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February March 2013 2013 / Fortnightly / Fortnightly
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HELLO FORTNI FOrtNIGgHTLHtLYy Volume Volume44- Number - Number64
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Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation AS HOLY WEEK
NEARS, PAMPANGA DEVOTEES PREPARE TO BE CRUCIFIED
LONDON — We are now closing this Live Report on the surprise resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. But before we do, here is a brief recap of the main developments in the story: • Pope Benedict has said he is stepping down on February 28 after just eight years as pontiff; • The 85-year-old said that “my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry”; • A diehard traditionalist who stressed family values and50, opposed abortion 000 people are and gay to marriage, he expected flock to San has attracted plentyfrom of Fernando, Pampanga controversy as March 25 toduring 31 for his thistime year’s pontiff. But he plaudits celebration of drew “Maleldo” or from Week, aroundaccording the world on Holy to the his government. resignation, including local from USmakes President Barack What San Fernando Obama, to German Chancellor popular both Filipinos and Angela Merkel, Archbishop of foreigners during the Lenten Canterbury Welby and Season is itsJustin “Via Crucis”, or Chief of the Ashkenazi re-enactment of Rabbi Christ’s Israel, Rabbion Yona Metzger; crucifixion Good Friday, • A new popeare is expected where devotees nailed to to be chosen Easter the cross. As ofbefore now, 34 men Sunday on March 31. Early have enlisted for crucifixion. favourites for the role include The Kapampangan cardinals started Francis Arinze of tradition in 1955 Nigeria, Peter Turkson of after writer Ricardo Navarro
Ghana and Marc Ouellet of Canada. Be sure to keep following AFP’s coverage online and through the @AFP Twitter feed for all the breaking updates. LIVE REPORT ENDS. 1833 GMT: It seems the Italian journalist who got the scoop on the pope’s resignation did so thanks to her knowledge of Latin. “Our Vatican expert Giovanna Chirri was listening to the pope’s speech,” the ANSA news agency’s head of information Luigi Contu told AFP. “At up onewith point, came the the play;pope the stopped crucifixiontalking started about in 1962.the consistory. Chirri understood At the press conference he saying was tired, on was march 15,he organizers that the pressure was they too of Maleldo 2013 said much, he was going have and beenthatpreparing for to thestop.” activities since last Chirri Part laterof the modestly December. plan is played down her with success, to beef up security 200 tweeting: “Benedictbecause XVI’s police, especially Latin is very to theft cases have easy become understand.” hard to avoid. 1823 The leader Traffic GMT: rerouting. Traffic of the Catholic in rerouting will also Church be strictly Ireland, Sean Brady, observedCardinal since three says he wasconduct shockedthe by the barangays Via resignation and Brgy. asked Sta. for Crucis, namely prayers for those Lucia, San Juan, andchoosing the most the pope’sSan successor. popular, Pedro Cutud.
Devotees who use flagellants are expected to come out in the streets as early as Holy Monday. AccordingBenedict to Engr. Mariano “Pope has Castro, in Co-Chairperson resigned circumstances of the own Executive Team which his choosing,” he said in handles the celebration, a statement. steel railings be placed at “While it iswill a shock to me, the can crucifixion sitethat in Cutud we be certain Pope because thehas chicken wire they Benedict made this used last after year proved to be decision very careful useless with the huge crowd. and prayerful reflection.” Medical GMT: tents My will AFP be 1806 readied asin Lagos, well as an colleagues Nigeria ambulance and fire to truck. have been speaking the Castro Archbishop likewise reminded city’s Alfred the publicMartins to be careful Adewale about with the their belongings and to bring news.
protection from the sun. More importantly, organizers warned candidates to not take advantage of the theprospect event. Asked about Campaign paraphernalia are of an African pope, he said: prohibited in the the sites where “Obviously choice of reenactments be held. who becomeswill pope is not a “It washuman agreed calculation that there merely will bebut norather posters alone, thebecause work of March 29Spirit is the the Holy asstart well. of the local campaign,” Castro “We would allow the said. Holy “If wetosee posters, we give will Spirit do his work and remove them.” to us the man, the person, 26isyears of devotion. who best suited to the For life thethepast 26 at years, Ruben of church this point in Enaje has been crucified over time.” and1800 over;GMT: this More year, he says, reaction will be no different. from groups representing
Enaje started his devotion in 1986 when he fell from the third floorPope of Benedict a building XVI but came out of the mishap unscratched. young people who suffered “Because of thatofaccident abuse at the hands church I said that I would get myself staff. crucified to show mytired thanks “No matter how or to the Lord,” the 52-yearweak Pope says Benedict may old believer. be, he still has two weeks to Considering use his vast his powerage, to though, Enaje said heBefore would protect youngsters. be steps retiringdown, from we playing he hope the he role ofshow Jesus true in the leadership Via Crucis, will the same and time, take say and at compassion goodbye action to histomore than tangible safeguard two-decade penance. vulnerable children,” read But, not allby areSNAP, eligiblethe to a statement be nailed on the cross. Survivors Network of those
Abused by Priests, issued in the US. “Imagine the shock waves -- and the hope -- that would be generated if, in his waning days, the pontiff demoted, disciplined, or defrocked even a handful of bishops who are concealing child sex crimes. And imagine the deterrent that would be to present and future cover ups.” 1727 GMT: In a written statement, Barack Obama says of the pope: “Michelle and I wish to extend our appreciation and prayers to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.” “Just because you want He crucified added that he and his to be doesn’t mean wife warmly remembered you can be crucified,” says meeting himask in 2009. Castro. “We for a medical 1719 certificate. YouGMT: shouldn’t US be PRESIDENT diabetic. What’s yourOBAMA blood OFFERS pressure? It’s‘APPRECIATION’ only allowed for AND POPE thosePRAYERS who areTO 55-years-old GMT: AFP’s Ralf and1657 below.” Isermann hasarebeen to the Foreigners also banned pope’s the from beingbirthplace, crucified after one southern town supposedly German drank alcohol of Marktl am Inn, to get during the ritual. reactions the local Though from the celebration community. seems to be trivial for others, The says townthat is proud of its Castro they cherish papal connection and Tulad has it dearly. ■ Victoria Camille even “pope beer” and / KDM,sold GMA News / March 16, 2013 5:54pm
Continuation on page 2
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March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
Belle, Macau casino operator seal $1-billion Manila gaming project MANILA - Henry Sy-led Belle Corp has finalized a deal with Macau casino operator Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd (MCE) for the operation of a $1-billion integrated resort complex at the reclaimed area in Manila Bay. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Belle said the company and wholly owned subsidiary Premium Leisure and Amusement Inc (PLAI) closed the cooperation agreement signed on October 25, 2012 with MCE Leisure (Philippines) Corp, MCE Holdings (Philippines) Corp and MCE Holdings No. 2 (Philippines) Corp. The parties also executed the agreement for the MCE group to
operate the entertainment project that would rise in the Entertainment City of state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor). “We are very happy to welcome MCE into the Philippines. We could not have found a better alliance for this endeavor. We are confident that MCE will bring its expertise in developing and operating a highly successful integrated resort complex and strongly contribute to promoting the Philippines as one of Asia’s premier tourism destinations,” said Belle vice chairman Willy Ocier. “Let me also take this opportunity to thank the principals and officers of MCE for choosing to pursue its
gaming business in the Philippines with Belle,” Ocier added. In October, Belle and PLAI entered into a cooperation agreement with Hong Kong-listed MCE, owned by Australian billionaire James Packer and Macau gaming mogul Stanley Ho’s son Lawrence. This allowed both firms to become co-licensees of a casino project. Belle will own the site’s land and buildings, while MCE will operate the facilities within the resort complex. Both firms are expected to make equal investment contributions to the project. Belle fully owns PLAI, which was among the four companies that bagged a provisional license
Melco Crown’s Lawrence Ho and James Packer. Photo from bigstory.ap.org
from Pagcor to establish and operate casinos within the planned Entertainment City. A developer and owner of integrated resort facilities focused on the Macau market, MCE operates the City of Dreams that houses a gaming facility, a Crown Hotel, a Grand Hyatt Hotel, a Hard Rock
Hotel and upscale retail operations. The company is also known for “The House of Dancing Water,” a major tourist attraction in Macau. MCE is building its second integrated resort in Macau called Studio City. In December, the MCE Group completed the acquisition of a 93.06 percent stake in Philippine listed Manchester International Holdings Corp. Set to be renamed Melco Crown (Philippines) Resorts Corp, the listed firm will be the MCE Group’s vehicle to manage and operate its Philippine businesses, which may include its casino, hotel, retail and entertainment complex. ■ Interaksyon / March 13, 2013
Amid protests, Makati cops assure situation After 19 years in jail, ‘chop-chop’ lady killer deported to US AFTER spending more than 19 months after he was released from the Greenhills, San Juan City on Sept. 24, at Malaysian embassy manageable
POLICE reassured the public Thursday the situation at the Malaysian Embassy in Makati City remains manageable, amid plans by some groups to stage protests there due to the ongoing conflict between followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III and Malaysian security forces. Makati City police chief Senior Superintendent Manuel Lukban Jr. said he has deployed a “sufficient” number of personnel to Tordesillas Street to guard the embassy, radio dzBB’s Sam Nielsen reported. The report said the police personnel have instructions to adopt a maximum tolerance policy in dealing with protesters.
Earlier this week, left-leaning groups staged protests at the embassy criticizing Malaysia’s “allout” policy in dealing with Kiram’s followers. Malaysia had adopted an all-out approach in going after Kiram’s followers following deadly clashes in Sabah last March 1 and 2. Last Tuesday, Malaysian forces assaulted an area in Lahad Datu in Sabah where Kiram’s followers were believed to be hiding. The dzBB report said the Makati City police are not discounting the possibility that some groups may still stage protests at the embassy while the tension in Sabah lingers. ■ KG, GMA News / March 7, 2013 8:53am
years in jail, an American linked to the gruesome chop-chop lady case in the 1990s was finally deported Feb. 28, the Bureau of Immigration said. Deported was Stephen Mark Whisenhunt, who was convicted for killing and mutilating Elsa Castillo in 1993, Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said in a statement issued Monday. “We have placed him in our blacklist so he could no longer return to the Philippines. His involvement in a gruesome crime makes him a very undesirable alien who should not be allowed to re-enter our country,” David said. He said Whisenhunt “boarded a Philippine Airlines flight to Los Angeles, California last Feb. 28, two
National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.” The same Immigration statement said Whisenhunt had been sentenced to life imprisonment in 1993 but his jail term was commuted for good conduct while in prison. The BI said Whisenhunt was released from Bilibid last Dec. 27 and “was turned over to the BI to facilitate his deportation to the United States.” “Under the law, foreigners convicted of crimes shall, after service of sentence, be deported to their country of origin and banned from reentering the Philippines,” the BI said. Chop-chop lady case An investigation had shown Castillo was fatally stabbed to death by Whisenhunt inside a condominium in
1993. Whisenhunt’s driver Demetrio Ravelo then testified that the American mutilated Castillo’s body and dumped the parts along a road in Bagac, Bataan. “Castillo met Whisenhunt when she worked as assistant personnel manager of the Apex Motor Corp. Both were married but were estranged from their spouses,” the Immigration statement said. The Immigration statement said Whisenhunt’s lawyers “have long sought his release from detention, citing alleged errors committed by the Board of Pardons and Parole in computing the time he served in prison.” ■ RSJ, GMA News / March 12, 2013 9:43am
Call center industry surpasses 2012 Ensure rice supplies to Tawi-Tawi and Sulu, DA orders NFA revenue goal despite strong peso
MANILA - The call center industry on Tuesday said it surpassed its growth target for 2012 despite the peso appreciation. “We are still okay, but if the peso and dollar exchange will fall below P40, it will hurt us most. We exceeded our target last year. We’ve projected conservatively a 15 percent growth last year, [but] we did end 2012 [with] about 20 percent,” Jojo Uligan, executive director of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) told reporters. The call center industry was aiming for $8.4 billion in revenues and 500,000 jobs last year. “We are happy. A lot of opportunities are coming our way especially in areas that we don’t have a very strong presence -- in Europe, United Kingdom as well as the Asian countries,” Uligan said. He said the healthcare, gaming, banking and financial sectors drove growth last year. Despite the outperformance in 2012, Uligan said CCAP is still maintaining its conservative forecast of 15 percent growth for the next three to four years. Uligan, who is also a director of the Information Technology and
Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), said the overall business process outsourcing (BPO) industry also exceeded its growth target last year. The industry was aiming for revenues of $13 billion and jobs of 722,000. In 2011, it generated more than $11 billion in revenues and employed almost 640,000. According to its medium-term roadmap, the BPO sector projects it would grow revenues to $25 billion and employ 1.3 million by 2016. The call center segment alone expects to corner $14.7 billion of the BPO industry’s revenues, and 816,000 of the total jobs to be created by 2016. ■ Interaksyon / March 12, 2013
ANTICIPATING more Filipinos to head home from Sabah, the Department of Agriculture has ordered the National Food Authority to ensure rice supplies to Tawi-Tawi and Sulu provinces. DA Secretary Proceso Alcala said the rice supplies should help stabilize the prices of rice and basic goods there, radio dzBB’s Allan Gatus reported Tuesday. The report said prices of goods had particularly been rising in Tawi-Tawi as the exchange of goods between traders there and in Sabah had been disrupted in past weeks. Since last week, Malaysian security forces had staged offensives against followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, following a series of deadly encounters since March 1. Many Filipinos residing in Sabah
fled to Mindanao, some of them saying they were maltreated by Malaysian security forces. Also, Alcala ordered DA regional directors in Mindanao to prepare to send cassava to the affected areas,
the dzBB report said. So far, the report said the DA has sent 2,200 sacks of rice to Tawi-Tawi, 1,000 sacks of rice to Sulu, and 200 to Zamboanga. ■ KG, GMA News / March 12,
AT least four people, one of them a police major, were reported hurt in an explosion at the headquarters of the Rizal Provincial Police Office at Hilltop, Barangay Dolores, Taytay, Rizal early Monday morning. Calabarzon police head Chief Superintendent Benito Estipona cited initial reports the incident occurred at 6 a.m., radio dzBB’s Manny Vargas reported.
The report cited initial information from the Calabarzon police office indicating the incident occurred inside the Explosives and Ordnance Division office. It said the injured police officer was initially identified as Chief Inspector Apostol of the police Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO) unit. Aside from Apostol, also injured
were at least three firefighters from Barangay Dolores. Witnesses were quoted in the report as saying they saw smoke coming from the EOD office shortly before the explosion, and called in firefighters. The report quoted police as saying the EOD office contained explosives seized by police in past cases. ■ KG,
Filipino evacuees from Sabah, Malaysia alight from a military truck that transported them from the Bongao wharf in Tawi-Tawi over the weekend. At least two more boats carrying dozens of evacuees who fled the military crackdown on the followers of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III arrived in Tawi-Tawi.Gaudencio Basada
2013 7:42am
4 hurt in explosion at Rizal Provincial Police Office in Taytay
GMA News / March 11, 2013 Updated 8:24 a.m
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March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
GMA News first PHL media to visit Pinoy evacuees in Sabah
GMA News was the first media organization allowed to enter an evacuation center in the strife-torn town of Lahad Datu in Sabah, a GMA News television report said. In his report that aired Tuesday on “24 Oras,” GMA’s Cedric Castillo noted that some 500 Filipino and Malaysian evacuees were housed in the Dewan Embara Budi community hall in Felda Sahabat, a district in Lahad Datu. Dewan Embara Budi is one of three evacuation centers in Sabah. Because this was the first opportunity given to foreign media to
enter the evacuation center, Malaysian authorities directed the reporter to wear a yellow-green vest to identify himself as a foreign correspondent and prohibited GMA News from interviewing evacuees. Still, some of them were able to speak with Castillo. It has been two days of quiet for the evacuees, after nearly a week of hearing exchanges of gunfire, said Castillo in the report. The evacuees sleep on mats, their belongings packed in cartons next to them. Inside the evacuation center, said Castillo, “aakalain mong nasa
Pilipinas ka pa rin,” because the Filipino language could be heard in every corner of the building. The evacuees have been asking for medical supplies in case of illness, though so far no one has reported any ailment. According to Malaysian news outlet The Star Online, 54 of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III’s followers have been killed since fighting began between them and Malaysian security forces on March 1. Meanwhile, eight members of the Malaysian forces have been killed. ■ Rouchelle R. Dinglasan/
BM, GMA News / March 12, 2013
Evacuees from affected villages in Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia stay at a temporary shelter in Dewan Embara Budi Community Hall, Felda Sahabat, Lahad Datu on Tuesday. Cedric Castillo
High-powered firearms, shabu seized in raid on Pasig shabu tiangge Coast Guard, Tubbataha caretakers start THE gang behind the infamous “shabu tiangge” in Pasig City appears to be alive and well, after police seized high-powered firearms and methamphetamine hydrochloride in a raid in the area Sunday. A team from the Eastern Police District seized the items at the Mapayapa Compound in Barangay Santo Tomas in Pasig, radio dzBB reported early Monday. Using information from an insider of the Boratong group, police found the weapons and drugs, but failed to find the key gang members who owned the houses where the items were found. The report said the police found in the house of Ronald Mamon high-
implementing 500-m safety zone
powered firearms including an AK-47 firearm. Found in the house of one Boy Negro, believed to be the gang’s triggerman, was shabu. While police arrested three suspected gang members by virtue of arrest warrants, Mamon and Boy Negro managed to elude arrest. A separate report on “24 Oras” over the weekend said the police raided the area after receiving information that drugs were still being sold at the compound. The report said the compound had a watchtower where men could warn gang members that police were coming. ■ RSJ, GMA News / March 11,
2013 9:10am
More than 500 Sabah evacuees arrive in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi -- More than 500 Filipinos who fled Sabah arrived here Wednesday morning onboard a Navy vessel that had fetched them from Taganak in the Turtle Islands. However, only six of the evacuees brought here by the BRP Sultan Kudarat are from Tawi-Tawi. The rest are from Basilan, Sulu, Zamboanga and at least one was from Quezon City. The group includes more than 150 children and infants and more than 130 women and is the largest single batch of evacuees to arrive here. They are being processed by the inter-agency Task Force Tabang Basulta, which will make arrangements for them to be ferried to their hometowns. The evacuees, who acknowledged that most of them are undocumented, said they fled Sabah to avoid being rounded up by Malaysian authorities after fighting broke out between followers of the sultanate of Sulu and
security forces early this month. They had come from different parts of Sabah and had converged on Sandakan, many after walking for several days, where they crowded onto a single motor launch “packed so tight we were forced to stand pressed together like passengers in the LRT,” according to one of the evacuees, referring to the Manila’s Light Rail Transit trains. Because of the precarious situation, they decided to disembark on Taganak Island, which is part of the Turtle Islands, and wait to be fetched by the Navy. Although none of the evacuees said they were abused by Malaysian authorities, many confirmed witnessing men being beaten up as they were being arrested. Others claimed to have seen Filipinos with Malaysian-issued identification cards accosted by Malaysian police who cut up the documents, thus turning them into undocumented aliens.
Such incidents, they said, firmed up their decision to flee Sabah before they got caught up in the crackdown. Other evacuees said they fled after hearing that Filipino oil palm plantation workers in Lahad Datu, where the sultanate’s followers have been holding out, have been unable to leave. Meanwhile, Turtle Islands Mayor Mibaral Tang said he plans to declare his municipality in a state of calamity and ask Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman to send emergency supplies to help the local government deal with the continued flow of evacuees from Sabah. The evacuees from Sandakan are so far the largest group Tang said they have had to deal with. However, he added, small groups of Filipinos fleeing Sabah, many of them without food or money, pass by his municipality on their way to Tawi-Tawi, Basilan or Sulu. ■ Interaksyon / March 13, 2013 1
Manila cops ready help desks, extra patrols for Holy Week
WITH Holy Week due to start in less than two weeks, police in Manila are mapping out extra patrols and help desks to deal with an expected exodus to the provinces and extra visits to churches. But the Manila Police District also advised residents to be “securityconscious” during this time as criminals are waiting to victimize them, radio dzBB’s Carlo Mateo reported.
MPD spokesman Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo said the MPD will set up police help desks at bus terminals and the Pier area for those heading for the provinces. He also said extra patrols are being mapped out for churches for the faithful who will take part in the traditional Visita Iglesia and Siete Palabras. Filipino Catholics are expected to take part in various traditions during
the Holy Week, most of them in churches. But many are also expected to head to the provinces to spend the Holy Week with their families. Meanwhile, Margarejo reminded residents to be security conscious especially when traveling. He suggested that they not bring jewelry or valuables that thieves may snatch. ■ KG, GMA News / March 12, 2013 7:52am
AS foreign tourists started diving at Tubbataha Reef last weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard and caretakers of the reef started implementing on Monday a 500-meter safety zone around the site where salvage work on the grounded minesweeper USS Guardian is ongoing. The Philippine Coast Guard and Tubbataha Management Office reminded tourists not to venture near two of the 15 dive sites at the reef, radio dzBB’s Carlo Mateo reported. Coast Guard Palawan and Task Force Tubbataha head Commodore Enrico Evangelista said they noticed the first batch of foreign tourists diving at Tubbataha.
Evangelista was quoted in the report as saying that divers can always go to the other 13 dive sites that are not closed to the public. Last week, Evangelista reminded tourists and divers visiting Tubbataha Reef they can view ongoing salvage operations for the USS Guardian but from a distance. Also, he stressed they may not take photos of the operations. Crews continued to conduct salvage work on the USS Guardian, which ran aground at Tubbataha Reef last Jan. 17. The Tubbataha Management Office estimated the minesweeper may have damaged at least 4,000 square meters of the reef. ■ RSJ, GMA News / March 11, 2013 1:19pm
Fire near Manila City Hall snarls traffic
AN early morning fire razed a residential-commercial area near the Manila City Hall early Thursday, snarling traffic in the area. The fire affected structures that included a boarding house and mobile phone repair shops, which are located near a mall and the City Hall, radio dzBB’s Carlo Mateo reported. No one was initially reported injured in the fire, even as students in the boarding house
were reported trying to save their belongings. Traffic was heavy at the corner of San Marcelino Street and Ayala Boulevard, with trucks usually passing through Ayala Boulevard advised to take alternate routes. Initial investigation showed the fire started shortly before 6 a.m. Volunteer firefighter group TXTFire said the blaze had reached the fifth alarm as of 6:03 a.m. ■ ELR,
GMA News / March 7, 2013 6:36am
MMDA announces suspension of MRT bus link project after glitch-filled start
FOLLOWING Wednesday’s glitchfilled start, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 bus link project was temporarily deferred. Gonzalez said testing will resume after “further coordination” with the parties involved. “Pilot testing of MRT3’s Bus Link project temporarily deferred. Will be undertaken again after further coordination,” said MMDA traffic discipline office head Yves Gonzalez on his Twitter account. The MRT bus link project was supposed to be tested for three days. But the test was marred by confusion among passengers regarding the fare to be paid and where the buses would stop. Worse, three of the buses in the
program were accosted by MMDA traffic constables for passing through the Shaw Boulevard underpass. The MMDA does not allow public utility vehicles such as buses to use the underpass. Under the bus link program, tourist buses will ply routes similar to that of the MRT-3 - along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) - every 15 minutes. The project hoped to provide an alternative for MRT commuters as the light-rail system is hard-pressed to service all its customers during the rush hour. Meanwhile, a dzBB radio Wednesday night report said bus operators complained the P15 buslink fare was too low, and their buses had no terminal. ■ DVM, GMA News / March 7, 2013 2:06am
NEWS
March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
Philex Mining board approves P12.3-billion fund-raising through sale of shares MANILA - Philex Mining Corp will raise P12.3 billion through a stock rights offering, the proceeds of which would be used to repay its loans and finance existing mining projects. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Philex Mining said its board has authorized the rights offer, with the proceeds earmarked for the repayment of loans from the First Pacific Co Ltd. Part of the amount raised would also be used to explore in existing projects, primarily the Silangan and Kalayaan mining prospects, as well as for general corporate purposes. “The specific terms and conditions of the rights offering -including the final issue size, rights entitlement, offer price and record date -- will be determined at a later date,” the company said. Earlier, First Pacific provided Philex Mining a loan facility of up to $200 million to fund its activities, including the rehabilitation of the Padcal copper-gold mine.
Philex Mining shut down operations of the mine in August of last year after an accidental tailings spill. The government last week allowed the company to resume operations for four months so rehabilitation work can be completed ahead of the rainy season. The company said the First Pacific loan facility also financed exploration at the Silangan project in northern Mindanao in line with Philex Mining’s commitment to the government.
Philex Mining had said it was on-track for the commencement of production in its Silangan project by 2017. The project covers the Boyongan and Bayugo deposits. The Silangan project sits on $35 billion worth of copper and gold deposits and is estimated to last for 35 years. The company is banking on the Silangan mine to help sustain profitability even after the Padcal mine ends in 2020. ■ Interaksyon / March
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Malaysian defense minister warns PHL media of lawsuits over ‘wrong’ reports
A Malaysian minister on Tuesday warned Philippine news organizations that they can be sued for “wrong” reports on the ongoing offensives against followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III in Sabah. “I hope (the Philippine media) will exercise caution and write only the truth,” said Defense Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in a Bernama news agency report. (http:// www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/ newsindex.php?id=933853). Zahid warned that individuals “who felt that the Philippine media reports were wrong could sue the media.” Furthermore, “inaccurate” reports could “undermine” diplomatic ties between Manila and Kuala Lumpur. Hamidi also reiterated that
Malaysian security forces “had not been high-handed in firing at or killing like the Sulu terrorists.” Recent reports said that Filipino civilians in Sabah were being maltreated by Malaysian security forces. The civilians were allegedly being dragged out of their houses, being ordered to run, and being shot at. On Sunday, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over such reports and had asked Malaysia for a clarification. Malaysian forces had been hunting down Kiram’s followers since a series of deadly clashes last March 1. Malaysia had rejected Kiram’s offer of a unilateral ceasefire. ■ DVM, GMA News / March 13, 2013 4:14am
12, 2013
Fire hits Makati hotel’s basement A fire of undetermined origin hit the basement of the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City Saturday afternoon. The Makati City government said the fire had reached the first alarm but did not initially indicate any casualty or road closure.
In an emergency update on its Twitter account, it said the fire had reached first alarm as of 1:10 p.m. The hotel is located at the corner of Makati and Ayala Avenues. But an updated tweet from the city government showed the fire was put out at 2:39 p.m.
A separate report by radio dzBB’s Rodil Vega said the hotel did not see the need to evacuate the guests as the fire was only at the basement. Firefighters managed to respond quickly to the scene, the report added. ■ LBG, GMA News / March 9, 2013
2:43pm
Carol Araullo of Bayan Muna speaks during a forum on Sabah at UP Diliman on Tuesday. Muslim and independent cause-oriented groups condemn the violent attacks and indiscriminate crackdown on followers of the Sultanate of Sulu as well as Filipino residents in Lahad Datu, Sabah by Malaysian forces. At left is Princess Dayang Dayang Jacel Kiram, Abraham Idjirani and Hermes Dorado, former diplomat. GMA News
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March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
7-10 firms to hold IPOs this year — PSE’s Sicat Phoenix Petroleum raises P1.22B in share sale SEVEN to 10 companies are expected to debut in the equities market this year as investors continue to entertain bullish dreams of soaring profits amid rosy earnings prospects, the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) chief said Tuesday. “We expect seven to 10 IPOs (initial public offerings) this year,” Hans Sicat, PSE president, told reporters in an interview at the sidelines of the Euromoney Philippines Investment Forum 2013 in Makati City. The 2013 IPOs would be part of the P200 billion capital raising exercise through the PSE which includes follow-on offerings, share sales and backdoor listings. “The total value of deals is going to be at the P200 billion range, just like what we saw last year,” Sicat told the conference participants. “Corporations now look at IPOs as being part of a new leg of funding.
This is a good trend,” he added. In February, the thrift banking arm of Alfredo Yao’s Zest-O group Philippine Business Bank listed on the exchange. In 2012, five companies debuted on the PSE including D&L Industries Inc. last December, Coal Asia Holdings Inc. (September), GT Capital Holdings Inc. and Gotianunled East West Banking Corp. (April), and Calata Corp. (May). Sicat noted the influx of foreign funds into the local mart as a “good incentive” for listed companies to do a follow-on offering or subsequent share sale. Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation senior executive vice president and Treasury group head Jose Emmanuel Hilado said the stuttering economies of debt-stricken Europe and the fiscal problems in the United States drove investors to
PETRON Corp. has completed the issuance of $250 million worth of US dollar denominated subordinated capital securities, the oil refiner and gasoline retailer said Tuesday. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Petron said the issue was completed Monday. The new securities would be “consolidated and form a single
series with the $500 million undated subordinated capital securities” the company issued last month. The securities resemble preferred stocks. Petron will used the money for the continuing expansion and upgrade of its refinery in Limay, Bataan as well as for general corporate purposes.
flock into emerging markets like the Philippines. “Investors are very bullish on the equity side... the fixed income side... and so long as the developed economies continue with their easing, funds will always look for a place where they can get better yield and the Philippines is one of those countries,” he said at the forum. Despite noting the local mart’s high price-to-earnings ratio, First Metro Investment Corporation president Roberto Juanchito Dispo said listed companies continue to post hefty, double-digit earnings growth. In the year-to-date, the PSE daily turnover averaged at P12 billion, said PSE chief Sicat. Foreign funds drove the benchmark PSEi into 23 all-time high rallies this year from 38 all-time highs last year. ■ Siegfrid O. Alegado, VS,
PUBLICLY-LISTED Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. raised P1.22 billion from an equity offering of 130 million shares at P9.40 apiece, the independent oil firm noted in a disclosure Tuesday to the Philippine Stock Exchange. CLSA Limited acted as the placing agent and Evercore Asia Ltd. as financial advisor. “The book of demand was very comfortably covered at this price level,” according to CSLA. There was good participation from international... as well as domestic accounts and hedge funds. More than 30 accounts participated in total for the equity
placement.” CLSA added. Proceeds form the offering will be used to repay some of Phoenix Petroleum’s debts that were used to expand its gas filling stations. The company reported an unaudited consolidated net income of P643.3 million last year, up 16 percent from P556 million in 2011. Revenues grew 26 percent to P34.7 billion, driven by a 26 percent jump in sales volume. As of end-December last year, Phoenix Petroleum registered a 300 stations—191 in MIndanao, 21 in Visayas and 88 in Luzon. ■ VS, GMA
News / March 12, 2013 4:48pm
GMA News / March 12, 2013 2:57pm
Petron completes $250-M subordinated capital issue
The company intends to diversify into the petrochemical business as part of efforts to sustain its growth momentum. Hongkong Shanghai Banking Corp., Deutsche Bank AG, Standard Chartered Bank and UBS AG were the joint lead managers and bookrunners for the issue. ■ VS, GMA News / March 12, 2013 5:23pm
Foreign direct investments up 10% as confidence in PHL rises
BUOYED by improved sentiment toward the Philippine economy, foreign investors plowed 10 percent more money into the Philippines last year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Monday. In a statement, the Bangko Sentral said foreign direct investments increased by 9.8 percent to $2.03 billion in 2012 from $1.85 billion in 2011. “The country continued to benefit from strong foreign investors’ confidence in the resilience of the domestic economy, given strong economic growth amid low and stable inflation, as well as strong external payments dynamics,” the Bangko Sentral said. Net capital equity payments— which accounted for the lion’s share of FDI—more than doubled to a $1.3 billion inflow last year from $558 million in 2011. However, the latest FDI figure is “nothing to be excited about.”
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. research head Ildemarc Bautista told GMA News Online. “On a relative basis, yes the inflow was driven by the economy’s resilience. But it’s really still small compared to our Southeast Asian neighbors,” he said. The analyst noted that government reforms should not lose steam in order to attract more direct investments. “The government is doing the right things—focusing on infrastructure spending and improving the investment space,” Bautista said. “But the other thing is to improve on our power sector by making costs competitive for manufacturing investments,” he noted. Equity capital placements in Philippine-based businesses largely came from the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, Japan and the British Virgin Islands, mostly in the manufacturing, real
THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has disbursed P285 million in pension adjustments to 45,000 retirees as of February 2013 after reviving the policy of re-computing pensions based on the members’ first day of retirement, the pension fund for government employees said Tuesday. “The decision to adopt the payment of proportionate pension in 2011 was based on the principle that pension is not a privilege but an
earned right,” said GSIS president and general manager Robert Vergara in a statement. Before the reinstatement of the policy, government employees’ pensions were computed only starting from the month after retirement. Vergara said the new policy covers pensioners who retired on or after September 2009 and are in active status as of payment date. Pensioners received the amount through their eCards.
estate, wholesale and retail trade, and financial sectors, according to Bangko Sentral data. Reinvested earnings also rose by 7.9 percent to $1.1 billion as “foreign investors opted to retain a portion of their corporate earnings with their local enterprises,” the Bangko Sentral said. But other capital—largely composed of lending between foreign firms and their local arms— reversed to a net outflow of $373 million in 2012 from a $311 million inflow previously. Philippine-based subsidiaries paid existing debts owed to mother companies abroad as well as the extension of loans to their affiliates overseas, the Bangko Sentral said. In December alone, FDI posted a $20 million inflow, a sharp turnaround from the $28 million net outflow a year earlier. ■ Siegfrid O.
