINE EMBASSY AROUND THE WORLD
July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
Philippines organizes G77 Forum to discuss development issues AMBASSADOR Cecilia B. Rebong, Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva and Chairperson of the Geneva Chapter of the Group of 77 and China (G77), organized the 2nd Gamani Corea Forum on June 30.
The Gamani Corea Forum was established during the 50th Anniversary of the G77 last year as a capacity building tool, which provides countries from the developing world with knowledge needed in the continually evolving field of
development and it is named after one of the founding fathers of the Group of 77 and China and the main author of the Declaration of the 77. The forum allows G77 members to openly discuss the multifaceted challenges that countries from the developing South face. The featured speaker for the session was Professor Ha-joon Chang from the niversity of Cambridge and famed author of “Kicking Away the Ladder – Development Strategy in Political Perspective” and “Bad Samaritans,” which showed the inconsistencies and contradictions between the actual economic policies that allowed developed countries to advance and their subsequent somewhat contrary current positions on key development issues. Ambassador Rebong in her welcome remarks stated that “The world finds itself at a crossroads in the field of development. There have been difficulties in the negotiations on both the Post-2015 Development Agenda and the Third International Conference on Financing for Development.” She added that “Gaps between
the developed and the developing countries must be bridged if we are to make progress during these upcoming major international development conferences, the outcomes of which will have a profound impact on our citizens.” Dr. Chang in his presentation discussed the way countries such as the nited States and Great Britain, which are now among the most ardent proponents of free trade, benefited in the very early stages of their development from protectionist policies, support for infant industries, high tariffs on goods, and other measures that are counter to the free trade principles that they now espouse. Once they had reasonably developed their industries only then did they give up the protectionist measures and shifted to free trade policies effectively “kicking away the ladder” so other countries could not follow. Dr. Chang pointed out that in today’s multilateral venues such as the World Trade Center (WTO), which calls for a level playing field, it would be fair only if both parties in negotiations were also on equal footing
in terms of levels of development and economic power. Otherwise a country that is considerably weaker would need certain concessions from the other parties in order to properly match-up with them. He concluded his lecture by saying that “the developing countries need to reform the Global Economic System to make it more responsive to their needs.” He pointed out that countries must decide on the proper mix of policies that will be beneficial to them, whether this is a mix of free trade and some level of protectionism will depend entirely on the country since there is no one size fits all approach. The Group of 77 and China was established 51 years ago during the first nited Nations Conference on Trade and Development in 1964 and is made up of 134 countries mostly from what is known as the developing South. It is a major negotiating bloc in the field of development and it has chapters in Nairobi, New York, Paris, Rome, and Vienna aside from Geneva. The Philippines is chair of the Geneva and Paris chapters for the year 2015. n
Philippine Embassy Philippines / July 15, 2015
FYLPRO 2015 Delegates Meet with Cabinet Secretary
CABINET Secretary Jose Rene Almendras hosted a private meeting with the delegates of the 4th FilipinoAmerican Youth Leadership Program to brief them on the general policy thrusts of the Aquino administration. The dialogue with the Cabinet Secretary gave the delegates the opportunity to learn about the core values and visions of this government and the framework within which the visions are translated into implementable programs and projects. The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the country’s top priorities are job generation and investing in Filipinos, especially the poor. From efforts to ensure that investments reach those in the poverty line, to investing in programs such as the Conditional Cash Transfer Program, he underscored the
government’s efforts to elevate the lives of the poorest of the poor. “The President is willing to invest in people and the poor. If the poor is struggling to feed themselves and make ends meet, how do we expect the poor to think of anything else?” Sec. Almendras highlighted the transformative nature of the Aquino administration’s policies saying, “Where we are allowed, we change the structure to avoid corruption. We believe in changing structures, processes and people.” He cited that the Philippines has come a long way from being the sick man of Asia to being lauded as the “darling of investors” with steady increases in the GDP and the decrease in poverty from 29% to 22%. During the discussion, delegates asked questions about existing political
challenges, measures to improve transparency through technology, and efforts to institutionalize the transformative reforms initiated by President Aquino. Angelo Ignacio, a Marketing Specialist for World Vision from Seattle, Washington, said, “you mentioned that someday you will see the outcome of what you’ve invested your time in while in office - this really stuck with me. Sometimes it’s hard to stay positive and to stay passionate and be willing to still continue to do our work. It is the belief that someday your output and your outcome will in fact bear fruits that carries you through. We look forward to seeing the fruits of your investment grow and we hope to be able to contribute to the Philippines’ progress.” Secretary Almendras told the delegates, “I like the idea that you have
The 2015 FYLPRO Delegates with Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and DFA Undersecretary Evan Garcia and DFA Chief Coordinator Tess de Vega.
