May 2015 'B' issue

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EL GAMMA PENUMBRA THANKS SUPPORTERS FOR ‘ASIA’S GOT TALENT’ VICTORY THIS time, the votes were more than enough to put them over the top.

Four years ago, shadow play dancers El Gamma Penumbra dazzled local viewers of ABS-CBN’s “Pilipinas Got Talent”, the Philippine edition of the famous “Got Talent” franchise, where they made it all the way to the Grand Finals.

Despite being a crowd favorite, however, the group did not get enough public votes to even land in the top three. The eventual winner that year was the singing group the Maasinhon Trio, which was largely criticized for not being in the same league as El Gamma Penumbra and the two runners-up in terms of talent.

Turn to page 28

VP Binay: No need to waive my right to bank secrecy El Gamma Penumbra with ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ host Rovilson Fernandez.

Story on page 12

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

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May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

Remembering the ‘People’s Diplomat’, Domingo Lucenario Jr. ‘AMBA-DOY’

MANILA - The best stories about the late Philippine diplomat Domingo “Doy” Lucenario Jr. are not found in the halls of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which held a memorial service for him Friday: they are found in Hong Kong, Hamburg, Kenya and Madagascar, in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and anywhere Filipinos saw up close how the foreign service officer, even when he became ambassador, would never hesitate to serve them - whether they are in life-or-death crisis, struggling with red tape, or just saddling him with any one of their endless “silly problems.”

Much like the Good Shepherd in the Bible, he once dispatched a fact-finding team from his Kenyan post to faraway Madagascar to help a desperate OFW family search for their missing father.

The man was found - and Ambassador Doy Lucenario, who had taken pity on the children forced to drop out of school, found time to write the OFW’s eldest child when he had the good news. The man has since returned to Manila, according to Susan “Toots” Ople of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, who had endorsed the family’s plea for help to Lucenario.

The African post Lucenario held was second to the last before Pakistan, where he met an untimely death in a May 8 helicopter crash. It has been said that Filipinos in nearby perilous sites in Aghanistan had relied so much on Lucenario to help with intractable problems.

But he was no stranger to danger: before Pakistan, in the years he served in Africa (Kenya was just a base; he had to serve Filipinos in 10 more African states), Lucenario, it turns out, often was at the center of trouble: not just searching for a missing OFW-father, such as that in Madagascar, but standing

at the veritable “gates of hell” which one colleague said he would not fear to knock on to find or rescue a Filipino in distress. In the past years when Somali pirates were on a kidnapping spree - a bizarre “career” that included at one time a total of over 100 Filipino seafarers - Lucenario travelled thousands of kilometers across Africa, meeting all sorts of people, private companies and groups and networks to shadowy groups, in frenetic negotiations for their safe release, according to elder brother Danton, also a lawyer.

Stroke of genius in Hong Kong. Years earlier - before Pakistan and Africa - there was Hong Kong, seemingly more “comfortable” but posing its own formidable albeit peculiar challenge.

When he first came in as consular officer, Lucenario quickly tapped into the community of over 200,000 OFWs, mostly domestic workers, in the exBritish colony and realized a serious, decades-long problem: many Filipinos could not go home for years on end because their passports were in hock to various groups of fixers and loan sharks, who promised to get them their work permits at usurious rates.

Since the loan rates were so high, many Filipinos ended up forced to work for years in Hong Kong, unable to retrieve their “collateral” passports until they could repay their debt. Some were ailing and wanted to go home; others were homesick, or depressed over not being able to come home despite family emergencies.

The bright but self-effacing young lawyer had a simple, quiet solution: he sent word to the OFWs that if they execute affidavits of loss, these would be replaced by the consulate. The “mortgage value” of the Philippine passports plummeted, and the lending

and fixing rings simply threw in the towel, turning in thousands of worthless, invalidated passports they could no longer use as leverage against the maids who bit the loan-shark challenge.

Early on in his career as diplomat in the eighties, his Hamburg apartment was always filled with Filipino seamen with all sorts of problems, according to his elder brother Atty. Danton Lucenario.

This account was supplemented by wife Nida, who said each time a group of seamen whom Doy had helped were preparing to leave, he would send them off with a wish and a prayer, his large doleful eyes imploring, “Please bear with me; I’ve no cash to give you as pabaon” - and then, casting an eye on Nida’s cupboard where she stacked cans of Spam, corned beef, coffee, cookies and juice, would always say, “but I can pack those stuff for you to bring home to your family.”

DFA mourns ‘People’s Diplomat’. An outpouring of praise well exceeded the overflow of people at the Department of Foreign Affairs auditorium Friday, when the Philippine diplomatic corps bade goodbye to one of its finest.

Yet, for all the accolades, the repeated reference to his grand-slam presidential awards (one of a few diplomats to have received the highest awards from three presidents), and the examples of how his compassion made him tap into a remarkable well of creative genius whenever Filipinos in any part of the world had problems, the one thing that struck people most was his wife’s reminder: his persona was always reflected in the moniker DFA people attached to him everywhere he went: “Amba-Doy.” Pronounced quickly, as a play on the Filipino slang phrase “Ang baduy [someone without style]” -

Personal remittances grow at 15-month high in March MANILA – Money sent home by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at the close of the first quarter rose at the fastest pace in more than five years.

In a report, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said cash remittances increased by 11.3 percent to $2.101 billion last March from $1.888 billion in the same month last year.

Including non-cash transfers, personal remittances rose by 11 percent to $2.326 billion this year from $2.095 billion in 2014. This was the fastest growth since the 13.8 percent uptick in December 2013.

The March growth brings the firstquarter expansion to 5.1 percent.

Remittances fuel consumer spending, which comprises two-thirds of the Philippine economy.

The BSP ascribed the growth in remittances to demand for skilled Filipinos abroad. Citing data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the BSP said approved job orders reached 243,045 in

the first quarter, of which 31 percent were processed. These involved service, production and technical jobs in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Taiwan and United Arab Emirates. ■ InterAksyon. com / May 15, 2015 / 5:48 PM

President Benigno Aquino III stands before the casket of the late Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan Domingo Lucenario Jr. Thursday night (May 14) at Heritage Park, Taguig. The diplomats’ remains were brought to the DFA Friday morning for a memorial service. Malacanang Photo Bureau

only in his case, it was never meant to be pejorative but always said in affection and gratefulness.