Alegado / VS, GMA News / March 11, 2013 / Updated 3:33 p.m.
GSIS: P285M released to retirees due to revived computation policy
GSIS credited P212 million in pension adjustments to 33,000 eligible pensioners in December 2011. In May 2012, the second tranche amounting to P50 million was credited to 8,000 retirees. The third tranche of P23 million covering 4,200 retirees was credited from December 2012 to February 2013. The final tranche, covering 1,870 pensioners, is scheduled for release this month. ■ BM, GMA News / March 12, 2013 4:54pm
Bangko Sentral: PHL reserves contract to $83.8B in Feb.
THE Philippines registered a narrower foreign reserves of $83.8 billion last month, contracting by 1.8 percent month-on-month largely on payments of maturing obligations, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported Thursday. Last January, Philippine reserves or gross international reserves (GIR) stood at $85.3 billion, according to central bank data. The international reserves as of end-February could cover 12 months of imports of goods and payments of services and income. “It was also equivalent to 10.5 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original
maturity and 6.6 times based on residual maturity,” according to Bangko Sentral. Payments for the national government’s maturing foreign exchange obligations and net foreign currency withdrawals by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (Psalm) were the main reasons why the GIR contracted last month, the central bank noted. However, the revaluation adjustments on the central bank’s foreign currency-denominated reserves and gold holdings also weighed against the GIR, the Bangko Sentral added. ■ VS, GMA News // March
7, 2013
ComVal farmers get P41M in Pablo rehab funds from DA THE Department of Agriculture through its Task Force Alayon has released P41 million in rehabilitation assistance to farmers in Compostela Valley, Mindanao. Task Force Alayon was formed to help farmers who were affected by Typhoon Pablo, which hit the region in December. “Most of the affected farmers in the province are those tending high-value crops such as cacao, banana, coffee, and rubber. We have to immediately provide them assistance so they can recover from such huge losses,” said DA regional director for Davao Remelyn Recoter. Of the amount, P21.85 million was allocated to banana farmers, P13.12 million to cacao growers, P3 million to coffee growers, and P3 million to rubber growers. The department allocated a separate P21.8 million for clearing
and rehabilitation works in 4,373 hectares of banana plantations. It also gave out P2 million worth of seeds for replanting, and will provide the farmers with technical assistance and access to other farm requirements such as fertilizer. The local government of Davao Oriental and the DA field unit in Region XI have also signed a memorandum of agreement with Kennemer Foods International Inc., a supplier of leading US food manufacturer Mars, Inc., for a cacao undercropping program on 500 hectares of damaged coconut plantations in the province. The DA and the provincial government of Compostela Valley also signed an agreement with Nestle Philippines to provide seedlings, fertilizer, training, and cash for work incentives to farmers. ■ BM, GMA News / March 12, 2013 6:41pm
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March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
PNoy boosts agri sector to foreign investors Bangko Sentral: Dollar, peso export credits up 75% PHILIPPINES
PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III boosted the country’s agricultural sector to foreign investors on Tuesday, inviting them to be part of its “rise” as it works towards the goal of achieving self-sufficiency in rice this year. “If there is anyone interested out there in being a part of the rise of the Philippine agricultural sector, our Agribusiness Lands Investment Center will be more than happy to conduct briefings for you,” he told the attendees of the Euromoney Philippines Investment Forum in Makati City on Tuesday. Aquino also said that the country hopes to “regain [its] footing in the export markets by exporting 100 metric tons [MT] of high-quality rice in 2013.” Agriculture Assistant Secretary and National Rice Program coordinator Dante Delima earlier said thatthe Philippines plans to export 50 to 100 MT of premium rice— heirloom rice varieties from Benguet and colored rice varieties from Quezon and the Mindanao region—
to Hong Kong, Macau, and Europe this year. Aquino also emphasized that the agricultural sector, which employed 12.1 million as of 2012, is one of the government’s priority areas. He noted that its budget has been increased by 22 percent to P75 billion this year from P61.4 billion last year. “This will fund the construction and rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads, enhance irrigation systems, and provide support services, among others,” he said. ■ BM, GMA News / March
12, 2013 4:01pm
PHL coconut oil exports volume up in Feb. y-o-y
PHILIPPINE coconut oil (CNO) exports volume rose in February due to higher copra production and replenished demand from traditional markets. Data from the United Coconut Association of the Philippines showed CNO shipments in February 2013 rose by 44 percent year-on-year to 61, 800 metric tons from 42, 854 MT in the same period last year. “There was in increase in copra supply as well as fresh demand from US and Europe. Their inventories may have been exhausted or there is requirement for more end products,” said Executive Director Yvonne Agustin. Eighty percent of the country’s coconut oil shipments go to Unites States and Europe. Agustin noted that market demand is shifting from palm kernel oil to coconut oil because of
narrowing price differentials. Palm kernel oil is coconut oil’s main competitor in the world market, Agustin said, adding that the coconut industry has also began tapping new markets for exports of refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) coconut oil used for cooking. She said, countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh have begun importing RBD coconut “in small volumes” of a couple of hundred MT. CNO export has been on the uptrend since January, she noted. Volume of shipments in January rose year-on-year because of strong demand from traditional overseas markets. The Philippine Coconut Authority expects exports to reach 925,000 MT this year, roughly the same volume as last year. ■ LBG, GMA News / March 10, 2013
3:48pm
Semirara Mining posts P6.36B profit in 2012
THE Consunji-led Semirara Mining Corp. posted a net profit of P6.36 billion last year, a six-percent increase from P6 billion in 2011. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Semirara said the coal segment contributed P3.81 billion to total earnings while the power segment chipped in P2.55 billion. Semirara hit the headlines recently after an accident in its coal mine in Antique killed five miners.Analysts, however, said the accident will not have a debilitating impact on coal supply and the output of major power plants. According to its disclosure, the coal segment’s earnings contribution was seven percent lower than the year ago due to the lower average price of coal. The five percent growth of the company’s consolidated net income mainly came from the power segment,
which registered a 37 percent year-onyear improvement. This was brought about by the 32 percent growth in energy generation from 1,860 Gwh to 2,463 Gwh, resulting from higher availability of unit 2 at 88 percent with average capacity of 249 MW or 48 perent and 15 percent improvement, respectively, compared to previous year since it came online only in the second quarter of 2011. after phase 1 of rehabilitation. Moreover, Unit 1 was commissioned in August last year after the completion of its major rehabilitation and has contributed around 21.6 percent of the total energy generated during the year. The power segment was also able to take advantage of the higher spot prices towards the end of the year further augmenting the power segment’s financial bottomline. ■ KBK,
GMA News / March 12, 2013 8:32pm
BANKS continue to draw from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas dollar and peso rediscount facility for exporters which rose 75 percent in February year-on-year, central bank data released Monday showed. According to the central bank, dollar draw downs under the Exporters Dollar and Yen Rediscount Facility rose 72.4 percent to $34.3 million as of end-February 2013 from $19.9 million in the same period last year. Credit was drawn by seven
commercial banks, and benefited 20 exporters. Banks did not tap the yen facility, the central bank said. Rediscounted loans allow banks to meet short-term liquidity needs using their clients’ promissory notes as collateral. Commercial, thrift and rural banks took out P8.102 billion— under the peso rediscount facility— as of end-February, up by 75 percent from the P4.630 billion. Of the peso loans, 86.3 percent
THE government is considering the option of not borrowing from foreign creditors this year, given the economy’s strong liquidity, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said Tuesday. “If we need not borrow internationally to support the [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas], we will [not] do it,” Purisima told reporters at the sidelines of the Euromoney Philippines Investment Forum in Makati City. The government had planned to borrow $1 billion from the foreign debt market this year through bond issuances.
Debt restructuring to borrow more from local sources has been one of the government’s top fiscal reforms. In 2012, 64 percent of the national debt was borrowed from domestic sources, while 36 percent came from foreign lenders. The domestic component of the debt grew 20.7 percent year-on-year, while foreign debt declined 5.3 percent. Purisima said that whether the government significantly cuts down on foreign borrowing this year—or forgoes it entirely—will depend partly on the BSP’s suggestions.
went to commercial credits, 1.7 percent to agricultural and industrial credits, and 12 percent to other credits for capital expenditures. Loan rates for the export dollars was 0.20370 percent a year, and 0.12571 percent for the yen loans. Both were based on the London Interbank Offered Rate or Libor. Rate for the peso facility was pegged at the policy rate of 3.5 percent, a record low set last October.
■ SOA/VS, GMA News / March 11, 2013
Gov’t mulls zero foreign borrowings for 2013
The central bank has been buying dollars from the foreign exchange market—a move that has been costly. The BSP has been in the red for almost two years, its losses of P68.36 billion in the third quarter of 2012 up 189 percent year-on-year. However, if not for the BSP’s intervention, said market players, the peso would be even stronger than its current rate. The peso gained 7.5 centavos to 40.615=$1 on Tuesday. The BSP said that forgoing borrowing from external sources would help temper the peso’s rise. ■ BM, GMA News / March 12, 2013 7:25pm
Nielsen survey shows Pinoys spend more on fresh food
MANY Filipinos spend the more grocery money on fresh food despite price volatility, research firm Nielsen Philippines noted in its latest survey results released Tuesday. The online survey—“Why Retailers are Keeping it Fresh”— covered 54 markets with a sample size of 87,000, and showed 45 percent of total expenses of Filipinos comprised of fresh food, which Nielsen noted is near the Asia-Pacific average of 60 percent. Filipinos normally make frequent shopping trips for fresh products especially bread, fruits, vegetables fish and meat, according to Nielsen. “Consistent with broader Asia-Pacific trends, freshness is paramount for Filipino consumers,” Nielsen Philippines managing
director Stuart Jamieson noted in a statement, adding, “... across many Asia-Pacific markets, including the Philippines, wet and open markets are the most popular shopping destinations for fresh meat, fish and produce but supermarkets are growing in importance.” The number of Filipinos shopping in supermarkets are growing, bakeries are still the preferred destination for bread and baked goods in the country, a reality that runs counter to the trend in the Asia-Pacific region which bought most baked goods in hypermarkets, according to the consumer research firm. The company noted retailers have to “maintain... the wet market feel, ensuring high quality standards
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will ask Congress for an increase in capital when it submits proposed amendments to the central bank charter in July, its top official said Tuesday. “The direction that we are going for now is an increase in capitalization,” Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. told reporters at the sidelines of the Euromoney Philippines Investment Forum in Makati City. “That will be part of the review of existing provisions and formulation of the proposed amendments that we will present to Congress when it convenes,” he added. Central bank officials have pushed for amendments to Republic Act No. 7653 or the New Central Bank Act of 1993 in the
15th Congress, but these were never passed. The 15th Congress is currently on break for the mid-term elections, and will resume for a one-week session in June. Work, however, will resume full-swing in July when new officials are sworn in. The New Central Bank Act mandated that the government infuse Bangko Sentral with P50 billion in capital. Of the P50 billion, only P40 billion has so far been given to the central bank. Last year, the government gave it P20 billion. Previous tranches each worth P10 billion were given to the bank in 2011 and 1993. “The requirements of the economy have increased. The P50 billion was set 20 years ago,” Tetangco said.
and effectively communicating the importance of food safety.” Consumers across Asia-Pacific choose their shopping destinations based on availability and freshness of selections, value and convenience. “While modern trade fresh food shoppers are motivated by freshness and convenience, their view of these attributes are different than a traditional shopper,” said Peter Gale, managing director of Retailer Services, Nielsen Asia-Pacific and Middle East. Gale noted freshness is about “cleanliness and food safety and the belief that” product quality can be trusted, saying convenience, on the other hand, relates to “one-stop shopping rather than location.” ■ VS,
GMA News / March 12, 2013 6:59pm
Tetangco: Bangko Sentral needs more capital to manage losses
Last December, Tetangco said additional capital will help the central bank adapt to speculative inflows that buoy the peso’s strength. He has also noted that capital infusion will help in the agency’s recuperation from losses. The Bangko Sentral has been in the red for almost two years, with its losses totaling P68.36 billion in the third quarter of 2012, up 189 percent from P23.62 billion in the same period in 2011. The Philippine economy’s strength amid global uncertainties has resulted in the influx of foreign portfolio investments that caused the peso’s rise, causing a decrease in value in the Bangko Sentral’s dollar holdings. ■ BM, GMA News // March 12, 2013
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IMMIGRATION / OFNEWS
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March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
FILIPINOS leave for work, marriage, family reunification, training, studies, or business
FROM now on, please make no mistake about it—that outward migration from the Philippines does not only mean labor migration. When government releases statistics on the number Philippineborn Filipinos residing or working overseas, don’t just think of most of your Filipino friends in, say, Dubai who are almost all migrant workers. Truth is, the number of permanent Filipino migrants outweighs that of temporary migrants, who include overseas workers. In 2011, the number of permanent migrants hit 4.86 million or 47 per ent of the total 10.44 million Filipinos born in the Philippines but are working or residing abroad, while temporary migrants, including those who are globally known as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), reached only 43 per ent or 4.51 million. This according to the aggregate data taken from concerned
government agencies—Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)—pointing out also that irregular migrants comprised only 10 percent or 1.07 million of the total. While the difference between permanent and temporary migrants is a small number, Vera Files, a Manila-
based nonprofit media entity that looks deeper into issues otherwise neglected by the mainstream media, said this is a significant margin. This clearly shows that the Philippines “has gone beyond labor migration”, Vera Files stressed in a February 14 story, titled ‘Dissecting the overseas Filipino population’, posted on verafiles.org. It stressed that all the 10.44
Manila Recalls Embassy Official Tanandato Denies All Allegations KUWAIT CITY, March 11: A Philippine embassy official in Kuwait who was accused recently of human trafficking by a Filipina businesswoman has been recalled by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to face a number of allegations and complaints filed against him by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Kuwait. Philippine Embassy former head of Assistance to Nationals Unit Head and current Administrative Officer Dalidig Ibrahim Tanandato was given his recall order to return to the Philippines and he has been effectively discharged of his duties at the embassy. He is expected to go home before the end of March 2013, stated Assistant Secretary Melita Sta Maria-Thomeczek at the DFA Office of Personnel and Administrative Services in a letter furnished to the Arab Times. Sta Maria-Thomeczek outlined in the letter that the DFA has been aware of the allegation on human trafficking against Tanandato as well as the other allegations and complaints against him. It may be recalled that a Filipina businesswoman who owns a salon in Salmiya accused Tanandato of
human trafficking after the latter allegedly sold to her a Filipina runaway housemaid in November last year for KD 600 but the maid left the salon’s accommodation after three days and she was able to get back the money paid for the maid in two installments. Aside from the alleged human trafficking complaint, some OFWs who are now in the Philippines have also filed complaints against Tanandato for alleged corruption by getting commission out of the settlement money from cases of distressed OFWs. However, Tanandato vehemently denied all these allegations during an earlier interview with the Arab Times. He stressed that there is no truth to the complaints filed against him by these OFWs. Meanwhile, Sta Maria-Thomeczek further stated in the letter that in early February, the DFA dispatched a management audit team to look into the situation at the embassy in Kuwait. This was amid the mounting complaints of OFWs against Tanandato and other embassy officials. Sta Maria-Thomeczek disclosed that upon the arrival of the
management audit team, Tanandato was immediately relieved of his duty as head of the Assistance to Nationals Unit and was prohibited from further action on OFW cases. “The above mentioned case was also addressed by the management audit team in accordance with the usual Civil Service rules and regulations on administrative investigations,” she stated in the letter. In the meantime, Tanandato is given time to make the necessary travel and other personal arrangements for him and his family. Sta Maria-Thomeczek assured in her letter that all the complaints against Tanandato are being acted upon and upon his return to the Philippines, he will be subjected to the usual administrative procedures and if warranted, face whatever charges that may be filed against him. ■ Arab Times / 12/03/2013
million Filipinos overseas remitted a total of $21.6 billion in 2012, citing statistics from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines). “This means that if 100 Filipinos have completed their two-year contracts, and 150 others recently arrived on new contracts, while 10 others have overstayed their visas, the estimate would give a running number of Filipinos in a country at any given time,” Vera Files explained. It based its analysis on the definitions of each group of Philippine-born Filipinos who are working or residing overseas. It said, for instance, that permanent migrants include emigrants, dual citizens or legal permanent residents abroad who do not depend on work contracts to be able to stay where they are, as they have families or spouses living legally in these host-countries. Those who are abroad because of employment, on the other hand, are called temporary migrants and are, therefore, expected to return to
their native Philippines once their contracts expire. Most of these migrants fall under the category of OFWs. The rest are students, trainees, entrepreneurs, businessmen—and their dependents—who stay abroad for at least six months. The undocumented Filipinos staying abroad, in the meantime, are being referred to as irregular migrants. POEA and its attached agency, Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA), regulate the recruitment and deployment of OFWs, and provide welfare support for everyone, while scholars and permanent migrants, including their spouses and dependents, register with the CFO prior to departure. “Many leave the country other than for reasons of work,” Vera Files said. “The reasons range from marriage migration to family reunification, from educational to business opportunities to professional advancement.” ■ Emirates
24/7 / February 16, 2013
PH seeking deadline extension for OFW’s blood money payment
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government is exerting all efforts to push back the deadline for the blood money payment of overseas Filipino worker Joselito Zapanta, which ends Tuesday, March 12, Vice President Jejomar Binay said on Monday. Binay, who is the presidential adviser for OFW concerns, said Philippine embassy officials in Jeddah have made appeals to Saudi authorities and to the family of the Sudanese national who was killed by Zapanta in 2009. “In the past months, our embassy continues to look for ways to extend the deadline for paying the blood money and possibly to lower the amount,” Binay said during a press conference at the Coconut Palace. He said he cannot divulge the steps they are taking as these are sensitive matter but he assured that the government is exhausting all possibilities to save Zapanta. Binay also asked for prayers for
Zapanta and his family, who left Saturday for Saudi Arabia. Zapanta was given a reprieve of four months in November last year to raise the blood money. The victim’s family also agreed to reduce his blood money from P55 million to P44 million after meeting with Saudi officials in Riyadh. Both President Benigno Aquino III and Binay also appealed to Saudi King Abdullah for his intervention. The Vice President has been asking the public to help raise funds for Zapanta in recent months. ■ Inquirer.net // March 11th, 2013
25 percent of Filipino workers lack sleep, Regus study shows
WORK hard, party harder.” This is perhaps the reason why more and more Filipino employees are deprived of much-needed sleep. A study conducted by Regus, the world’s largest provider of flexible workplaces, revealed that more than a quarter, or 25 percent of Filipino employees have to sacrifice sleep to fit in for their personal or work commitments. Globally, the number of sleepdeprived workers is higher by 4 percent, or 29 percent of 24,000 business respondents from over 90 countries interviewed say they actually lack sleep, compared to that in the Philippines.
The data were sourced from Regus’s global contacts database of over 1 million business-people worldwide, which is highly representative of senior managers and owners in business across the globe. The survey was managed and administered by the independent organization, MindMetre. The respondents were asked which they felt were the biggest challenges to productivity when working from the home. Based on the Regus survey, Filipino workers who are deprived of sleep either by waking up too early or by burning the midnight oil. Although flexible working is
highlighted as a way to reduce commuting, creating more hours in the day for sleep or family life and improving productivity and staff retention, only 58 percent of firms are rewarding management for encouraging the creation of a flexible work force. Workers also highlight that a shorter commute (29 percent) and greater flexibility of location (30 percent) would give them more time spend with their families, as well as to catch some extra sleep. The study revealed that businesses can also benefit from introducing greater flexibility which is reported to improve productivity (75 percent) and
help retain staff (82 percent). “Lack of sleep is clearly detrimental to workers’ health and happiness with long working hours closely linked to heart disease,” John Henderson, AsiaPacific regional director at Regus, said. “Respondents highlight that a shorter commute and more flexibility over work location would help them spend more time with their families, finally spelling an end to sleepless nights filled with catching up on work or personal tasks that couldn’t be squeezed into the day,” he stressed. According to Henderson, the survey shows that allowing employees to work closer to home in professional
and fully efficient environments can have an important impact on workers’ family life. The benefits are not just for workers, but for firms as well, as it can also help improve the productivity and retention by introducing flexible working. Yet, in spite of the win-win benefits that flexible working can bring for both employee and company side, there is evidently still plenty of grounds for improvement as two fifths of Filipino firms do not recognize or reward managers for encouraging the creation of a flexible work force, Henderson said. ■ Business Mirror / Thursday, 14 February
2013
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‘Philippines has gone beyond labor migration’ PHILIPPINES
FILIPINOS leave for work, marriage, family reunification, training, studies, or business From now on, please make no mistake about it—that outward migration from the Philippines does not only mean labor migration. When government releases statistics on the number Philippineborn Filipinos residing or working overseas, don’t just think of most of your Filipino friends in, say, Dubai who are almost all migrant workers. Truth is, the number of permanent Filipino migrants outweighs that of temporary migrants, who include overseas workers. In 2011, the number of permanent migrants hit 4.86 million or 47 per ent of the total 10.44 million Filipinos born in the Philippines but are
working or residing abroad, while temporary migrants, including those who are globally known as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), reached only 43 per ent or 4.51 million. This according to the aggregate data taken from concerned government agencies—Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)—pointing out also that irregular migrants comprised only 10 percent or 1.07 million of the total. While the difference between permanent and temporary migrants is a small number, Vera Files, a Manila-based nonprofit media entity that looks deeper into issues otherwise neglected by the
mainstream media, said this is a significant margin. This clearly shows that the Philippines “has gone beyond labor migration”, Vera Files stressed in a February 14 story, titled ‘Dissecting the overseas Filipino population’, posted on verafiles.org. It stressed that all the 10.44 million Filipinos overseas remitted a total of $21.6 billion in 2012, citing statistics from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines). “This means that if 100 Filipinos have completed their two-year contracts, and 150 others recently arrived on new contracts, while 10 others have overstayed their visas, the estimate would give a running number of Filipinos in a country at
March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition any given time,” Vera Files explained. It based its analysis on the definitions of each group of Philippine-born Filipinos who are working or residing overseas. It said, for instance, that permanent migrants include emigrants, dual citizens or legal permanent residents abroad who do not depend on work contracts to be able to stay where they are, as they have families or spouses living legally in these host-countries. Those who are abroad because of employment, on the other hand, are called temporary migrants and are, therefore, expected to return to their native Philippines once their contracts expire. Most of these migrants fall under the category of OFWs. The rest are students, trainees, entrepreneurs, businessmen—and
their dependents—who stay abroad for at least six months. The undocumented Filipinos staying abroad, in the meantime, are being referred to as irregular migrants. POEA and its attached agency, Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA), regulate the recruitment and deployment of OFWs, and provide welfare support for everyone, while scholars and permanent migrants, including their spouses and dependents, register with the CFO prior to departure. “Many leave the country other than for reasons of work,” Vera Files said. “The reasons range from marriage migration to family reunification, from educational to business opportunities to professional advancement.” ■ Emirates 24/7 / February 16, 2013
POEA warns job hunters about e-mail scams
PAL to open new intl routes including OFW hub UAE FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines Lines (PAL) is unveiling new routes on the back of strong demand for more flights to these destinations, its top official said Wednesday. PAL President Ramon Ang said the airline will soon fly to six new destinations in Asia Pacific and the Middle East. The new destinations are Kuala Lumpur (starting May 1); Brisbane, Darwin and Perth in Australia and Guangzhou, China (June 1); and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (October 1).
“Australia, Kuala Lumpur and Guangzhou are major destinations for business and leisure. Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, has a large concentration of OFWs, making it a prime destination in the Middle East,” Ang said. The addition of six new routes brings to 34, including Manila, PAL’s international destinations. Apart from route expansion, fleet modernization and inflight service enhancements comprise the three pillars of growth earlier Ang identified. ■ VS, GMA News / March 6, 2013
HONESTY is apparently getting contagious at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia). Naia officials on Wednesday commended another janitor who returned a passenger’s wallet containing foreign currency equivalent to around P100,000. Daniel Valentin, 42, received a $100 reward from the wallet’s Filipino owner, Jerome Franco Biason, an overseas worker from Tarlac province. He was the sixth Naia worker this year to be cited by management for honesty. Biason, who flew in from Dubai, boarded a taxi at Naia Terminal 1 around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday when he accidentally dropped his wallet. Luckily for him, Valentin saw the wallet and immediately turned it over to the airport police. The police found the cash and a card containing the contact number of Biason’s mother. Calls were made
until Biason got back to the airport later that same day. “I did not have second thoughts [about returning the wallet]. I know it belongs to someone and (the money) is intended for something,” Valentin, a father of four who rents a house inside Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, told reporters. Valentin said he was hesitant to accept the reward money but Biason insisted. According to him, Biason was saving the recovered money for his upcoming wedding. The janitor said he immediately had his $100 reward converted to peso and then used part of the money to buy some treats for his coworkers and policemen. He went home with the remaining P1,000. Valentin is set to be formally honored by the Manila International Airport Authority, government operator of Naia, in the agency’s next flag ceremony. ■ Inquirer.net / March
Another honest Naia janitor returns OFW’s wedding money
7th, 2013
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Overseas Employment Agency is warning Filipinos seeking employment abroad about e-mail scams offering jobs as nannies in the United States. “Other than nurses and other medical professionals, swindlers are also targeting unsuspecting applicants offering them job as nanny in the US,” said POEA administrator Hans Leo Cacdac. Cacdac’s warning comes in the wake of a memorandum he received from labor attache Luzviminda Padilla endorsing the case of a Filipino national who requested assistance from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Washington DC. The Filipino sought assistance in verifying a job offer from one Martin Bishop for a job as nanny for Mrs. Julie Adams of 206
Springfield Avenue, Newark, New Jersey 007114 USA. In the job offer, Bishop identified himself as a lawyer associated with Macroberts Solicitors based in New Jersey. Cacdac said the victim remitted $276.99 via Western Union to a certain Qunesha Clewis of 1520 Sepulveda Ave., Apt. G, San Bernardino, California in connection with the job offer. Upon verification, the Washington labor office found out that Martin Bishop, Julie Adams, and Qunesha Clewis were all fictitious names invented by the scammer. Padilla cited another case of a Filipina who was also offered a job as nanny by a certain Dr. Mark Balek of New York Hospital. She was also directed to send $300 via Western Union to a person in Malaysia.
When the labor contacted the office of Dr. Balek, his secretary said it was all a scam and denied that he was hiring a nanny and claimed that this scam has been going on for some time. According to Cacdac, Padilla reported that she has already sought the assistance of the Philippine Embassy’s police attache to request the Federal Bureau of Investigation to probe the cyber crime. ■ Inquirer Global Nation / February 15th, 2013
Filipinos laud 3-month stay of OFW’s execution THE Philippine government expressed its gratitude to the Kingdom for the second extension of the deadline of execution of Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Joselito Zapanta, who remains on death row. Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago told Arab News yesterday that the “Philippine Embassy is thankful to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and the Emir’s Office for their efforts in facilitating the amicable settlement.” “We also thank King Abdullah and the Emir’s Office for the forgiveness, as well as the extension of the deadlines, allowing the maximum period of settlement of the amount,” the Filipino envoy said. King Abdullah had earlier ordered the postponement of the execution of Zapanta for killing a Sudanese national in 2009. With King Abdullah’s order, Zapanta has been given a threemonth reprieve. This means that since the second deadline was yesterday, the new three-month moratorium will
end on June 8. “The postponement of the execution gives time for the family to comply with the terms of forgiveness. May Allah keep the Custodian of the Two Mosques in good health so that he’ll achieve more success,” the Filipino envoy said. The deferment would give Zapanta’s family more time to raise the needed P44-million blood money required to save his life. So far, only P10 million has been raised. Tago also thanked King Abdullah for having earlier pledged SR 2.3 million as part of the blood money to be paid to the family of Mohamad Qahtani, an Arab national, who was killed in June 2000 by Don Don Lanuza who claimed self-defense. Benny Quaimbao, area commander for the order of the Knights of Rizal of Saudi Arabia, said it would be difficult to come up with the blood money. “The amount is too much to be raised in three months but we are keeping our fingers crossed,” he said. Alex Bellow, president of the
OFW Congress in Riyadh, echoed Quaimbao’s concerns. “I am skeptical that the funds can be raised.” The Philippine ambassador said that in connection with Zapanta’s case, he and other Philippine Embassy officials met with Abdulaziz Abdulrahman Al-Gaeit, assistant to the Undersecretary for Public Rights of the Emir’s Office. It is believed that the threemonth moratorium on death sentence may be due to the fact that there is a new governor. Saudi tradition dictates that no death sentence will be carried out for a maximum of three months into the new governor’s term. In Manila, presidential adviser on OFW issues and Task Force OFW head Vice-President Jejomar Binay hailed the humanitarian gesture of King Abdullah and the Emir’s Office. “Because of the King’s order to defer all the execution of all qizas or death penalty, Zapanta has been given another three-month reprieve,” he said. ■ Arab News / Wednesday 13 March 2013
March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
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Lagman hits priests for ‘violating’ seal of confession in campaign vs RH law MANILA, Philippines -- Albay Representative Edcel Lagman on Sunday chided some Catholic priests for going into the extent of violating the sacramental seal of confession in their campaign against the Reproductive Health law. He said the sacramental seal is inviolable, adding that the maximum penalty for violation is excommunication according to the Canon Law. Lagman was reacting to the statement of Fr. Melvin Castro, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, who announced that
“many priests had noticed a general trend among young Catholics to seek forgiveness through confession for using artificial contraceptives.” “This revelation of penitents’ confessions is a blatant violation of the centuries-old Church injunction for confessors not to betray or disclose both the subject of the confession and the identity of the penitents,” Lagman said. “When a person unburdens his soul and confesses his sins to a priest in the Sacrament of Penance, a very sacred trust is formed. The priest must maintain absolute secrecy about anything that a person confesses,” he added.
The website, www. catholicculture.org, defines the seal of confession as “the grave duty of keeping absolutely secret all sins that are told in sacramental confession and anything else that is told by the penitent and is related to the confession.” “It is an obligation binding in the natural law, the divine law of Christ, and in the positive law of the Church. It binds the confessor and any other person who in any way discovers what was confessed. Under no circumstances may any of this information be revealed unless the penitent freely gives permission,” the site says.
Lagman said that even the Rules of Court of the Philippines (Rule 130 Section 24, paragraph D) considers the penitent’s confession as an absolute privileged communication.
“If the priests concerned would make a disavowal of their violation of the secrecy of confession, then Fr. Castro is again engaging in malevolent propaganda to further demonize the RH law,” he said. According to the Albay lawmaker, various national surveys have shown that the people are in favor of the measure, which includes the use of contraception by choice. “If Catholics believe that using artificial contraceptives is a sin as emphasized by Fr. Castro, then Catholics in their millions will be trooping to the confessionals to unburden their souls,” Lagman said. ■ Interaksyon / March 17, 2013
Malacang file photo of President Benigno Aquino III
MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino said Sunday that negotiations were the only way to resolve a Philippine sultanate’s claim to Sabah as he criticised an armed incursion into the Malaysian state. Aquino also lashed out at unidentified conspirators whom he accused of sending the sultanate’s followers to Sabah last month, saying they had endangered some 800,000 Filipinos living and working in the area. Speaking at the elite Philippine Military Academy, the president criticised anew the followers of the
self-declared Sultan of Sulu, Jamalul Kiram III, whose incursion into Sabah has led to dozens of deaths. “There are problems that just beget more problems if you try to solve them with haste or force. We need sincere and deep discussion if we are to arrive at a correct solution,” he told graduating military cadets. “We already know how complicated this issue is. Could any Malaysian prime minister so easily agree to let go of a land that for so long has been subject to their laws?” Aquino asked. More than 200 followers of Kiram, some of them armed, entered Sabah
to reassert the sultanate’s centuriesold claim to the area. Fighting with Malaysian security forces broke out on March 5 and according to Malaysian police figures, 61 of the intruders as well as eight police officers and a soldier have died. Authorities have arrested more than 100 people in Sabah on suspicion of having links to the militants. The Philippine Navy last week detained 35 suspected Filipino intruders as they tried to sail home. However Agbimuddin Kiram, the leader of the intruders and the younger brother of Jamalul Kiram III,
was not among those detained. Aquino hinted that the Kirams had hidden backers, saying the incursion in Sabah must have cost a large sum of money. The spokesman for the Kiram family, Abraham Idjirani, said that the sultanate was forced to take action because the Philippine government would not act on their claim. He also denied anyone had financed the trip, saying the sultan’s followers did so on their own. Idjirani said he had spoken to Agbimuddin Kiram by phone late Saturday and he was still in Sabah and unharmed. ■ AFP / March 17, 2013
File photo of Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman
PNoy asks: Could any Malaysian PM let go of a land subject to their laws for so long?