chosen to lead the Philippines, that you have not given up. That is why I am here with you today. You guys have the opportunity to see the Philippines grow and you are in an environment to share it to the rest of the world.” As parting advice to the delegates, Secretary Almendras said, “To whom much is given, much is required. That is the challenge for you. You have the wonderful gift of choices. Some of the poorest people in this country I have met
do not have choices and the desperation is apparent. My one advice to you is perseverance. Make the right choices and then it is easier to persevere.” Philippine Airlines, Ayala Corporation, Chevron Holdings, Chevron Philippines, Chevron Malampaya, Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Philamlife, and SGV and Co. join PHINMA as the corporate sponsors of the 4thFYLPRO. n Philippine Embassy Philippines / July 9, 2015
Ayala firm promotes “Ayala Lifestyle” in Xiamen AYALA Land Inc. conducted an investment promotion seminar at Kempinski Hotel in Xiamen on July 04 where 30 prospective investors attended. The Ayala group was led by Senior Sales Manager Jose Ramil Gatmaitan who made a presentation of the firm’s various projects that provide opportunities for foreign investors, particularly their new Arca South Project in Taguig City. He also pitched the Philippines as a major tourist destination where Chinese investors could enjoy the
sights and sounds of the Philippine archipelago. In his message, Philippine Consul General to iamen Julius Caesar Flores commended the initiative of Ayala Land to venture into Xiamen to seek out possible investors on their projects in the Philippines. He posed a challenge to Ayala Land to do a road show to Fujian’s major cities in the near future. Consul General Flores also acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Ayala Group to the economic development of the
Philippines especially in the property sector where it develops prime and strategic properties all over the country. The audience was encouraged to consider investing in the Philippines stressing that the Philippine economy has performed well in the past few years and that there are plenty of investment opportunities, including those offered by Ayala Land. The event was capped by an open forum where the audience demonstrated their keen interned in Ayala’s investment offerings. n Philippine Embassy Philippines / July 14, 2015
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July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
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Head of house IP panel blasted for ‘insulting’ lumad says refugees held in ‘concentration camp’
North Cotabato Rep. Nancy Catamco during the ‘dialogue’ with Ata-Manobo refugees at a church compound in Davao City. Photo by Kilab Multimedia
Saying she only wanted to help solve the lumad’s problems, she went on to say she “cannot understand seeing the children here stinking (baho) like this …” She also insinuates that the lumad are being held against their will and said if they were genuine evacuees, they should be staying with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, not the church compound. In another file, she dismisses a man’s assertion that they were seeking a dialogue, saying many dialogues had been held in the past “and yet you keep returning here.” She also justified the continued military presence in hinterland communities, saying it was needed to protect heavy equipment from being burned by rebels and asking if
the lumad were willing to take on the responsibility of preventing this. In comments sent to InterAksyon about the incident, Catamco said: “Hindi ito healthy at lalong hindi makatao. Imagine, pinagsiksikan sila sa makeshift tents, walang maayos na tulugan, makain at palikuran; and worst, ayaw silang pauwiin at naka-kandado ang gate na walang basta-basta makapasok (This is not healthy and more than that, inhuman. Imagine, they are crammed into makeshift tents, with no proper beds, food or toilets; and worst, they are prevented from returning home and the gates locked to prevent anyone from entering). You visit them and see for yourself.” Catamco had been invited, together with party-list Representatives Luz Ilagan of Gabriela, Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna and Terry Ridon of Kabataan, by the Save our Schools Network to join a fact-finding mission to investigate human rights violations allegedly committed by the military and paramilitary groups against the lumad in Southern Mindanao. On July 13, the mission went to Cateel, Davao Oriental and visited a lumad school. The following day the lawmakers met with the evacuees and their datu and other leaders at the UCCP Haran compound, where the
Back from The Hague, DFA chief says Manila has ‘strong case’ as it works on July 23 deadline