Amba Doy’s brother said Lucenario was truly the “people’s diplomat’ someone who never tired of taking time to chat with Filipinos, regardless of their station or rank, everywhere he went; who obsessed with seeking solutions to their problems. In Pakistan, Amba Doy had taken time to chat with Filipinos at the end of Sunday mass. One of those he constantly chatted with was a worker who supplemented her income by selling Filipino delicacies. When news of the 54-year-old Lucenario’s death in the May 8 chopper crash broke, this woman was unconsolable, quipped Danton: first, because he was such a good man; and second, it turned out he was the biggest customer, buying delicacies to serve to guests.

E-passport reform a tough hurdle: threats, smear campaign. Much has

been said about Lucenario: his signal achievement in bringing the oncederided Philippine passport to the 21st century, joining the ranks of e-passports around the world; his streamlining of the consular office at the DFA main office, after taking pity on thousands of Filipinos he would see line up each day, as a early as 3 a.m.; how he never flinched in the face of challenge, be it a dirty, unwieldy task no one wanted, a threat of lawsuit or harassment by syndicates opposing his reforms; or physical danger in the hardship posts he had served in, be it in the jungles of Africa to negotiate with Pinoy sailors’ kidnappers, or the rocky fastnesses of Pakistan.

One eulogy at the DFA memorial service on Friday described him as the unique amalgam of a person with a “high IQ, high EQ and high SQ [for spiritual quotient].” A testament to the last, said one colleague, were his daily rosaries and constant advice to friends to “just pray” even while trying their best. Truly, a Renaissance man with a heart and a soul.

One of the three presidents he served and who recognized his achievement in the bruising, but eventually successful

campaign to overhaul the passport system, Fidel V. Ramos, liked to refer to Doy as “the young boy” - the cool guy whom FVR said was always “looking for problems” because he was always “ready with solutions.”

Indeed, “the young boy” never flinched when he faced the huge task of bringing the Philippines on a par with the rest of the world in getting e-passports. But there was a time when threats against him over that singular reform were so overwhelming, someone of lesser stuff would have given up. Not Lucenario. Danton recalled how Doy had first popped to him the “solution” he had found to the passport problem: it turned out a contractor had not been able to produce the promised modern passports even many years since the DFA signed a contract with it, and the lawyer in Lucenario found an opening.

The Bangko Sentral’s printing plant, it turned out, could do the job, with some help from French technology.

The “solution” was a smashing success but in the middle of it all, Lucenario became the subject of a vicious demolition campaign, with threats of lawsuits and black propaganda in the media.

He didn’t buckle, otherwise Filipinos would not be holding today their maroon machine-readable passports: the lawyer in Lucenario knew he was right; the patriot knew it was a cause worth fighting for; and the prayerful man threw himself at the Lord’s mercy.

But now, the 54-year-old “people’s diplomat” has gone on, plucked from mortal exile by an angel as he flew over the rugged beauty of a Pakistani village last May 8. Friends console themselves with jokes: maybe God had a problem and summoned “the young boy” for a “solution.” Or maybe he was lonely and wanted a lawyer to sing on karaoke (Doy loved to sing, his kids swear).

Whatever it was that brought him to an early end, “Amba Doy” has at least found the best diplomatic post of all: from plucking distressed Filipinos at the gates of hell, he has certainly found his consulate in heaven. ■ Lourdes M. Fernandez / InterAksyon.com / May 15, 2015 / 11:21 PM

May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

BUSINESS & FINANCE

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3

Bo Sanchez rises from poor missionary to prosperity guru WHEN Bo Sanchez was a younger man he hated money.

“I really thought that to love the poor, I had to become poor,” he says.

So he lived as a poor missionary, just getting by while devoting himself to ministry.

One day, he decided to turn his finances around, not for personal gain but so he could help his ministry solve its money problems.

“I couldn’t give any advice to them, because I didn’t know how money worked,” he says in an interview with iMoney.

Today, it’s safe to say Bo knows a thing or two about money. He’s got at least income streams flowing into his life, from internet businesses to real estate to micro-entrepreneurship. He’s also a very influential lay evangelist who brings inspiration to countless Filipinos around the world.

With his mantra, “everybody deserves to be rich,” Bo has helped thousands of Filipinos discover financial freedom... And the number keeps on growing.

Bo Sanchez, founder of Truly Rich Club (among many other groups), shares the difficult ourney from poor missionary to prosperity guru with iMoney, along with the lessons he’s learned along the way.

iMoney: When you were growing up what was your attitude towards money Bo Sanches: I didn’t like money. I felt

P800 a month, which was enough for basic food and transportation. But I was giving away whatever I had for ministry work. I was working in the slums and tried my best to help the poor whenever I could.

That’s a very noble cause. But when did you decide to turn your finances around When I was 30 years old. That

was when I decided to get married and realized I had to change my retirement plan. I couldn’t tell my kids to sleep in the sidewalk with me. The other reason why I changed my thinking about money was the number of people who asked me for prayers for money. I couldn’t give any advice to them because I didn’t know how money worked.

Was it difficult to do that It was very difficult to make a shift. read lots of books, attended seminars, watched videos, listened to audio talks, and talked to financial mentors. had to unlearn many things and learn many things, which took a long process. I made many mistakes. I lost a lot of money.

How did you end up losing money My first business never became profitable.

It failed. So did my second, and third, and fourth…

ikes What kind of businesses did you have that didn’t work out I sold herbal juice, I sold memorial plans,

I sold engine oils, I organized major concerts. I also owned a squidball kiosk, a hotdog stand, and an ice cream stand… I tried networking. I tried direct sales. I tried everything.

Even though you failed and failed you eventually found success. What motivated you to keep going The needs

of the ministry were all around me. I knew I had to become rich if I wanted to help people. So in face of failure, I just had to try again and again and again. I was unstoppable. Sooner or later, I knew I was going to make it.

So what was your first profitable business Doing corporate seminars.

Companies would ask me to give seminars on values, which was right up my alley. And I loved doing it because I could reach people who usually don’t go to my prayer meetings.