ZZ TOPS | Sleep to make the most of your day, say specialists
MANILA - Sleep is more essential for an individual’s overall health and quality of life than most people think. Head of the Comprehensive Sleep Disorders Center and chief of the neurology section in St. Luke’s Medical City, Dr. Deborah ArceBernardo said in a press conference, that lack of sleep makes the human body age and deteriorate faster. She said that sleep has a number of functions including: energy conservation, growth and repair of the body, organization and processing of brain inputs, immune system maintenance, and even preservation of beauty. “Studies show that sleep quality is more important than quantity or the length or duration of sleep,” Bernardo said. According to Bernardo, some
short-term effects of lack of sleep would not only cause a person to be moody or cranky, it would also affect a person’s concentration. “They are not aware that they can go into micro-sleeps or sleeping in brief seconds,” Bernardo said. “This is dangerous, especially for drivers because this was the main cause of a number of vehicular accidents,” she added. Long-term effects of sleep can also affect the heart and the brain because blood pressure continues to be high. Hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes were also other diseases that can be obtained from having less sleep that needed. It also makes a person more prone to infections. “When [a person is] hyper aroused, this can lead to heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, and
strokes in the brain,” she said. According to a survey from the National Sleep Foundation, 71,000 injuries were also due to sleep deprivation, which resulted in 1,550 deaths. People with less sleep create about 46 percent of errors, while people who have had enough sleep create only 15 percent work errors. Better sleep Bernardo also shared some tips to have better sleep. She said that it was necessary to use comfortable beddings and sleepwear, and to find a comfortable sleep temperature. Proper ventilation as well as keeping the bedroom as quiet as possible was also important factors in making a person’s room a desirable sleeping environment. As for the individual, he or she should establish a regular bed and
waking time every day, Bernardo said. Short naps or power naps in the afternoon should not exceed 45 minutes - as possible it should be early in the day. Alcohol, caffeine, coffee tea, soda, and chocolate should also be avoided before sleeping, she added. Meanwhile, Colorado-based National Jewish Health Hospital physician, Dr. Teofilio Lee-Chiong Jr. said that living better is a result of sleeping better. “We want to sleep because we want to live,” Lee-Chiong said. “The more we sleep better, the more we are able to work better, study better and enjoy life better.” Lee-Chiong said that a person who sleeps well will not have trouble sleeping at all as opposed to a person who had sleeping problems to begin with.
“Many of us might have a sleep disorder like insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, nightmares, sleep walking, sleep eating, narcolepsy,” he enumerated, explaining that those already showing symptoms should get checked. “Discuss this with your doctor. The earlier the diagnosis, the earlier treatment, the better it will be for you,” he said. “Sleep is not about sleep alone, we have a global sleep day (World Sleep Day) because we sleep to make most of our day,” he stressed. ■ Interaksyon / March 17, 2013
Palace reassures safety of tourists in Mindanao despite Australian travel warning MALACAÑANG on Saturday reassured tourists the Philippine government is taking steps to ensure their safety along with the safety of Filipinos in the country. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte also said the government “understands” the Australian government’s warning as part of its efforts to ensure its nationals’ safety. “As in any country we understand the need for those particular countries to issue warnings to their citizens. . .Here at home we do take measures necessary not just to
protect citizens but the tourists who come in,” Valte said on governmentrun dzRB radio. She also said the government continues to undertake efforts to attract tourists, which she said is one of the economy’s drivers. Valte said the continued entry of tourists will create a multiplier effect as far as job generation is concerned. On Thursday, Australia advised its nationals going to Southern Philippines of alleged plans by militants to kidnap Westerners there. In its travel advice updated March
7, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade cited “continuing reports” of militants “planning to kidnap Westerners.” “We continue to strongly advise you not to travel to Central and Western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Archipelago, due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups. We continue to advise you to reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao,” it said.
The updated advisory also urged Australians to “exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines because of the high threat of terrorist attack and high level of serious crime.” It advised them to pay close attention to their personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks. Australia “strongly advise[d]” its nationals not to travel to Central and Western Mindanao, including the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur,
Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Cotabato City, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Saranggani, Misamis Occidental, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and the Sulu Archipelago and surrounding waters. This is “due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups,” it said. “If you are in Central and Western Mindanao, you should leave immediately,” it said. ■ KDM, GMA News
/ March 9, 2013 12:43pm
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West Philippine Sea Template | Diplomacy, dialogue to be used in Sabah claim—Aquino
FORT DEL PILAR, BAGUIO CITY - President Benigno Aquino III affirmed the country’s claim on Sabah, but stood firm his administration would pursue it through dialogue and diplomacy similar to its handling of the dispute over West Philippine Sea. Speaking here at the Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Military Academy Padang Kalis Class 2013, Aquino took a swipe anew at individuals whom he said were behind the group of armed Sulu natives who occupied Sabah which triggered the fighting with Malaysian forces. “Alam naman po natin na ang bawat aksyon ay may katumbas na reaksyon at di maaring daanin sa kalburo, mga problemang manganganak din ng
problema kung ipipilit din lang ang dahas. Ang kailangan, masinsin at tapat na pagsusuri at usapan upang mahinog ang tamang solusyon,” Aquino said. “Di ba’t mas produktibo kung ang paninindigan ay dadaanin sa matinong usapan at kung ito’y isusunod sa batas at sa malinaw na patakaran,” he added. Citing the country’s dispute with China over claims on Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea, the President said it was being pursued on a “rules-based approach” and peaceful means. “Kung dadaanin ito sa pagkamaton at pangangahas, lolobo lang ang problema at malamang ay mapamana lang ito sa susunod na salinlahi,” he said.
Aquino said the Sabah issue was complex and both governments of the Philippines and Malaysia would not easily let go of each claims on the oil-rich territory. “Kayo nga po ang lumagay sa lugar ko. Lehitimo man o hindi ang hinaing ng mga nagtungo doon, paano ito titimbangin sa harap ng buhay at kabuhayan na malalagay sa peligro kung magsimula ang hidwaan,” he said. He said these forced were thinking only of their self-interest and not the welfare of some 800,000 Filipinos in Sabah, who would suffer the backlash of the fighting and Malaysia’s possible retaliation against the Filipinos. Faced with challenges as they serve in their respective units,
Philippines opens bid to join global gambling elite MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines makes its biggest bet this weekend in a high-stakes bid to join the world’s elite gaming destinations, with the launch of a $1.2-billion casino on Manila Bay. Solaire Manila Resorts is the first of four enormous entertainment venues slated to rise over a giant chunk of prime, reclaimed land that industry and government leaders expect will attract millions of cashedup Asian tourists. “What Solaire brings is an entertainment and gaming experience that doesn’t exist in the Philippines today,” its American chief operating officer, Michael French, told AFP in an interview this week ahead of Saturday’s opening. “It will be like going to Las Vegas. This raises the scale, the excitement and the... glamour.” Controlled by billionaire Philippine port operator Enrique Razon, Solaire has 300 gaming tables, 1,200 slot machines and seven restaurants. The building also has 500 hotel rooms and 2,000 parking slots. It features glass ceilings filtering abundant tropical sunlight, huge chandeliers, thick red-themed carpets, blown glass wall-to-ceiling panels, water pools and an army of cocktail waitresses in tiny red dresses. Another wing is being built to add 300 all-suite hotel rooms, 3040 high-end shops and a theatre where French plans to host travelling Broadway shows as well as local and foreign lounge acts. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the launch of the three other big-ticket casinos, which all involve major foreign backers. The four will together make up “Entertainment City”, located near Manila’s airport. The Belle Grande -- a joint venture with the Philippines’ richest man, Henry Sy, Australian billionaire James Packer and Macau gaming tycoon Lawrence Ho -- is slated to open next year, with its golden facade already having been built. Japanese gambling magnate
Kazuo Okada and Malaysia’s Genting Group are involved in the other two, each in partnership with local Chinese-Filipino tycoons. Both are expected to open between 2015 and 2017. Cristino Naguiat, head of state regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp, told AFP he expected Philippine gaming revenues to double this year to $2 billion because of the Solaire opening. When all four are open, Entertainment City is expected to boost the country’s annual gaming revenues up to $10 billion, he said. The nation’s existing gambling revenues come from 13 relatively small casinos around the country run by Pagcor, the gaming regulator, and a bigger one in Manila run by Genting and a Filipino tycoon that opened in 2009. While Macau counts $38 billion in annual revenues, Naguiat is confident the Philippines will eventually have one of the biggest gambling industries in the world, comparing it with the Las Vegas strip’s roughly $6-billion turnover. “We will beat Las Vegas. I’m pretty sure of that,” he said. Naguiat said the casinos were mainly targetting gamblers from Asia, pointing out that Manila was a mere 3-4 hours away by plane from from any point in China, Japan and South Korea, where many of the world’s high rollers live. “Actually it’s a no-brainer. The big market is here in Asia,” he said. Naguiat said that to make it easier for the foreign gamblers, a skyway roadlink to Manila airport is due to open in two years that will allow them to avoid the city’s notorious gridlock and reach Entertainment City in just five minutes. The government has further sweetened the offer by taking just 27 percent in taxes off winnings for normal gamblers, compared with Macau’s 40 percent, according to Naguiat. High rollers have it even better, with winnings taxed at just 15 percent.
Naguiat said he saw Entertainment City as the key to the government’s ambitious bid to attract 10 million tourists a year and create more jobs in a country where a fourth of the workforce is unemployed or underemployed. About 4.6 million tourists visited the country last year, compared with about 14 million for Singapore and 28 million for Macau. He said Entertainment City should easily employ 40,000 Filipinos when all four venues are open. More than 50,000 Filipinos, some of them among nine million working in other countries, applied for 4,500 Solaire jobs last year, according to French. About 400 Filipino expatriates were brought back, including Filipino dealers and pit bosses from casinos in Macau and Singapore who were given managerial posts. Others were chefs and hotel staff, including more than 20 from the Emirates Palace of Abu Dhabi, touted as the world’s most opulent hotel. However the casinos are stirring controversy in the mainly Roman Catholic nation, with critics saying the government’s embrace of gambling to solve the country’s financial woes is a dangerous signal. “It gives false hope to people that they can find solutions to their financial problems by gambling,” Catholic priest Rolly Flores, whose Our Lady of Sorrows church lies three kilometres (less than two miles) away, told AFP. “Only gambling lords thrive when people lose money by gambling.” ■ AFP / March 13, 2013 3:05 PM
Aquino told the PMA graduates to always decide based on reason and calm. “Ang hinahon at katwiran ay hindi katumbas ng kaduwagan, bagkus ito ang sukat ng tunay na tapang at paninindigan, dahil sa ganitong paraan, naisasaalang-alang ang kapakanan hindi lamang ng mga nasa kasalukuyan kundi ng mga darating pa sa kinabukasan, iyan mismo ang sangandaang haharapin ninyo bilang mga kawal,” Aquino said. This year’s batch has a total of 124 graduates, including 19 female. Of the graduates, 67 will be deployed in the Army, 24 in Air Force, and 33 in Navy. The top 10 graduates were: Jestony Aman Lanaja, Maryam Dinamling Balais, Proten Atchico
Bonacua, Jesse Nestor Berces Saludo, Joselyn Dimapilis Advincula, Leode John Ruiz Tulang, Mark Ferdinand Villamin, Vanessa Pascual Factor, Jhed Tabangcura Dumocloy, and Maila Agrabio Maniscan. All gradutes will be commissioned as Second Lieutenant. ■ Interaksyon / March 17, 2013
RTC junks disqualification case, allows Erap to run for Manila mayorship
MANILA’S Regional Trial Court Branch 20 has dismissed a case that sought to disqualify former President Joseph Estrada from running as mayor of Manila. In a resolution promulgated February 19, 2013, but received Wednesday by Estrada’s lawyer Francisco Chavez, Judge Marivic Balisi-Umali declared that petitioners Romeo de Leon and Mariel Limueco lacked legal standing in filing their petition in December last year. Also, the Court pointed out that Estrada was qualified to run in the presidential elections of 2010, noting that his pardon, whether absolute or conditional, could not adversely affect the the former president’s right of suffrage. Umali added that the preamble of the pardon being questioned by the petitioners was, not an essential part of the pardon. Rather it was the dispositive portion which absolutely restored Estrada’s civil and political rights. For his part, Chavez said the decision clearly indicated that the disqualification
case had no basis, and, with the decision, there was no longer any legal barrier for Estrada to “100-percent run, and 100-percent be voted upon.” “The reasons of the Petitioners is too vague, highly speculative and uncertain. With this decision, there should be no more questions as to whether or not former President Estrada can run for mayor in Manila,” he said. However, Estrada still has another disqualification case to deal with - the case filed before the Commission on Elections alleging Estrada violated the conditions of his pardon in October 2007. Estrada earlier said that the petitioner in the Comelec case, lawyer Alicia Vidal, is represented by retired Sandiganbayan Justice Rodolfo Palattao – an alleged associate of his rival for the mayoralty post, incumbent Mayor Alfredo Lim. Vidal had served as Lim’s lawyer in the election protest filed by former mayor Lito Atienza of Manila over the results of the 2010 mayoralty race. ■
DVM, GMA News / March 6, 2013 7:51pm
SC unseats Imus, Cavite mayor
IN a close vote, the Supreme Court on Tuesday voted to unseat the incumbent mayor of Imus, Cavite. Voting 8-7, the high tribunal sitting in full court upheld a Commission on Elections (Comelec) ruling nullifying the victory of Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi and declaring Homer Saquilayan the duly elected mayor of the city. SC Public Information Office chief Theodore Te told reporters that the high court’s latest ruling effectively lifts the temporary restraining order it earlier issued that stopped the Comelec from removing Maliksi from his post. “The decision is immediately executory considering that there are only less than 5 months left in Saquilayan’s term of office,” said Te. Voting in the majority are Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Associate Justices Mariano del Castillo, Roberto Abad, Mar Villarama, Jose Perez, Estela PerlasBernabe and Marvic Leonen.
Sereno, Perlas-Bernabe, and Leonen, all appointees of President Benigno Aquino III, voted against Maliksi, who comes from Aquino’s Liberal Party. Those who joined Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin in his dissent were Presbitero Velasco, Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Arturo Brion, Diosdado Peralta, Jose Mendoza and Bienvenido Reyes. In its resolution, the Comelec earlier affirmed its First Division’s findings that Saquilayan was the winner in the 2010 mayoral race after a recount of votes in contested precincts revealed that he garnered 48,521 votes or 8,429 more than Maliksi’s 40,092. Saquilayan was originally proclaimed the winner of the 2010 polls. Imus Regional Trial Court Judge Cesar Mangrobang later annulled the victory, prompting Saquilayan to bring up the matter before the Comelec. ■ Mark Merueñas / BM, GMA News / March 12, 2013 4:39pm
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Filipino Pilgrimage to North Wales
WHILE Filipinos in the UK who desire to go on pilgrimage immediately think of going to Lourdes, Fatima, or any other ancient shrine in Europe, few know that there are many ancient pilgrimage sites within the United Kingdom. To start the Lenten season, the Community Prayer Crusade of West London based at the Holy Cross Chapel of Charing Cross Hospital organized a weekend pilgrimage to North Wales on February 16-17. The highlight of the pilgrimage was the visit to the Lourdes of Wales, otherwise known as St. Winifrede’s Well, located in Holywell, Flintshire. The place has been a place of pilgrimage since the 7th century. According to legend, Winifrede was born to a noble family, and wanted to consecrate herself to God. When a local man made sexual advances on her and she refused, she ran to the church to seek protection from her uncle Beuno (also a canonized Saint). The man ran after her and cut off her head with a sword, and as the head fell on the ground, there was an earthquake and a spring of water
emerged from the earth. This spring became St. Winifrede’s Well, and the water has been known to effect healing through many centuries of Christian devotion. Coming upon the scene of St. Winifrede’s beheading, St. Beuno took her head and put it back on her body, raising her back to life. She lived for another fifteen years as a nun. Whatever the exact truth of the legend, there is no doubt that Holywell has been a place of deep spiritual peace and healing for many centuries. The Filipino group first went to the parish church on top of the hill for Mass celebrated by the pilgrimage chaplain, Fr. Ari Dy, SJ. Lunch was in a listed building, an old chapel built over the well. After lunch, the custodians of the well showed the group to exhibit about the shrine, and led the prayers at the well with veneration of the relics. It was too cold for the pilgrims to bathe at the well, but some washed their hands, face, and feet, and filled their bottles with water to bring home. Next stop on the pilgrimage was the Franciscan Friary at Pantasaph,
DATE / TIME
site of the St. Clare’s Convent that included a hospital and orphanage in the 19th century. The Capuchin Franciscans now run the place as a retreat center and shrine to St. Pio of Pietrelcina, popularly known as Padre Pio. The group visited the lovely outdoor shrine to St. Pio, which looks like a miniature version of the Carmelite shrine in Aylesford. There is a life-size statue of St. Pio, as well as a beautiful statue of Our
EVENT
Lady of Fatima. Behind it is a rosary walk and grotto, and stations of the cross. There is also a Divine Mercy garden in the area. The group visited the grounds and enjoyed the hospitality of the Franciscans who served afternoon tea before having exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at the church that also serves as the local parish. On the second day of the pilgrimage, the group visited the St.
VENUE
24th March
West End Mamas Mayors Charity Concert
28th, 29th, and 30th March
Pabasa 2013
Beuno’s Ignatian Spirituality Centre near Rhyl. Built in 1848 to serve as a Jesuit theological seminary where the famous Victorian Jesuit poet Gerard Manley Hopkins studied, it is now a Grade-II listed building that offers a program of retreats throughout the year. A team of Jesuit and lay retreat directors run the programs, and in 2010 the BBC used the place for a reality show called The Big Silence, where five ordinary people were taught how to observe silence and go on retreat. The Filipino group participated in the regular Sunday morning Mass, visited the grounds, and had an informal interaction with Fr David Birchall SJ, director of the centre. Our visit to three places of prayer and devotion in North Wales served as our entry into the season of Lent. It was an experience that combined spiritual activities with meeting new friends on the journey and taking a break from the routines of life in London. The Community Prayer Crusade’s next activity will be to join the All-Filipino Palm Sunday pilgrimage at the national Marian shrine in Walsingham. ■ Fr Ari C. Dy, SJ / February 2013
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CONTACT / REMARKS
The Mayor of the City of Chelmsford
Box Office Number: 01245 606505
1st April
LK Dance Company Handog Sa Iyo (Offer of Thanks
Civic Theatre Fairfield Road CM1 1JG Chelmsford, Essex Holy Cross Chapel, Charing Cross Hospial, Fulham Palace Road, W6 8RF St Andrew’s United Reformed Church Hall, Frognal Lane, London NW3 7DY
5th April
Philippine Fashion Showcase London 2013
The Langham, London 1C Portland Place, W1B 1JA
Vanrock Productions
5, 6 & 7th April
Bamboo 2013 UK Tour Live
London, Colchester & Manchester
KMF Events Ltd.
19th April
Gary V Live in Dublin
National Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
Bayanihan Entertainment
26 – 27th April
Parokya ni Edgar Live in UK Comeback Concert
Platinum Star Productions
5th May
Family Gathering
London & Scotland Stanley Hall, Boston Arms Pub, 2A Dartmouth Park Hill, Tufnell Park, NW5 1HL Camden Centre, Euston Road, London WC1H 9JE
18th May
Miss London NABA 2013
Cornwall
London Filipino Basketball Community
24-26th May
History in Cornwall Chaplain: Fr Ari Dy, SJ
Mario : 07818021874 or 07557348240 Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company
Batangas Association UK
Ernesto Pampee Rivales 07766 406 480 email: erivales@yahoo.co.uk Vanessa Horca info@ilovefashionuk.com Ron: 07827965478 Jing: 07921356496 Rannie: 07775441369 018721410 / 0862650857 or 0860750807 Julz: 07813792502 Shella: 07877533956 Loi: 07900512405 Julie: 07956422068 secretariat@batangas-association.org.uk Sabrina Maxim: 07850 880 635 Ryan Abeleda: 07515252235 Mario: 07818021874 / 07557348240
FREE LISTING of your events on the Hello Philippines newspaper and if you know of any Events please contact us and submit your event via email to the following at info@hello-philippines.com DISCLAIMER: The Events Diary Listing does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Hello Philippines newspaper. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Hello Philippines newspaper. This is merely an Events Diary Listing of what is happening within the Filipino Communities in Europe. This is for general information only. 2013 Monthly Filipino Community Masses in Greater London 1st Sunday
2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
2nd Saturday
4:00 p.m.
2nd Sunday
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.
3rd Sunday
3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
Last Saturday
6:00 p.m.
Last Sunday
2:00 p.m.
Every Sunday
5:00 p.m.
First Wednesdays
6:30 p.m.
Five Precious Wounds Parish, Brentfield Road, Stonebridge Park, NW10 8ER Ms. Mervic Monocillo 07894636140 Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Friary Road, Peckham SE15 1RH Mr. Allen Abeleda 077 1362 5888 St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 103 Woolwich New Road, SE18 6EF Mr. Moises Espanola 078 9464 8639 English Martyrs Church, Chalkhill Road, Wembley Park, HA9 9EW Ms. Becky Sarinas 079 4985 7699 or 074 2576 1519 St. Dominic Catholic Church, 243 Violet Lane, Waddon, CR0 4HN Ms. Merlie Mirto 077 2221 6462 St. Anselm and St. Cecilia, 70 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3JA Mr. Feliciano Ramirez 07733680748 Sacred Heart of Jesus, New Priory, Quex Road, Kilburn, London, NW6 4PS Mr. Sheidrick de Leon: 07738210202 Blessed Sacrament Parish, 157 Copenhagen Street, Islington N1 0SR Ms. Christy Sangalang: 07709119969 Our Lady of Dolours, Servite Parish Church, 264 Fulham Road, London, SW10 4EL Fr. Allan Satur: 02073526965/ fulhamroad@rcdow.org.uk/ Mr. Roland Adap r_adap@hotmail.com St. Joseph’s Catholic Church/ 218 Roehampton Lane, London SW15 4LE Mr. Rafael Santiago 077 9525 4451 Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 20 Brixton Road (Oval), SW9 6BU Mr. Ben Ortiz 0772 331 8486 Filipino Mass and Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help Farm Street Church of the Immaculate Conception (Jesuit House Chapel) Access on 114 Mount Street , W1K 3AY / Josie Ramos 077 2302 4591
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WORLD NEWS
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March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
New pope shuns ‘Vatican one’ limo VATICAN CITY — Newly-elected Pope Francis shunned the special chauffeur-driven “Vatican One” limousine after being picked as pontiff, the Vatican said on Thursday. “Instead of the formal Vatican One car he preferred to take the minibus with the other cardinals,” Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said. The new pope then dined with the cardinals in a Vatican residence where he thanked them for electing him but then quipped: “God forgive you for what you’ve done!” The former Argentinian cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio -- the first Latin American pontiff -- has a reputation as a humble pastor who
has shunned many of the perks associated with high office in the Catholic Church. Lombardi said that immediately after his nomination on Wednesday, Francis had greeted the cardinals standing up instead of sitting down on his papal throne -- also indicating a change in style at the Vatican. Following his first outing as pope to a Rome basilica on Thursday, Francis went back to the clergy house in a city centre side street where he had been staying ahead of the conclave that elected him on Wednesday. “He packed his bags and then he went to pay the bill for his room
so as to set a good example,” said Lombardi, who is a Jesuit priest like the new pope -- the first member of the prestigious religious order to become pontiff. Lombardi also said the pope had travelled to the basilica in a simple Vatican gendarmerie car “without a motorcade.” The new pope will live for the next few days in Casa Santa Marta -- the same Vatican residence where he was staying with fellow cardinals before his election -- while the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican are prepared. Lombardi said: “The preparation will be very simple.” ■ AFP
Chicago girl dies a day after drive-by shooting Family cries foul after Delhi bus rape 6-month-old strong gang overtones.” A 6-month-old girl was with the liver and lungs.” No arrests have been made in Her father, 28-year-old Jonathan pronounced dead on Tuesday from suspect found hanged in jail cell NEW DELHI - A bus driver accused of taking the lead in the fatal gang rape of a student last December was found dead in his prison cell in unclear circumstances that have his family alleging foul play. Ram Singh’s death has also triggered surprise among Indians at the security failure in Tihar prison. But there appeared to be little sympathy, with college student Kajal, 21, who lives next door to his home, telling Agence France-Presse: “When I got to know about his death this morning, I felt nothing.” The 33-year-old Singh, the jail authorities said, used bedding to make a noose and hanged himself
from a grille above the cell door. He was found hanging at 5.45am local time yesterday. Three other prisoners who shared his cell told the authorities they saw nothing. An inquiry has been launched, officials at the high-security Tihar jail said in a statement. ■ The Straits Times / Mar 12, 2013
World’s oldest woman turns 115 in Japan, celebrates with mackerel sushi
TOKYO (AFP) - The world’s oldest woman celebrated her 115th birthday on Tuesday in a Japanese nursing home with her favourite mackerel sushi dish on the menu. Ms. Misao Okawa, a descendant of kimono merchants in the city of Osaka, western Japan, told a broadcaster that she had never expected to live to such a great age but had managed it “thanks to everybody”. Late last month, Ms. Okawa received a certificate from Guinness World Records confirming her status as the oldest living woman. Japan, known for the longevity of its people, is now home to the oldest man and woman on the planet. Ms. Okawa was born on March 5, 1898 and married in 1919. She has
three children, two of whom - a son and a daughter - are still alive and in their 90s, Japanese media reported. ■
Watkins, is listed in stable condition. Police said Tuesday morning that Joneyela’s injuries were incurred during a drive-by shooting on Monday targeting her father. WMAQ-TV reported that, according to Police Superintendent Gerry McCarthy, Jonathan Watkins had an “extensive” criminal record, and that the shooting had “very
connection with the attack. Brooks said his church, New Beginnings, is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest. “The city of Chicago should be outraged that, in our city, a sixmonth-old baby could be shot and killed,” he said. “It’s horrific.” Watch WGN’s report on Joneyela Watkins, aired Tuesday, below. ■
The Raw Story / March 12, 2013
US sailors jailed for Okinawa rape: Report
TOKYO (AFP) - Two US sailors who raped a Japanese woman in Okinawa last October, sparking island-wide anger, have been jailed for nine and 10 years, a report said. The Naha District Court said Christopher Browning, 24, should be jailed for 10 years while Skyler Dozierwalker, 23, should serve nine years, Jiji Press reported. Earlier this week the two men had admitted the offence, which caused outrage on the sub-tropical islands and beyond, and led to a nationwide night-time curfew on all US military personnel in Japan. Despite the curfew, misconduct involving US servicemen, much of it drunken, has continued to fuel antiUS sentiment in communities with bases. ■
View of the Mihama American Village in Okinawa, Japan, which is located near a US army base camp in the island.Okinawa is the reluctant host to more than half of the 47,000 American service personnel in Japan, and crimes such as rape, noise and risk of accidents associated with their bases regularly provokes ire among locals in the community.
Singapore mirrors Australia in population trends
Misao Okawa celebrates her 115th birthday in Osaka, western Japan on Tuesday, March 5. Miss Okawa was formally recognised last week as the world’s oldest woman.
S. Korea-US drills start as North rejects armistice
SEOUL — South Korea and the United States launched joint drills Monday involving thousands of troops, defying North Korea’s apocalyptic threat to repudiate the 60-year-old Korean War armistice in retaliation. The start of the two-week “Key Resolve” exercise follows a week of escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula, with North Korea also threatening nuclear war over UN sanctions adopted after its third
injuries suffered while being shot five times as her father changed her diaper. According to WGN-TV, Joneyela Watkins died following multiple surgeries at Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago. “A lot of the bleeding, they could not stop,” a local church leader, Rev. Corey Brooks, told the station. “There was some complications
atomic test last month. Pyongyang has condemned the annual joint manoeuvres as a provocative invasion rehearsal and announced that -- effective Monday -it was scrapping the 1953 armistice and voiding non-aggression treaties signed with the South. The South’s Unification Ministry confirmed that the North appeared to have carried through on another promise to cut a telephone hotline between Pyongyang and Seoul. ■ AFP
CAN Singaporeans debating population issues learn anything from Australia’s experience? At first glance, the answer seems to be “no”. One country is continent-
Performers at a Chinese New Year parade in Sydney last week. The populations of Australia and Singapore have risen due to immigration, and both countries are now among the most culturally diverse in the world. -- Photo: Agence France-Presse
sized and sparsely populated but blessed with huge natural resources, and with its people mostly having strong cultural ties to Europe. The other, an island city-state, has few natural resources and a distinctly Asian cultural heritage. Ask citizens in both countries about the sort of future they envisage for themselves and their children, however, and you will come across a strikingly similar debate. Like Singapore, Australia has a low birth rate and an ageing population. And, like Singapore, these factors have prompted governments concerned about the prospects of long-term growth to formulate policies that not all citizens appear ready to accept.