MANILA - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario flew in late Tuesday afternoon from The Hague, confident the Philippines has “a strong case” against China in the South China Sea case. This, as lawyers for Manila work on meeting a July 23 deadline to submit written answers to questions posed by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the second round of hearings last Monday. Flying in from Dubai on Emirates Flight EK332 Tuesday afternoon, del Rosario told airport reporters, “the Philippines presented our arguments on jurisdiction before the tribunal and we believe we have a strong case.” He added that, “we have placed our trust in the independence and wisdom of the judges and that’s why as this point in time it behooves us to hold further comments. I hope you understand.” Earlier Monday, the five-member PCA based in the Netherlands conducted five hours of a new round of hearings, mostly to propound clarificatory questions to the Philippine delegation, which is persuading the court to rule on jurisdiction and admissibility of the case filed by Manila in 2014. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, who was with the Philippine delegation in The
Hague, explained that the requirement to submit written answers by July 23 did not signal the PCA’s dissatisfaction with the Philippine side’s explanations in the oral arguments. She said it is meant to “essentially commit the answers to writing.” At the second round last Monday (July 13), whenever a new question was propounded, “our lawyers reserved the right” to answer at a later time if they felt they needed to better flesh out their response, she added. A ruling by the PCA on whether it has jurisdiction over Manila’s complaint against China’s “excessive 9-dash line claim” is possible after 90 days, going by the experience of the US-based lawyer tapped by Manila, Paul Reichler. A decision on the merits of the case, assuming the PCA decides to admit Manila’s complaint, will likely happen after the term of President Benigno Aquino III, Valte said. Manila is asking the PCA to define the maritime entitlements under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in light of Beijing’s aggressive push to assert ownership over virtually the entire South China Sea. n Carla Lim / News5 / InterAksyon.com / July 15, 2015 / 4:39 AM
Ata-Manobo aired their complaints, including what they said were vilification campaigns mounted by the military and milities against them, volunteer teachers and groups who support them. At the July 14 meeting, said the Makabayan lawmakers, Catamco suggested they meet again the next day so she could invite officials of the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples. However, aside from NCIP representatives, Catamco also took with her military officers and other government agencies and told the evacuees to return home, the activist lawmakers said. They said Catamco humiliated the evacuees when she told them, “Pangulina ‘mo kay baho na kayo ‘mo diri. (You should go home because you are already stinking here).” “She tried to entice the evacuees to go home by telling them packed lunch and buses had been prepared for them,” they added. The Makabayan lawmakers also accused Catamco of disrespecting Zarate when she cut him off, saying, “I’m not talking to you,” when he tried to raise a point during their dialogue. This prompted Zarate to walk out. “The so-called dialogue turned into a mockery. Ultimately it failed
to address the issues of militarization being raised by the evacuees. Her words and deeds were no different in effect from what the military have been in icting on the lumad: threats, intimidation, harassment, and ridicule,” the Makabayan bloc said. In a separate statement, the UCCPSoutheast Mindanao Jurisdictional Area said it felt “insulted by the fact that she disrespected the sanctuary by misleading us of her true intentions of dragging the issue beyond humanitarian aspect.” The “UCCP Peace Sanctuary is a prophetic witness and humanitarian effort of the church for the lost, the last and the least of our people. It is a place purposely created to accommodate individuals or communities that were deprived, neglected, exploited, harassed, and suppressed with their rights to peace, respect and free as a community,” Bishop Hamuel Tequis of UCCP SEMJA said in the statement. “Forcing the lumad to go back to their villages would not help in addressing the main issues or their demands. Certain government officials and agencies are just making the situation worse, the fact that they are public servant they should act as genuine servants to the people,” he added. n Lira Dalangin-Fernandez / InterAksyon.com / July 18, 2015 / 12:04 PM
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MANILA – Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc and religious leaders blasted the chairwoman of the House of Representatives’ committee on national cultural communities for “insulting” displaced Ata-Manobo who have sought refuge from militarization at a church compound in Davao City this week. Sought for her side, Catamco, a Bagobo-Manobo, stood her ground and alleged the lumad are being held under duress at the UCCP compound, which she likened to a “concentration camp” where the indigenous people “are being treated inhumanely.” In audio files uploaded to the Internet, North Cotabato Representative Nancy Catamco is heard speaking in an angry voice during what was supposed to be a dialogue with the lumad at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines Haran compound. In one of the files, she raises her voice when a man says they would rather die in the evacuation center than return to their militarized communities. “Okay, you want to die here? Okay, you want to die here? He said that. You want to die? Alright, those who want to die here, raise your hands. Raise your hands! You want this? Really?” she said.