Today, because I earn from my other businesses, I now donate my speaker’s fees to the ministry. y most profitable businesses are my online businesses.

Now that you’re successful, what do you wish you’d known sooner about money or finance or your career I just

had to stick to my core gift. It was tempting to venture into exciting things that I saw other people around me doing, but if it wasn’t my core gift, I wouldn’t succeed. But now that I focus on my core gift, success has come

easier and quicker.

How do you integrate your money advocacy into your preaching As

spiritual leader, I don’t only take care of people’s souls. I need to teach people how to follow God in their family life, their health, and even their finances.

It’s my mission to make them grow in every important area of life.

Has your attitude towards money changed over the years Absolutely.

As I learned more, my attitude about money, investments, entrepreneurship, and generosity has matured.

A lot of people seek your financial advice. What’s the most common problem Many people are in debt and many people have zero savings. It’s so sad to see people who earn a good salary but they find themselves buried in debt. Many grow old and poor, depending on their children – even if they earned millions in their lifetime.

that it was an instrument of the devil.

So the less I had, the better I felt. I held to this false idea that if someone wanted to really please God, he had to give up all pursuit of money. My entire retirement plan was when I grow old, I’d sleep on the sidewalk with newspapers as my blanket.

That is sad. What do you think holds them back from being truly rich Two

things: a lack of financial literacy and a lack of the right financial mindset.

Filipinos don’t know how to save and invest their money. Worse, they have a poverty mindset that traps them from

ou were, in your own words, a “poor missionary” back then. How much (or little) were you making back then, and how did you get by I earned

learning new financial habits.

What financial instruments do you recommend for those seeking to increase their wealth When it comes

to investments, I believe the safest and best place to invest is the stock market. I’m not talking about trading.

That’s how people lose their money.

I’m talking about investing long-term in gigantic companies using peso-cost averaging. (Note: For more on peso-cost averaging, read our article “Peso-Cost Averaging: The Easy Way To Invest.”)

What’s been your best financial decision When I got myself a mentor

on how to invest in the stock market, my finances have never been the same again. [Financial mentorship] is what we provide through the TrulyRichClub.

People think they can do it on their own. But that’s how they lose money.

Are you happier now that you have more money I’m not a priest. I’ve

not taken the vow of poverty. Like every Christian, I’ve taken the vow of generosity. I believe the ultimate purpose of money is to love others. I’m happier today because I’ve got more practical ways of loving people. ■ May

13, 2015 / 3:39PM

Bangko Sentral not joining region’s rate cut race – HSBC Global SLOWER-THAN-EXPECTED growth and falling price pressures caused central banks across Asia to ease policy stance, but markets do not expect the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to join the rate cut race when it meets this Thursday.

“While expectations are wellanchored, we consider a case for rate

cuts, as growth momentum is slowing and inflation is at the bottom of the BSP’s target range, Trinh D. Nguyen, economist at HSBC lobal Research, said in a report.

Will the BSP bite the bait and surprise markets with rate cuts We do not think so, but the decision is not as clear cut as the unanimous consensus survey suggests, the economist noted

in the report, “Philippines central bank watch: Tempting, perhaps, but not necessary.”

In trying to determine how the Bangko Sentral’s policy meeting would pan out, HSBC lobal cited inflation eased to 2.2 percent year-on-year in April from 2.4 percent. It touched the lower end of the central bank’s 2-4 percent inflation target range.

We believe the CPI will continue to remain low, despite sequential monthon-month expansion in the months ahead. Indeed, inflation may even slow further on a y-o-y basis, Trinh said.

HSBC lobal also noted exports contracted in the first three months of 2015, while remittances have decelerated due to contracting inflows from apan and Europe on weak external demand. A stronger PHP is another. According to the BSP’s trade weighted index, the PHP has appreciated on both a real and nominal

effective basis. This has weighed on the economy’s external sectors,” the report read.

Domestic demand. “Despite external headwinds and slowing price pressures, we believe the BSP will hold rates steady, Trinh said. It may consider other policy tools that are more effective.

She cited robust domestic demand, supported by flush liquidity conditions and favorable demographic transitions.

Higher fiscal and election spending will likely also buffer some of the external slowdown, Trinh added.

The congestion that hounded major Philippine ports last year created a favorable base that will likely push the CPI lower in this year, HSBC lobal noted, saying last year’s import disruption had pushed up food costs.

By 4Q 2015, however, the opposite could occur, with oil prices, likely volatile weather, and the run-up to the

2016 presidential election pushing up headline inflation again, it added.

In its vigilance the BSP will likely hold rates. It may opt to be more tolerant of a weaker peso, helping exporters and overseas Filipino workers gain some valuation effects.

This should directly address the external sector, without putting financial stability at risk, Trinh said.

Philippine monetary authorities on Thursday kept the lending and borrowing rates unchanged, citing manageable conditions in consumer prices.

The central bank’s policy-setting Monetary Board kept the overnight borrowing rate of 4 percent and the overnight lending of 6 percent unchanged during its meeting last March. The rates have been kept steady since October 2014. ■ VS, GMA News / May 12, 2015 / 7:26 PM

4

BUSINESS & FINANCE

www.hello-philippines.com

May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

Palace clears P5,000 2015 bonus to state workers MANILA - he ffice of the President on aturday disclosed that President Aquino has signed xecutive rder o. , series of , on the rant of the F Productivity nhancement ncentive P to overnment mployees. he P is an across-the-board bonus that is distributed annually to qualified government employees, the amount of which will depend on savings generated by the ational overnment. his year, the P for each employee is set at either P , or one month basic salary as of ay , , regardless of rank or function. xecutive rder o. , titled “ mplementation of the Provisions of

the F eneral Appropriations Act AA ,” refers to the one-time grant of the P , equivalent to either five thousand pesos or one month basic salary as of ay , covering government employees from national government agencies; ongress; the udiciary; the ivil ervice ommission; the ommission on lections; ffice of the mbudsman; overnment wned or ontrolled orporations; Local water districts; overnment Financial nstitutions; and Local government units.