Yet another similarity is that the two countries are debating population issues at a time when relative prosperity should make any policy changes easier to accept. Unlike other developed countries facing similarly ageing populations, Singapore and Australia have weathered the global economic downturn well. Background story. Like Singapore, Australia has a low birth rate and an ageing population. And, like Singapore, these factors have prompted governments concerned about the prospects of long-term growth to formulate policies that not all citizens appear ready to accept. ■ Straits Times / Feb 27, 2013
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March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
Weather and hay fever
THE hay fever season can last from March to October and some unlucky people only get a break from symptoms in winter. If your allergy symptoms are due to pollen alone, you won’t have symptoms in November, December and January. In Britain, plants do not release pollen in these months. So, if you have symptoms during the winter, you haven’t got hay fever. You may have an allergy to something other than pollen, such as pet fur or house dust mites. How weather affects hay fever Rain makes a difference to hay fever symptoms because it washes pollen out of the air. Less pollen is released on cooler, cloudy days than on hot, sunny days. The longer-term effects of climate change mean that the pollen season has become longer, and many people’s hay fever symptoms also last longer. If you live near the coast and the wind is blowing off the sea and onto the land, the air will be fairly clear so your symptoms may not be as bad. However, if you’re on the coast and the wind is blowing off-shore, the pollen count will be higher. How can you limit your pollen exposure? Pollens are released in the early morning. As the air warms up, they get carried up into the air above our
heads. As evening comes and the air cools down, the pollen comes back down. This means symptoms are usually worse first thing in the morning and in the evening, particularly on days that have been warm and sunny. Follow these tips to reduce your exposure to pollen: • Keep windows closed at night so pollen doesn’t enter the house. • Buy a pair of wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen entering your eyes. • Smear petroleum jelly around the inside of your nose to trap pollen and stop it being inhaled. • Wash your hair, hands and face when you come back indoors and change your clothes. If possible, don’t dry clothes outside. • Use air filters to reduce pollen that is floating around the house. • Keep car windows shut when driving. • Don’t mow the grass or do other work in the garden. • Avoid fields and large areas of grassland. FIVE TIPS TO REDUCE HAYFEAVER 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
HEALTH and Lifestyle
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 stressedout 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-
www.hello-philippines.com 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,
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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. ■ NHS Choices
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March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
A guide to yoga ALL you need to know to get started in yoga, including the health benefits, yoga styles for beginners and finding a yoga class. What is yoga? Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing. The main components of yoga are postures (a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility) and breathing. The practice originated in India about 5,000 years ago, and has been adapted in other countries in a variety of ways. Yoga is now commonplace in leisure centres, health clubs, schools, hospitals and surgeries. What are the health benefits of yoga? Dozens of scientific trials of varying quality have been published on yoga. While there’s scope for more rigorous studies on yoga’s health benefits, most studies suggest that yoga is a safe and effective way to increase physical activity, especially strength, flexibility and balance. There’s some evidence that regular yoga practice is beneficial for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains, including low back pain, depression and stress. Can yoga help prevent falls? Yes. Yoga improves balance by
strengthening your lower body, in particular your ankles and knees, thereby reducing your chances of falling. However, falls may sometimes be caused by a health condition, in which case it’s a good idea to see your GP or visit a Falls Clinic at a local hospital. Can yoga help with arthritis? Yoga is popular with people with arthritis for its gentle way of promoting flexibility and strength. Some research suggests that yoga can reduce pain and mobility problems in people with knee osteoarthritis. However, some yoga moves aren’t suitable for people with arthritis. Find a teacher who understands arthritis and can adapt movements for individual needs, especially if you have replacement joints. Check with a doctor or physiotherapist to find out if there are any movements to avoid. Am I too old for yoga? Definitely not. People often start yoga in their 70s and often say they wish they had started sooner. There are yoga classes for every age group. Yoga is a form of exercise that can be enjoyed from childhood to your advanced years. Do I have to be fit to do yoga? No, you can join a class that’s suitable to your fitness level. For example, to join a mixed ability yoga class, you need to be able to get up
HEALTH and Lifestyle
and down from the floor. Some yoga classes are chair-based. Don’t I need to be flexible to do yoga? Not necessarily. Yoga will improve your flexibility and help you go beyond your normal range of movement, so that you then feel more comfortable during normal daily activity. Can I injure myself doing yoga? The most common yoga injuries are caused by repetitive strain or overstretching. But yoga is the same
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as any other exercise discipline. It is perfectly safe if taught properly by people who understand it, and have experience. Learning from a qualified yoga teacher and choosing a class appropriate to your level will ensure that you remain injury-free. What style of yoga should I do? There are many different styles of yoga, such as Ashtanga, Iyengar and Sivananda. Some styles are more vigorous than others. Some may have a different area of emphasis, such as posture or breathing. Many
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yoga teachers develop their own practice by studying more than one style. No style is necessarily better or more authentic than any other. The key is to choose a class appropriate to your fitness level. What type of class should I look out for? Classes can vary in duration from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. A longer class will give you more time for learning the breathing and relaxation and will give the teacher time to work with your individual ability. It’s worth speaking to a teacher about their approach before you sign up for a class. Where can I find a yoga class? If you want to be confident you’re being taught to a high standard, you can look for a teacher accredited by the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY), which is the Sport Englandrecognised governing body for yoga. However, not all yoga organisations or teachers in the UK have, or seek to have, BWY accreditation. Can I use a book or a yoga DVD instead of going to a class? It’s better to start with a class to learn the poses and breathing techniques correctly. With a DVD, there will be nobody to correct your mistakes, which may lead to injury over time. With some experience of being in a class, a DVD can then be helpful for keeping up practice. ■ NHS Choices
24
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HEALTH and Lifestyle food
Fish and shellfish PHILIPPINES
A healthy diet should include at least two portions of fish a week, including one of oily fish. That is because fish and shellfish are good sources of many vitamins and minerals. Oily fish – such as salmon and fresh tuna – is particularly rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which may help to keep your heart healthy. Most of us should have more fish in our diet, including more oily fish. However, there are maximum recommended amounts for oily fish, crab and some types of white fish. There is also additional advice for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and children and babies. For a healthier choice, go for steamed, baked or grilled fish or shellfish, rather than fried. This is because frying makes fish and shellfish much higher in fat, especially if they’re cooked in batter. To ensure there are enough fish to eat now and in the future, we should try to eat a wide variety of fish and to choose fish from sustainable sources. Types of fish. Different types of fish and shellfish provide different nutrients. Oily fish. Examples of oily fish are salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout and herring. These are rich in longchain omega-3 fatty acids, which may help prevent heart disease; and a good source of vitamins A and D. There are some oily fish with bones that you eat. These include whitebait, canned sardines, pilchards and tinned salmon (but not fresh salmon). These fish can help make our bones stronger because they are good sources of calcium and phosphorus. White fish. Examples of white fish are cod, haddock, plaice, pollack, coley, dab, flounder, red mullet, gurnard and tilapia. White fish are very low in fat, making them one of the healthier, low-fat alternatives to red or processed meat, which tends to be higher in fat, especially saturated fat; a source of omega-3 fatty acids, but at much lower levels than oily fish. Shellfish. Shellfish includes prawns, mussels and langoustine. They are low in fat and a good source of selenium, zinc, iodine and copper. Some types, such as mussels, oysters, squid and crab are also good sources of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, but they do not contain as much as oily fish. Oily fish and omega-3. Oily fish contains a special kind of fat, called long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Long-chain omega-3 may help prevent heart disease. It is also important for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because it can help a baby’s nervous system to develop. Oily fish are the richest source of long-chain omega-3. Some white
fish and shellfish also contain longchain omega-3, but not as much as oily fish. The main shellfish sources of long-chain omega-3 are mussels, oysters, squid and crab. Which fish are oily fish? These fish are all oily fish, and so good sources of long-chain omega-3: anchovies, carp, herring (bloater, kipper and hilsa are types of herring), jack (also known as scad, horse mackerel and trevally), mackerel, pilchards, salmon, sardines, sprats, trout, tuna (fresh), and whitebait Canned tuna does not count as oily fish. Fresh tuna is an oily fish, but when it is canned the amount of longchain omega-3 fatty acids is reduced to levels similar to those in other fish. How much fish? Most people should be eating more fish, including more oily fish. A healthy diet should include at least two portions of fish a week, including one of oily fish. But for certain types of fish there are recommendations about the maximum amount you should eat. How much oily fish? We should eat at least one portion of oily fish a week. A portion of oily fish is around 140 grams when cooked. There are recommendations for the maximum number of portions of oily fish we should be eating each week. This is because oily fish can contain low levels of pollutants that can build up in the body. These recommendations are different for men and women, and there is separate advice on swordfish. Men and boys: Up to four portions of oily fish a week. Women and girls: Up to two portions of oily fish a week for women and girls who may become pregnant in the future, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because pollutants found in oily fish may affect the development of a baby in the womb in the future. Up to four portions of oily fish a week for women who won’t become pregnant in the future. The one exception to the recommendations above is swordfish. Children, pregnant women and women who are trying to become pregnant should not eat swordfish. Other adults should eat no more than one portion of swordfish per week. This is because it can contain more mercury than other fish, and consuming high levels of mercury can cause health problems. How much white fish? White fish include cod, haddock, plaice, pollack, coley, dover sole, dab, flounder, red mullet and gurnard. With the exception of some white fish listed below, you can safely eat as many portions of white fish per week as you like. Shark and marlin: Children, pregnant women and women who are trying to get pregnant should not eat shark or marlin. This is because they contain more mercury than
other fish. Other adults should have no more than one portion of shark or marlin per week. Many shark and marlin species are endangered, so we should avoid eating these fish to help stop these species becoming extinct. See the sustainable fish and shellfish section below for more. Other white fish that may contain similar levels of certain pollutants as oily fish are: sea bream, sea bass, turbot, halibut, and rock salmon (also known as dogfish, flake, huss, rigg or rock eel) Anyone who regularly eats a lot of fish should avoid eating these five fish, and brown meat from crabs, too often. There is no need to limit the amount of white crab meat that you eat. Trying to get pregnant, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Eating fish is good for your health and the development of your baby. But pregnant women should avoid some types of fish and limit the amount they eat of some others. When pregnant, you can reduce your risk of food poisoning by avoiding raw shellfish. Below is advice from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition and the Committee on Toxicity about eating fish when trying to get pregnant or when pregnant or breastfeeding: Shark, swordfish and marlin: do not eat these if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. All other adults, including breastfeeding women, should eat no more than one portion per week. This is because these fish can contain more mercury than other types of fish, and this can damage a developing baby’s nervous system. Oily fish: if you are trying for a baby, pregnant or breastfeeding, you should have no more than two portions of oily fish a week. A portion is around 140 grams. Canned tuna: if you are trying for a baby or are pregnant, you should have no more than four cans of tuna a week. This is because tuna contains higher levels of mercury than other fish. If you are breastfeeding, there is no limit on how much canned tuna you can eat. These figures are based on a medium size can of tuna with a drained weight of around 140g per can. Remember, canned tuna doesn’t count as oily fish, so you can eat this as well as your maximum two portions of oily fish. Due to the higher levels of mercury in tuna, if you’re eating canned tuna, don’t pick fresh tuna as your oily fish.
March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition Unless your GP advises otherwise, avoid taking fish liver oil supplements when you’re pregnant or trying for a baby. These are high in vitamin A, which can be harmful to your unborn baby. Children and babies over six months. Children should avoid eating any shark, swordfish or marlin. This is because the levels of mercury in these fish can affect their nervous systems. You should also avoid giving raw shellfish to babies and children to reduce their risk of getting food poisoning. You can give boys up to four portions of oily fish a week, but it is best to give girls no more than two portions. This is because the low levels of pollutants that oily fish contain can build up in the body and may harm an unborn baby during a future pregnancy. Fish liver oil supplements. If you take fish liver oil supplements, remember these are high in vitamin A. This is because fish store vitamin A in their livers. Having too much vitamin A over many years could be harmful. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition advises that if you take supplements containing vitamin A, you should not have more than a total of 1.5mg a day from your food and supplements Sustainable fish and shellfish. When fish or shellfish are caught or produced in a way that allows stocks to replenish and that does not cause unnecessary damage to marine animals and plants, those fish or shellfish are called “sustainable”. To ensure there are enough fish and shellfish to eat, choose from as wide a range of these foods as possible. If we eat only a few kinds of fish, then numbers of these fish can fall very low due to overfishing of these stocks. Overfishing endangers the future supply of the fish and can also cause damage to the environment from which the fish is caught. Fish and shellfish safety. Eating fish or shellfish that is not fresh or that has not been stored and prepared hygienically can cause food poisoning. In this section you can find tips on how to store and prepare fish and shellfish. Shellfish such as mussels, clams and oysters that are raw or not thoroughly cooked can contain harmful viruses and bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Thorough cooking usually kills any bacteria or viruses. Most of the shellfish we eat is cooked first, but oysters are often served raw. There is a small risk of food poisoning when oysters are eaten raw or without being thoroughly cooked. If you are serving oysters raw, be especially careful when buying and storing them: see below for more advice. Pregnant women should avoid raw shellfish because of the risk of food poisoning.
Older people, very young children and people who are unwell can reduce their risk of food poisoning by avoiding raw shellfish, including raw oysters. Buying fish and shellfish. When choosing fish and shellfish, remember: Buy fish and shellfish from reputable sources. Choose fresh fish or shellfish that is refrigerated or kept on ice. Don’t buy cooked or ready-to-eat fish or shellfish that is touching raw fish or shellfish. When shopping, pick up fish and shellfish last and take it straight home. Fish and shellfish go off very quickly once out of the fridge. When buying or cooking live shellfish such as mussels, make sure that the outer shell closes when you tap it. Live shellfish will ‘clam up’ when their shells are tapped. Where possible buy fish and shellfish from sustainable sources Storing and preparing fish and shellfish. It’s important to store and prepare fish and shellfish hygienically. Storing: Put fish and shellfish in the fridge or freezer as soon as you get home. Make sure that all fish and shellfish are in covered containers. But don’t put mussels, oysters, clams or any other live shellfish into airtight containers, because they need to breathe. Don’t store fish or shellfish in water. Discard mussels, oysters, clams or any other live shellfish if their shells crack or break, or if the shells are open and don’t close when you tap them. Live shellfish will ‘clam up’ if their shells are tapped. Preparing: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling fish or shellfish. Don’t allow raw fish or shellfish or fluid from live shellfish to come into contact with cooked or ready-to-eat food. Use separate utensils and plates for preparing raw fish and shellfish and other food. Thaw fish or shellfish in the fridge overnight. If you need to thaw it more quickly, you could use a microwave. Use the “defrost” setting and stop when the fish is icy but flexible. If you’re marinating seafood, put it in the fridge and throw the marinade away after removing the raw fish or shellfish. If you want to use the marinade as a dip or sauce, set some aside before it touches the raw fish. Do not eat clams or mussels that do not open when cooked. It is likely that the clam or mussel has died, and that it is not safe to eat. Fish and shellfish allergy. Allergies to fish or shellfish are quite common and can cause severe reactions. People who are allergic to one type of fish often react to other types. Similarly, people who are allergic to one type of shellfish, such as prawns, crabs, mussels or scallops, often react to other types. Cooking fish or shellfish doesn’t make someone with a fish or shellfish allergy less likely to have a bad reaction. ■ NHS Choices
March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
Eight tips for healthy eating EATING a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health, and can help you feel your best. It doesn’t have to be difficult either. Just follow these eight diet tips to get started. The key to a healthy diet is to do the following: • Eat the right number of calories for how active you are, so that you balance the energy you consume with the energy you use. If you eat or drink too much, you’ll put on weight. If you eat and drink too little, you’ll lose weight. The average man needs around 2,500 calories a day. The average woman needs 2,000 calories. Most adults are eating more calories than they need, and should eat fewer calories. • Eat a wide range of foods to ensure that you’re getting a balanced diet and that your body is receiving all the nutrients it needs. Get started. These practical tips cover the basics of healthy eating, and can help you make healthier choices: Base your meals on starchy foods. Starchy foods should make up around one third of the foods you eat. Starchy foods include potatoes, cereals, pasta, rice and bread. Choose wholegrain varieties when you can: they contain more fibre, and can make you feel full for longer. Most of us should eat more starchy foods:
try to include at least one starchy food with each main meal. Some people think starchy foods are fattening, but gram for gram they contain fewer than half the calories of fat. Eat lots of fruit and veg. It’s recommended that we eat at least five portions of different types of fruit and veg a day. It’s easier than it sounds. A glass of 100% unsweetened fruit juice can count as one portion, and vegetables cooked into dishes also count. Why not chop a banana over your breakfast cereal, or swap your usual mid-morning snack for some dried fruit? Eat more fish. Fish is a good source of protein and contains many vitamins and minerals. Aim to eat at least two portions a week, including at least one portion of oily fish. Oily fish is high in omega-3 fats, which may help to prevent heart disease. You can choose from fresh, frozen and canned; but remember that canned and smoked fish can be high in salt. Oily fish include salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, fresh tuna, sardines and pilchards. Non-oily fish include haddock, plaice, coley, cod, tinned tuna, skate and hake. Anyone who regularly eats a lot of fish should try to choose as wide a variety as possible. Cut down on saturated fat and sugar. We all need some fat in our diet. But it’s important to pay attention to the amount and type of fat we’re
HEALTH and Lifestyle food eating. There are two main types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. Too much saturated fat can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood, which increases your risk of developing heart disease. Saturated fat is found in many foods, such as hard cheese, cakes, biscuits, sausages, cream, butter, lard and pies. Try to cut down, and choose foods that contain unsaturated rather than saturated fats, such as vegetable oils, oily fish and avocados. For a healthier choice, use a just a small amount of vegetable oil or reduced fat spread instead of butter, lard or ghee. When you’re having meat, choose lean cuts and cut off any visible fat. Most people in the UK eat and drink too much sugar. Sugary foods and drinks, including alcoholic drinks, are often high in calories, and could contribute to weight gain. They can also cause tooth decay, especially if eaten between meals. Cut down on sugary fizzy drinks, alcoholic drinks, cakes, biscuits and pastries, which contain added sugars: this is the kind of sugar we should be cutting down on rather than sugars that are found naturally in foods such as fruit and milk. Food labels can help: use them to check how much sugar foods contain. More than 15g of sugar per 100g means that the food is high in sugar. Eat less salt. Even if you don’t add salt to your food, you may still be eating too much. About three-
quarters of the salt we eat is already in the food we buy, such as breakfast cereals, soups, breads and sauces. Eating too much salt can raise your blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke. Use food labels to help you cut down. More than 1.5g of salt per 100g means the food is high in salt. Adults and children over 11 should eat no more than 6g of salt a day. Younger children should have even less. Get active and be a healthy weight. Eating a healthy, balanced diet plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy weight, which is an important part of overall good health. Being overweight or obese can lead to health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, heart disease and stroke. Being underweight could also affect your health. Check whether you’re a healthy weight by using our Healthy. Most adults need to lose weight, and need to eat fewer calories in order to do this. If you’re trying to lose weight, aim to eat less and be more active. Eating a healthy, balanced diet will help: aim to cut down on foods that are high in fat and sugar, and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Don’t forget that alcohol is also high in calories, so cutting down can help you to control your weight. If you’re worried about your weight, ask your GP or a dietitian for advice. Physical activity can help you to maintain
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weight loss or be a healthy weight. Being active doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym: you can find ways to fit more activity into your daily life. For example, try getting off the bus one stop early on the way home from work, and walking. Being physically active may help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. After getting active, remember not to reward yourself with a treat that is high in calories. If you feel hungry after activity, choose foods or drinks that are lower in calories but still filling. Don’t get thirsty. We need to drink about 1.2 litres of fluid every day to stop us getting dehydrated. This is in addition to the fluid we get from the food we eat. All non-alcoholic drinks count, but water, milk and fruit juices are the most healthy. Try to avoid sugary soft and fizzy drinks that are high in added sugars and can be high in calories and bad for teeth. When the weather is warm, or when we get active, we may need more. Don’t skip breakfast. Some people skip breakfast because they think it will help them lose weight. In fact, research shows that eating breakfast can help people control their weight. A healthy breakfast is an important part of a balanced diet, and provides some of the vitamins and minerals we need for good health. Wholemeal cereal, with fruit sliced over the top is a tasty and nutritious breakfast. ■ NHS Choices
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Exciting revelations await in ‘Pahiram ng Sandali’ finale week GMA Telebabad series, Pahiram ng Sandali is now on its finale week. In a Startalk TX exclusive interview last March 9, the cast shared what they have learned on set, and dished out what viewers should watch out for in the days to come. For Max Collins, who plays Cindy in Pahiram ng Sandali, being part of the primetime soap was a great learning experience. She says, “Feeling ko po, nag-mature ako. Acting-wise, marami po akong natutunan. ‘Yung matututunan ko sa loob ng 10 years, natutunan ko sa isang teleserye.” Through the story, the promising actress adds, “Not only has it
been such a wonderful experience working with a powerhouse cast, and with Direk Maryo J. Delos Reyes, but personally, marami po akong natutunan sa kuwento. Kahit na nagkamali ka man, there’s always a time for forgiveness and a second chance.” Neil Ryan Sese, who plays Andrew in the series, considers it a privilege to work with top notch actors, especially Mark Gil, who plays his father, Larry. He shares, “Sobrang cool siya, sobrang professional at sa kuwentuhan, walang problema. Tapos, marami kang matututunan sa kanya.”
Personally, he had a lot of realizations from the story. “Natutunan ko na magmahal, siyempre. Natutunan ko na lahat naman ng tao nagkakamali, pero after mo magkamali, kailangan bangon ka lang, tuloy tuloy lang ‘yung buhay, ‘di ba,” Neil states. As for the Pahiram ng Sandali leading man, Dingdong Dantes, playing the role of Alex has made him a better actor. “Natutunan ko talaga na mas maging professional sa trabaho ko, at natutunan ko na mas mahalin ang trabaho ko dahil nakikita ko how they do it, how much they value their work,” he explains.
The award-winning actor also commends his co-stars from the series. “Very blessed po ako na makasama ang mga napakagaling na artista. I believe na itong show na ‘to, pinakita nila ‘yung best nila and they were at their best during Pahiram ng Sandali so congratulations sa inyo. Ang dami ko ring natutunan sa kanila at hangang hanga po ako sa kanila.”
As for what the viewers should watch out for, Dingdong had this to say, “Lahat ng bawat character, dumaan sa pagkakamali at kailangan nilang abangan kung anong gagawin nila para ma-resolba ‘yung mga pagkakamaling iyon.” Will Janice and Cindy be able to completely patch things up? Can Baby and Cindy be friends again? Will Alex and Cindy get back together, now that they will be having a child? More questions will be answered and more revelations will unfold, so don’t miss the finale week of Pahiram ng Sandali on GMA Telebabad. ■ Samantha Portillo / GMANetwork.com / Mar 11, 2013
Vic Sotto topbills new GMA Pinoy TV family sitcom Vampire ang Daddy Ko
FILIPINOS abroad can now see more of ace comedian and TV host Vic Sotto as he returns to doing family sitcoms via Vampire Ang Daddy Ko, premiering on Saturday, March 16 on GMA Pinoy TV. This original family sitcom produced by GMA Network and MZet Productions also stars Oyo Sotto, Glaiza De Castro, Bea Binene, Derrick Monasterio, Jackie Lou Blanco and Ms. Pilita Corales. Completing the star-studded cast are Jimmy Santos, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Anjo Yllana, Jin Ri Park, Jinky Oda, and Sef Cadayona. Vampire ang Daddy Ko is a family sitcom written along the lines Okay Ka, Fairy Ko (OKFK). OKFK established its own mythology and
Oyo Sotto, Vic Sotto and Pilita Corales
Jin tRi
AnjoYllana
its own set of rules. For instance, despite her powers to appear and disappear at will and erase the memory of others, Ina Magenta could not bring back the dead from the living. She was powerful, but she believed in God. Also, OKFK was a family show before anything else. It imparted wholesome family values without departing from being a situation-comedy. OKFK was a fight between good and evil but it did not aim to frighten, so that it could tap both young and old audiences. Vampire ang Daddy Ko seeks to accomplish all that and more, using a faster pace of storytelling and modern post-production editing techniques. Not only will Vampire ang Daddy Ko remind Okay Ka, Fairy
Ko fans of the same enchanting feeling that this popular show used to bring, it will also introduce young Filipinos abroad to this television format identified first and foremost with OKFK. The story revolves around a family where the head is a vampire, and where love is the only thing that makes them survive everybody’s suspicion and their own paranoia. But more importantly, the story focuses on the love of a son for his father and vice-versa. Vlad (Oyo) is a semi-retired vampire and the head of the family. He’s been making do with animal blood since he married a human, Sonya (Jackie Lou / Pilita). It is his great love for Sonya that made
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Pilita Corales and Oyo Sotto Jackie Lou Blanco and Oyo
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him want to reform. Sonya, in turn, has promised to give him fine and outstanding children, and she’s given him two sons, Vad and Victor (Vic). Unlike his older brother, Victor is not a vampire. He has issues with his father. He knows his father is a vampire who, from time to time, still consorts with active vampires. Vic feels his father doesn’t love him as much as he does his missing older son, Vad. Vlad continues to tempt Victor with pig’s blood, measures his cuspids to see if they’ve grown into fangs, and in his presence keeps on asking his wife Sonya if it’s possible for them to have picked up the wrong baby in the hospital nursery. Will the love between father and
Jimmy Santos and Ryzza Mae Dizon
son outweigh their differences? Written and directed by Ms. Bibeth Orteza, find out how Vlad and Sonya, together with the merry mix of characters of Small and Big, Bibo, Jinri, Omma, Stefani, Derry, Bebe, and Vavavoom will make Victor’s life a lot more interesting and exciting. Don’t miss Vampire ang Daddy Ko as it premieres on March 16 and will air every Saturday on GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. For the complete programming grid and details on how to subscribe, visit www.gmanetwork.com/ international or like the official GMA Pinoy TV facebook page www. facebook.com/GMAPinoyTV to get the latest updates on your favourite Kapuso shows and stars. ■
Jimmy Santos
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March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
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Richard Gutierrez, delighted to play Zach in My Lady Boss OFFICE romances face the challenge of getting complicated, as the line between the professional and personal tends to get blurred. This concept is explored in the upcoming romantic comedy film, My Lady Boss starring Richard Gutierrez and Marian Rivera. In the story, Evelyn (Marian Rivera) is a strict boss feared by all. Zach (Richard Gutierrez) is a rich kid who is working for the first time in his life. When Evelyn and Zach cross paths, things go from bad to worse, but they eventually find themselves falling for each other. What will become of this unlikely romance? On a visit to the set of My Lady
Boss, GMANetwork.com caught up with Kapuso leading man Richard Gutierrez, who talked about his role in the film, as well as his newest business venture. The Kapuso hunk shares that he has some similarities with his character, Zach. He says, “Nung High School ako, parang ganyan din ako eh. Medyo pilyo, tapos marami akong strict na teachers, pero nakukuha ko ‘yung heart nila by using my charm.” Richard also shared how he internalized for his role. “Siyempre, in every character that you do, you have to put a bit of yourself in it. It depends on the situation or the
scene. Si Zach, he’s obnoxious pero smart. He knows what he wants, but the way he deals with people is medyo maangas,” he explains. Interestingly, in real life, Richard didn’t expect himself to be an actor as he had a different career plan. “After kasi ng High School, I wanted to join the military sa States. Isa ‘yun sa mga dreams ko. Gusto ko sanang pumunta sa direksyong ‘yun kasi ‘nung time na ‘yun, super addict ako sa martial arts. I was winning tournaments, as in napaka zoned in ko sa martial arts nung time na ‘yun.” For him, he has somehow achieved his dream though his
newest business venture. Richard shares, “Operating na ‘yung gym ko. It’s mostly for martial arts. May boxing, Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu, tapos we have mga sports conditioning. Meron din kaming studio. Magkakaroon kami ng pole dance at saka yoga.” As a boss himself, this is how Richard describes himself: “I’m hands-on, of course. I see everything, but I have partners din naman so ‘pag busy ako, ina-update nila ako, but I’m not so strict. I just want to be fair, and to know what’s right for people who are coming in.” Get in on Zack and Evelyn’s exciting office romance. My Lady Boss is directed by Jade Castro, and also
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stars Maricel Laxa, Sandy Andolong, Rocco Nacino, Ruru Madrid, Petra Mahalimuyak, Sef Cadayona and many more. Catch it in theaters this April 10. ■ Samantha Portillo / GMANetwork. com / Mar 11, 2013
Treachery, lies and betrayal take centerstage in Mundo Mo’y Akin BEGINNING March 18, GMA Network innovates et again as it presents an intriguing drama series featuring the network’s prime stars via Mundo Mo’y Akin. It will replace Pahiram ng Sandali on GMA Telebabad. This drama follows a compelling storyline that explores the insatiable quest for beauty, and wealth. The characters find themselves ensnared in a game of deceit, and betrayal and will stop at anything to gain power and prestige. Mundo Mo’y Akin brings to primetime viewers the outstanding dramatic talents of comebacking Kapuso actress Sunshine Dizon as Perlita Mendoza and versatile actress Angelika dela Cruz as Rodora Santor/Giselle Carbonel. Making this soap even grander are some of today’s biggest names in drama headlined by multitalented actress Jolina Magdangal as Aida Carbonel; Kapuso dramatic actor Gabby Eigenmann as Ziggy Carbonel, pretty Kapuso newcomer Lauren Young as Darlene Carbonel and seasoned actress Ms. Jackylyn Jose as Victoria Carbonel.
Mundo Mo’y Akin bringks back the phenomenal love team of Philippine television’s Prince of Drama Alden Richards and young and beautiful Kapuso actress Louise delos Reyes as they showcase not only their on and off-screen chemistry but also their wide-range in drama as Jerome Alvarez and Marilyn Mendoza, respectively. In the series, childhood best friends Rodora (Angelika) and Perlita (Sunshine) have always suffered from the incessant taunting and ridicule for their ugly features. While Perlita accepted these criticisms gracefully and is satisfied with her life, Rodora believed that there’s no future and hope for unattractive people like them. Armed with her sheer determination, Rodora works under Donya Carmen, a rich but abusive old lady. When Donya Carmen dies of heart attack, Rodora claims all her wealth and uses it to go under the knife for a new face. She completely put her past behind her and changes her name to Giselle. Meanwhile, Perlita is willing to love any man who will accept her entirely
despite her physical flaw. This leads her to trust a Fil-Am guy whom she believes loves her sincerely. But after one night, this guy dumps, and takes all her money. Left with no choice but to accept her fate, Perlita works as a maid in the mansion of the Carbonels. By some twist of fate, the paths of former friends Perlita and Rodora cross again in the mansion. However, Giselle is now the wife of Ziggy (Gabby), the son of Vicotrina (Jackylyn), the matriarch of Carbonel’s Barong. Unknown to Perlita, the beautiful wife of her boss is childhood best friend Rodora. Soon after, Giselle and Perlita get pregnant at the same time. Giselle is anxious and concerned that her child
will inherit her ugly features. And this situation will bring shame on Ziggy’s family and will eventually reveal her true identity. Giselle’s worst fears become reality when she gives birth to an ugly baby. Her world is shattered and she knows that her relationship with Ziggy is over. Perlita, on the other hand, is surprised with her cute and beautiful baby. But after giving birth, she passed out. Giselle learns from Aida (Jolina), Ziggy’s cousin, about Perlita’s baby. Giselle conspires with Aida to switch her ugly baby with Perlita’s child and in return, she wll support her in the family business. Aida agrees and Giselle successfully covers up her identity and switches the two babies. As years pass by, Perlita dutifully takes care of her daughter Marilyn (Louise) while Giselle raises Darlene (Lauren) as her own child. Marilyn and Darlene become close despite their social status. But things will turn differently when Gerald (Alden), Aida’s son, who has always defended Marilyn, will fall in love with Darlene. A love triangle ensues and Darlene and Marlene are now rivals.
What lengths will Giselle take to hide the truth about her identity with the Carbonels? will Perlita ever discover who Giselle really is? Until when will Aida connive with Giselle about the real identities of Marilyn and Darlene? Which is stronger? A mother’s love for her child or a mother’s ruthless thirst for superficial beauty? Who will matter most to Gerald between Marilyn and Darlene? Mundo Mo’y Akin is under the helm of director Andoy Ranay with Denoy Navarro-Punio as Headwriter and with original concept by RJ Nuevas. Ultimate Singing Champion Rachelle Ann Go gives a new interpretation for the program’s theme song, Pangarap na Bituin. Mundo Mo’y Akin can also be seen worldwide starting March 9 on GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. Get the latest updates about Mundo Mo’y Akin from its offical facebook page www.facebook.com/ GMAMundoMoyAkin, twitter account www.twitter.com/MundoMoyAkin and the GMA Network website (www. GMANetwork.com) ■ Mar 12, 2013
Aparisyon wins Audience Award at Deauville Asian Film Festival in France APARISYON continued its winning streak in the international film festival circuit by clinching the Audience Award at the Deauville Asian Film Festival in France on Sunday. Vincent Sandoval’s 2012 Cinemalaya entry made history as it became the first film to be given such an award since the Deauville festival began in 1999. Festival organizers cited Aparisyon for its “its profound reflection on sin, guilt, faith — rooted in a specific historical and political context, highlighted by a sophisticated miseen-scène.” “Happy to make d Pinoys proud today,” producer Darlene Carly Malimas posted on Facebook and Twitter as she announced the good news on Sunday. Starring Jodi Sta. Maria, Mylene Dizon, Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, Raquel Villavicencio and Rustica
Carpio, Aparisyon is a psychological drama about a community of cloistered nuns set in 1971, one year before the declaration of Martial Law. It won Best Sound in Cinemalaya’s the New Breed section last year and bagged the NETPAC Award at the Hawaii International Film Festival last October. Other major awardees at Deauville are Kamal KM’s ID from India that won Best Film and Vahid Vakilifar’s Taboor from Iran which took home the Critics Prize. Boonsong Nakphoo’s Four Stations from Thailand and Yoo Ji-tae’s Mai Ratima from South Korea shared the Jury Prize. Brillante Mendoza’s Thy Womb was the only other Filipino film that was invited to the festival. It was, however, screened out of competition. Next stop for Aparisyon is the first
The film’s new theatrical poster announcing its March 20 commercial release in Metro Manila and Cebu.
Asean International Film Festival in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia on March 28 to 30 where it will be one of 10 Filipino films in exhibition. The others are Ian Loreños’ Alagwa, Marie Jamora’s Ang Nawawala, Paul Sta. Ana’s
Oros, Richard Somes’ Supremo, Whammy Alcazaren’s Colossal, Tyrone Acierto’s The Grave Bandits, Lawrence Fajardo’s Posas, Gutierrez Teng Mangansakan II’s Qiyamah and Emmanuel Quindo Palo’s Santa Niña. The film will also finally have its
much-awaited theatrical release on March 20 at select theaters in Metro Manila and Cebu. A new theatrical poster has been issued for the occasion. For theatrical listings and updates, visit the film’s website. ■ InterAksyon.com / Sunday / March 10, 2013
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CELEBRITY, SHOWBIZ & ENTERTAINMENT
March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
Danny Zialcita, director of Sharon and Gabby’s Dear Heart, dies at 71 SCREENWRITER, director and producer Danny L. Zialcita passed away last Sunday due to natural causes. He was 71. “It is with much sadness that we share with everyone the passing of Direk Danny Zialcita. Our deepest condolences to his wife Leonor, his daughter Beth, and the rest of the Zialcita family. His remains, we are told, have been cremated yesterday. We will try to post details of his wake as soon as we get the details. Prayers for his eternal repose,” a post on Zialcita’s Facebook fan page announced on Tuesday. Although he is probably best known for directing Dear Heart, the very first screen team-up of Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion, Zialcita has a distinguished body of work dating back to 1965 with Lady Killer, starring suave leading man Romano Castelvi in the title role. During his long career where he made 52 films as director, 22 of which he wrote either the story or screenplay or both, Zialcita has explored various genres that included action, drama, suspense and comedy. In 1968, he directed Palos Strikes Again starring the
original Palos actor, Bernard Bonnin, with whom he worked again in Bart Salamanca that same year. In the early ’70s, he dabbled in the bomba genre and directed skin flicks with titles like Gutom, starring Rosanna Marquez, and Hidhid, starring Rosanna Ortiz and Annabelle Rama. It wasn’t until the mid-’70s and early ’80s that he found his stride and established his voice as his films constantly explored increasingly controversial themes such as adultery with Langis At Tubig, Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan and May Lamok Sa Loob ng Kulambo, and homosexuality with Si Malakas, Si Maganda at Si Mahinhin, Lalakwe and Ang T-Bird at Ako, the landmark team-up of Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos. “His movies were famous for their kilometric titles—Nagalit Ang Buwan Sa Haba ng Gabi (or as a joke said, “Nagalit ang Buwan sa Haba ng Title”, Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan, Bakit Manipis ang Ulap?—and their dialogue: witty, poetic, delivered in rapid fire speed. His characters were always incredibly articulate, from the leads down to the yaya”,
wrote Jerome Gomez in a profile of the filmmaker for Metro Him magazine in 2008. Gomez added that Zialcita “doesn’t watch his actors do the scene but instead turns his back and listens to how his dialogue is delivered”. The sharp and sometimes acerbic dialogue is one reason why his films, dubbed by many as “glossy”, remain delightfully watchable when they are still shown on cable channels from time to time. His films also featured his favorite actors, both in lead and supporting roles. Among them were Vilma Santos, Dindo Fernando, Hilda Koronel, Ronaldo Valdez, Rio Locsin, Eddie Garcia, Gloria Diza, Mark Gil, Amy Austria, Tommy Abuel, Chanda Romero, Elizabeth Oropesa, Janice De Belen, Pinky De Leon, Dante Rivero, Lyka Ugarte, Liza Lorena, Dang Cecilio, Suzanne Gonzales, Johnny Vicar, Odette Khan, Mario Escudero, Boots Plata, Rodolfo “Boy” Garcia and Ramon D’ Salva, among many more. “He is one hell of a person. A true genius. A great storyteller.