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July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
Greek banks to reopen after ECB extends cash lifeline FRANKFURT, Germany - Greek banks are set to reopen on Monday next week after the European Central Bank (ECB) boosted emergency aid to the crisis-hit country and eurozone nations agreed to crucial short-term funding, boosting hopes ahead of a key bailout vote in Germany. ECB chief Mario Draghi said a vital cash lifeline to Greece’s struggling lenders would be increased, while also throwing his weight behind IMF calls for debt relief for Athens. In response, the Greek government announced that banks would reopen on Monday for the first time in almost three weeks, although withdrawals would still be capped at 60 euros ($65) a day. Athens shuttered banks and imposed capital controls at the end of last month, bringing the economy to a virtual standstill and forcing Greeks to queue for hours for cash. “From Monday, citizens can go to the bank counters and make any kind of transaction,” Deputy Finance Minister Dimitris Mardas told ERT public television late Thursday (early
Friday in the Philippines). Meanwhile, eurozone ministers approved the launch of bailout talks after lawmakers in Athens grudgingly passed tough reforms to taxes, pensions and labour rules demanded by creditors in the early hours of Thursday morning. “The Eurogroup welcomes the adoption by the Greek Parliament of all the commitments specified in the Euro Summit statement” reached in marathon talks last weekend, the eurozone’s finance ministers said. The European Commission, the bloc’s executive arm, also agreed in theory to grant Greece a three-month 7.0-billion-euro ($7.6 billion) bridging loan to keep its economy a oat until its new bailout is ratified. The moves came as German lawmakers will on Friday interrupt their summer holiday to vote on granting the government a mandate to negotiate the details of the new aid package. On the eve of the vote, German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged conservative lawmakers to back
IBP STANDOFF, DAY 5 MANILA – Activists who have held vigil at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines since early this week to help protect an officer of the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees holed out
the deal, saying she was “absolutely convinced” it was the way forward. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Wednesday faced down a major mutiny in his radical left Syriza party and violent protests in the streets of Athens to win parliamentary approval for the draconian reforms demanded in return for a new 86-billion-euro bailout package. Tsipras said the 32 MPs from his own Syriza party who had voted against the package had contradicted “the principles of friendship and solidarity at a critical time,” and left the party “bruised,” a government source quoted him as saying. But the Eurogroup, led by the nononsense Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, was encouraged by the outcome. Dijsselbloem said the raft of reforms approved by the Greek parliament were a first step to “start to rebuild trust” as he called for urgent foreign investment to help boost Greece’s debt-ridden economy. A spokeswoman for the European Commission said the vote was “an
important step toward rebuilding trust with Greece’s international partners”. The EU’s executive arm also greenlighted a bridging loan for Greece through an EU-wide crisis fund to hold Athens over until its new bailout is ratified. Non-euro Britain had resisted the use of this fund, but said late Thursday it had dropped its objection after reaching a deal that would protect it and other countries outside
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COURAGE officer’s watchers harassed, too
there after being staked out by suspected state security agents have been harassed, the public sector union said Saturday, fifth day of the standoff. A statement from COURAGE said members of the urban poor organization
One of the men who allegedly tailed COURAGE officer Antonieta Setias-Dizon to the IBP office in Ortigas district walks away from the Toyota Innova he had been riding. Image provided by COURAGE.
Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap or Kadamay from Malabon had just left the IBP office in Ortigas district around 7 p.m. when “they noticed that a silver Starex van with (license) plate WSU 936 was tailing the jeepney they were boarding.” COURAGE said the van “hustled” the jeepney along EDSA, near the Trinoma mall. “They were able to shake-off the van at Monumento,” the union added. Members from various activist organizations have been staging vigils at the IBP office since Tuesday night, when Antonieta Setias-Dizon, a member of COURAGE’s council of advisers, sought refuge there after she was tailed by a Toyota Innova from the Supreme Court, where she and more than 20 other unionists and child rights advocates filed a petition for writs of amparo and habeas data in a bid to put an end to what they said were the worsening
threats and harassment by men who introduced themselves as military agents. Dizon, a former director of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, is a sister of IBP president. The lawyers’ organization said it would seek a congressional inquiry “to arrest this political slide down in our democratic life from going into a freefall.” Earlier, she said the Innova was the same vehicle that had been tailing her since early this month. Since then, Dizon and other COURAGE officers said her “stalkers” have maintained their stakeout at the IBP office, rotating different teams and vehicles and, on at least two occasions, attempting to enter the building. COURAGE fears Dizon has been targeted for either arrest, enforced disappearance or, worse, extrajudicial killing. “It is infuriating that the state has not relented in harassing Dizon and
Andal Ampatuan Sr. is dead MANILA – Andal Ampatuan Sr., alleged mastermind of the 2009 Ampatuan massacre that killed 58 people, half of them media workers, died of complications from liver cancer Friday night at the Naitonal Kidney Transplant Institute in Quezon City. Ampatuan Sr., who was rushed to NKTI last week from his detention cell, was pronounced dead at 10:02 p.m. after suffering a cardiac arrest. The patriarch of a warlord clan who is on trial for the Philippines’ worst political massacre had slipped into a coma several days ago. Ampatuan Sr. and seven other members of the powerful Ampatuan clan are among 100 people on trial
the single currency against potential losses. A compromise agreement was expected to be finalised on Friday. “These have been tough talks, but the agreement announced this evening means an impregnable ring-fence around British taxpayers’ money, which will not be at risk in any way in this emergency financing for Greece,” British finance minister George Osborne said. n AFP / July 17, 2015
for the slaughter of 58 people in the con ict-wracked southern province of Maguindanao in November 2009. The elder Ampatuan, who had been confined to a suburban Manila hospital for two months battling liver cancer, suffered a heart attack this month before slipping into a coma. “It is with deep sadness that I announce to the public that former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. has passed away a few minutes ago,” lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said in a statement. “Details of his death are still sketchy. What is confirmed is that his mortal remains will be treated in accordance with Islamic customs.”