According to xecutive ecretary Paquito . choa, President Aquino signed the on Friday, ay , setting forth the guidelines for the payment of

File photograph from MPB.

the P , which is be released not earlier than une , . “ ur efforts to reform the bureaucracy will be successful only if we can make the most of the talents of our public servants. he P is one of the ways through which we hope to motivate our government workers so they are better-positioned to serve the Filipino public,” Budget and anagement ecretary Florencio Abad said. ub ect to specific pre-conditions, agencies and offices covered by the P are: national government agencies As including s; the ongress of the Philippines, udiciary, ivil ervice ommission , ommission on Audit A , ommission on lection L , and the ffice of the mbudsman B; overnmentwned or - ontrolled orporations s , including Local Water Districts LWDs , and overnment Financial nstitutions F s ; and Local overnment nits L s . he xecutive rder applies to the following government personnel: ivilian personnel occupying regular, contractual, or casual positions, whether appointive or elective, on full-time or part-time basis, provided they have employer-employee relationship with the agencies

concerned and whose compensation are charged against Personnel ervices appropriations; and ilitary Personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of ational Defense; and uniformed personnel of the Philippine ational Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of ail anagement and Penology under the Department of the nterior and Local overnment D L ; the Philippine oast uard; and the ational apping and esource nformation Authority. xcluded are the following individuals hired by the government without employer-employee relationship and paid from nonPersonnel ervices appropriations are excluded from the coverage of this rder. aid individuals may include, but not be limited to, the following: onsultants and experts hired to perform specific activities or services with expected outputs; Laborers hired through ob contracts pakyaw and those paid on piecework basis; tudent laborer and apprentices; and ndividuals and groups whose services are engaged through ob orders, contracts of services, or others similarly situated.

Funds for the payment of the P are to be sourced as follows: For the xecutive branch and s DB shall release the amount needed from the PBF under the F AA, sub ect to the result of the validation done by the oversight agencies concerned; For the ongress, udiciary, , A L and the DB shall release the amount needed from the PBF under the F AA, sub ect to their respective adopted guidelines; For s, Fls, and LWDs from their respective approved corporate operating budgets for F . n case of insufficient funds, the P may be granted at a lower rate but at a uniform percentage of the authori ed amount; For L s from L funds, sub ect to the Personnel ervices limitation in L budgets pursuant to ection a and b of A o. he Local overnment ode of . n case of insufficient funds, the P may be granted at a lower rate but at a uniform percentage of the authori ed amount. he Department of Budget and anagement may issue guidelines as may be necessary for the proper implementation of the xecutive rder.

■ InterAksyon.com / May 16, 2015 / 4:32 PM

Army chief keeps mum on alleged corruption issue; supplier eyes filing of more charges MANILA - The Philippine Army is mum over corruption allegations hurled against its commanding general, even as more suppliers, according to sources, are reportedly set to be filing more charges against Lt. en. Hernando DCA Irriberi.

The other charges set to be filed are said to be administrative and criminal in form, in connection with other big-ticket items allegedly laced with irregularities involving billions of pesos in public funds.

Despite repeated telephone calls and text messages to get his side, Irriberi, through his spokesman, Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato, the efforts of journalists have remained unanswered as Detoyato continues to ignore them.

Interaksyon.com has secured a copy of a nine-page complaint filed on May 5, 2014, by Roperlynn Comahig, a representative of oaviPhilippines Corporation ( PC), against Irriberi for allegedly delaying the delivery of at least three contracts for the supply of ammunition for the Army with a total

amount of P9 .8 million.

PC, reportedly led by businesswoman ocelyn Magcale as President/Chief Executive Officer, has partnered with foreign firms Talon Security Consulting & Trade Ltd. (TSCTL) and Kompanija Sloboda, A.D. (KSAD) for these procurements.

The firm is based at Forbeswood Heights, Tower 2, Bonifacio lobal City in Taguig City.

While Irriberi is silent on the issue, multiple sources within the Department of National Defense indicated that he could face more charges over much bigger projects that had existing and/or pending contracts with other firms linked to Magcale, such as the Stone of David Tactical Equipment Co. Accordingly, Magcale’s father hails from Israel, with the surname Ut urrum.

She’s reportedly planning to file next week administrative and criminal charges against some Army officials, including Irriberi, and defense officials for unwarranted delays for her firms’ contracts. Let’s see if this will happen, said

a source from the Department of National Defense (DND) who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Still, Magcale could not be reached for comment.

Allegedly, Magcale and her foreign partners are eyeing up to P5 billion worth of contracts for the Army’s plan to procure shore-based missile and the missile system for the Navy’s Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC).

In 2013, Stone of David is said to have joined the DND’s bidding for the Navy’s

Philippine Army Chief Hernando Irriberi.

two multi-purpose transport vessels worth P2 billion each. But Magcale, being the President and CEO of the firm, later decided to withdraw from the bidding due to technical and procedural problems allegedly imposed by the DND-Bids and Awards Committee.

I know for a fact that the she Magcale has many friends and contacts, both active and retired generals, at the DND and AFP. She’s very influential. That’s why she obtained lots of projects. I’ve heard also that many generals have investments in the firms she represents, either as stockholders or incorporators, the source said further.

A second source said that Magcale’s filing of the case before the Office of the Ombudsman against Irriberi has the blessings of some generals.

Stone of David was also linked to the controversial purchase of 3,840 armor vests worth P120 million in 2013 that Defense Secretary oltaire a min rejected in anuary 2014 because they were found defective after several series of tests.

Stone of David reportedly partnered

Ad hoc panel releases copy of amended BBL bill; vote set next week MANILA - After public hearings, consultations and executive sessions, the -member ad hoc committee at the ouse of epresentatives has come up with an amended draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law BBL . he panel will vote on it next week, then send it to the plenary for further debate involving all the members of

the ouse of epresentatives. he amended draft deleted several provisions from the original proposal under ouse Bill o.

An Act Providing for the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro and Abolishing the Autonomous egion in uslim indanao .

Among the deleted provisions were on

the contiguous territory; the regulation of power generation, transmission and distribution operating exclusively in the Bangsamoro area; and the creation of the Bangsamoro electoral office and its own human rights commission.