TWO years after Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, the Eugene DomingoChris Martinez creative tandem is coming back to shake things up again at Cinemalaya. When a slot in the New Breed category opened up a week ago after writer-director Richard Soriano Legaspi withdrew his entry, “Primera Bella”, Leo Abaya — the production designer of acclaimed films like Jose Rizal, Muro Ami and Kubrador — got the call to take his place. Abaya will join nine other New Breed finalists in this year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival with Instant Mommy, his screenwriting and directorial debut. It is based on a story concept by Martinez, the latter announced on Facebook on Tuesday.
Martinez said the film will star Eugene Domingo, his best friend and frequent collaborator. Domingo starred in Here Comes The Bride, the two Kimmy Dora movies and I Do Bidoo Bidoo, all of which Martinez wrote and directed. They also worked together in Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, the 2011 Cinemalaya sensation that Martinez wrote and which went on to become the most commercially successful indie film ever. Instant Mommy is a comedy about a wardrobe mistress in TV commercials who fakes a pregnancy to keep her Japanese fiance. “The story is one summer’s journey with her amidst a highly visualized world where the video screen reigns supreme,” goes the logline. “Leo’s script is beautifully and
thoughtfully written. Very funny,” Martinez enthused. He was so impressed with the screenplay that he signed on to produce the film along with “Septic Tank” producer Atty. Joji Alonso and — in her first official involvement in an indie film — Kris Aquino. “Ang bilis ng mga pangyayari!” Martinez said in a Facebook chat with InterAksyon. He said his, Alonso’s and Aquino’s involvement fell quickly into place after Domingo had committed to star in the movie. Domingo’s participation will add star power in this year’s festival, which already counts Vilma Santos and Gretchen Barretto among its performers. Last month, Aquino announced that she was considering a starring
When you’ve worked with him, you’re a made actor, that’s why he only works with a certain group of actors,” actor Mark Gil told Gomez in that same Metro Him article. The filmmaker was also able to get the best out of actors he rarely works with or worked with for the first time, including Rudy Fernandez in Pretty Boy Segovia (arguably one the actor’s best), Beth Bautista (Hindi Sa Yo Ang Mundo, Baby Porcuna), Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez (Always and Forever), Kuh Ledesma (Tinimbang Ang Langit) and of course, Sharon and Gabby (Dear Heart). Zialcita would go on to direct Ate Shawie for the second and last time in To Love Again, which also marked the film debut of the late Miguel Rodriguez. He work a second time with Gabby in what would turn out
to be his very last film, 1987’s Bakit Iisa Ang Pag-Ibig, which also starred Snooky Serna. Zialcita was nominated for Best Director eight times in his career but never won. He won, however, a FAMAS award for Best Screenplay for Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan in 1983 and a Metro Manila Film Festival trophy for Best Story for Langis At Tubig in 1980. In 2009, he was also given a special honorary award by movie channel Cinema One during the Cinema One Originals Film Festival of that year. In what was probably his last interview, the then-67-year-old Zialcita explained to Gomez why he had decided to call it a career even when he was still at the top of his game. “Once you retire you’re a dead duck. You’ll be spending your life on nothingness, you have so much time allowed to yourself, you start thinking of the past and the past is never that beautiful anymore, di ba? You remember the good things, the beautiful things. When you’ve had the best in life, there’s nothing more to come.” ■ InterAksyon.com /Tuesday / March 12, 2013
New Cinemalaya entry to star Eugene Domingo, with Chris Martinez, Kris Aquino as co-producers
Jose at Wally, may sorpresa kay Ryzza Mae Dizon sa kanilang concert sa Biyernes BUKOD sa tawanan at kantahan, dapat abangan sa concert nina Jose Manalo at Wally Bayola sa Araneta sa Biyernes ang kanilang sorpresa sa kanilang guest na si Ryzza Mae Dizon. “Mayroon kaming surprise sa kanya na talagang hindi niya makakalimutan,” pahayag ni Jose sa ulat ni Lhar Santiago sa Chika Minute ng GMA News 24 Oras nitong Martes. Siniguro rin nina Jose at Wally na kakaiba ang kanilang concert sa Biyernes kumpara sa naunang pagtatanghal na ginawa nila sa Big Dome.
“Hindi po ito ulit nang ginawa namin sa unang concert. Ito po’y kakaiba,” pagtiyak ni Wally. Kuwento nila, hindi sila mawawala sa stage sa buong concert kahit kailanganin nilang magbihis. Kung papaano nila ito gagawin, kasama umano ito sa mga dapat abangan ng mga manonood. “Ayaw lang naming maputol yung saya ng tao na nandun kami sa ibabaw... kasi po lahat ng magiging guests sigurong kasama po kami,” ayon kay Jose Bukod kay Ryzza, guests sa concert sina Ogie Alcasid at Gary Valenciano.
Pero kung ang child star na si Ryzza ang tatanungin: “Concert ko po, ang mga guest ko ay sina Tito Jose at Tito Wally, March 15 po.” ■ FRJimenez, GMA News / March 13, 2013
12:09am
Eugene Domingo
Chris Martinez
role in an indie film — Jun Lana’s Kuwentong Barbero. The actress-TV host apparently decided not to pursue the project. Lana conducted auditions last week and announced on Saturday that he had found his lead actress. He did not identify her. Ang Babae sa Septic Tank won five
Kris Aquino
major awards at Cinemalaya in 2011, including Best Picture, Best Director (Marlon Rivera), Best Screenplay, and Best Actress. Now on its ninth year, Cinemalaya will be staged from July 26 to August 4 at the Cultural Center of the Phiippines, Trinoma, and Greenbelt Cinemas. ■ InterAksyon.com / Tuesday / March 12, 2013
Nora Aunor, Eddie Garcia vie for acting honors at Asian Film Awards in HK
NORA Aunor and Eddie Garcia arrived in Hong Kong on Sunday to attend the 7th Asian Film Awards presentation ceremony to be held Monday. The two veteran thespians are nominated for acting honors for their respective performances in “Thy Womb” and “Bwakaw”, two of the most internationally acclaimed Filipino films last year. In the Best Actress category, Aunor is up against South Korea’s Cho Min-soo (“Pieta”), Afghanistan’s Golshifteh Farahani, (“The Patience Stone”), Taiwan’s Gwei Lun-mei, (“GF*BF”) and China’s Hao Lei (“Mystery”). Garcia is competing with Taiwan’s
Joseph Chang (“GF*BF”), South Korea’s Choi Min-sik, (“Nameless Gangster: Rules Of The Time”) Hong Kong’s Tony Leung Ka Fai (“Cold War”) and China’s Liu Ye, (“The Last Supper”) for the Best Actor honors. In November, Aunor and Garcia were also both nominated in the 55th Asia Pacific Film Festival. Garcia clinched the Best Actor award when the festival was held in Macau in December for his portrayal of an old, ornery gay man in “Bwakaw”. Before that, Aunor’s role as a barren Badjao midwife in “Thy Womb” had earned her the Best Actress honors at the Asia-Pacific Screen Awards in Australia. ■ Interaksyon / March 17, 2013
March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
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Maynilad to motorists: pipe-laying in Pasay to start March 11 WATER concessionaire Maynilad Water Services advised motorists it will lay pipes along Andrews Avenue in Pasay City starting March 11. In an advisory, Maynilad said its workers will do the pipe-laying from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. to minimize the effect of the work on traffic. “To help ensure public safety, the work site will be fully enclosed by board-up barricades, with
appropriate lighting and traffic/ warning signs. Motorists and pedestrians passing through the area are also reminded to strictly observe traffic rules and road safety regulations,” it said. Maynilad said this will be the second segment of its pipe replacement project along Andrews Avenue in Pasay City, from Circulo de Mundo Rotunda to Domestic Road.
Last December, Maynilad completed the first segment of its pipe project along Andrews Avenue, from Sales Road to Circulo de Mundo Rotunda. “To minimize traffic and public inconvenience, the contractors of Maynilad will only be allowed to work from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. The work sites will also be temporarily restored daily to make the street
passable during the day,” it said. Also, Maynilad said it is closely coordinating with the Pasay City local government and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to manage traffic flow along the project area. Maynilad allocated P140 million for the project, which will involve the replacement of almost 5 km of primary and secondary lines.
PHILIPPINES
It said the existing lines are prone to leaks and breakage because of old age. The project’s target completion date is July 2013, it said. “Once completed, the project will improve water supply and pressure for over 26,200 households and establishments in Malibay, Maricaban and Villamor in Pasay,” it added. ■ KG, GMA News / March 7, 2013 1:11pm
No special ops for better ranking on senatorial bets’ survey - Bam Aquino MEYCAUAYAN, Bulacan -- Team PNoy senatorial candidate Bam Aquino on Wednesday quashed talks of alleged special operations being orchestrated to push up his ranking in various surveys, saying that the simple strategy is to work hard. Directing his message to the team’s rival coalition, the United Nationalist Coalition (UNA), Aquino said, “They have to work hard and stay on the message.” “Kung nagtataka sila kung bakit sila ay pababa at kami ay paakyat, tingnan na lang nila iyong stratehiya na magtrabaho. Stay on the message. Malinaw na malinaw kung ano ang
paninindigan ng partido at ng aking kandidatura, tingnan na lang nila iyon (It’s very clear the stand of the party and their candidacy, that’s what they should look at),” Aquino said in a sortie here. In an earlier statement, UNA said that special attention was being given to Aquino, cousin of President Benigno Aquino III, to push his ranking in the latest Pulse Asia survey. Aurora Representative Juan Edgardo Angara, another Team PNoy candidate, said that if there was a special push the coalition is making, it was for the four candidates in the slate who are not
in the top 12 of the survey, which included him, Risa Hontiveros, Ramon Magsaysay Jr., and Jamby Madrigal. “I think Team PNoy campaign manager Senator Franklin Drilon announced that they would push for three or four of us who are within striking distance,”Angara said in an interview after speaking before the crowd here. He said they are expected to come out with more TV and radio ads in the coming weeks, including ones with the President, to raise the voters’ awareness. Reelectionist Senator Loren Legarda, said she would continue
to cover as many areas as possible in her sorties even as she remained number one in the surveys. Another reelectionist senator, Antonio Trillanes IV, who is also in the top 12, said surveys do not tell who the winners will be come election day. “Let us also remember that surveys are also used as a
propaganda tool, so let’s be wary,” Trillanes said. Aquino credited his volunteers anew for his improved ranking, and the strategy of his campaign, which he said was being run by his father Paul Aquino, uncle and former Senator Agapito “Butz” Aquino, and Senator Francis Pangilinan. He said he believed he is connecting with the public with his message about entrepreneuship and jobs. “These are gut issues, how families will have jobs or business and source of livelihood. I believe these are the things we should focus on,” Aquino added. ■ Interaksyon / March 13, 2013
P1.6B released for rehabilitation of water pumping stations in Metro Manila THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P1.59 billion to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the rehabilitation of its 12 water pumping stations in Metro Manila. “The recently approved funds would allow us to enhance the capacity of our pumping facilities and upgrade them as needed, well before the rainy season,” said Budget Secretary Florencio Abad in a statement Monday.
The MMDA pumping stations that are set to undergo rehabilitation are the following: • Libertad Pumping Station • Quiapo Pumping Station • Tripa De Galina Pumping Station • Pandacan Pumping Station • Valencia Pumping Station • Binondo Pumping Station • Aviles Pumping Station • Paco Pumping Station • Makati Pumping Station • Sta. Clara Pumping Station • Balete Pumping Station
• Arroceros Pumping Station According to the MMDA, the 12 pumping stations have been in operation for an average of 34 years. Under the rehabilitation project, the stations will receive muchneeded repairs, including upgrades of pumps, engines, generators, floodgates, auxiliaries and other electrical components. Abad said the government is seriously investing in infrastructure upgrades for its flood-control
strategy, as well as encouraging implementing agencies to execute their anti-flooding interventions as early as the summer season. The fund that will be used for the project was sourced from the Department of Public Works and Highway’s fund allocated for the implementation of its Flood and Management Master Plan under Continuing Appropriations from the 2012 budget. Aside from the rehabilitation project, the Budget department also
confirmed that P1.07 billion more has been allocated to other highimpact flood control interventions, including procurement of additional flood control equipment, upgrading of earth dikes, widening and deepening of rivers, and the construction of additional pumping stations. The proposed projects would still be subject to approval by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). ■
KBK, GMA News / March 11, 2013 2:36pm
Philippine economic boom to run dry because of poor water governance—ADB report
MANILA - The Asian Development Bank on Wednesday warned of a water crisis in the Philippines and other Asian countries mostly because of booming populations, urbanization, pollution and climate change. “While the Asia-Pacific region has become an economic powerhouse, it is alarming that no developing country in the region can be considered ‘water-secure’,” Bindu Lohani, ADB vice president for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development said in a statement. “Countries must urgently improve water governance through inspired leadership and creative policymaking,” he said. In its Water Development Outlook, the Manila-based lender said the Philippines scored a total of 11 in the national water security index, same as with Thailand. The country’s water security index is lower than Singapore and Malaysia, either of which scored 17,
and Indonesia, 13. Vietnam scored lower at 9. ADB said the maximum score for the index is 30 (10 points for each of the 3 sub-indices). Each sub-index is evaluated on a scale of 1–10, with 1 considered insecure and 10, secure. The report said more than 75 percent of the countries in Asia and the Pacific is water insecure, with many of them facing an imminent water crisis unless immediate steps are taken to improve management of water resources. The ADB report provides the first quantitative and comprehensive analysis of water security on a country-by-country basis in the region. It examines all dimensions of water security from the household level to water-related disasters, and uses indicators and a scaling system to rank the progress of each of the 49 countries under assessment. The study found that 37 developing countries in the region are either suffering from low levels of water security or have barely begun
to engage in the essential task of improving water security. Twelve countries are shown to have established the infrastructure and management systems for water security, while no country in the region was found to have reached the highest model level of water security. South Asia and parts of Central and West Asia are faring the worst, with rivers under immense strain, while many Pacific Islands suffer from a lack of access to safe piped water and decent sanitation, thus highly vulnerable to increasingly severe natural disasters. By contrast East Asia, which has the highest frequency of hazards in the region, is better off due to higher levels of investment in disaster defenses. Nevertheless, urban water security remains poor in many cities and towns. The study highlights two stark realities a sharply rising inequality in access to water and sanitation, and the increasingly precarious state of rivers.
It presents options for measures that can be adopted to improve water security to mitigate the growing pressure from booming populations, urbanization, pollution, over-extraction of groundwater, climate change and other factors. “Water supports health and livelihoods, grows our food, powers our industry, and cools our generating plants, and these different uses can no longer be seen in isolation from each other,” said Ravi Narayanan, vice chair of the Asia-Pacific Water Forum (APWF) Governing Council. “Unless these competing needs are balanced, water security will remain elusive, undermining development gains and the quality of life for billions of people in the region, especially the poor.” Current levels of investment, coupled with outdated policies and institutions, have failed to deliver water security, the ADB said. The study highlights the
importance of a more productive use of water, including greater recycling of ‘used water’. Corporatizing water utilities to improve their efficiency, increasing sanitation investment, encouraging more productive wateruse by food and energy producers, imposing more regulations on groundwater use, upgrading irrigation services, strengthening management of river basins, mobilizing more private sector investment to clean up rivers, and improving disaster risk management are essential for a more secure water future. ■ Interaksyon / March 13, 2013
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More than half million Pinoy kids suffer from severe malnutrition PHILIPPINES
CALUYA ISLAND, Antique – The drizzle halted, and the sun finally took over. As it shone higher and brighter, it made the sea even more inviting. Its clear waters glittered like fine diamonds and its white sands offered an immaculate, spectacular landscape equivalent to what people call paradise. Undeniably, it’s a good morning to dip. And brothers Adrian and Arvin Malano rushed to the sea as soon the school bell rang to signal the start of lunch break. They went farther and farther from the coastline, lingering at the part where the water was deep enough for them to swim, gyrate and even whirl underneath. At first glance, the brothers aged 12 and 7 seemed to be simply enjoying the moment, frolicking underwater. But playing and having fun is not exactly the reason why they were there in the sea at a time when they should be eating lunch and resting before going back to school for the afternoon sessions. Each time they rose up fast from the seabed, their hands were full with long lines of green seaweed. Some tattered shanks of styrofoam were afloat, waiting for the fill of their harvest. This is a usual day for the young brothers. A kilogram of seaweed will sell eight pesos. For a 30-minute harvest, they both would usually gather up to three kilograms, which will earn them about P24 or a little over half a US dollar. There are bad days, though, when they get no harvest. “We want to help our parents. It’s for our food,” said 12-year-old Arvin. At home, the Malano brothers joined their parents and three other siblings for lunch, their first meal for that day. The entire family only had five small pieces of dried fish and rice to share. Their parents would rather have the five kids take the fish. They would have to satisfy themselves with sprinkling their rice with salt to give it flavor. Rovelyn and her husband earn a living also by harvesting and selling seaweed. They said they would not want their children to work, but they claimed that they are left with no better options. The choices to make have always just been either hunger or extreme hunger, they said. “Hunger has always been with us since I was a kid. And now that I am a mother, I still experience it. My kids are still experiencing it, and it’s even worse,” a tearful Rovelyn said as she looked at her children eating. “There are nights when they would just go to sleep with empty stomachs. Sometimes, they wake up in the middle of the night with their stomachs aching,” she added. It may be weird, but she couldn’t help but feel relieved whenever she would think of one of her children who died and another one whom she gave up for a childless couple to adopt.
“At least, they do not suffer the same hard fate we are having,” Rovelyn sighed. Half a million kids. The skinny and small Malano brothers have been identified in school as belonging to the category of malnourished children. They are only two of over half a million school-aged children nationwide who have been suffering from severe malnutrition. This malnutrition makes Filipino children the third poorest and most disadvantaged sector in the Philippines, next to fishermen and farmers. The Department of Education (DepEd) revealed that 562,262 pupils in kindergarten and elementary levels currently enrolled in public schools are considered “severely wasted.” Antique, where the Malano brothers live, tops the list of provinces with the highest number of undernourished kids aged five to ten. The provinces of Sarangani, Sulu, Capiz and Northern Samar come after Antique in the Top 5 list. Based on the data from Food and Nutrition Research Insitute (FNRI), two in every five kids in Antique are underweight based on their age and their height, and almost two in every ten are stunted. “We are alarmed with the results,” said Zenaida Marfil, nutrition coordinator of DepEd-Antique. “And we are trying to do what we can to reverse the situation.” In the same data from FNRI, seven of ten families in Antique are “food insecure,” or do not have enough food on the table. The government points to poverty as the main driver of such an unkind scenario. According to the National Statistical Coordinating Board, three of ten families in Antique province are poor. It is the same poverty that prompts little children to work for a living, and often in conditions that are unsympathetic to their frail physique and indifferent to their rights as children. Data from the National Statistics Office revealed that there are 5.5 million Filipino children in the labor force. Education suffers. When kids are hungry, it is not only their parents who worry but their teachers as well for they are not only pushed to do hard labor for food, their chances of getting education are also pushed to the sides. “When the children come to school hungry, they cannot focus on the lessons. The difficulty to learn makes them uninterested to continue going to school,” said Lucena Concepcion, principal of Imba Elementary School in Caluya Island. This is especially true for Jobert Juanites, who lives in nearby town Barbaza. He had to stop going to school at least twice; at nine years old,
he is still in grade 2, two levels delayed for his age. “I get dizzy sometimes because of hunger, so I don’t go to school,” said Jobert. To fill his stomach, he is also forced to work. Instead of attending school, he would sometimes join his father to work in a sugarcane plantation in another province. “But I want to finish my education so I can help my family,” said Jobert, who at the time of the interview was sitting beside his father, a poor farmer who can’t read and write as poverty also forced him as a kid to stop school at grade 1. Race with time. The DepEd is racing with time to address the problem of malnutrition and its serious consequences. It is looking at a target of halving the number of undernourished children by year 2015 as part of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDG) the government committed to achieving. A school-based feeding program has been set up to restore undernourished kids to health and to keep them in school. Vegetable gardens have also been established in schools as a source of healthy ingredients for the children’s hot meals each morning. But despite these efforts, DepEd, through its Health and Nutrition Center, admitted that due to lack of funding, it can only feed 42,372 school children, or 7.54 percent of the identified severely malnourished pupils, in 1,010 public elementary schools in 28 provinces. For the feeding of more than half a million malnourished pupils, Education Secretary Armin Luistro said in a directive, “school officials and teachers have to collaborate with their respective local governments, nongovernment organizations, parent-teacher associations and other community volunteers for support.” Thus, the efforts of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to help DepEd come at no better time than this. “The damage to health, physical growth and brain development of children affected by chronic undernutrition or stunting in the first two years is often irreversible, impairing them for life and leaving them with lower chances of finishing school and becoming highly-
Children after a school feeding session
March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
Eating three meals a day is a luxury for many impoverished kids.
productive adults,” UNICEF said in a statement. Hence, according to Dr. Paul Zambrano, nutrition officer of UNICEF, the state of malnutrition among children in the Philippines is a very critical area of intervention. “And intervention should be done in a sustainable way.” UNICEF said that children are affected not only because of the lack of food. Poor feeding and care practices, poor health conditions of pregnant and breastfeeding women, lack of access to health services, and unsanitary conditions also placed children’s lives at risk. According to the 2011 National Nutrition Results, only 52 percent are breastfed within one hour of delivery, 47 percent of children zero to six months are exclusively breastfed, 45 percent of children six to 23 months are breastfed and timely provided or fed with adequate and safe nutritious complementary food. “The window of opportunity for addressing undernutrition is from pregnancy to the first two years of a child’s life or what we call 1,000-day window,” said Dr. Zambrano. UNICEF, in partnership with government agencies, primarily DepEd, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Health, has actively undertaken action in four areas: Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) – ensuring protection, promotion and support of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, timely introduction of complementary feeding (age-appropriate, adequate, safe and nutritious food) and continued breastfeeding for two years or beyond Micronutrient supplementation and food fortification including salt iodization – supplementing or providing children under the age of five years, pregnant and breastfeeding women with essential vitamins and minerals in the form of tablets, capsule or syrup that the body needs in miniscule amounts throughout the life cycle. In these forms, vitamins and minerals are added to widely consumed foods and condiments such as rice and wheat flour with iron, vegetable cooking oil with vitamin A and salt with iodine. Integrated management of acute malnutrition – providing timely detection and treatment of acute malnutrition through equity focused community outreach and provision of therapeutic and supplementary feeding Ensuring care and hygiene
practices including hand-washing before preparing or feeding a child, after using the toilet; ensuring that young children, pregnant and breastfeeding women attend underfive clinics and ante-and post-natal clinics, respectively, including seeking health care when sick. Most, if not all, of these programs are in line with current government efforts to fight malnutrition. These include the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a social protection and poverty reduction scheme that provides conditional cash grants to poor households. Collective efforts in combating malnutrition have seen positive and promising results, so far. For one, the advocacy for optimum infant and young child feeding led to the Philippine government signing and publishing in 2011 of The Implementing Rules and Regulations on Republic Act 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009. The law includes provisions for the establishment of lactation stations in public and private institutions, and to include IYCF in school curriculum. The number of the children under age five who are underweight has also been on a steady decrease. But UNICEF quickly noted it is not fast enough to reach the MDG of reducing underweight children in two years. Indeed, combatting malnutrition among children remains a herculean task. But it cannot be left undone or done half-baked. Filipino national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, said it well enough that children are the nation’s future. But with malnourished and inadequately educated children, what future is in store for the Philippines, which at this point is already saddled with deep poverty? As the country is set to elect in May new sets of leaders from senators down to local councilors, Filipino voters are urged to choose candidates who can place the issues of children, especially malnutrition, at the heart of their platform of governance. As political candidates are busy roaming around, campaigning and making mostly sweet but hollow promises, the Malano brothers continue to swim in the vastness of the sea. Whatever the tide may bring for them today or tomorrow, nobody knows. What is certain is Filipino voters can choose to use the power of their vote to end children’s miseries and change the nation’s destiny. The author is a senior correspondent of GMA Network and contributes features on children, women, education, health, and the environment to GMA News Online. The article is an offshoot of a television special report produced by the author, along with segment producer Roma Cassandra Aquino, researcher John Alliage Morales and the Special Assignments Team. The TV report aired on GMA Network. ■ Text and photos by CLAIRE DELFIN February 27, 2013 1:43pm
March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
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Pinoys offer prayers and hold a vigil for Tagle, conclave State of calamity over Tawi-Tawi likely—local official
FILIPINO youths, priests and nuns on Tuesday evening started a vigil in Manila for Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle and his fellow cardinals as they select a new pope. A report on “24 Oras” said a Mass led by Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III at the Arzobispado de Manila chapel kicked off the vigil, which is to last until midnight. Quitorio is media director of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. If a new pope is not elected by Wednesday morning Manila time, the vigils will be held daily until a new pope is selected. The report said the participants offered prayers for all the cardinals in the conclave. In Cavite, where Tagle grew
up, many residents also offered prayers for him. However, many of his provincemates also said they realize the process of selecting a pope is not a political game, and they are happy that Tagle was considered a contender for the papacy. ■ DVM, GMA News / March 12, 2013 9:15pm
THE Sabah crisis may result to a state of calamity over Simunul, TawiTawi, a local official said Monday. Simunul mayor Nazif Ahmad Abdurahman said a state of calamity is possible following the evacuation of Filipinos from Sabah, according to a report of Ian Cruz at “News to Go.” The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) earlier said around 750 Filipinos fled Sabah since violence broke out between Sulu sultan Jamalul Kiram III’s followers and Malaysian forces last March 1. Under a state of calamity, the local government could use the calamity fund for food and other basic needs of the evacuees, according to the report. The DSWD would provide
livelihood programs for the evacuees who lost their jobs in Sabah due to the conflict, according to Abdurahman. The agriculture department in ARMM also said the evacuees should try farming and fishing in Tawi-Tawi as livelihood. A ship of the Philippine Navy with DSWD medical personnel is now at Taganak (Turtle) Islands to assist at least 300 evacuees who will be brought to Bongao, according to the report. However, the rural health unit in Tubig Indangan, Simunul is still under repair and may not accommodate the thousands of evacuees, municipal health officer Dr. Sarah Kashim said. Meanwhile, prices of gasoline spiked to around P70 per liter from
P60 last week due to the conflict, according to the report. Malaysian authorities continued last Sunday their efforts to flush out Kiram’s followers from villages in Sabah following a series of deadly clashes that began March 1. While Kiram had offered a unilateral ceasefire last March 7, Malaysia had rejected it and demanded that Kiram’s followers lay down their arms unconditionally. Last February, Kiram sent around 300 followers to fight for a territorial stake on Sabah, a resource-rich part of the Borneo island, basing their claim on an ancient, historical agreement with the Brunei sultanate before the British colonization in Malaysia. ■
Marc Jayson Cayabyab/KG, GMA News / March 11, 2013 10:23am
Syjuco, 10 others face indictment, US fraud management firm reports 250 pct growth as PH banks invest in security MANILA - More Filipinos each dismissal over TESDA scam year are being robbed of cash MANILA, Philippines -Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales has ordered the filing of criminal charges against Iloilo 2nd District Representative Augusto “Boboy” Syjuco Jr., who is former director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and several officers of the agency over irregularities in various projects undertaken in 2007. In a 52-page consolidated resolution signed March 8, Morales found probable cause to indict Syjuco, former deputy director general Rogelio Peyuan, Director IV Antonio Del Rosario, Director IV Ernesto Beltran, Director IV Teodoro Sanico, Regional Director IV Buen Mondejar, lawyer Marjorie Docdocil, Chief Administrative Officer Juanito Belda, Administrative Officer Maximiano Montemayor, Senior Administrative Assistant I Francisco Fang, and private respondent Vicente Roxas, president and chairman of V.G. Roxas Co., Inc., for six counts of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The case stemmed from complaints filed by the Office of the Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Office and Annie Geron over the irregular disbursement of funds for TESDA’s Ladderized Education Program, particularly those involving the LEPTES-02, LEPTES-03 and Nordic Development Fund-TESDA (NDFTES) projects. Morales cited the March 12, 2009 report of the Commission on Audit that found the training equipment and testing tools delivered by V.G. Roxas Co. under the LEPTES and NDFTES projects were not only substandard but also overpriced by P60,964,195.38, or 20.18% of the total procurement cost of P302,109,054.53. Among the overpriced items cited by COA were an incubator jar that was priced P15,375 but actually cost only P149; a hatching
bucket priced P43,750 but cost only P900; a dough cutter priced P48,507.46 but cost only P120 when purchased from another supplier in 2005. The COA also said of the total P133,035,366.24 worth of training equipment and testing tools, P70,962,614.24 worth was unutilized, gathering dust in stock rooms, with some items already destroyed by rodents. Morales’ resolution also noted that, “Despite the vague technical specifications of the various training and testing tools and equipment to be procured under LEPTES-02, LEPTES-03 and NDFTES-03 Projects, the respondents still proceeded with the bidding, procurement and delivery of the items.” It also said that the respondents’ actions “preceding the execution of the contracts with V.G. Roxas Co., as well as their succeeding acts which culminated in the issuance of the checks by way of partial payments for the delivery for the tools and equipment, clearly indicate the conspiratorial scheme of the respondents.” Morales also said Syjuco, Peyuan, Beltran, Sanico, Mondejar, Belda, Fang and Montemayor had committed serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and ordered them dismissed from the service along with the cancellation of their eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office. Respondents who have retired, resigned or been already dismissed from the service were fined the equivalent of one year’s salary, with the same accessory penalties. The charges against four other respondents -- Guillermina Aguilar, Annabelle Quimbo, Lyndon Ang and Adorinda De Jesus-Forro -were dismissed for insufficiency of evidence. ■ Interaksyon / March 13, 2013
through otherwise legitimate transactions such as ATM withdrawals, credit card purchases and online banking, as fraud has increased alongside the country’s growing prosperity. “Fraud is growing at a rate of about 50 percent year-on-year in the Philippines in the last three years and it will continue at that rate,” Burton Crapps, local country manager of US-based fraud management company FICO, said on Tuesday. Crapps cited three main reasons driving the influx of foreign fraudsters into Philippine shores: the strong growth in financial cards (ATM, debit, credit), high overseas remittance rate, and increasing popularity of mobile banking. “It’s pretty simple. The exciting growth that is happening here in the Philippines is wonderful for all of us: I’m loving it, you’re loving it, the banks are loving it, the central bank is loving it, and the fraudsters are loving it,” Crapps said. FICO operations in the Philippines have surged by 250 percent since it started in 2010 as banks invest more in security measures to combat rising fraud, he said. “We are projecting about an average of 180-210 percent growth every year over the next three years for us here in the Philippines. That’s how big the market is for us here,” Crapps said, adding that the Philippines is only second to China in terms of the need for security measures for financial institutions. Citing local bank clients, FICO estimated that Filipinos had been fleeced of millions of pesos over the last two years. The myriad of ways through which individuals are robbed include card skimming, where thieves install card readers and other devices on ATMs to steal data and money. Another scheme is the “card not present fraud,” which occurs when
Market leader Banco de Oro is working closely with authorities to install the necessary fortifications. “We have been working closely with the concerned authorities to protect our clients and the general public,” BDO said in a statement, noting that it is “an industry-wide problem affecting all the banks and is not limited to BDO and its systems.” Bernard Testa, Interaksyon.com
information coursed through online or phone purchases is stolen. A third is the retail point-ofsale fraud, where information and money is stolen after using cards to pay for small purchases such as in malls, restaurants, gas stations, among other places. What could be cause for concern, according to FICO, is that fraudulent activities in the Philippines is now being done by more sophisticated groups. “Foreign syndicates are the primary source of this problem. These are organized highly collateralized, highly financed foreign syndicates that are doing this. In fact they are bigger than the banks. It’s not just casual fraud,” Crapps said. To combat theft, Crapps noted that banks have been investing in technology lately. “The banks here in the Philippines are aggressively trying to address this issue,” he said. “The systems that the banks have are not really bad. It’s just that they are unable to keep up with the growth and unable to keep up with the fraud that is going on,” he added. Market leader Banco de Oro
Unibank Inc, for one, is working closely with the authorities to install the necessary fortifications “We have been working closely with the concerned authorities to protect our clients and the general public,” BDO said in a statement. “This is an industry-wide problem affecting all the banks and is not limited to BDO and its systems,” the country’s biggest lender said. Measures undertaken include installation of pin pad shields, use of enhanced card slots, daily inspections and other security monitoring. Antonio C. Moncupa Jr., chief executive of East West Bank Banking Corp, however, said the bank has yet to see “any material increase in skimming and phishing.” “Nevertheless, we continue to be vigilant that our anti-fraud tools and Internet banking security are up to date and effective,” he said. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. agreed, telling InterAksyon.com earlier that the country witnessed no such surge in fraudulent activity in the past year. ■ Interaksyon / March 12, 2013
32
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PHILIPPINE EMBASSY AROUND THE WORLD
March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
Speech of President Aquino at the meeting with local leaders and community in Catanauan, March 11, 2013
Talumpati ng Kagalanggalang Benigno S. Aquino III, Pangulo ng Pilipinas Sa kanyang pakikipagpulong kasama ng mga punong lokal at komunidad ng Catanauan [Inihayag sa Catanauan, Quezon, noong ika-11 ng Marso 2013] Secretary Proseso “Procy” Alcala; Congressman, and soon to be governor, Irvin Alcala; butihing kasamahang Samuel Nantes; ina po ng kandidato nating si Koko Pimentel, butihing ina niya po, si Tita Bing Pimentel; Senator Frank Drilon; Vice Governor Vicente “Kulit” Alcala; ito ho ang palagay kong magdadala ng liwanag sa buong Bondoc Peninsula, Priscilla de Leon; former Mayor Sebastian Serrano; local leaders of the second and third districts of Quezon; mga kasamahan pong naglilingkod sa bayan; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan: Magandang tanghali po sa inyong lahat. Matanong ko lang po kayo, nagtanghalian na po ba kayo? [Audience: Hindi pa!] Nag-almusal na ho ba kayo? [Audience: Hindi pa!] Hindi pa rin? ‘Yong mga hindi ho nag-almusal at nagtanghalian, hindi ho kayo nag-iisa. [Laughter] Kasama n’yo ako diyan; walang iwanan ho talaga. Simula’t sapul pa lang, paulit-ulit na nating pinapatunayan sa tuwid na daan ang ating paninindigan: iiral ang katarungan, mangingibabaw ang kapakanan ng taumbayan, at bubuwagin natin ang kurapsyon sa atin pong lipunan. [Applause] Hindi tayo nabigo sa mga adhikaing ito dahil na rin sa nag-aalab na suporta ng mga Pilipino. Ang bawat tagumpay natin sa tuwid na landas ay nagmula pa rin sa atin pong mga minamahal kababayan, na tulad ng puno ng niyog, kahit anong anong lakas ng ihip ng hangin, ay hindi tumutumba, hindi nabubuwal, at patuloy na nakatindig. Kaya naman po nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng mga taga-Quezon sa patuloy ninyong pagtitiwala at pakikipagbayanihan sa amin. Hindi pa rin po nagbabago: Kayo pa rin ang aming lakas; Kayo pa rin siyempre ang aming Boss. Wala naman po sigurong hindi nakaramdam sa masalimuot na lagay ng bansa sa ilalim ng nakaraang administrasyon. Hindi nga po siguro kalabisang sabihin na hindi na lamang desperasyon at kawalan ng pag-asa ang naramdaman ng mga Pilipino sa loob ng siyam at kalahating taon. Sa darating na Mayo, eleksyon na naman po. Ibig sabihin, ang mga nambalewala sa atin noon sa loob ng halos isang dekada ay muli na namang ipapangako ang buwan at ang araw para lamang makakuha ng inyong boto. Huwag po tayong magpapalinlang sa kanila. Sa katunayan, kapag nilapitan kayo at niligawan kayo gamit ang matatamis nilang pangako’t salita, tanungin po sana natin sila: Nasaan kayo nang nagkakandahirap
na sumilong sa mga puno ang mga kabataan dahil wala silang mapasukang eskwelahan? Sa tagal n’yo sa puwesto, bakit may 66,800 pa ring kakulangan ng silid aralan? Nasaan kayo nang hindi kami makahagilap ng marangal na pagkakakitaan dahil sa loob ng halos isang dekada, puro red tape at under the table ang isinasalubong n’yo sa mga nais mamuhunan sa aming probinsya? Bakit hindi ninyo kami pinapansin noong kumakatok kami sa inyo’t humihingi ng tulong: kailangan ng barangay namin ng ilaw, kailangan ng sitio namin ng maayos na kalsada’t tulay, kailangan ng mga magsasaka namin ng binhi’t irigasyon. Ang masakit pa nito, habang umaasa tayo ng mga proyekto sa kanila, ang isinasalubong sa atin, kaliwa’t kanang anumalya. Imbes na maging kabalikat ng taumbayan, para bang mas ginusto nilang maging pabigat ng sambayanan. Ngayon, ano na nga ba ang sitwasyon ng bansa mula nang kolektibo nating tinalikuran ang lumang kalakaran, at sama-sama tayong tumahak sa tuwid na daan? Wala pong makatatanggi sa laki ng pagkakaiba: Kung dati, may 66,800 na backlog sa classrooms, ngayon, sa loob lamang ng dalawa’t kalahating taon, matagumpay na nating napunuan ang lahat ng kakulangan sa libro’t upuan ng mga paaralan, at bago matapos ang 2013, sarado na rin ang backlog natin sa silid-aralan. Alam po n’yo ‘yong libro baka mamaliitin natin eh. Twenty million pala ang mag-aaral ng DepEd. Limang libro kada bata. Isandaang milyon palang libro ang binubuno natin. Kung dati, may 36,000 sitios na hindi nila nagawang pailawan, ngayon, sa loob lamang ng dalawang taon at siyam na buwan, binibigyang-tanglaw natin ang mahigit pitong libo’t dalawandaang sitio sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa. Ginagawa natin ito sa paraang tama at tapat upang hindi mapunta sa kung saan ang pondo ng taumbayan. Mismong mga taga-Quezon ang nakikinabang dito: [applause] sa ngayon, may isandaan at apatnapu’t siyam na sitio na tayong napapailawan sa inyong lalawigan. Alam po n’yo, 2011 lang nag-umpisa ‘tong proyektong ‘to at ang limitation na lang ho, ‘yong kakayahan ng mga kooperatibang magdikit ng mga linya. ‘Yong pondo po marami para matapos na po natin ang problemang ito. Doble-kayod tayo upang sa lalong madaling panahon, mabigyang-tanglaw na rin ang bawat komunidad na hindi pa napapailawan. Kung dati, sadyang binabalewala ang potensyal ng inyong probinsya, ngayon, talagang binibigyang lakas natin ang inyong mga industriya upang ang bawat taga-Quezon ay kayang makamit anuman ang kaniyang mga pangarap sa buhay.