The trial over the murders in 2009 has moved excruciatingly slowly. The victims, who included 32 journalists, some of whom were shot in their genitals, were buried in a hilltop grave using an excavator. The brazenness and brutality of the crime shocked the world, and reinforced a perceived “culture of impunity” in the Philippines, where the powerful believe they can commit crimes like murder and escape unpunished. The Ampatuan patriarch ruled Maguindanao as governor for a decade with a private army tolerated by then president Gloria Arroyo who used his forces as a buffer against Muslim insurgents.
File photo of Andal Ampatuan Sr. (L) being escorted to a hearing on the 2009 massacre that claimed the lives of 58 people, more than half of them media workers.
One of his sons and co-accused, Sajid Ampatuan, was released on bail in May. Many suspects, including Ampatuan clan members, remain at large while human rights groups and victims’
our members,” COURAGE president Ferdinand Gaite said. Friday afternoon, he said, activists noted two “highly suspicious” vehicles repeatedly driving by the IBP office, including a white Mitsubishi Montero that passed by 11 times and whose driver was seen “taking details of the people and the building using a camera.” A black Starex van, on the other hand, was seen dropping off and picking up “several suspicious looking men at a nearby … convenience store,” one of whom “even entered the IBP driveway and took note of the plate numbers of vehicles parked inside.” “When several lookouts apprehended him, he pretended to be lost, walked away and was eventually seen boarding the black Starex van,” COURAGE said. n InterAksyon.com / July 18, 2015 / 10:27 AM
relatives say witnesses are being killed or intimidated to try to sabotage the case. “Justice would have been better served for both our clients and the defendants if a decision were reached before Andal Ampatuan Sr. passed away,” said Harry Roque, a lawyer for the victims’ families “We know that the search for justice continues and we will persevere on behalf of our clients,” he said in a statement. A source in the Ampatuan family said Andal Sr.’s remains will be own to Shariff Aguak Saturday to be buried within 24 hours following Islamic custom. n News5 / InterAksyon.com / Agence France-Presse / July 18, 2015 / 1:22 AM
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July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
Ampatuan patriarch’s remains arrive in Cotabato; media harassed COTABATO City - Thousands of supporters joined members of the Ampatuan clan to greet the arrival of the late clan patriarch, Andal Sr., which arrived at the Cotabato City airport late Saturday morning.
The body of Andal Sr., who died in Metro Manila Friday night, arrived here around 11 a.m. on a Philippine Airlines ight and will be taken to Shariff Aguak town, the Maguindanao capital, to be buried at
Members and supporters of the Ampatuan clan wait for the arrival of the remains of Andal Sr. at the Cotabato City airport. Photo by Dante Dennis Diosina, Interaksyon.com
3 p.m. beside his son Datu Saudi. Islamic custom dictates that a person should be buried within 24 hours of death. A brief commotion marred the arrival of the clan patriarch’s body when a woman in the party of relatives scolded media covering the event, prompting supporters of the family to approach journalists to demand that they delete photos and video they had taken. Before the body was taken to the airport in Manila, Andal Sr.’s body was first brought to Camp Bagong Diwa so his sons detained there, among them Zaldy, former governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and namesake Andal Jr., could say goodbye, Ampatuan lawyer Salvador Panelo told CNN Philippines in an interview. Messages of sympathy have continued to ood in, not just from
Ampatuan allies but even their political foes. Moro Islamic Liberation Front vice chairman Ghadzali Jaafar said Andal Sr. called Andal Sr. an indispensable part of the history of the Bangsamoro. Andal Sr., one of key clan members on trial for the November 23, 2009 massacre that claimed 58 lives, including 32 media workers, in Ampatuan town, died of complications from liver cancer at the National Kidney Transplant Institute in uezon City, where he was rushed last week. A relative, Rajah Buayan Mayor Datu amzamin Ampatuan called the heavy turnout to welcome Andal Sr. home a testament to the more than three decades he served Maguindanao, from when he was a councilor of Maganoy, now Shariff Aguak, to when he became governor of the province for almost a decade.