A number of provisions were also reworded to stress the primacy and authority of the national government

over the Bangsamoro government. he BBL is the product of the comprehensive peace agreement between the government and the oro slamic Liberation Front LF that seeks to give political and fiscal autonomy to the Bangsamoro areas. ■

Lira Dalangin-Fernandez / InterAksyon.com / May 14, 2015 / 12:38 AM

with a Serbia-based company, UMMerkata, for the supply of armor vests supposed to be delivered and used by government forces fighting more than 500 rogue members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) during the September 2013 siege in amboanga City.

The suppliers, however, failed to deliver the vests, compelling the Armed Forces of the Philippines to undertake an emergency purchase of about 1,000 armor vests for the troops through the Philippine International Trading Corporation of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Another source indicated that there is information the defective armor vests delivered by Stone of David and UMMerkata are rotting inside a warehouse at Camp Aguinaldo in Que on City.

I think the case has been elevated for arbitration. I’m not really sure what that could mean, but this could lead to some form of settlement or other, the source said. ■ Jaime Sinapit / InterAksyon.com / May 16, 2015 / 5:23 PM

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IMMIGRATION / OFNEWS

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May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

First Filipino school in US opens in San Diego SAN DIEGO, a historical destination for Filipino migrants, opened the first Filipino school in the United States on Monday, endeavoring to reconnect more than 150,000 Filipino-American children to their heritage.

A report on NBC San Diego said

A school designed to teach young Filipino Americans about their cultures and traditions has opened up in San Diego, reports NBC San Diego.

The Filipino School aims to bring students “on a journey starting from their current level of knowledge, and building upon that base level of understanding and selfawareness of Being Filipino.”

North County School will teach students the language and culture of the Philippines, including its “martial arts, games, dance and of course food.”

It will also expose pupils to current events in the Philippines through a live feed maintained by a group of teachers based in the Philippines.

Filipino School co-founder Tony Olaes told NBC that the students will see major areas around the Philippines, including areas hit by typhoons while interacting with locals.

According to its website, The Filipino School aims to bring students “on a

journey starting from their current level of knowledge, and building upon that base level of understanding and self-awareness of Being Filipino.”

The course is open to Filipinos aged seven and up and is offered by age group and academic level.

Tuition for elementary school-level students costs $35 and $40 for middle schoolers. Students in high school can take courses for $45 while college students may take them for $50.

Adults may even join the sessions for the same price as college students.

■ Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / May 12, 2015 / 5:17 PM

PNoy nominates new PHL envoy to Pakistan PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has nominated a replacement for the late Philippine ambassador to Pakistan Domingo Lucenario r., who was killed in a helicopter crash last Friday.

Aquino has picked Daniel Espiritu to replace Lucenario. Espiritu’s appointment papers were signed last May 4, days before the accident that killed Lucenario.

The new envoy needs to secure the nod of the bicameral Commission on Appointments.

Lucenario was killed last Friday when the helicopter he was riding en route to an inspection of development

projects crashed in north Pakistan.

Also killed in the incident, which was reportedly caused by technical fault, were Norwegian Ambassador Leif Larsen, the wives of the ambassadors of Malaysia and Indonesia, the two pilots and a crew member.

Lucenario, a career diplomat who served the Philippine government for 35 years, was supposed to end his tour of duty in Pakistan this August.

More appointments. President Aquino also nominated Constancio ingno r. as the Philippines’ new ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

He likewise appointed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) head Kenneth Hartigan- o as Department of Health undersecretary.

Assistant Secretary Mildred ovela Umali-Hermogenes of the Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel was meanwhile promoted to undersecretary.

Two new assistant secretaries were also named: Bienadel Eli abeth ap of the Department of Public Works and Highways, and Katherine Brimon of the Department of Labor and Employment, who was appointed in an acting capacity.

■ Andreo Calonzo / RSJ/KBK, GMA News / May 13,

2015 / 10:37 AM

IMMIGRATION / OFNEWS

May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

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7

Julie Anne to party with fans in San Francisco

FROM joining various contests on television to working the concert stage, Asia’s Pop Princess ulie Anne San ose has definitely come far. This May, ulie Anne will head to San Francisco to entertain her fans abroad with her undeniable vocal talent.

Produced by im Entertainment, APS Live in San Francisco gives ulie Anne’s US-based fans a chance to meet and party with their idol. The event is set to happen on May 22, 2015, Friday at Fort McKinley in South Francisco, California. The event is sponsored by MA Pinoy T and MA Life T – two of

MA’s international channels in the USA. Fans of ulie Anne in San Francisco will not only get to watch the young pop star perform live, but they can support ulie Anne’s most recent album, Deeper, which has been certified old.

This comes on the heels of ulie Anne’s self-titled debut album, which sold 150,000 units and consequently reached Diamond status in the Philippines. ulie Anne has always been part of MA Pinoy T events, headlining shows like Kapusong Pinoy sa Dubai held last November with Kapuso Royal Couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.

This time, however, expect JAPS to go all out as she perform her hits I’ll Be there, Enough, Bakit Ngayon, and For Everything. For reservations, dial 323931-94 1 or e-mail vimentertainment21 gmail.com. Event starts at 8 P.M. For more information on Kapuso events abroad, visit MA International’s website (www.gmanetwork.com/ international), like MA Pinoy T on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ MAPinoyT ) and follow MA Pinoy T on Twitter and Instagram ( gmapinoytv).

■ Ericon Sayno / GMA International / May 13, 2015

/ 1:21 PM

First Pinay councilor in UK enjoins kababayans to get involved in politics FOR Cynthia Alcantara-Barker, becoming the first Filipino elected in the United Kingdom is all about inspiring other UK-based Filipinos to get involved in their communities.

“Kailangan talaga na may voice ang mga Pinoys dito dahil sino man ang umupo sa government, affected pa rin tayo,” said Barker in an interview on GMA News TV’s “Balitanghali” on Thursday.

“Para sa ‘kin, ang pag-run as councilor is about community,” added the newly-elected councilor of Elstree and Borehamwood.

Barker, daughter of an OFW who went to the UK in the 70s,

observed that Filipinos in the UK started to become more visible in their communities in the last two years, as organizations encourage busy workers and their children to get involved in politics and civic work.