Tignan natin ang inyong industriya ng niyog: kahit po saan ka tumanaw dito sa Bondoc Peninsula, puro puno ng niyog ang ating makikita. Subalit sa halip na tutukan ito kung paano mapayabong, hindi ito binigyan ng kaukulang pansin hanggang sa kasalukuyan. Noong 2009 po, halos 484,000 liters lamang ng cocowater ang iniluwas natin. Noong 2010, umangat ito ng 1.81 million liters. Pagdating po ng 2011, lumampas na tayo ng 16 million liters—mahigit 800 percent lamang naman po ang itinaas. [Applause] Baka may nakakita sa inyo noong pagbalik ko galing ng Amerika, may dala-dala akong sample ng cocowater. ‘Yong mga kritiko natin pinagtawanan pa ako. Ngayon po, 16 million dollars na raw po yata ang halaga niyang litrong coconut water nating ilalabas. Ano ang naging susi dito? Pinag-aralan natin kung ano ang lakas ng inyong lalawigan, at wala tayong sinayang na panahon upang
ang pakinabang ng industriya ng pagniniyog ay umabot sa mga taga-Quezon. Kagagaling nga po natin kanina sa Coco Water Plant ng Peter Paul Philippines Corporation sa Candelaria, kung saan maliban sa mahigit dalawang libong empleyado na nabibigyan nila ng trabaho, may tinatayang dalawanlibo’t limandaang magsasaka rin silang pinagkukunan ng mga niyog, at binibigyan ng pagkakakitaan. Maging ang bunot ng niyog na dati ay walang pumapansin, ngayon ay nagagamit na bilang coco coir fiber para pigilan ang pagguho ng lupa. Sa kasalukuyan, may animnapu’t dalawang road projects mula sa labindalawang rehiyon ang gumagamit ng coco-net. Ayon nga po kay Secretary Babes Singson, sa sobrang in-demand nito, at dahil ine-export na ang ating coco coir sa Japan, China, Germany, Amerika at iba pang bansa; tayo na po mismo ang naubusan ng coco coir. Baka gusto niyong paramihin pa ang ating puno ng niyog para matakpan ang kakulangang ito. [Applause] Hudyat po itong dapat pa talaga nating palaguin ang ating industriya ng niyog. Sa tuwid na daan, maging ang baku-bakong kultura ng panlalamang kapag nagpapagawa ng mga kalsada’t daanan, tinibag na natin. Sa katunayan, dahil sa diretso at patag na kalakaran, umabot ng labinlimang bilyong piso ang savings ng DPWH. Saan mapupunta ang dagdag-pondo? Siyempre, sa mga proyekto’t
imprastrakturang tunay na kailangan ng mga Pilipino. Mismo mga taga-Quezon ay alam ito: Nariyan ang mahigit walong kilometrong Lucena Diversion Talao-Talao Port Road, kung saan ang pagbiyahe ng mga kalakal at produkto mula sa pantalan ng TalaoTalao ay makakarating sa lungsod nang mas mabilis. Oras naman na matapos ang halos animnapung kilometrong extension ng SLEX na magmumula sa Batangas hanggang sa Lucena, ang dating apat na oras na kalbaryo ng mga motorista, magiging isang oras na lang. [Applause] Pero hindi ho ako nagsisinungaling sa inyo. Aabutin po ng 2019 ‘yan para matapos. Turista na po ako pagdating ng panahon na ‘yan. Pero dahil halos lahat ng biyahe kong sa kalsada dumadaan patungong Quezon ay napakahaba—talaga pong nanamnamin ko ang biyahe diyan sa SLEX. Gusto ko lang pong mabatid ng mga lalong nakakabata sa atin: ‘Yong SLEX ho hanggang Lucena, kung tutuusin eh deka-dekada na pong proyekto ‘yan; panahon pa ho ni Ginoong Marcos. Ginawa ng gobyerno ‘yong North Luzon Expressway. Ipinagkaloob sa CDCP ang pagpapatakbo. May kondisyon: Paabutin ang highway na ‘to hanggang Carmen, Rosales, sa Pangasinan hanggang Lucena sa Quezon—panahon ho ni Marcos. Ngayon ho, panahon na ng anak ni Ninoy ang magtatapos ho sana nito. [Applause] Sa tulong ho n’yo, baka mapabilis pa natin ‘yan. Ang malawakang epekto po nito: mas mabilis na biyahe ng komersyo’t produkto, mas matiwasay na pagpasok ng mga turista lalo na tuwing Pahiyas Festival, at ang tiyak na pag-unlad ng inyong probinsya. Bukod dito, may kabuuang labing-anim na farm-to-market road projects din tayo sa Calauag, Gumaca, Quezon, at Tagcawayan na magpapabilis din sa arangkada ng pag-asenso ng ating mga magsasaka. Halos walumpu’t dalawang milyong piso rin po ang inilaan natin para makumpleto ang labingwalong irrigation projects na dadaloy sa tinatayang isanlibo’t isandaang ektarya ng mga palayan sa Burdeos, Polillo, Infanta, Tiaong, Pagbilao, Tayabas, Mauban, Perez, San Francisco, Guinayangan, at Lucena. Lahat po nang ito ay alay natin sa buong lalawigan ng Quezon. Patunay ang mga ito na ang linyang “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap,” ay hindi lamang salita, kundi may kaakibat na gawa. Lahat po ng tagumpay na binanggit ko ay nakamit dahil may mga nagkusang tumaya para tumulak ang reporma ng tapat ng pamamahala. Kung nais po nating pumaspas pa ang pagpitas natin sa bunga ng ating mga ipinupunlang pagbabago, nananalig akong papanig ang Quezon sa mga lingkod-bayang katuwang natin sa tuwid na daan. Kasama po natin
sa entablado ngayon ang mga kakampi nating nakiisa sa atin sa landas ng malasakit at pagkakaisa. Para Gobernador po, si Irvin Alcala, na pinatunayan na po sa ikalawang distrito kung paanong maglingkod nang may katapatan, at talagang nakatuon lamang sa kapakanan ng taumbayan. Sa husay man ng serbisyo, o kahit sa hitsura—tanungin po natin ang kanyang tatay—malinaw naman po kung kanino nagmana si Irvin, sa Nanay po n’ya [laughter and applause]. Pero mayroon rin po miski papaano kundi sa kaniyang ama, ang kalihim nating talaga namang nagpapakitang-gilas para maging self-sufficient, at exporter tayo ng bigas, si Procy Alcala. Tiwala po akong sa darating na halalan, mananaig ang tatak Alcala na paglilingkod sa Quezon; hindi ang mga apelyidong konektado’t matalik pa rin na padrino ng nakaraang administrasyon. [Applause] Kayo na magpapatunay, kailangan nating ayusin ang Hudikatura. Kanino bang mukha ang nakita n’yong tumulong linisin ang ating sistema ng katarungan? Handang tumaya po, hindi iniisip ang sarili, iniisip ang kapakanan ng napakarami. Irvin Alcala po, pakitandaan na n’yo. [Applause] Para naman sa Bise-Gobernador natin, magiging katuwang ni Irvin Alcala si Sam Nantes, anak po ng isa sa mga pinakatanyag na lingkod-bayan mula sa Quezon, ang yumaong Gobernador Raffy Nantes. [Applause] Alam ho n’yo, tinatanong ho ako eh: Paano pagdating ng 2016? Baka naman nagbakasyon lang tayo, balik na tayo sa dati. At ang sagot ko ho, ‘pag mayroon tayong kasamahan tulad ni Irvin, tulad ni Samuel—‘di hamak mas bata sa akin ‘yang mga ‘yan, siguro ho mga five years [laughter]—handa na ang mga susunod na salinlahing umako ng responsibilidad. [Applause] Kaya may kumpiyansa akong hindi masasayang ang pinagtulungan nating lahat. Para dito sa ikatlong distrito, ang kabalikat natin sa pagsusulong ng reporma, ang boses ng makabagong henerasyon, at kilalang bilang tagapagtanggol ng kalikasan, si Attorney Sheila de Leon. Balita ko nga po’y balwarte ng isang pamilya ang ikatlong distrito ng Quezon. Subalit sa tagal na nilang naglalaro tila ng Trip to Jerusalem sa kanilang pwesto, malinaw na sila lamang ang nakikinabang, at naiiwan pa rin sa laylayan ang kanilang nasasakupan. Kung nais po nating mabago ang sitwasyon; kung nais nating maputol ang siklo ng paglimot sa inyong distrito, kailangan nating suportahan si Sheila de Leon. [Applause] Para naman sa ikalawang distrito, kabalikat pa rin natin sa seryoso’t may dedikasyong paglilingkod siyempre si Kulit Alcala, habang ang magtitimon naman sa kaunlaran at
March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition kaginhawaan ng ikaapat na distrito ay si Toby Tañada. Nariyan din po si Ernida Reynoso bilang Mayor ng Tayabas City, si Roderick Alcala bilang Alkalde ng Lucena. Sila po ang gagabay sa tuloy-tuloy na pagunlad ng Quezon, at kayo pong mga Boss namin ang susi sa katuparan ng mithiing ito. Simple lamang po ang prinsipyong pinag-uugatan ng kagustuhan naming paglingkuran kayo: Hindi namin kayo pagnanakawan; hindi namin babalewalain ang inyong mga hinaing; hindi namin kayo pagdadamutan ng oportunidad para makaahon mula sa kahirapan. Kasama ng mga kakampi natin sa landas ng reporma’t katapatan, kinikilala namin bilang isang pribelehiyo na pagsilbihan kayo, kaya naman nakatuon lamang kami para isulong kung anong makabubuti sa inyo at sa sambayanan. Sa darating na halalan, ang inyong kolektibong desisyon ang magdidikta kung malulunod muli ang bansa sa balon ng panlalamang at pagwawalangbahala, o kung maglalayag tayo tungo sa pantalan ng kaginhawaan. Huwag na po sana tayong umatras pa; ihalal natin ang mga pinunong ipaglalaban ang karapatan nating magkaroon ng isang Pilipinas na malinis sa katiwalian, malaya sa gulo’t karahasan, at nasa ruta ng kaunlarang panlahat. Alam ko pong hindi tayo mabibigo, dahil sa tulong ng mga taga-Quezon, abot kamay na natin ang katuparan ng atin pong mga pangarap. Kanina pong bumabagtas kami ni Procy, marami tayong nakitang dalampasigan. Nakita rin po natin ‘yong ganda ng tubig sa mga dalampasigang ‘to at napansin rin nating wala ho yatang facilities panturista. Alam ho n’yo ‘yong turista ho, ang domestic tourist arrivals target natin for 2016 dati po 35 million. Ang problema ho, noong 2011, 37 million na po sila. So nalampasan na po ang target. [Applause] Kaya ‘yong bago pong target, 56 million na po. Siyempre, ano ho ang importante sa turista? Tinataya ho kasi sa bawat turista, lalo na po ‘yong dayuhang pumasok sa Pilipinas, nagkakaloob ng isang dagdag na trabaho para sa Pilipino. Pinagkalooban tayo ng Diyos: magandang karagatan, may pagka-white sand pa ang mga beaches na nakita namin. Pero napansin ho namin wala yatang kalsadang papunta doon. Wala yatang masyadong taong pumupunta doon. Wala rin yatang kuryente papunta doon. Iyon po ang mga kasapi doon sa mga barangay na napailawan ng dating administrasyon. Iniisip ko lang nga ho, at iyon na naman ho ang mensahe, kung nagtutulungan tayo na seryosong talagang maglilingkod sa taumbayan na hindi lang nagpapa-cute at napapapogi o inaasikaso lang ang sarili, sa tagal-tagal ng panahon lalo po ng pamilyang namumuno sa inyo dito, eh palagay ko naman
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY AROUND THE WORLD
puwede na tayong magtanong: Kailan ho ba magbabago dito? [Applause] Kaya kung ako ho’y taga-dito, palagay ko po may problema na kung bakit dapat tayo dapat magbago. Ngayon po, may pakiusap akong matindi sa inyo, at ako’y hihingi ng paumanhin: Itong ikatlong distrito napansin ko ay—tila walang makaalalang dumalaw kami noong huling halalan. Tama po ba ‘yon? Para hindi kami welcome yata noong panahon na ‘yon dito eh. [Laughter] Kaya naman ho, sa buong Quezon, number one po ako maliban sa 3rd District. Number two lang po ako dito eh. [Laughter] Pero, siguro, hindi ako ako nakapunta dito, hindi ko nasabi ang mensahe sa inyo, at baka, hindi ba, parang pangako pa lang; ngayon ho may pruweba na. Three years and three months to go na lang ang termino natin. Palagay ko naman po maliwanag ‘yong pinagkaiba ng dati at saka ng kasalukuyan. Kayo ang magsasabi, “Dapat ba tayo number two o dapat ba tayo number one?” Ngayon ho tatanungin n’yo, “Paano namin ipapakita kung sang-ayon kaming number one nga?” Aba, siyempre mayroon tayong Team PNoy. Ako po’y hindi tumatakbo ngayon. Umpisahan po natin kay Koko Pimentel. Nandito po ang kanyang ina. Tandaan na po natin, kasabay po nating tumakbong senador, tinulunga po n’yo ako, tinulungan n’yo si Koko—2007, tumakbo kaming pareho. Nadaya siya. Puwede naman siyang tumakbo ng 2010, tama ho? Tumakbo siya, napuwesto siya. Sympathy vote na lang. Pero nangyari ho pinanindigan niya ‘yong pakikipaglaban para sa mandatong ipinagkaloob sa kanya. Natira sa termino niya, one year ten months. Pero importante po doon ‘yong prinsipyo. Boss natin ang taumbayan; boss natin ang nadaya. Ipaglaban ang karapatan ng mga boss natin. Pinandigan po niya. Kaya nga ho sabi niya, “Use your kukote.” Tandaan na natin: Koko Pimentel. Kailangan ho may kaunting script, baka may makalimutan— magkatampuhan. [Laughter] Si Grace Poe po, sabi nga nila kung gusto mong maalala, tandaan mo lang, “Pinakamagalang na kandidato, Grace Poe.” [Applause] Idiin ko lang nang kaunti, MTRCB Chair siya. Kung tutuusin ho magkakilala kami pero hindi ho masayadong magkakilala. ‘Yong sa MTRCB po, siyempre ‘yong mga direcktor, ‘yong mga artists, ang mga kaharap mo diyan. ‘Yong artist po walang malumanay na damdamin na artist. Kung hindi n’yo kayang makipagtungo sa kanila, medyo matitindi ang debate diyan. Wala ho ni minsan nagkaroon ng problema diyan habang pinanghahawakan niya ang MTRCB. Tinanong niya sa akin, “Anong palagay n’yo, tatakbo ho ba ako o manatili sa MTRCB?” Sabi ko, “Kung suwapang ako, puwede
‘wag ka nang umalis sa MTRCB para naman matulungan mo akong mapanatili ang natitirang kong buhok?” [Laughter] Pero talaga naman hong nakita nating busilak ang kanyang puso. Nakita naman natin ang pinagmulan niya. Nakita natin kung sino ang nag-aruga at tumulong sa kanya. Ito ho, kung tutuusin, baka hindi ganoong kasikat dahil ‘yong mga taong sinsero hindi naghahabol gawin— hindi ba, gagawin ‘yong tama para sumikat [kundi] ginawa ‘yong tama dahil tama. Ngayon, kung makilala siya dahil ginagawa ‘yong tama, thank you. Kung hindi, ang importante nagawa ‘yong tama, at sigurado, ginagarantiya ko ho sa inyo, kung Grace Poe, gagawin ang tama. Si Jamby Madrigal naman po— si Jamby nakasabay ko sa senado. Saka si Jamby ho may style ho ‘pag tinitigan ka ng masinsinan, talagang alam mong hindi ka uurungan. Talaga ito ang pantapat natin sa lahat ng makakapal ang
“Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap,” ay hindi lamang salita, kundi may kaakibat na gawa. mukha at gusto pa ring maging corrupt. [Applause] Asahan po natin si Jamby. Jun Magsaysay. Sanay na tayong Magsaysay [ay] matinong maglingkod. Sanay na po tayong dekalibreng paglilingkod ng mga Magsaysay. Sanay na po tayong dapat ibinabalik-balik ang mga Magsaysay sa senado lalo na po, lalo na sa magsasaka, siya ang nag[lantad] ng fertilizer fund scam, ‘yong dapat itinulong sa magsasaka, pinapakita pa kung paano pinahirapan ang magsasaka. Talaga pong maibalik natin sa senado si Jun Magsaysay. Si Sonny Trillanes po—ano pa kailangan nating sabihin kay Sonny? Siya’y nangampanya, nakulong, dahil may ipinaglalaban. Napakulong, naging senador, naghe-hearing sa kulungan, piitan. Pwede naman ho miski minsan, sinabi na lang niya, “Bow, kayo ang boss. Sunod-sunuran na lang ako sa inyo.” Guminhawa nang husto ang buhay niya. Pero, pinanindigan niya ang kanyang paniniwala. Hindi lang sa bakbakan nagamit ang sandata, sa paggamit na lang po ng salita, paggamit ng debate. Si Sonny Trillanes po, nakita na natin ulit ang pruweba. Iyan po karapatdapat na rin mabalik sa senado. ‘Yong isa pa pong nakakatandang pinsan ko po, si Bam Aquino. Kung may duda ho kayo, tignan na lang ninyo ang litrato namin ‘pag pinagtabi, kung sino ang mas mukhang bata. Kung malinaw po ang mata ninyo, alam
ko ituturo n’yo ako. [Laughter] Pero alam ho n’yo, ‘wag ko naman masyado itaas ang bangko. Nakakahiya naman, kamag-anak ko siya. Pero si Bam ho, ang kurso po niya sa Ateneo ang tawag eh Management Engineering. Isa po sa pinakamatinding kurso sa Ateneo iyan. At siya po’y naggraduate ng suma cum laude pa, valedictorian ng kanyang batch. Ibig sabihin po n’on, ‘pag Management Engineering graduate ka, mag-graduate ka lang pinagaagawan ka ng mga kumpanya, pero lalo na siguro kung suma cum laude ka na, valedictorian ka pa ng klase, lalo kang pagaagawan. Pero si Bam ho, ano ang kinalakihan? Namatay ang tatay ko, kasama na pong nanggigising ng taumbayan iyan. Maliit na bata pa lang siya. Talaga hong napalapit nang napalapit sa karaingan ng sambayanan. At imbes na piliin ang komportableng trabaho sa Makati, sa mga dambuhalang korporasyon, nakihalubilo ho siya sa microfinance, tulong sa empowerment ng ating mga kababayan. Marami po siyang mga inaambisyon at ‘pag ho ‘yong mayroong lalapit sa akin at sasabihin, “2016, saan ka tatakbo” eh palagay ko po mayroon nang hahalili sa akin para maipagpatuloy naman ho ang mga ginawa ng aming pamilya. Tutal mas makapal ang buhok niya maski mas matanda siya ng kaunti. ‘Wag po sana nating kalimutan si Bam Aquino. Si Risa Hontiveros [...] Naalala pa ho natin nag-umpisa siya sa media, mga talk show host po. Talagang kumbaga simple ang buhay doon kung tutuusin, hindi ba? Paano kung ikaw ‘yong host, hindi ‘yong reporter? Nasa airconditioned kang studio. Mayroon kang mga researcher na tumutulong sa ‘yo. Pero hindi sapat kay Risa ‘yong pagmumulat ng mga pangyayari sa bayan noon. Siya po ay talagang kasama sa lahat ng mga laban nating maganda dahil sa tamang dahilan. Siya po ay biyuda na rin po, nag-aaruga ng kanilang mga anak, at ni minsan po, hindi natin nakitang taliwas ang landas niya sa landas na tuwid. Kung si Risa po, ni hindi ko kamag-anak, kaibigan ko po, ito po itaga natin sa bato, kayang-kaya kong igrantiya ko sa inyong gagawin ang tama para sa atin. Risa Hontiveros po. Si Cynthia Villar. Tandaan na rin natin: Hanep ang hanapbuhay ‘pag nandiyan si Cynthia. ‘Yong hindi ho nakakaintindi ng hanep, dahil baka lumang salita na ‘yan, hanapin po si Procy Alcala, ipapaliwanag. [Laughter] Alan Peter Cayetano. Kasabay ko po sa kongreso, talaga naman pong nanguna sa napakaraming imbestigasyon tulad ng ZTE. Hindi ho natitinag kung sinoman ang kalaban. ‘Yan po may pruweba na rin, naglingkod nang totoo, ibalik rin po natin sa senado. Si Loren Legarda. Mahirap po magsalita tungkol kay Loren eh. Nauna pa siya sa public service
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sa akin kung tutuusin. Talagang matayog na tagapaglaban para sa kalikasan, para sa karapatan ng kababaihan. Alam ko po ay nakita n’yo kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng serbisyong Loren Legarda at alam ko po ay ibabalik ninyo sa senado. ‘Yong huli naman ho, simplehan na lang natin. Ito pong kumpare kong si Chiz Escudero, kung palagay n’yo minsan magaling akong magsalita parang abogado, isa po siya sa mga nagturo sa akin. Hindi naman po ako nag-abogasya eh. Pero ang masasabi lang po natin sa kanya, hindi naman kami magtatagal na magkaibigan, hindi ho kami magkapartido, magkumpare ho kami. Marami nga hong issues sa kongreso, magkabilaang panig kami pero ni minsan ho hindi ko nakita ‘yong mga paninindigan niya eh taliwas sa kanyang paniniwala. Talaga hong ‘pag may sinabi, iyon po ang totoo. Ngayon po, ‘wag nating kakalimutan, ‘pag inisip natin si Chiz, tandaan na natin, he has a big heart for everybody. ‘Yong isa ho—ito aaminin ko, mas bata sa akin—si Sonny Angara. Si Sonny ho, kasama namin sa impeachment sa kongreso. Alam ho n’yo ‘pag kongresista ka at sasama ka sa impeachment, kakalabanin mo siyempre ‘yong Malacañang na naglalabas ng mga proyektong hahanapin sa iyo ng mga kababayan mo. Tama? Pero si Sonny ho bagong kongresista noon, hindi natinag. May tama, may mali. Sumama sa tama at ipapaliwanag sa kanyang mga kababayan kung bakit siya sumama. Ako po kumbinsido. Totoo po ang sinasabi: Kay Sonny Angara, gagara ang buhay po natin. Tinitignan po ako ni Procy Alcala. Ibig sabihin po niyan, “Tigilan mo na ‘yang talumpati mo. Baka hindi ko matapos ang schedule kong self-sufficient tayo sa rice by 2013.” [Laughter and applause] Isa na lang pong mensahe— dalawa pala: ‘Yong una, ngayon lang ako nakabalik ho talaga nang malakihang grupo dito sa Quezon. Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyo. Kayo ang boss na gumawa ng lahat ng pagbabago. Puwede pa nating papaspasan iyan. Bigyan naman n’yo ako ng kasangga para ‘pag inilipat natin ‘yong bahay— hindi ba ‘yong bahay kubo noong araw, inilipat ng bayanihan? Lahat sabay-sabay ang buhat. Hahakbang sabay-sabay. Ibababa sa mas maayos na lugar. Ganoon po ang bansa natin eh parang bahay kubo—nasa tagilid na lugar. Dadalhin natin sa talagang kaayaayang lugar. Siyempre ho, ‘pag binuhat natin, mas mararating nating nang mas mabilis kung ‘yong kasama natin ay hindi sumakay sa loob ng bahay kubo, at tumulong sa atin magbuhat tungo sa maayos na lugar. Kayo po ang gumawa ng lahat ng ito. Kaya pa nating pabilisin pa. Magandang tanghali po. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. ■ Philippine Embassy Madrid, Spain
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HELLO PHILIPPINES
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March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
Speech of President Aquino at the Euromoney Philippine Investment Forum 2013, March 12, 2013
[Delivered at Manila Peninsula Hotel, Makati City, on March 12, 2013] Thank you. Good morning. Please sit down. Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps; secretaries Cesar Purisima, Ricky Carandang; Mr. Tony Shale; Governor Amado Tetangco; Chairperson Tess Herbosa; President and General Manager Roberto Vergara; former Prime Minister Cesar Virata; distinguished business leaders and members of the business sector; fellow workers in government; honored guests; ladies and gentlemen: Again, good morning. The last time we met, I shared with you a biblical verse that I believed to be the most apt description of both our country’s condition and our determination to propel it forward: “Physician, Heal Thyself.” Then, I shared with you the story of the Philippines—a country both patient and physician, one that succeeded in reversing its backwards slide simply through a commitment to good governance. What you see today is a country on the rise, propelled by our determination to change the way things were done in the Philippines and ensure that integrity, transparency, and accountability characterize our actions. From day one, we have been making good on this promise. We are making sure that neither power nor money gives anyone an undue advantage, whether in justice or in business. We are making sure that public funds are used to help our countrymen, and that information on expenditures is made available to the public, to help in guarding against corruption. We are giving our bosses, the Filipino people, a government they can trust. This commitment has allowed us to turn the country around in less than three years: if last year, I spoke to you of this turnaround—today, allow me to share with you the continuing journey of a country that has even more achievements under its belt. 2012 was an outstanding year for our economy, besting all expectations—including our own analysts’—by growing 6.6 percent— one of the highest growth rates in ASEAN. Last year was also a historic year for our stock market, with record highs sometimes coming every day in the trading week. At last count, in the two years and eight months of our administration, we are at 84 record highs—and close to breaking 7,000, when last year, we were astounded with breaching 5,000, and not too long ago, 4,000 seemed an impossibility. The performance of our economy, brought about by our prudent fiscal policies, strong external position, macroeconomic stability, and our dedication to reform, has allowed us to reverse a decade’s worth of decline in our credit ratings. Right now, Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch Ratings have all placed the Philippines at one level below
President Benigno S. Aquino III is an economist by training and a public official by profession. He served three terms as Congressman of the Second District of Tarlac before placing sixth in the May 2007 Senatorial elections that earned him a 6-year mandate as Senator of the Republic of the Philippines.