However, critics say that, as governor, Andal Sr. ruled ruthlessly and wielded almost absolute power over the central Mindanao province, backed by a large private army and amassing great wealth, much of it allegedly ill-gotten. He was known to be a favorite ally of former President Gloria MacapagalArroyo -- Maguindanao was seen as key to what is widely believed to be her fraud-ridden 2004 victory over Fernando Poe Jr., and also delivered her senatorial ticket a clean sweep in the 2007 elections -- until the massacre forced her to place the province under martial law, allowing authorities to arrest the key suspects, including Andal Sr. and his sons. Andal Jr., said to have led the gunmen who carried out the massacre, had surrendered days before this. n Dante Dennis Diosina and Dennis
Arcon / InterAksyon.com / July 18, 2015 / 7:56 AM
SINAG group: P37.353B in smuggled agri products in 2014 MANILA – The total market value of smuggled agricultural commodities in 2014 amounted was estimated to reach P37.353 billion, representatives of Samahang Industriya ng Agriculture (SINAG) has told the Senate. The commodities include but are by no means limited to rice, pork and buffalo meat, onion and garlic, SINAG indicated. In it presentation during the investigation conducted recently by Senator Cynthia Villar on fake goods, SINAG said rice got the biggest chunk in smuggled commodities, amounting to P21.7 billion, which hurt local farmers. “In 2014, the United Nations International Commission on Trade reported that about 2,303,410 metric tons of rice was imported into the country,” SINAG said. However, data from the Bureau of Customs showed that only 1,582,392
metric tons of rice entered the country for the period. “There was at least 721,018 metric tons of rice smuggled into the country in 2014, amounting to a street value of P21.7 billion at P1,500 per 50 kilos bag,” SINAG told Villar. However, SINAG also told Villar that data from the National Food Authority (NFA) showed only slightly more than 1.55 million metric tons of rice was shipped to the country in 2014. SINAG also reported to the Senate that pork is the second highest agricultural commodity being smuggled and misdeclared in the country, amounting to some P8.7 billion. “UN ComTrade reported about 107,669,356 kilos of pork meat was imported in 2014,” SINAG said. However, SINAG noted, there is disparity in the government data since Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) recorded only
64,222,946 kilos of pork imports, while Bureau of Customs (BOC) data showed only 57,411,098 kilos imported in 2014. On the suspected misdeclaration of pork as fats, UN data showed that the country imported about 41,264,976 kilos in 2014. However, BAI data showed that 48,642,544 were imported pork fat recorded. “There is a difference of 7,377,568 kilos of imported pork meat misdeclared as pork fats,” SINAG said. Also, the farmers’ groups disclosed that around P1.9 billion worth of chicken and P1.05-B buffalo meat were smuggled into the country. “UN ComTrade records revealed that about 193,266,408 kilos of chicken and 44,976,480 kilos of buffalo meat were imported into the country in 2014,” SINAG said. However, the group cited BAI figures for chicken at 177,933,388 kilos; and 40,757,595
The 2015 FYLPRO Delegates with Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and DFA Undersecretary Evan Garcia and DFA Chief Coordinator Tess de Vega.
Smuggled garlic from Hong Kong, screen shot from News5
kilos of buffalo meat were recorded. “The market value of these smuggled meats were estimated at 1.9 billion for chicken and P1.05 billion for buffalo meat.” Meanwhile, the group estimated that about 2.28 million kilos of onions worth P113.5 million, and 40 million kilos of garlic worth P3.99 billion were also smuggled into the country in 2014, based on
discrepancies reckoned from UN reports of about 11,317,603 kilos of onions and 69,609,541 kilos of garlic imported to the country last year. However, the Philippine agencies reported that only 9,047,041 kilos of onions; and 29,659,573 kilos for garlic. n Ernie Reyes / InterAksyon.com / July 17, 2015
/ 6:07 PM
DOJ tightens up vs high-risk inmates at NBP Building 14 MANILA - To ensure that high-risk inmates would not be able to continue their illegal activities, the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday said it is coordinating with police and
military intelligence and investigative units to scrutinize inmates who are to be detained at a newly renovated building inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.
Secretary Leila de Lima and New BuCor chief Ricardo Rainer Cruz III inspect Building 14 at the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa. Photo by Gel Francisco ©InterAksyon.com
DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima said the inputs of these intelligence units are necessary to help DOJ and the Bureau of Correction (BuCor) “disable them [inmates] completely from continuing their illegal activities.” Among the intelligence and investigative units that her office is consulting is the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). De Lima said that, once the inputs from these units are finalized by BuCor Director Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, “then that would be the time the highrisk inmates would be transferred to Building 14.”