However, the San Pablo City native believes Filipinos can begin their civic work through small works and sharing their skills and not the contents of their wallets.

“Unang-una, mag-volunteer sila, ma-involve sila sa charity organizations. This is not about money, but giving your time, sharing the skills you have with others. Dun mag-umpisa ‘yun, and then kung alam na nila yung

mga pasikot-sikot, malalaman naman nila kung ready na sila,” said Barker.

Barker became Elstree and Borehamwoods first Filipino town councilor in the 2015 UK General Elections while running under the Conservative party, the same party by reelected prime minister David Cameron.

She chose the Conservative party for their economic and political policies, but admitted that, despite helping the party on two separate elections, her choice of party merely coincided with her drive to serve the public.

“As you mature, you gain more skills, tapos you realize you’re ready to take this role,” Barker said. “[It] took

[me] a while to realize, but in the end, I realized I am ready for this and marami akong mao-offer sa community.”

Prior to her election, Barker served as chair of trustees of the local

museum, former president of the Rotary Club’s local branch, and the school governor of St Nicholas C of E Primary School. ■ Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / May 14, 2015 / 2:50 PM

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May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

Senate honors PHL envoy who died in Pakistan chopper crash THE Senate on Tuesday night honored the late Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan Domingo Lucenario Jr. by adopting two resolutions citing his accomplishments and service to the Filipino people.

Senate Resolutions 1328 and 1329, authored by Senators Lito Lapid and Cynthia Villar, respectively, also expressed condolences to the family of Lucenario who died in a helicopter crash in Naltar Valley, Pakistan last May 8.

“Lucenario’s untimely demise, without a doubt, is an immense loss to us, and the Senate joins the nation and his family in their moment of mourning for the loss of a distinguished public servant,” Villar said in her resolution.

Lucenario, , was the first Filipino ambassador who died in the line of duty in recent memory.

In his resolution, Lapid extolled Lucenario’s accomplishments, pointing

out that he was “the only Filipino career diplomat who had the rare distinction of having been awarded with three major Presidential awards for his exceptional and meritorious stint in the foreign service.”

Lucenario was awarded the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Gold level) in 2009, the Order of Lakandula with the rank of rand fficer (Maringal na Pinuno) in 2008 and the Gawad Mabini award with the rank of rand fficer Dakilng amanong also in 2008.

Prior to his appointment as ambassador to Pakistan in 2012, Lucenario served as ambassador to enya and the Philippine non-resident envoy to Burundi, Comoros, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Uganda, Somalia and Tanzania.

He was also the Philippine

Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN Habitat).

Lucenario was noted for his work as project manager of the Philippine machine readable e-passport program which allowed Filipinos to travel internationally with ease.

He also handled several other special projects and positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs including being the chairman of the National Committee on Illegal Entrants , chairman of the nter-Agency Committee on Passport Irregularities (ICPI), Assistant Secretary General of the National Organizing Committee on the ASEAN Summit of 2007, the Global Forum on Migration and Development of 2008 and the Special Ministerial eeting on the on-Aligned ovement in 2009.

Lucenario earned his Bachelor of

Remains of Ambassador Domingo Lucenario Jr. arrive in PHL. The remains of Ambassador to Pakistan Domingo Lucenario Jr., who was killed in a Pakistan helicopter crash, arrive at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City early Wednesday morning, May 13. Lucenario and the Norwegian ambassador to Pakistan were killed in the crash that also injured several diplomats. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the crash but Pakistan said it is still investigating what caused the crash. Photos by Danny Pata.

Arts degree in political science, magna cum laude, from the Manuel L. Quezon University and obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1984 from San Beda College.

Lucenario was on his way to attend a three-day trip to visit two government projects in northern Pakistan with 10 other foreigners when the helicopter they were riding crashed.

sends officials to audi Ara ia follo ing cross

PHILIPPINE labor officials have sent a team to Najran in Saudi Arabia to brief overseas Filipino workers on what to do if the situation there deteriorates, following reported cross-border attacks in the area.

This was amid the Labor

Department’s report that one Filipino was injured in a recent attack.

Still, the Labor Department sought to assure families of OFWs in Najran that the situation there is now normal and calm.

I had sent Labor Attache ainal Rasul and Welfare Officer Amelito Adel to the city to personally oversee efforts to make our OFWs understand the situation and inform them of what the government is doing and will do for them in case the situation deteriorates, DOLE secretary Rosalinda Baldo said in a statement.

Rasul reported the city is now calm after emeni rebels fired rockets and mortars at Najran in the last three days.

Baldo said Rasul and Adel are in Najran

with interpreter Bas Sua. Najran is 900 kilometers south of eddah or a 12-hour travel by land, the DOLE said.

Rasul reported that another shelling attack hit a gas station in the Al urbah District, Najan City, near the Najran General Hospital.

It slightly injured one Filipino who was immediately rushed to the hospital.

I visited him at the hospital. He had back abrasions, and was discharged later after being treated, said Rasul.

Also, Baldo said the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in eddah issued advisories to OFWs in Najran updating them of the situation.

He perished along with Norwegian Ambassador Leif Larsen, the wives of the envoys of Malaysia and Indonesia, and the two pilots manning the Pakistani military aircraft.

Authorities are currently investigating whether the crash is caused by mechanical failure or due to a terrorist attack by the Taliban. ■ Amita Legaspi / RSJ, GMA News / May 13, 2015 / 9:01 AM

order attacks

It also advised them to remain calm, though Rasul reported some OFWs, including nurses working at government hospitals, have requested that they are allowed to move to a safer place.

Meetings. Rasul said he and Adel also visited the Maternity Children’s Hospital Psychiatric Hospital, Al Hayat Medical Center and Najran eneral Hospital and met with their respective managements to get updates.

They also sought to allay the fears of their Filipino medical workers and nursing staff.

In his meetings with the OFW community, Rasul assured OFWs that the Philippine Consulate in eddah, especially

the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, was closely monitoring the situation in Najran and was ready to reach out to employers of OFWs in implementing contingency measures, if necessary.

I advised our OFWs to be vigilant and keep themselves informed and updated of the advisories from the Philippine Consulate, Rasul said.

The DOLE said the emeni border attacks of Najran have compelled Saudi authorities to close its airport and suspend classes.