investment grade, even as bond markets are already pricing us at investment grade. The confidence in our economy likewise resonates within the businesses and institutions you lead. After all, the Japan External Trade Organization, or JETRO’s 2012 Survey of Japanese-Affiliated Companies in Asia and Oceania states that the proportion of profitable firms for the countries in the ASEAN 5 declined—except for the Philippines, which, in fact, increased. This places us squarely in the middle, with 71.9 percent of surveyed firms expected a profit. In just a year, we have overtaken Singapore and Malaysia in this regard. As your businesses progress, and as we remain committed to growing the Philippines, there is plenty of reason to believe this upward trend will continue. All of these only set the stage for the next chapter—one that we envision will bring us even closer to our goal of lasting, inclusive growth, and I am here to invite you to play an even bigger role in the years to come. There are many opportunities available in our country, but, in particular, I would like to give you an update on the three sectors that remain our priority: agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure. Agriculture remains one of our priorities precisely because it is the source of livelihood and employment for so many Filipinos—12.1 million individuals, as of last year. This is why, for this year, we have increased our agriculture budget by 22 percent from 61.4 to 75 billion pesos. This will fund the construction and rehabilitation of farm to market roads, enhance irrigation systems, and provide support services, among others. Weather permitting, we hope to strengthen our position as regards rice self-sufficiency, and regain our footing in the export markets by exporting 100 metric tons of high quality rice in 2013. If there is anyone interested out there in being a part of the rise of the Philippine agricultural sector, our Agribusiness Lands Investment Center (ABLIC) will be more than happy to conduct briefings for you. Tourism is another sector in which we are heavily invested, and for good reason—one only need visit Boracay or the beautiful islands of Palawan,
attend Cebu’s Sinulog Festival, or walk around the walled city of Intramuros to understand the attraction that has kept visitors flocking to the country. From the 4.3 million international tourists who visited the Philippines in 2012, to the 37.5 million Filipinos who traveled around our country in 2011 alone, so many agree: it is indeed more fun in the Philippines. May I also add that 37 broke the original 35-million target for 2016. The new target for domestic tourism is now at 56 million. We want you to join in on the fun. Right now, for example, we expect the number of travelers to the Philippines to spike over the next few years. So, despite the great number of hotel inaugurations I’ve attended as President, it appears that we will need an estimated additional 37,000 rooms by 2016. This presents a good opportunity to anyone in the hotel or real estate industry—or even for entrepreneurs wanting to try their luck, especially since we’re offering competitive fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for tourism enterprises. In support of tourism, agriculture, and in fact, the overall viability of the Philippines as an investment destination, we have also been working on constructing, rehabilitating, and enhancing the quality of our infrastructure. Both public and private construction activities expanded in 2012, contributing to the growth of industry and our GDP. To sustain this, we increased the infrastructure budget by 18 percent, from 205.33 billion pesos in 2012, to 242.3 billion in 2013. This will fund the development of our road network, ports, and airports, among others. Even as we are working on this, we also know that harnessing the expertise and resources of the private sector can complement government efforts to get big-ticket projects done. This is why we continue to open some of our biggest infrastructure projects to the participation of the private sector. Again, those of you interested in partnering with us will be happy to know that there are two other major projects that will be rolled out namely: the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, and the NLEX-SLEX link connector road—both of which are meant to cut travel time and enhance connectivity among our cities in Luzon. At the end of the day, we are inviting you to come to the Philippines whether in these three sectors, or in others, because we know that, here, hard work, innovation, and creativity are rewarded with success. This is not an empty promise: you will have the Filipino people and our administration as committed partners. Over the past years, we have been doing everything we can to level the playing field—from reforming the judiciary, to streamlining the process of setting up business in the Philippines, to following the proper bidding and procurement processes. We are also investing heavily in our countrymen—empowering them to take stock of their lives and to realize their potential. Among our
government’s achievements in the past year include the Sin Tax Reform Act and the Responsible Parenthood Law, both of which will help us in our quest to achieve universal healthcare, even as the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro will foster peace and stability in the Philippines. Training programs that meet the need of industries and a roadmap for the development of our state universities and colleges will ensure that our workforce is well-educated and capable of holding gainful employment, as greater access to quality healthcare ensures that they are healthy enough for the physical demands of work. We are determined to see our people succeed. We hope that, in considering our country for your businesses, you share this goal with us as well. Those of you who have long had businesses in the Philippines will understand why I say this. If it’s simply a matter of how much you pay for labor, perhaps it is true that there are others in the region who may cost less—but you chose to come here anyway. You know, as well as we do, that, pound for pound, the Filipino worker delivers: he adapts well to any environment, he is creative and hard working, adept in communicating in English—which is especially important as we strive to be even more competitive globally, and he is loyal. To give you just one example: Filipino workers have already brought our BPO industry to great heights, in such a short time. Given the opportunity, they will do the same for
you, whatever industry you may be involved in. The investments that you will bring into our country will redound to tens of thousands of jobs for our countrymen—men and women who will be able to put food on their tables, send their children to school, and meet the needs and wants of their families. Together, we will be empowering them: giving them greater power to contribute to economic growth and opportunities to uplift their lives and even the lives of their fellow Filipinos. All together, we will be building the success of industry, the Philippines, and the Filipino people. This is what we mean when we speak about inclusive growth. We will never settle for numbers that look good only on paper; for our administration, growth is a narrative that has always depended on the success of its people—including you leaders, who have the capacity and the resources to empower others. This is, in essence, the opportunity you are all given today. Even if you have come here only with a mind to invest in the Philippines and ride on the resurgence of our economy— with your decision to bet on our country, you will be doing so much more: you will be giving thousands of Filipinos gainful employment, that will empower them as consumers— thus spurring the growth of both your businesses and the Philippines. And we hope you will take this chance and join us on the straight path to progress. Thank you, and good day. ■ Philippine Embassy Madrid, Spain
Milan’s Benvenuto Club Welcomes Philippine Consul General
MILAN’S foremost expatriate club for women, the Benvenuto Club, welcomed Consul General Lourdes Tabamo as the featured guest speaker of the BuonarotiSan Siro zone at their March 1st gathering at the home of a member. The Benvenuto Club was organized in Milan in 1967 by a small group of English-speaking women to help newcomers settle into Milan and foster international friendship through various activities. At present it has about 300 members from different countries who share an interest in international cultures and has established geographic zones for more intimate and effective interactions in members’ homes. Among their many activities is the
monthly coffee meeting, cultural and educational trips to know more about Italy, the annual Christmas bazaar which helps fund three local charities and the publication of a monthly magazine. ■
Benvenuto Club Members get their copies and read about the Philippines through brochures and information materials distributed at the meeting. Philippine Embassy Italy
Consul General Tabamo, in her remarks, spoke on the history of the Philippines and important milestones such as 1565, 1898, and 1986, the influences of the countries that ruled it, the present government and gains under President Benigno Aquino III and about culture and traditions. She also invited them to visit the Philippines and had information brochures ready for their reading pleasure. Members of the Benvenuto Club join Consul General Lourdes S. Tabamo (center in barong) and Ms. Gloria de Ausen Luongo (2nd from left), host of the gathering.
March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
NEWS
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Ambassador Manalo presents credentials to Ireland President ‘I’m with people,’ Aquino writes DUBLIN – His Excellency Enrique A. Manalo presented his credentials to Ireland President Michael D. Higgins at a ceremony held at Áras an Uachtaráin (“The President’s House”) last 27 February 2013. The presentation of credentials marked the official assumption of Mr. Manalo as non-resident Ambassador of the Philippines to Ireland. Ambassador Manalo was joined at the ceremony by Philippine Deputy Head of Mission Ms. Maria Fe Pangilinan. The respective new Ambassadors to Ireland of the Republic of Turkey and of Jamaica also presented their credentials to the Ireland President that day. The delegations were received from the Ireland Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade by an Escort of Honour consisting of a motorcycle detachment drawn from the 2nd Cavalry Squadron, Cathal Brugha Barracks, before being escorted to Áras an Uachtaráin. Ms. Jan O’Sullivan, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, represented the Government at the ceremony. Other Ireland officials in attendance were Mr. Loughlin Quinn, Deputy SecretaryGeneral to the President; Mr. Colm Ó Floinn, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade; Ms. Orla O’Hanrahan, Chief of Protocol; Mr. Joe Brennan, Deputy Chief of Protocol and Ms. Marion O’Donnell, Assistant Chief of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. During his talks with President Higgins, Ambassador Manalo formally conveyed the Philippines’ desire for greater political, economic and cultural ties with Ireland. The Ambassador likewise thanked the President for the government’s support to the 12,000-strong Filipino community in Ireland, as well as for the meaningful humanitarian assistance extended by Ireland organizations in the wake of recent Philippine natural calamities. President Higgins in turn praised the positive contributions of all the Filipinos living and working in Ireland, and echoed the sentiment of stronger Philippine-Ireland relations in the years ahead. During his stay in Dublin for the presentation of credentials, Ambassador Manalo also held several other meetings with key Ireland government officials, business and investment groups, and Filipino community organizations. He will also lead a consular outreach mission to Dublin to be held on 1 to 2 March 2013. ■ Philippine Embassy London / 1 March 2013
on EDSA anniversary pledge wall PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III on Monday reiterated his pledge to be with the Filipino people in fulfilling their goals as he led the rites marking the 27th anniversary of the EDSA-1 People Power revolt. Aquino joined several offiicals and personalities in writing their pledges on an improvised wall at the People Power Monument in Quezon City. “Kasama ninyo sa pagkamit ng inyong inaasam,” Aquino wrote on the pledge wall. Aquino’s late mother Corazon was installed as president after the 1986 revolt, which ousted then strongman Ferdinand Marcos from power. Radio Television Malacañang also showed Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu writing a pledge for lasting peace in Mindanao
bawal ito sinasabi ng Korte Suprema bawal sa buong bansa eh bakit ito this is an exeption that has no basis in law or in fact,” she said. But she quickly noted that she has no personal issue against Jack, only against political dynasties. “I am against political dynasties by definition plus I believe positions in especially high positions in national office should be held on the basis of competence and experience,” Santiago said. Miriam vs. Lacson. Aside from this, Santiago also criticized a person whom she said has been falsely accusing her of misusing Senate funds. “Hindi natin malaman kung tao ito, babae ito, o third sex ito,” she said. Lacson had alleged that Santiago has actually been using Senate funds to pay for her office’s rental fees, her housemaid’s salaries, and her family’s grocery allowance. He had also called her a“hypocrite” and a “crusading crook.” Santiago, in response, threatened to expose Lacson’s supposed true sexuality. Lacson denied being gay and said he is building up more cases against Santiago, including allegations that she used her pork barrel to construct a cockpit arena in Pasig. In an interview after her speech, Santiago denied this. “DBM (Department of Budget and Management) would never approve a request for a project to build a cockpit...that in itself is already proof that he is lying,” she said. But she admitted that her
GMA News / February 25, 2013 9:01am
DILG to move 20,000 families from Metro Manila waterways
His Excellency Enrique A. Manalo (left), nonresident Philippine Ambassador to Ireland, is received by the Escort of Honour ahead of the presentation of credentials ceremony
Miriam uses speech to lash out at Senate foes AFTER weeks of silence, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is at it again. At the annual convention of nurses at the Manila Hotel on Friday, the feisty lawmaker used her keynote speech to lash out at the senators with whom she had clashed recently. Although Santiago did not identify the senators in her speech, which was about corruption in the country, it was obvious that she was alluding to Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen. Panfilo Lacson. One senator, she said, distributed cash gifts last Christmas — an obvious reference to Enrile whose son, Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile, was not spared by Santiago’s tirades. The younger Enrile is gunning for a Senate seat in the May midterm elections. “Hindi siya nakuntento sa sarili niya, ngayon may junior pa siya,” Santiago said. “Kung hindi lang matanda ‘yan, suntukin ko siya.” In what could be seen as another reference to Enrile, Santiago also accused one senator of being a smuggler. Santiago has earlier called for an investigation on the role of Enrile in the operations of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Free Port (CSEZ), which had defied a Supreme Court banning the importation of vehicles. A report on GMA News’ “24 Oras” said Enrile no longer intends to comment on Santiago’s tirades. In an interview with reporters after her speech, Santiago admitted she was referring to the two Enriles. “Nakakapagtaka ‘yun kasi lahat
on the wall. Mangudadatu lost his wife in the infamous November 2009 Maguindanao massacre, which left more than 50 dead. Personalities who took part in the EDSA-1 revolt joined Monday’s rites, including former President Fidel Ramos and former Sen. Agapito Aquino. Ramos and former Sen. Aquino, along with priests and nuns, took part in the Salubungan, which recalled the joining of state forces and civilians in the EDSA-1 revolt. Yellow confetti dropped from a helicopter during the Salubungan. After the Madrigal Singers performed “Magkaisa,” one of the theme songs of the EDSA-1 revolt, Ramos led two victory jumps. ■ KG,
husband was a cockfight enthusiast who owns a cock-breeding farm. “[But] to say that he owns a cockpit is an outright lie. Ang talagang sinungaling ng isang bakla itong ibang bakla nakakahanga dahil nagdudulot sila ng karangalan sa ating bansa pero may ibang bakla na talagang pweh,” she said. She also threatened to expose more issues against Lacson in a privilege speech when Congress resumes session in June. Lacson lashes back. Lacson, in a text message, lashed back at Santiago. “Kung hindi ba sira ulo niya, una, nilinaw ko nang ilang beses na hindi ako bakla; pangalawa, ang isyu laban sa kanya ay graft dahil ginamit niya pera ng bayan para ibayad sa sarili niya,” he said. “Hindi ako tulad niya na kurakot. Wala akong naibulsang pondo sa buong panahon na naglingkod ako sa gobyerno at hindi ako marunong tumanggap ng suhol,” added Lacson, a former police official. He also said that Santiago should just answer her graft cases before the Office of the Ombudsman like a sane person. “March 27 pa ang full moon kaya nakapagtataka bakit maaga siyang sinumpong.” Lacson, who said he did not start the fight with Santiago, also said he will not turn his back from their quarrel. “If she hits me hard, I’ll hit her back harder. If she insults me, I’ll insult her back and more harshly. But I will tell the cruel truth about her if she spreads lies about me,” he said. ■ KBK, GMA News
AS a flood control measure, the Department of Interior and Local Government will be relocating a total of 100,000 families from their homes along waterways in Metro Manila. In a phone interview with GMA News Online, Interior Undersecretary Francisco Fernandez said that the government will start their clearing operation this year with the 20,000 families living along San Juan River. President Benigno Aquino III had earlier ordered the removal of structures, including the make-shift homes along the major waterways in Metro Manila, said Fernandez. With the structures removed, the river can then be deepened. “Dredging of the shallow part is needed so that the capacity of the river will improve and will minimize the flood in Metro Manila,” he said. The government has allotted P10 billion each year for the massive resettlement program, he added. Fernandez said the government plans to start moving the informal settlers before May 15, 2013 to keep them out of the danger zone before the typhoon season. “Every time bumabaha, marami ang namamatay,” he said. Opposition. Inevitably, urban poor groups, primarily those which are members of Kilos Maralita (KM), opposed the planned May 15 eviction of informal settlers. Friday morning, they marched from Espanya to Mendiola to call the attention of President Benigno Aquino III.
In an earlier Wednesday press conference, Kilos Maralita spokesman Manny Manato said they wanted the eviction deadline postponed until their proposal for the resettlement locations were heard. Manato said they were dissatisfied with the government’s choice of resettlement locations, as these areas lacked livelihood opportunities and employment. They also called on Aquino to revive the technical working group created by the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo. The group, composed of non-governmental organizations, was tasked to come up with a ‘People’s Proposal’ containing suitable relocation sites for informal settlers. However, Fernandez pointed out that evicted families will be given a choice of moving to an in-city or offsite location. Additionally, those who reject the locations offered by the government will be given funds for their own relocation choice. “Marami nang ready na offsite, pero mayroon na rin naman tayong in-city,” he said., He also insisted that there will be no forcible demolition on May 15. “Our objective is to make Metro Manila flood free while respecting human rights,” he said. “I promise, there will be no forcible demolition on May 15.” “We want them to voluntarily leave; we will talk to them,” Fernandez clarified. ■ DVM, GMA News
Members of urban poor groups under Kilos Maralita marched from Espanya to the Mendiola Peace Arch.Photo by Jay Azucena, PhilRights
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March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
NSO: Bilang ng underemployed at walang trabahong Pinoy, 10.8M Palace tells Los Baños cops to boost visibility after latest slay PHILIPPINES
UMABOT na sa 10.828 milyon ang bilang ng mga Pilipinong nasa edad ng pagtatrabaho (15 taong gulang, pataas) ang walang trabaho at yaong underemployed, batay sa datos nitong Enero 2013. Tumaas ito ng 918,000 mula sa 9.91-milyon noong Enero 2012, habang dumarami ang mga Pilipino na underemployed, ayon sa pinakahuling tala ng National Statistics Office (NSO). Ayon sa isinagawang Labor Force Survey (LFS) ng NSO noong Enero, umabot na sa 7.934 milyon ang bilang ng mga underemployed mula sa 7.018 milyon noong nakaraang taon. Bumaba naman umano ang bilang ng mga walang trabaho na ngayo’y na sa 2.894 milyon. Subalit kung ipagsama ang bilang ng underemployed at walang trabaho, aabot ito ng halos 11 porsyento ng populasyon ng Pilipinas na sa ngayon ay 99.4 milyon, batay sa pagtataya ng National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).
Bumaba sa 7.1 porsyento ang unemployment rate mula sa 7.2 porsyento noong Enero 2010, ngunit tumaas naman ang underemployment rate – 20.9 prosyento mula sa 18.8 porsyento. Kinokonsidera ng NSO ang mga underemployed bilang “employed persons who express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job, or to have additional job, or to have a new job with longer working hours.” Bilang. Karamihan (63 porsyento) sa mga underemployed at mga walang trabaho ay mga lalaking may edad 15 hanggang 34. Mula sa 17 rehiyon ng bansa, ang Bicol ang may pinakamataas na bilang (35 porsyento) ng mga underemployed na manggagawa. Mababa ang underemployment sa industry sector (15.9 porsyento) at mataas na naman sa agriculture (41.8 porsyento) at services sector (42.3 percent). Ang 55.2 porsyento ng mga underemployed ay nagtatrabaho ng mas mababa sa 40
mga oras bawat linggo habang 43.3 porsyento naman ang nagtatrabaho ng 40 oras o mahigit. Kabilang sa mga walang trabaho ay 30 porsyento na college gruaduate o nag-aaral pa lamang sa kolehiyo, at 33.7 porsyento naman ay nakapagtapos ng high school. Ayon sa NSO, kasama ang mga “unpaid family workers” sa bilang ng mga may trabaho at nirerepresinta nito ang 9.4 prosyento ang kabuuang 37.94 milyong may trabaho nitong Enero 2013. “Of the total employed persons in January 2013, 65.1 percent were full-time workers, while 33.9 percent were part-time workers. By comparison, in January 2012, full-time workers comprised 62.1 percent while part-time workers made up 36.7 percent,” ani NSO administrator Carmelita Ericta sa isang press release. Isinasagawa ng NSO ang LFS sa mga buwang Enero, Abril, Hulyo at Oktubre. ■ Amanda Fernandez /LBG, GMA
PALACE to inquire about ‘neutral countries’ involvement to help end current Sabah rift Malacañang on Saturday said it will “make inquiries” on a reported plan by so-called neutral countries to help end the row between followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III and Malaysian security forces in Sabah. But this early deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte questioned how such efforts could be “secret” when they had already been announced. “Secret pero may nagsalita (It’s a secret but someone announced it to media)? I don’t know... We’ll make inquiries as to that,” she said on government-run dzRB radio. For now, she said the Palace’s focus will be on assisting Filipinos who had fled Sabah and arrived in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. The government is also
concentrating on having its quick response team aid Filipinos affected by the clashes in Lahad Datu in Sabah, she added. Earlier reports quoted Sulu sultanate spokesman Abraham Idjiran as saying “neutral western countries” are involved in a “secret diplomatic effort” to convince Malaysia to discuss the Sabah issue and end the violence there. Idjirani was quoted as saying this was not a secret negotiation, but a “secret diplomatic channel.” Since March 5, Malaysian security forces had conducted offensives on areas where Kiram’s followers are believed to be hiding. The offensives stemmed from deadly clashes that started March 1. Malaysia has rejected the sultan’s offer of a unilateral ceasefire and instead insisted that Kiram’s followers surrender unconditionally.
A separate report on dzBB radio said the driver, identified as Henry Hipolito, reportedly admitted he planned to molest the victim and hit her on the head when she cried for help. Earlier reports said the victim had been missing since March 1 and was the subject of searches for two weeks. Valte said some areas in Los Baños, including the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, are poorly lighted and may offer opportunities for criminals. “We’ll ask police to heighten visibility in that particular area to prevent this sort of (incident),” she said. ■ ELR, GMA News / March 17, 2013
News / March 17, 2013 12:07pM
MALACAÑANG on Saturday told police in Los Baños in Laguna to heighten their visibility following the gruesome killing of a young girl in the area earlier this week. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that while the Palace expects police to investigate the case thoroughly, it should also bolster its efforts to deter crime. “I’m pretty sure they are investigating this. We will again tell them to heighten police visibility in the area to prevent these crimes from happening,” she said on governmentrun dzRB radio. She also extended the Palace’s sympathies to the family of the victim. On Thursday afternoon, a teenage girl who had been missing for two weeks was found dead near a subdivision in Los Baños in Laguna province. Police have taken into custody a “padyak” (tricycle) driver who was last seen with the victim. Investigators are looking into whether the victim was sexually molested.
Benigno Aquino III has signed into law the bill allowing media workers to vote ahead of the scheduled election day. “Pinirmahan na po ng Pangulong Aquino ‘yung Republic Act 10380. This is an Act Providing for Local Absentee Voting for Media,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said at a briefing. Aquino signed the law Thursday, Valte said. The landmark law allows media practitioners — from reporters to technical staff involved in news gathering — to enjoy the same privileges previously extended only to government officials and employees, members of the Philippine National Police, and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “So ‘yung pertinent provisions po nito ay pwede na po ‘yung mga kasamahan po natin—hindi lang po ‘yung mga reporter, pati po ‘yung
po ngayong trabaho sa araw ng eleksyon, ay pwede po kayong bumoto,” Valte explained. The law, however, limits the positions the media can vote early for. “[Pwedeng bumoto] para doon sa posisyon ng president, vice president, senators, and party list representatives,” Valte added. Valte also said the Comelec has 30 days from the signing of the law to release its implementing rules and regulations (IRR), which should include a system of accreditation, among others. “Kasama po doon sa pagbalangkas ‘nung IRR, kasama po dapat doon ‘yung system of accreditation and verification ng mga miyembro ng media, ‘yung mga media practitioners, ‘yung technical and support staff na magiging kwalipikado po para mag-avail ‘nung local absentee voting,” Valte said.
accepting applications from media practitioners who wish to vote in relation to the incoming May 13 elections. Applications to be included in the list of media allowed to vote can be submitted until until March 31. The Comelec has set April 28, 29 and 30 as the voting days for media. Valte also took the time to enjoin members of the media to take advantage of the new legislation to exercise their right to vote. “Marami ho tayong mga kasamahan sa media na ang hinaing nga po nila ay hindi sila nakakaboto dahil nga naman nagko-cover po sila usually kapag araw po ng eleksyon, so we encourage everybody to,” Valte said. “Finally, may pagkakataon na po kayo. Let’s take advantage of the new law so you can exercise your right to vote,” she added. ■ Patricia Denise Chiu/
BEFORE beginning his speech in Pampanga Friday afternoon, President Benigno Aquino made a short statement assuring the public that he was aware of the developments in Sabah that resulted in bloodshed. “Pasensya na ho kayo kung kanina paakyat at baba ako ng entablado. alam naman po ninyo may nangyayari sa Sabah,” Aquino said, before launching into his speech at the campaign sortie. Aquino expressed hope that when he arrives back in Malacañang, details will be clearer about the alleged shootout. Initial reports have been sketchy on the number of casualties, with the government initially going on record to say no one was hurt.
The Department of Foreign Affairs later retracted its statement to say that according to Malaysian authorities, three individuals were killed, before shortly declaring the shootout over. “Mukhang natapos na po yung pangyayari. Siyempre, hindi pa ho kumpleto ang detalye. Medyo magmamadali ho tayo pabalik dahil inaasahan natin na pagdating natin sa opisina ay handa na po yung kumpletong impormasyon,” Aquino said. However, after saying he was in a hurry to get back to Manila, Aquino spent nearly 45 minutes on his speech, one of his longest yet. In his speech, Aquino disputed
4:00am
Palace to inquire about ‘neutral countries’ PNoy signs law allowing absentee voting for media workers A Malacañang spokesperson on mga technical staff—na meron ho Ahead of Aquino’s signing of involvement to help end current Sabah rift Friday announced that President by reason of their functions, meron the law, the Comelec has started
■ ELR, GMA News / March 17, 2013 4:10am
PNoy to PMA graduates: Solve PHL’s security woes through peaceful means
BAGUIO CITY — President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday encouraged graduating cadets from the Philippine Military Academy not to resort to violence in solving the country’s problems. In a speech delivered before the 124-member PMA Class of 2013, Aquino – the military’s commanderin-chief – said the country’s security woes should only be addressed through peaceful means. “Kung dadaanin sa pagkamaton at dahas, lolobo lamang ang problema at ipapamana sa susunod na salinlahi. Ang hinahon ang tunay na sukatan ng tapang at panindigan,” the President said during the PMA graduation ceremonies in Fort del Pilar Sunday morning.
He cited as an example the ongoing battle between followers of the Sulu Sultanate and Malaysian authorities in Sabah, where he said “personal interests” took over the nation’s welfare. This year’s PMA graduating class called itself “Pudang Kalis,” which stands for “Puso’t Dangal ng mga Kawal ng Lahing Nagkakaisa.” The phrase is also derived from a Muslim term which means “sacred sword.” Also present at the PMA graduation rites were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Defense chief Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces chief General Emmanuel Bautista. ■ Andreo Calonzo / LBG, GMA News / March 17, 2013 11:59am
RSJ, GMA News / March 15, 2013 3:21pm
Sabah incident forces PNoy to cut short his Pampanga sorties the belief that Pampanga was “Arroyo country,” calling on his cabalens to eschew loyalty to a single family, especially if said family was known to be corrupt. “Kilala ko ang mga Kapampangan. Kung pumanig sila dati sa demokrasya, pagkakaisa’t pagbabago, aba, tiyak na sa katapatan at katotohanan lamang susuporta ang mga Cabalen,” Aquino said. Aquino, who hails from Tarlac, pointed out that Arroyo had no monopoly on Kapampangans, as he was Kapampangan as well. In his speech, Aquino spoke a few phrases in the local dialect, despite stumbling on a few terms.
■ Patricia Denise Chiu / VVP, GMA News /
March 1, 2013 5:30pm
March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
SportS
PBA: Caguioa drops 28 as Barangay Ginebra guns down Tropang Texters
BARANGAY Ginebra San Miguel relied on the spirited play of reigning Best Player of the Conference and MVP Mark Caguioa to defeat the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 107-100, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Barangay Ginebra have gone 3-1 in their last four games, improving to seventh place (3-5) after a 0-4 start to the Commissioner’s Cup, to knot the records of the Air21 Express and Barako Bull Energy Cola. Meanwhile, TNT absorbed their first loss since bringing back import Donnell Harvey, to fall back to .500 in the standings, tying the San Mig Coffee Mixers and the Meralco Bolts, with all three squads possessing 4-4 cards. Caguioa had 28 points off an 11of-20 shooting clip, along with five assists to lead the Barangay. Import Vernon Macklin added 24 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Point guard LA Tenorio notched 20 points and four assists, while rookie Chris Ellis had seven points and 12 rebounds.
Free throws from Ranidel de Ocampo and Jimmy Alapag cut Ginebra’s lead to six at the 2:50 mark of the fourth quarter, but Caguioa responded with a split on the line, 99-92. Alapag countered with another three with 2:25 remaining, slicing their deficit to four, but Ginebra found Chris Ellis, who only had Jayson Castro defending him down low. Ellis went for a jam and a sixpoint lead, as Castro missed a three at the other end. Ellis was fouled in the rebounding battle, resulting in the high-flier making one-of-two for a 102-95 lead with 1:42 left. After a TNT timeout, the Tropa went to Alapag anew, and the Mighty Mouse did not disappoint as he connected on another three. After a miss by Tenorio, Fonacier went for a three on the break, but he missed with 56 seconds remaining. Ginebra head coach Al Francis Chua called a timeout with only 11 seconds left on their shotclock, and the result was a Rudy Hatfield drive
down the lane, before the veteran forward dished to Vernon Macklin for a slam and a foul, 105-98. With 35 seconds remaining down seven, Donnell Harvey scored on an easy drive and dish, before TNT started to send the Gin Kings to the line to stop the clock. Tenorio sank two free throws, as Fonacier missed on a three to end the ballgame. “I told them just to play defense. I didn’t ask them to win,” said Ginebra head coach Alfrancis Chua. “[TNT] got confused with what we were doing on defense. We had three kinds of defense that we applied because of their pick-and-roll and drive-and-kick sets,” he explained. “They didn’t know if we were going under, if we were going to switch... thank God it worked.” The numbers backed up Chua’s diagnosis. After shooting 28-of59 (47.5 percent) in the first three quarters, the Texters’ offense took a dive in the final period as they managed only 7-of-27 in the fourth period (25.9 percent).
Stallion, Global try to keep pace on top of UFL standings against Pachanga Diliman, Air Force
UNITED Football League contenders Stallion Sta. Lucia and Global FC try to keep pace with each other near the top of the standings as they play in separate matches in the United Football League Thursday at the Emperador Stadium in Mckinley Hill in Taguig. Stallion faces Pachanga Diliman FC at 5:15 p.m., while Global battles Philippine Air Force at 7:30 p.m. Interestingly, Stallion and Global, which are currently tied at second in the League table with 15 points in five games, made a surprising transfer move last Tuesday. Stallion put national team mainstay Jason De Jong on loan to Global in an effort to help the defending League champion beef up its squad for the 2013 Asian Football Confederation President’s Cup this May. But De Jong’s availability for Global on Thursday “remains to be seen,” the team’s official website reported. Despite that, Global’s deep roster
AKTV/Isko Jose
composed of Azkals members and foreign imports still makes them a force to reckon with against struggling Air Force, which sits at the bottom of the standings after being winless in four matches. Stallion, meanwhile, is still considered as favorites in its match against Pachanga Diliman, with team
captain Ruben Doctora and Spanish imports Rufo Sanchez and Joaco Cañas leading the Cup titlist. Pachanga is also looking to nail its third victory to move up slightly in the standings where they currently sit at sixth place. AKTV will start the live coverage at 5 p.m. ■ InterAKTV / Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Uzbekistan contingent arrives early for ASBC Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championships in Subic
THE Uzbekistan youth team is flying in today ahead of everybody else in preparation for the 2013 ASBC Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championships which fires off March 10-17 at the Subic Gym in the coastal town south of Zambales. The Uzbeks are expected to be led by recently-named national coach Mars Kucharov who steered the Korean boxing team to a silver medal finish in the London Olympics. Kucharov has also trained boxers in Taiwan and China. “Obviously, they want to acclimatize early which is a sure sign of their earnest desire to win,” said Ricky Vargas, president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the
Philippines (ABAP), who is overseeing the tournament backed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, PLDT, Smart, Metro Pacific Tollways, Maynilad, Clarktel, Subictel, Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Videogear Inc., Exile Lights and Sound, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Sports Commission. The ABAP-PLDT Philippine team has drawn from the youth pool and will parade James Palicte (60 kgs), Jade Bornea (49 kgs.), Ian Clark Bautista (52 kgs), Jonas Bacho (56 kgs), and Eumir Felix Marcial (64 kgs). Teams from Turkmenistan and Sri Lanka will arrive on Saturday followed
by the main bulk of participating Asian countries, including China, on Sunday, said ABAP executive director Ed Picson. After the accreditation at the Subic International Hotel and a technical meeting late Sunday, the medical and general weigh-in and the official draw will be held Monday. A one-hour opening ceremony at 5 p.m. is wedged between two sets of preliminary bouts. AIBA president Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu is gracing the inaugural rites along with Asian Boxing Confederation president Gofur Rakhimov of Uzbekistan and ASBC executive director Aziz Kozhambetov. ■
InterAKTV / Wednesday, March 6, 2013
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Chua didn’t share his outlook for his team in the postseason yet, but was satisfied with moving up the ranks. “At least wala na kami sa cellar. Pino-prove lang namin na kaya naming manalo, they’re not going to give up,” he said. Both teams were not gun-shy in the first quarter, as they connected early from beyond the arc. TNT, which trailed early by six points, found themselves in front after backto-back triples from Larry Fonacier and Jayson Castro, 14-12. Ginebra turned their focus to attacking inside, as they scored six straight in the paint. LA Tenorio then nailed his second three-pointer to retake the lead, 21-18, with under five minutes to play. Fonacier and Jimmy Alapag went on a 7-3 run to briefly go back in front, but a Rudy Hatfield put-back with 16 seconds to play gave Ginebra a 26-25 edge after the first period. Mac Baracael opened the second quarter with a trey, and Ginebra’s reserves gained some separation using a 9-3 run, 35-28. Ginebra and Talk ‘N Text traded baskets on highpercentage looks, before TNT got within three as Castro got the strip and an open lay-up, 43-40. With under four minutes to play in the first half, Ginebra posted a 7-2 run, highlighted by another triple from Tenorio, to give them their biggest lead thus far with eight points, but the momentum shifted when Castro completed an and-one in transition, as Fonacier added five points including a three-pointer with 26 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to one, 51-50, at halftime.After two quarters, Fonacier had registered 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Tenorio led Ginebra with 11 points on a 4-of9 clip, including 3-of-5 from threepoint distance.