She said that moving the inmates to the newly-renovated facility would depend on how high-risk they are, though she said that authorities are looking first at inmates convicted for drug trafficking. De Lima also assured the public that the building is equipped with high-tech security gadgets, such as cellular phone jammers and close circuit television cameras (CCTVs) as well as its own security personnel and supervisors. “There are already security equipment there and, if needed, we will put in additional equipment and make sure that the cellular phone jammers are really working,” De Lima said. The renovation of the building
started after the series of raids conducted by NBI, PDEA and PNP personnel in December last year, which led to the confiscation of illegal drugs, cash, firearms, communication devices and posh appliances being used by the inmates at the NBP maximum security compound. In the wake of the raids, De Lima also ordered the temporary transfer of 19 high-risk inmates from NBP to a holding facility at NBI headquarters in Manila while the building at NBP was undergoing renovation. The NBP inmates who were temporarily transferred to the NBI will eventually be among the expected occupants of Building 14. n Brian Maglungsod / InterAksyon.com / July 15, 2015 / 2:21 PM
SPORTS
July 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 14 • UK & Europe Edition
www.hello-philippines.com
39
BOXING
‘Wala naman tayong tinatago’- Manny Pacquiao not worried about lawsuits CALL it the fallout of the century. More disgruntled fight fans are going to court with their complaints, suing Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao and others for failing to disclose a shoulder injury prior to his “Fight of the Century” against Floyd Mayweather. A class-action suit filed in S District Court in Illinois not only names Pacquiao and promoters Top Rank but also telecasters HBO and Showtime, who combined to produce the pay-perview fight program that was sold in the nited States for about 100. The suit also names Mayweather, Mayweather Promotions and cable television providers AT T, COMCAST and DirecTV, and accuses the defendants of deceptive practices in marketing and advertising the bout. “Defendants, individually and collectively, deceptively and fraudulently promoted, produced and sold the fight as one between two healthy fighters expressly misrepresenting the health of Manny
BASKETBALL
Pacquiao to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, all in an effort to maximize and collect pay-per-view revenue,” the lawsuit claims. At least five such class-action suits have been filed across the nited States, seeking millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of those who bought tickets, forked out pay per view fees or bet on Saturday’s fight in Las Vegas, which Mayweather won easily on points. Pacquiao revealed afterwards that he had been held back by the shoulder complaint. It did not take long for the lawsuits to come ooding in. ‘Dud of the century’. Two men in Nevada sued on Tuesday, saying the promotion violated the state’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act. In a similar suit filed in California, plaintiff Howard B. Sirota cites former heavyweight world Champion Mike Tyson as calling the long-anticipated bout the “Dud of the Century.” Some of the lawsuits point to
the pre-fight medical questionnaire signed by Pacquiao for Nevada boxing authorities in which he checked “no” to the question, “Have you had any injury to your shoulders, elbows or hands that needed evaluation or examination ” Pacquiao adviser Michael oncz, named as a defendant in some of the lawsuits, has said he inadvertently ticked the wrong box. Daniel Petrocelli, an attorney for Pacquiao and Top Rank, told The Los Angeles Times that he was confident the Nevada lawsuit would be dismissed. “It claims Pacquiao was injured (immediately) before the bout and that’s not true he was injured (nearly a month) before the bout, was examined by doctors and cleared to fight,” Petrocelli said. “And he was examined by the commission right before he fought.” ESPN reported Monday that Pacquiao’s camp expect the fighter to undergo surgery for a “significant” rotator cuff tear. They say they disclosed the injury
suffered in training camp when they cleared the use of anti-in ammatory drugs with the S Anti-Doping Agency and that Pacquiao had improved enough to be cleared by doctors to fight. Mayweather earned an emphatic, unanimous 12-round decision over Pacquiao in the feverishly anticipated bout that will go down as the richest in boxing history and by critics as one
of the most overhyped. Mayweather walked out of the MGM Grand Garden Arena with a check for 100 million just the first installment of a payday that could reach 200 million when all the payper-view sales, ticket sales, closed circuit TV viewings and other revenue is totted up and shared out. Pacquiao is expected to receive more than 100 million. n AFP / May 7, 2015
‘Di ko pinangarap na aabot sa ganito’- June Mar Fajardo admits basketball success beyond his wildest expectations
JUNE Mar Fajardo is expected to accomplish a rare feat that only three other players in PBA history have in the
past and it is remarkable to see how far he has come considering how he started in the sport.
Photo by Pranz Kaeno Billones ©Sports5
BASKETBALL
Alaska coach Alex Compton determined to erase SMB’s finals lead: ‘Somebody has to be first on every thing’ THE Alaska Aces are facing a Herculean task in the PBA Governors’ Cup finals as they aim to become the first team in league history to come back from a 3-0 deficit in a series. Coach Alex Compton said he and his troops are up for the challenge. “One of our building blocks of our team is honor,” he said after the Aces’s Game Three loss. “Somebody had to be the first man to walk on the moon. Somebody has to be first on every thing.” Coming in as the No.1 seed, Alaska never had the chance to show its form against the San Miguel Beermen whose prolific offense has given nightmares to the Aces. San Miguel cruised to a 30-point win in Game One, 108-78, before giving Alaska its own dose of medicine with a comeback win in Game Two, 103-95.