But all other activities, including government and business operations, remain normal. ■ Joel Locsin / NB/KBK, GMA News / May 13, 2015 / 8:59 PM

Mary Jane’s Indonesian lawyers in PHL to gather new evidence to save her from death sentence THREE Indonesian lawyers of Mary Jane Veloso on Tuesday met with Philippine state prosecutors in Manila to gather evidence in the hopes of downgrading the death sentence slapped on her for drug smuggling.

In an interview with reporters, one of the foreign lawyers said Veloso’s death sentence could be commuted if new evidence could be presented to show that she was a victim of human trafficking.

“My target is how we can cancel the death penalty,” said Rudyantho. “If possible we will try everything we can

itness

do for Mary Jane.”

The Indonesian lawyer said they have not yet spoken with Veloso since her execution by firing squad was postponed in the wee hours of August 29.

Rudyantho said they had already requested for copies of evidence, including sworn statements, related to the fresh criminal complaints lodged against Veloso’s alleged illegal recruiters, Ma. Cristina Sergio and ergio s live-in partner ulius Lacanilao.

“We will ust try to find out the real story. What happened in uala Lumpur

when ergio recruited her to uala Lumpur and sent her to Indonesia,” said Rudyantho. eloso, in an affidavit in arch, claimed Sergio recruited her to work in Malaysia in April 2010. Once in Malaysia, however, she was asked by Sergio to bring a luggage to Indonesia.

Veloso was arrested at the Yogyakarta Airport after authorities found 2.6 kilos of heroin sewn into the bag.

Rudyantho, who will return to ndonesia on hursday, clarified they were not invited by the Philippine government and that it was their own

ho can identify source of heroin in

A possible witness who could supposedly identify the Nigerian national who gave Mary ane eloso the drug-laden luggage when she traveled from Malaysia to Indonesia in April 2010 has backed out from testifying.

This was according to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which said the witness, who is based in Malaysia, was initially willing to identify the Ike mentioned by Mary ane in her affidavit.

She was supposedly a potential victim of Ike and she even had executed an affidavit in Malaysia but she backed out, said Baset Sarip of the NBI Anti-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-AHTRAD).

Sarip said the woman backed out from giving her testimony for safety reasons.

In an affidavit executed in March in Indonesia, Mary ane claimed her recruiter, Ma. Cristina Sergio, had introduced her to a certain Ike, who

gave her the bag that she brought from Malaysia to Indonesia. She was arrested at the ogyakarta Airport for drug smuggling.

NBI agents who went to Malaysia to check its database have found out that there are at least four Ikes currently living there. They also found one who goes by that name in Bacoor, Cavite.

However, investigators have yet to determine who among these Ikes was

decision to come to the Philippines.

He said they have likeiwse scheduled a meeting with the Philippine National Police.

Sergio and Lacanilao turned themselves in to local police in Nueva Ecija two weeks ago. They were later placed under the PNP’s protective custody before they were transferred to the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation.

Both are facing illegal recruitment, human trafficking and estafa charges.

■ Mark Meruenas / KBK, GMA News / May 12, 2015 /

4:23 PM

Indonesian lawyer Rudyantho tells journalists at the Department of Justice in Manila on Tuesday, May 12, that his target is to permanently save Mary Jane Veloso from the death penalty in Indonesia. Photo

by Lia Manalac-Del Castillo.

ary ane ag acks out

Mary ane referring to in her affidavit.

In an artist sketch, Ike was described

by Mary ane as aged 30 to 35 years old, weighing 230 to 250 pounds, more than 6-foot tall, and with dark complexion.

She also described Ike as of African descent, but Sergio later revealed in a statement to authorities that Ike was Nigerian.

Mary ane, 30, is suspected to have been victimi ed by the West African

drug syndicate operating in southeast Asia. She was supposed to have been executed by firing squad in Indonesia last April 29, but she was given a reprieve so she could testify against her alleged recruiters in the Philippines.

Sergio and her live-in partner are facing illegal recruitment, human trafficking and estafa charges. ■ Mark

Meruenas / KBK, GMA News / May 11, 2015 / 8:47 PM

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

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May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

PHL choirs figure prominently in Vietnam intl choir tilt THE Philippines was honored on the international stage anew as several choirs figured prominently in the recent th ietnam nternational hoir ompetition.

One of the choirs, the Urdaneta ity niversity s usic nsemble, got to the gold diploma level in the mixed and folklore categories, A Dagupan reported Wednesday. ue Academy of usic ietnam had topped the gold level in the mixed choirs difficulty level category. n the folklore category, several Philippine choirs got to the gold level, including: rdaneta ity niversity s usic nsemble olegio de ta. osa akati imig ose a ap a ardinal ingers

imig anghaya horale he P A horale got to the silver diploma level in the mixed choirs category.

Another Philippine choir, the oro an icole o, topped the male choirs difficulty level . imig anghaya horale got to the gold level in the hamber hoirs of ixed oices category. olegio de ta. osa akati imig ose a topped the outh hoirs of qual oices category. apua ardinal ingers and niversity of Asia and the Pacific horale got to the gold level in the ixed outh hoirs category. oro an icole o, apua ardinal ingers, Anima hristi horale and olegio de ta. osa imig ose a got to the gold level of the acred hoir

usic category.

Other Philippine choirs that competed in the tilt included: niversity of an Agustin roubadours oro de an ose eatro Para ay risto ocal nsemble Philippine outh hoir of iniloan Anima hristi horale t was not an easy feat for the Urdaneta choir, which prepared for six months and had to overcome many obstacles ust to get to ietnam. “ oong nasa competition na kami, kailangan naming makauwi ng karangalan sa Pilipinas. t s our first time na] sumabak internationally,” said conductor onathan Lastimado.

During the preparation, the choir members followed a strict diet but it

was all worth it in the end. “ abado po pero masaya. t was a great experience,” said singer aureen delos eyes.

For its part, the Pangasinan provincial government feted the choir for its contribution in giving honor to the country. ■ Joel Locsin / BM, GMA News / May 13, 2015

Pinay critical after being stabbed by Pakistani husband in UAE –reports A Filipina was seriously injured after being stabbed by her 61-year-old Pakistani husband in a mall in the United Arab Emirates on Monday, UAE news sites reported.