Ginebra outscored TNT in turnover points, 10-5. In the third, Donnell Harvey linked up with Castro as the pair produced a 9-2 run, but Caguioa and Macklin were primed and ready, the pair bringing Ginebra within one, 6160, on a Macklin-Tenorio alley-oop. Much like the second quarter, TNT and Ginebra traded big shots, as the Texters leaned on Harvey in the post while Caguioa and Tenorio made it rain for Ginebra. During the last three minutes of the period, Jimmy Alapag took control for the Texters down the stretch. The veteran registered eight points of Talk n’ Text’s last 10, including two triples. Caguioa matched him with eight of Ginebra’s last 10 points, including the goahead bucket with 1.1 seconds left to give Ginebra a 78-77 lead heading into the final period. Both teams shot the ball well in the third. Ginebra made 11-of19 field goals (57.9 percent), led by Caguioa’s 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting (62.5 percent). Talk ‘N Text converted 10-of-20 attempts (50 percent). Alapag tried to rally his team early in the fourth quarter with a triple, but Talk ‘N Text struggled to hit from the field. Meanwhile, Ginebra electrified the crowd as Macklin made huge plays at the basket, helping them create an 88-84 margin. Ginebra slowly pulled away in a 8-5 run that seemed to stretch forever. Talk ‘N Text couldn’t find a way to contain Caguioa, Tenorio, and Ginebra’s tenacity on the offensive glass. To add to their worries, Castro and TNT head coach Norman Black received technical fouls after venting their frustrations, as Ginebra led, 9689, with under five minutes to play. ■
PHILIPPINE Army insisted that the actions of defender Rodrigo Betita towards an official during its 3-0 loss to Kaya FC in the United Football League last Tuesday was not intentional . Assistant coach Ricky Cain told InterAKTV that in the two instances Betita hit the referee, the Army veteran only aimed at the ball and it just happened to hit assistant referee Ronaldo Yurag. “Yung una, sinadya niya (na sipain ang bola) nun tapos napalakas kaya tinamaan yung referee,” Cain said. ” Yung pangalawa, bale natamaan yung bola tapos yung paa ng linesman andun.” “Sa sobrang galit nung bata, yung emosyon dun napunta.” Cain said that Betita got frustrated with the non-call made by Yurag on the Janrick Soriano goal at the 91st minute, which they believe was offside. Moments after that shot, Betita kicked the ball towards Yurag, who was in front of the Army player. Betita then went after the ball which was behind Yurag, but appeared to deliberately kick the official again. He was finally ejected with a red card after that sequence.
With the four-minute additional time close from elapsing, referees quickly blew the final whistle after the incident to prevent the situation getting out of hand. Despite Betita’s actions, Cain believes that Army would not reprimand the veteran due to his actions. “‘Di naman siya nanuntok,” Cain said. “Wala kaming (intensyon) na manggulo sa UFL.” Cain also said that if the UFL hands sanctions on Betita, Army will appeal it and also send a complaint to the league that it should improve its officiating which, he believes, favored Kaya in the match. “Yun ang kino-complain namin. Masyadong mababa yung level ng officiating,” Cain said. “Yung tawag ng ref, bias sa Kaya. ‘Pag foreigner, (tinatawagan agad). Yung Pilipino dapat protektahan.” The UFL disciplinary committee is expected to announce the sanctions to Betita within the week. He will also miss Army’s next match due to the red card he acquired. ■ InterAKTV / Wednesday,
Job B. De Leon / RAF / AMD, GMA News / March 17, 2013 8:28pm / Updated 8:55pm
UFL: Army player’s hit on official not intentional, says assistant coach
March 13, 2013
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PBA: Texters trip Guiao-less Elasto Painters PHILIPPINES
THE Tropang Talk ‘N Texters arrested the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ five-game winning streak on Wednesday, 86-76, in the elimination round of the PBA Commissioners Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. The Texters have now won their last two games since re-signing Donnell Harvey as their import. TNT (4-3) moves up the rankings to fourth place, tying the Meralco Bolts. On the other hand, the Elasto Painters’ remain at second place but lose their half-game edge over Petron, which also has a 5-2 record. Barring an Alaska (6-1) loss to Air21 (2-5) on Friday, both 5-2 teams will clash for sole ownership of the second spot on Saturday in Panabo, Davao Del Norte. After a haphazard performance for most of the first three quarters, Beau Belga hit a buzzer-beater to end the third period. It invigorated the Elasto Painters in the final quarter as they briefly took the lead four minutes into the fourth, 66-65, on a bucket by JR Quiñahan, but Larry Fonacier returned fire for the Texters, as he scored eight of his 17 points in the period to repel any potential comebacks. In addition to his 17 points, Fonacier gathered nine rebounds. Donnell Harvey tallied 23 points and also had nine boards. Jayson Castro and Ranidel De Ocampo had 11 points
each, while the former also added five dimes, and the latter hauled in five boards. Jimmy Alapag added 10 markers. “At least in this game we played much better defense,” said TNT head coach Norman Black. “Our defense has been suspect this entire conference. We got killed on the boards and that’s something we’ll have to work on, but we held their field goals down and played much better defensively.” Black said defending Rain or Shine’s Bruno Sundov was a priority for him in the game. “I had two big men on him the entire time... and the best thing to do was to stop him from getting to the basket,” he said. Tonight was the first time both teams played each other since the Texters swept the Elasto Painters in the Philippine Cup finals last January. The TNT win also made sure they remained the only team to have a perfect record against Rain or Shine. Lead assistant Caloy Garcia took the reins for Rain or Shine in this game, as head coach Yeng Guiao took a personal leave, having left for the United States on Monday. In the first quarter, TNT relied on its outside shooting as triples by Kelly Williams and Larry Fonacier backed a 10-6 lead. At the other end, Bruno Sundov asserted himself on the block,
Pinoy shooters given heroes’ welcomes after triumphant New Zealand campaign
MEMBERS of the Philippine Practical Shooting Association team who reaped honors in the recently concluded Australasia Handgun Championship in Rotorua, New Zealand were given heroes’ welcomes by officials of their association. Led by veteran shooter Jethro Dionisio, the Filipinos won 10 individual and five team gold medals, besting participants from the United States, Canada, Czech Republic and Russia. The Filipinos stamped their class in the Level IV sanctioned match of the International Practical Shooting Confederation. A competitor for the country in the 2004 Greece Olympics, the man called as “The Jet” won the gold medal in the overall individual category of the standard division. Two other Pinoys copped the other medals at stake in the division – Edward Rivera and Jon Christopher Gotamco – who won the silver and bronze medals, respectively. Other individual gold medalists were Daniel James Jacinto (junior category), Janette Gonzaga (lady
category), Nelson Uygongco (overall individual, classic division), Philipp Chua (overall individual, revolver division), Jeufro Emil Lejano (overall individual, production division), Diomari Ivan Tayag (junior category, production division), Grace Tamayo (lady category, production division), Wilfredo Anglo (senior category, production division), Nelson Lee (super senior category, production division), and Edcel John Gino (junior category, open division). Dionisio, Chua, Lejano, Datu Suharto Al Wali Mangudadatu and Nelson Uygongco also spearheaded their respective teams’ romped for the country’s day of haul from over 700 participants in this event. The Pinoy shooters were welcomed by Cagayan Representative and current IPSC regional director Jack Enrile and incumbent PPSA president and Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, who both expressed optimism of the country’s chances in next year’s World Shooting Championship in Florida, USA. ■
InterAKTV / Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Rain or Shine big man JR Quiñahan tests his ball handling skills against Talk ‘N Text guard Ryan Reyes. KC Cruzain or Shine big man JR Quiñahan tests his ball handling skills against Talk ‘N Text guard Ryan Reyes. KC Cru
and the 7’3” import scored eight points in the ensuing 11-2 counter attack, 17-12. When Sundov sat down, the Elasto Painters offense disappeared. The Texters scored 10 unanswered points as Rain or Shine went without a field goal in the last four and a half minutes, giving them a 22-17 lead after the first period. While Sundov made 5-of-8 shots from the floor (62.5 percent), Rain or Shine’s locals went 3-of-16 in the first period (16.7 percent). Paul Lee brought his squad back in the second quarter, as he scored or assisted on his team’s first six points, 23-23. However both teams struggled mightily to pile up the points, as the quarter was marked by turnovers and sloppy fast breaks. Like the first period, the Elasto Painters fizzled out as time wound
March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition down. Sundov scored off a slam, but it could not energize Rain or Shine. Their last field goal, a Beau Belga three-pointer with under two minutes to play, was drowned out in a 12-3 closing run by TNT, with Ranidel De Ocampo contributing seven points. Talk ‘N Text ended the quarter on top, 43-34. After two quarters, Rain or Shine was 13-of-37 from the field (35.1 percent), with Sundov the only Elasto Painter with more than two field goals. At the start of the second half, the Texters did their best to deny Sundov his touches down low while Harvey scored TNT’s first five points, 48-40. Rain or Shine slowly came back to life as a Jireh Ibañes triple highlighted a 7-2 run, but it culminated on a dangerous note when De Ocampo was charged with a flagrant one foul for swatting Sundov’s head as the latter attempted a lay-in. Sundov completed the basket but missed the technical free throw, 50-47, with under five minutes to play. Fonacier picked up the limping Talk ‘N Text offense, scoring six of his team’s next 10 points. While Rain or Shine picked up some highlight plays along the way, they had difficulty completing easy shots and securing defensive rebounds. Belga resuscitated his team at the buzzer, nailing a turnaround jumper on the left baseline to trim the TNT lead, 60-56. The momentum carried over to the fourth quarter, as both teams shot the ball considerably better. The Elasto Painters worked the ball around the perimeter for triples by JR Quinahan
and TY Tang to briefly take a one-point lead, 66-65. However, that well dried up soon, and Fonacier’s outside touch gave TNT a two-point separation. Jayson Castro and Jared Dillinger then scored on back-to-back drives, netting them a 76-70 advantage with just over four minutes remaining. In true Talk ‘N Text fashion, the team got the big shots when they needed them most. Fonacier drained his third triple of the game, and Castro knocked down a tough baseline fadeaway. Harvey added two from the line to extend the lead to double figures, against an Elasto Painter squad that couldn’t score from the field in the last four and a half minutes, 83-73. With under a minute to play, Harvey connected from deep, as Ryan Araña replied with a trey of his own to complete the final tally. Rain or Shine won the rebounding battle, 57-47, as well as a 17-9 advantage on the offensive glass. TNT had an average shooting night, finishing with a 31-of-79 clip (39.2 percent), but the Elasto Painters fared worse and made only 29-of-83 shots from the field (34.9 percent). Without Bruno Sundov’s 11-of-18 output (61.1 percent), the locals shot only 29.2 percent from the floor. Sundov finished with 25 points and eight rebounds, and was the lone Rain or Shine player to hit double-digit scoring. Jireh Ibañes tied Paul Lee with eight points, while the latter also registered eight rebounds and four assists. ■ Job B. De Leon / RAF, GMA News / March 13, 2013 Updated 9:30pm
Renaldo Balkman melts down, grabs at teammate Arwind Santos’ neck
FOR five straight game, Renaldo Balkman was the hero for the Petron Blaze Boosters’ winning run. But the former New York Knicks first round pick was frustrated all game against Alaska Friday night, as Petron saw its winning streak snapped. Balkman melted down near the end of the game, confronting all three referees after committing a foul with 21.6 seconds left. Petron assistant coach Biboy Ravanes and teammate Ronald Tubid
tried to pacify the import, but were shoved away by Balkman. Boosters co-captain Arwind Santos took his turn to try calming down Balkman, but was also pushed away. Santos responded with a push of his own, before Balkman grabbed at his neck. Teammates and coaches had to come in and separate the two players, before Balkman was finally calmed down and subbed out. ■ InterAKTV / Friday,
March 8, 2013
Ronjay Buenafe explodes as Meralco zaps Barako Bull for third straight win WINGMEN Sunday Salvacion and Mac Cardona have had their moments playing hero for the Meralco Bolts in previous games. On Wednesday night, it was the turn of another wingman, Ronjay Buenafe, to shine. Buenafe unloaded all 19 of his points in the fourth period as the Bolts outlasted the Barako Bull Energy Colas, 112-104, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the SMARTAraneta Coliseum. Known as a defensive unit, the Bolts unveiled a different facet of their match against the Energy Colas, scoring 34 points in the fourth quarter. Buenafe waxed hottest, going 3-of-4 form beyond the arc in the last 12 minutes of play. “It’s great that offense has been added to our arsenal. We were
preparing ourselves defensively,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio. “It’s great to see players waking up after a long sleep and it’s good to see Ronjay heeding the call.” With Buenafe catching fire, the Bolts picked up their third straight win and improved their win-loss record to 4-3. A Buenafe three-pointer pushed the Bolts’ lead, 94-87, inside the fiveminute mark. Meralco’s win spoiled a big game from Barako Bull import Evan Brock, who had a PBA career-high 37 points. The Enegry Colas couldn’t get the usual explosive game from Josh Urbiztondo, who scored only four points on 2-for-10 shooting. The Enegry Colas suffered their fourth straight loss and fell to seventh place in the standings with a 3-5 record.
“Today, we had a very good game plan, guarding their three-pointers. We didn’t allow Urbiztondo to take over the game and Brock got tired towards the end. It’s a great relief for us. We had our guns blazing in the fourth quarter,” added Gregorio, whose tallied its highest total of the tournament. The scores: MERALCO 112 – Dawson 27, Buenafe 19, Ross 17, Hugnatan 13, Cardona 12, Reyes 9, Salvacion 9, Hodge 4, Artadi 2, Manuel 0, Guevarra 0. BARAKO 104 – Brock 37, Villanueva 16, Macapagal 16, Pennisi 14, Seigle 11, Urbiztondo 4, Maliksi 3, Anthony 3, Weinstein 0, Intal 0. Quarters: 32-19, 48-51, 78-77, 112-104. ■ InterAKTV / Wednesday, March 13, 2013
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March 2013 / Fortnightly – No. 6 • UK & Europe Edition
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Larry Fonacier sizzles as Talk ‘N Text snaps Rain or Shine’s streak
ONE MORE FIGHT MINIMUM, THREE MORE MAXIMUM: MANNY PACQUIAO SEES FINISH LINE..
Fonacier had eight of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, while Castro added 11 points and five assists. The Best Player of the Philippine Cup came up with a dagger jumper at the 2:21 mark of the final quarter that gave the Tropang Texters an 83-73 lead. Donnel Harvey’s three-pointer, which gave the Tropang Texters an 86-73 lead, proved to be the final blow, enough to snap the Elasto Painters’ five-game winning streak. The Elasto Painters played minus coach Yeng Guiao, who was in the United States to attend to personal matters. The fiery coach will return Thursday and will be present in the team’s next game Saturday against Petron. For Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black, defense was instrumental in his team’s second straight win. “We held their field goal percentage down and we played better defensively,” said Black, whose
“But as of this time, my focus is on the elections.” Although Pacquiao is running unopposed as congressman of Sarangani, his wife Jinkee is gunning for the position of vice-governor, while his brother Rogelio is aiming for the congress seat in the first district of South Cotabato. But when the time comes that he
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team forced the Elasto Painters to below 35 percent shooting from the field (29-of-83). The Elasto Painters were led by Bruno Sundov’s 25 points and eight rebounds, but no other Rain or Shine player finished in double figures. The Tropang Texters improved their win-loss record to 4-3. The Elasto Painters lost only for the second time in seven matches, and fell into a tie with the Petron Blaze Boosters for second to third places with identical 5-2 cards. The scores: TALK ‘N TEXT 86 – Harvey 23, Fonacier 17, Castro 11, De Ocampo 11, Alapag 10, Williams 6, Al-Hussaini 3, Carey 3, Dillinger 2, Reyes 0, Aban 0. RAIN OR SHINE 76 – Sundov 25, Lee 8, Ibanes 8, Tang 7, Belga 7, Norwood 5, Arana 5, Quinahan 5, Rodriguez 4, Matias 2, Tiu 0, Cruz 0, Jaime 0. Quarters: 22-17, 43-34, 60-56, 8676. ■ InterAKTV / Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Arwind Santos: ‘Renaldo Balkman apologized...
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He shoved away Petron assistant coach Biboy Ravanes and swingman Ronald Tubid who both tried to pacify him. Santos, a Petron co-captain, also tried to calm down Balkman, who instead grabbed at his teammate’s neck before teammates separated them. But everyone was moved by the post-game speech by Petron coach Olsen Racela.
“Parting words niya sa amin, we will stay together,” added Santos. “And sana yung nangyari, mas mabuo kami. “Yung team namin is like a family, natural sa pamilya na may nag-aaway, matinding away. Itong matinding away na ito, sana mas lalo kaming mabuo, hindi na namin pinatagal, nag-sorry na agad kami.”
The crowd thought Nietes would fade into oblivion as Fuentes stepped up the attack in rounds eight, nine and ten. But Nietes said he was never in danger of losing because he blocked most of Fuentes’ punches using his arms. “But my arms hurt a lot,” said Nietes, who is being eyed to return to the ring in July or August. Many of those at ringside thought
Nietes landed the more telling blows, enough for him to earn the verdict. But the two judges thought otherwise and Tony Aldeguer, whose ALA Boxing Club promotes Nietes, said they were blind. The victory improved Nietes’ record to 32-1 with 17 knockouts, while the loss was just the second for Fuentes, whose ledger slid to 26-2 with 20 knockouts. ■ InterAKTV / Monday,
■ InterAKTV / Friday, March 8, 2013
Donnie Nietes keeps crown via majority... Continuation from page 40
March 4, 2013
over Iran’s Houman Myradov i in the other quarterfinal fight – on Friday for a place in the gold medal round. “Nakuha ko agad sa umpisa pa lang kasi maliit siya kaya madaling tamaan,” said Bornea, also a high school senior at UB. “Kailangan lang dumistansiya ng kaunti.” Attacking furiously from the opening bell, Bornea took the first round, 8-1 and built it up to 15-4 going to the third of the 10-division tournament backed by the MVP Sports Foundation, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, PLDT, Smart, NLEX, Maynilad, Clarktel, Subictel, Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Videogear Inc., Exile Lights and Sound, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Sports Commission, and supported by Sony Philippines, Nestle Philippines, and Trame Oil &
Tamaraws, Abarrientos is thankful that his decisions in the past enabled him to be where he is today. “Ten pesos lang per day ang allowance ko sa FEU pero tiniis ko kasi alam ko na para naman sa future ng basketball career ko yun,” he said. “Pero yung di ko nakuha, at least ngayon na-bless sa mga anak ko.” His dream of studying in Ateneo did not materialize for Abarientos but his three kids are now living their father’s dream. His eldest child is now a first year AB Communication student in ADMU. His second born is
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two attending a huge show he is promoting in Macau on April 6. “Wala pa,” said Pacquiao, who is being asked by his wife Jinkee to drop by Macau for a short break. Pacquiao sounded uninterested in going. “Puro casino lang naman ang meron doon. I don’t gamble anymore.” ■ InterAKTV / Friday, March 8, 2013
In Pingoy’s shoes - Johnny A could have been a Blue Eagle, but opted to stay... However, he decided it would be in his best interest to stay with FEU. “Dream school ko yung Ateneo pero nagdesisyon ako noon na mas mapapabuti yung career ko kung sa FEU ako,” Abarrientos said. “Nagpapasalamat naman ako na nag-work out yun para sa akin.” Abarrientos went on to be one of the most celebrated players in FEU history. After playing for four years in the UAAP as a Tamaraw, he parlayed his success into a very fruitful and memorable PBA career. Now an assistant coach with the San Mig Coffee Mixers and the FEU
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a member of Team B of the Ateneo Blue Eaglets, while the youngest is still in elementary. With a new rule for UAAP high school students who want to transfer to a different college in place, Abarrientos opined that the change from a one year residency to two years is fair. “Inaalagaan kasi ng FEU yung mga students,” he said. “Hinahanap yan sa iba’t ibang province tapos aalagaan sa FEU. Masakit naman kasi talaga pag bigla na lang kukunin ng ibang schools pag college na.” ■ Carlo Pamintuan / AMD, GMA News / March 12, 2013 6:06pm
Heat crush Hawks for 19th consecutive win, match fourth-longest streak in NBA history MIAMI – Dwyane Wade scored 23 points while LeBron James added 15 to spark the defending NBA champion Miami Heat to their 19th consecutive victory in a 99-81 rout of the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. The Heat matched the fourthlongest single-season win streak in league history, trailing only the 20 in a row by Milwaukee in 1970-71, Houston’s 22 in a row in 2007-08 and the Los Angeles Lakers’ record run of 33 from 1971-72. Miami also matched the record for the longest win streak by a defending NBA champion, a 19game run by Boston in the 2008-09 campaign. Wade contributed six assists and five steals while James added seven assists and seven rebounds on a night when he made only 3-of-11 shots from the field as the Heat won a 15th home game in a row, improving to 30-3 at home this season.
Jade Bornea, Eumir Marcial enter semis of Asian Youth Boxing... “Binasa ko lang muna yung galaw niya,” said Marcial, a fourth year high school student at University of Baguio. “Binantayan ko lang din yung straight niya para maka-counter ako.” Heavier by more than 10 pounds from the time he won the gold in Kazakhstan two years ago, Marcial added the extra weight still required getting used to. “Parang naninibago pa ko kaya medyo bumagal ako kesa noon,” he said. Marcial, who weathered at least one hard straight to the face, will take on Anvar Turamov of Uzbekistan in the semifinals. The Uzbek crushed Kyrgyzstan’s Izatillo Shermakhammadov, 18-9. Bornea, the World Junior bronze medal winner from General Santos City, will face Turkmenistan’s Shatlykyrat Myradov – an 11-8 winner
has to discuss his future in the ring, Pacquiao said he will make sure he returns with a big bang following his stunning sixth-round knockout defeat to Juan Manuel Marquez last December at the MGM Grand. Top Rank head Bob Arum was a fifth fight between the two for Sept. 14. Pacquiao said he hasn’t decided yet although Arum wants to see the
HELLO
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Environmental Specialist. “Dominado ang kalaban niya; kontrolado yung laro,” said national coach and three-time Olympian Romeo Brin. “Tapos sinubukan nilang pumasok noong second at third nang malaman nila na talo sila sa score pero yun nga ang gusto ni Bornea e,” Brin added. Bornea, along with coaches Brin and Elmer Pamisa watched from the corner exit as Myradov, relentless and nimble, came away with the advantage after a furious exchange in the third. Brin wasn’t impressed though. “Masuntok lang pero wala naming puwersa,” he said. “Kayang sabayan ni Bornea. Kailangan lang ng timing kasi malikot yung kalaban e.” Bornea’s ability to switch from right to left depending on his needs will be a big factor, Brin said.
“Leading with our defense has been the key for us,” Wade said. “We come out defensive minded from the beginning of the game.” The Heat, 48-14, have not dropped a home game since losing to Chicago on January 4. But Miami will embark upon a five-game road trip that starts on Wednesday at Philadelphia and includes stops in Milwaukee, Toronto, Boston and Cleveland. Wade said the Miami bench is a major factor in sustaining the win streak. “The key is our depth,” Wade said. “We come in waves. Our bench has definitely got to come to play.” The Heat scored 27 points off a season-high 24 Atlanta turnovers and never trailed in producing the 14th double-digit victory margin in the team’s record run. Miami, the only NBA team to clinch a playoff spot and also the
“Adjustable si Bornea, kaliwa’t kanan kaya di tayo mahihirapan. Huwag lang siyang mara-rattle kasi may kalikutan yung kalaban pero di naman kalakasan.” Seats in the semifinals await as well PLDT-ABAP’s James Palicte (60 kgs), Ian Clark Bautista (52 kgs), and Jonas Bacho (56 kgs). Flyweight Bautista battles Sagidyk Moldashev of Kazakhstan, bantamweight Bacho meets Nursuitan Nisanbaev of Uzbekistan, and lightweight Palicte clashes with Nagesh A Kharare of India. In a rematch following their World Juniors semifinal showdown in Armenia last December, Bornea exacted revenge on tormentor and silver medal winner Murodjon Akhmadaliev of Uzbekistan via a referee-stoppedcontest (RSC) win in the third round Tuesday after the Uzbek got called for a third standing 8-count.
Reuters
only team to have beaten every other NBA team this season, led the Hawks by as many as 22 points. Josh Smith led Atlanta with 15 points but the Hawks, 34-29, have dropped eight consecutive meetings with the Heat. ■ AFP / Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Bautista, giving up about three inches in height but not in heart, pounded China’s Lin Wei Lu, 148; Bacho made light work of Sri Lanka’s Ruchira Gunasena, 28-5; and Palicte hammered a similar RSC (3rd round) decision against Askhat Nametkerin of Kazakhstan. “It’s still a long way off but we’re on the right path,” said ABAP president Ricky Vargas. “The semifinals are within reach and we’re 100 percent in support of our five young boxers.” Moldashev reached the quarters against Bautista after outpointing Jordan’s Adel Almat Bouli, 18-3; Nisanbaev plowed on against Bacho by edging Chinese Taipei’s Sheng Ling Lin, 15-12; and Kharare set up the meeting with Palicte after Sri Lanka’s Roshan Hettiarachchi was disqualified in the second round. ■ InterAKTV / Thursday, March 14, 2013
SPORT In Pingoy’s shoes - Johnny A could have been a Blue Eagle, but opted to stay with FEU
FOOTBALL Larry Fonacier sizzles as Talk ‘N Text snaps Rain or Shine’s streak AFTER losing back-to-back games, the Talk ‘N Text
Global kicks off UFL title defense with victory over Pasargad
Tropang Texters have picked up two straight wins to reaffirm their title aspirations in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. Their big guns rediscovered their form on Wednesday night, surviving a Rain or Shine Elasto Painters squad in a defensive struggle on the way to winning, 86-76, at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. Larry Fonacier and Jayson Castro carried Talk ‘N Text in their team’s return bout against their finals nemesis last conference. Continuation on page 39
ONE MORE FI G HT MI N I M UM, THREE MORE MAXI M UM: BOB ARUM CLOSE TO MANNY NONITO PACQUIAO SEES FINISH LINE TO EPIC CAREER ANNOUNCING
JERIE Pingoy could very well be the most popular high school basketball player in the land today. Although he is a very good player, most of the attention given to him is because of his impending transfer from FEUFERN to Ateneo de Manila University. Several years ago, another MANNY Pacquiao is giving FEU point guard was offered the himself a minimum of one and a same opportunity, but his reaction maximum of three fights before to the proposal differed. Johnny finally calling it quits. Abarrientos, one of the best point “I am just 34 (years old),” guards this country has ever seen, Pacquiao said recently as he was had the chance to transfer to Ateneo busy attending to his businesses and be a Blue Eagle at the collegiate just before heading back to General level, after leading the FEU Baby Santos City. Tamaraws to the 1987 UAAP title. Besides, Pacquiao stressed, However, he decided switching ANYTIME now, Top Rank chief Bob Arum will life following his he lives a clean schools would be too risky for his an announcement regardingreligious the explosive transformation. futuremake basketball career. of Nonito andna GuillermoPacquiao Rigondeaux used to drink, “Dipairing naman lahat Donaire ng offer womanize and gamble as if there’s for April 13. kailangan mong binibigay sayo tomorrow. Arum has been tight-lipped other pertinent tanggapin,” Abarrientos said.aboutno But last 18 months, the detailsmong but clarified that thepara fight is green andthe go for “Kailangan mag-decide celebrated Filipino puncher has the saiddi date. sa long term, lang yung immediate decided to mend his ways. future mo.” “We’re making an announcement in the new few The last time Ever sincesaid he was kid,York-bred studying inArum, who days,” theaNew heads the he had a taste of alcohol was in 2011. Ateneo had been Abarrientos’ dream world’s premier promotional outfit. “I could not and he could have made it come true Rigondeaux has actually signed his name above remember exactly when but it was in 2011,” he said. if he the accepted offer transfer. dottedthe line andtoArum is keenly awaiting for After the elections in May, Continuation on page 39 Donaire to put his. Pacquiao said he will give attention New York is the frontrunner to stage the fight to his boxing career. and the historic Radio City Music Hall, an American on page 39 landmark, is being targeted as the Continuation venue for the unification world super-bantamweight title bout. Donaire had a slambang 2012, winning four major fights in stunning fashion. Donaire outclassed Wilfredo Vazquez Jr of Puerto Rico in February, Jeffrey Mathebula of South Africa in July, Toshiaki Nishioka of Japan in October and put an exclamation point to his yearround dominance with a third-round destruction of Mexican hero Jorge Arce. Turk referee Fedli early, Timur raises thefans hand are drooling over the This fight of the Philippines’ Jade Bornea following prospects of seeing Donaire and Rigondeaux, both his masterful 16-6 quarterfinal victory over heavyRakhmankul punchers,Avatov get itWednesday on. Kyrgyzstan’s Even though Rigondeaux is relatively in the 2013 ASBC Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championship at the Subic having only fought a inexperienced professionally, gym. Photo of ABAP Media Group racked up plenty of totalcourtesy of 11 times, the 32-year-old experience duringlight his storied amateur days. SUBIC – Philippine flyweight Rigondeaux, won gold medals in two Jade Bornea and lightwho welterweight was said to have fought 400 times and EumirOlympics, Felix Marcial advanced to the semifinals of the 2013 ASBC lost just a few. ■ InterAksyon // February 13, 2013 Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championships Wednesday after dominating quarterfinal opponents ARWIND Santos made the at the Subic gym. first move to try to put behind a Bornea shredded Rakhmankul forgettable incident involving him Avatov of Kyrgyzstan, 16-6, in the and Petron Blaze import Renaldo 49 kg division while World Youth Balkman. champion Marcial whipped China’s “Ako na ang unang lumapit sa Wang Qingqui, 19-11, in the 64 kg kanya,” Santos told InterAKTV. “Kasi division. Marcial was tied down, 4-all, after baka nga mga foreigner hindi sanay failing to gain headway in the first lumapit, pero nag-sorry naman siya.” The two men were involved in round . Continuation on page 39 a bizarre incident at the end of the
DONAIRE-GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX FIGHT
Jade Bornea, Eumir Marcial enter semis of Asian Youth Boxing tilt in Subic
BOXING
Arwind Santos: ‘Renaldo Balkman apologized to me’ Donnie Nietes keeps crown via majority draw
Arum wants no more tuneups for Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez before fifth fight
CEBU CITY — Donnie Nietes rode BASKETBALL his bicycle on Saturday night to keep
Boosters’ loss to Alaska Friday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. The import played his worst game in the tournament, scoring only six points on 3-of-16 shooting and missing all of his four free throw attempts. Balkman melted down near the end of the game, confronting all three game referees.
Furious finishing kick gives Barako Bull overtime victory over GlobalPort
Pat Russell both submitted identical scores of 114-114. Filipino judge Danrex Tapdasan had it 115-113 for Nietes, who was making the second defense of the WBO 108-lb crown that he won in late2011 in Bacolod City. Nietes said that the wound on his right eyebrow was caused by a legal punch but the one on his left was due to an accidental head butt.
World Boxing Organization lightNational cause:hisflyweight Rob Reyes: That Old Black title versus the rampaging Moises Fuentes at theMagic: A look back PBA agrees to Mexican Welcoming waterfront Hotel. move Governors’Nietes,back bleeding the profusely on bothat Norman Black’s eyebrows, came back in the last two Cup to after rounds but imports! the judges ruled it a majoritysterling PBA draw after 12 rounds. FIBAContinuation Asiaon page 39 American judges Adalaide Byrd andcoaching Continuation legacy on page 39