The Aces had their moments in a tightly contested Game Three, but the Beermen were just too much to handle down the stretch en route to a 96-89 win. The Governors’ Cup finals was a far cry from what the two teams showed in the Philippine Cup finals earlier this season where Alaska fought tooth-and-nail and pushed San Miguel to the limit before surrendering the title to the Beermen in a Game Seven. With San Miguel on the brink of winning another title at the expense of Alaska, Compton assured that his Aces won’t just back down and still give a good fight until the very end. “Should San Miguel win the series, they have to earn it,” he said. “We won’t roll over. We’ll get out there and play.”n
InterAksyon.com / July 15, 2015 / 10:50 PM
The 6-foot-10 Cebuano center admitted that his success in basketball has already far exceeded his wildest expectations since he only learned to play for the purpose of securing a college scholarship and finishing up his studies. “Makapag-tapos ng pagaaral. Yun lang,” Fajardo told Fraulein Olavario of News5 in an exclusive interview. “Kasi, hindi naman afford ng parents ko yung college kaya nag-scholarship ako. Nagvarsity ako, pero hindi ko pinangarap na aabot sa ganito eh. Depende sa course ko, gusto ko mag-business eh. Gusto ko talaga maging businessman.” But as Fajardo put in the work day after day, he has developed into one of the most dominating forces in the league and the best
FOOTBALL
center in the PBA today. He will have a brush with the history books in the upcoming annual Leo Awards on Friday with him being a cinch to win a second consecutive PBA MVP award, an achievement that would stamp his place among the greats of Philippine basketball. He will become only the fourth player to become a back-to-back MVP winner after Bogs Adornado (1975-1976), Alvin Patrimonio (1993-1994) and Danny Ildefonso (2000-2001). “Kung makuha ko man yun sobrang blessing kasi nakakatuwa din isipin kasi ano lang ba ako dati? Hindi ako mahilig mag-basketball. Hindi ko talaga pinangarap maging isang basketball player pero nagbasketball player lang ako dahil scholarship
lang eh,” Fajardo added. “Di ko naman inisip na aabot ako dito tapos makakakuha ako ng back-to-back MVPs, hindi ba?” Despite his obvious gifts, Fajardo admitted that he had to make plenty of sacrifices to get to where he is right now, particularly when it comes to being away from his family. “Kailangan mo tiisin yung homesick eh kasi malayo ka sa parents mo. Yun talaga yung pinaka-sacrifice ko yung malayo sa parents ko kasi hindi ako sanay na malayo sa parents ko eh,” he said. “Pero ngayon medyo ok naman kasi four years na ko sa Manila eh tapos parang nasasanay na rin ako.” n Rey Joble /
InterAksyon.com / July 16, 2015 / 12:27 AM
Azkals goalkeeper Neil Etheridge secures 2-year deal with English club
PHILIPPINE national men’s football team goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has finally secured a stable stint with a club. The Filipino-British Azkals veteran has signed a two-year deal with English third tier club Walsall FC of Football League One. “Now is the time to get my head down and work hard. I have gained plenty of International experience in front of big crowds, but I’ve not played as many League games as I would have liked and I intend to rectify that here,” Etheridge told the club’s official website. “Everyone has made me feel really welcome and there is a great atmosphere around the place. When things click into place so quickly it makes it that much easier to settle
and I have found that here. “This club wants success and I am determined to play my part in it.” Etheridge’s new deal came after his contract with secondtier club Charlton Athletic lapsed last January. Before that, he had difficulty finding a new home since leaving Premier League side Fulham last year. Walsall is impressed with Etheridge who it described as “athletic and talented.” “He ticks all the right boxes in terms of age, room for further development and experience at this level and above,” club manager Deam Smith said. “He is an extremely driven young man who wants to be successful and
these are the characteristics that we are looking for.” Etheridge, 25, recently patched up things with Azkals coach Thomas Dooley after a rift last year. The goalkeeper played in the Philippines’ wins against Bahrain and Yemen that kicked off its campaign in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. n InterAksyon.com / July 3, 2015 /
2:47 PM
Photo by Ver Marquez ©InterAksyon.com
sport ©AFP
‘Wala naman tayong ‘Di ko pinangarap na aabot Azkals goalkeeper tinatago’- Manny Neil Etheridge sa ganito’- June Mar Fajardo Pacquiao not worried admits basketball success secures 2-year deal about lawsuits beyond his wildest expectations with English club Story on page 39
Story on page 39
FOOTBALL
Story on page 39
Azkals set new alltime high in FIFA World Rankings
FOLLOWING an impressive start to its FIFA World Cup qualifiers campaign, the Philippine national men’s football team reached its highest world ranking in history at 124th, according to the latest FIFA World Rankings released recently. The Azkals leaped 13 places to achieve the feat, sharing the 124th spot with Moldova. They also reclaimed their spot as the best Southeast Asian team in the rankings. The rankings eclipsed the Filipinos’ previous high at 127th set in 2013. The jump in the ladder was made possible by their wins against Bahrain (2-1) and emen (2-0) that kicked off their FIFA World Cup qualifiers campaign. The Azkals currently share the table lead in Group H with North orea. FIFA calculates every country’s ranking based on match results (a win, a loss or a draw), its importance (i.e. a friendly or a World Cup match), and the strength of the nation’s opponent ranking-wise. These points are then accumulated from the country’s past results in the previous four years. The Azkals will next see action on September 8 against the 75th-ranked zbekistan at the Philippine Stadium in Bulacan for the resumption of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. n InterAksyon.
com / July 12, 2015 / 1:11 PM
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