Police are looking into jealousy as the motive behind the incident where the man repeatedly stabbed the Filipina, 40, in the Capital Mall, according to a report on UAE news site ulf News.

Security personnel intervened and the Filipina was taken to a hospital in critical condition. The husband was arrested.

A separate report on Khaleej Times

2 Pinoy nurses get jail time in US for performing sex act in front of patient

TWO -based Filipino nurses have been sentenced to spend several months in ail for performing sexual acts with each other in front of their -year-old female charge in .

Alfredo ui and ussel orralba, both , were sentenced to and days in prison, respectively, according to a report on imes of an Diego.

The two were also sentenced to the maximum custody under a plea bargain and probation for five years, the report added.

Both had pleaded guilty to the felony charge of inflicting mental suffering on an elderly person last February . ui and orralba were caught committing incidents of neglect on

home surveillance video over a threeweek period in , which led to udges barring the nurses from seeking employment as caregivers. imes of an Diego quoted ui s attorney, Dan reene, as saying that the nurse had admitted that he is ashamed of his conduct.

Ariela Deicas, the victim s granddaughter, castigated the two men for mocking their profession and tearing their family “apart emotionally”.

A report on an Diego said the victim s grandson, duardo Deicas, found the pair s sentence unsatisfactory and was convinced that the two “should rot in ail.” ■ Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA

said the Pakistani used a cleaver to attack his wife, grabbing her by the hair and hitting her several times, almost killing her.

The ulf News report quoted the suspect as saying that he suspected his wife was having an affair with an Asian security guard working in the mall.

He also claimed photos on his wife’s mobile phone confirmed his suspicions.

Police have arrested the security guard as well as they investigate the incident, the report said.

The attack occurred at about 3:30 p.m.

Monday, while the Filipina was working at a

beauty booth in the mall.

Citing surveillance camera footage, the ulf News report said the suspect went to his wife’s workplace. When he could not find her, he called her using his mobile phone.

When the Filipina arrived at her workplace, she reportedly said she just used the bathroom, but the suspect left and returned with a butcher’s knife he allegedly took from a shop.

He then attacked the Filipina, pulling her hair and stabbing her. ■ Joel Locsin /KBK,

GMA News / May 12, 2015 / 1:22 PM

OFWs invited to join new PHL group of professionals A new organization of Filipino professionals is encouraging overseas Filipino workers FWs to oin so that they can connect with each other and expand their network all over the world. he group, called Filipino nternational Professionals FP,

“is designed as a business and social networking group for Filipino professionals, as well as other people of different nationalities country of origin citi enship, all over the world,” according to its website. embership to the group is free, and members are encouraged to “share

their views, questions, concerns, expertise, stories, and pictures videos, Filipino food recipes, among other things” on its website. he members are also encouraged to use their native languages in communicating with other members.

F P s founder, ictor D. abiles, moved to the nited Arab mirates from ueva ci a to work as a marketing executive for ony. abiles would eventually settle in the nited tates to work as a director of international relations for a group of companies. abiles said F P was created to “bring together Filipino professionals, and others, from around the world to network, meet new friends, build business and personal relationships, and help support each other.” ■ Rie Takumi / KBK, GMA News / May 13, 2015 / 4:24 PM

News / May 14, 2015 / 8:55 PM

OFWs in Saudi-Yemen border ask to be repatriated OVERSEAS Filipino Workers in Najran between the Saudi Arabia and emen border pleaded with the Philippine government to help them get repatriated as air strikes continue to hit the area. usto na po talaga naming makauwi po. Kaya po panawagan namin sa ating gobyerno, matulungan ninyo kami rito, pleaded an unnamed OFW over Skype

on MA News T ’s News-To- o on Friday Missiles hit the OFW’s workplace three days ago, destroying trucks and buildings in the open-air compound and leading their employer to temporarily house them in a barracks.

An OFW said they could not leave the area immediately because they have no other place to go.

“Ipinangangamba po namin na baka hindi po kami makauwi kaagad.

Medyo mahirap po talaga ang sitwasyon namin, he said.

Philippine labor officials sent a team to Najran on Wednesday to brief OFWs on what they need to do in case the conflict between Saudi and emen escalates.

Labor Attche ainal Rasul advised

OFWs to remain vigilant and remain updated with advisories from the Philippine Consulate.

The Saudi-led coalition earlier called on civilians to evacuate Saada in Northern emen before it unleashed 130 air strikes over the city, where Houthi rebels maintain a stronghold.

■ Rie Takumi / JJ, GMA News / May 15, 2015 /

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NEWS

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May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

VP Binay: No need to waive my right to bank secrecy VICE President Jejomar Binay brushed aside a call for him to waive his right to keep his accounts secret under the bank secrecy law, saying accounts have already been scrutinized by the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

“Ano pa ang iwe-waiver mo eh nandoon na, na-freeze na nga iyong mga account namin,” he told reporters when told of the challenge made by former enator Panfilo Lacson for him to sign a waiver on his bank accounts.

“The fact na na-freeze na iyong aming account, binuksan na iyong aming account, ano pa ang bibigyan mo (ng authority) doon ng pag-open,” he added.

Binay also told reporters to congratulate him for having 242 bank accounts, as claimed by Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), saying he could have surpassed the number of

bank accounts of Bill Gates, the richest person in the world.

“Kamayan mo na muna siguro ako kasi palagay ko si Bill Gates walang 242 accounts and billions of pesos,” he said.

The Vice President reiterated that he only has five accounts and not .

“Ang sa akin ay lima lang na accounts, hindi naman iyan katulad ng ini-report ng sinuman, bato bato sa langit, iyong pagkaka-spin na 242 accounts,” he said.

When asked how many of the 242 accounts were by his alleged finance officer erardo Limlingan and personal secretary Ebeng Baloloy, Binay said he does not know.

“Basta ang sinasabi ko sa iyo, doon sa 242, 237 doon ay sa ibang tao,” he said He also said that he does not know

how much money are in his bank accounts. He said he and his wife, Elenita, a physician, were earning money long before he joined politics.

“Karamihan ay kinita ko noong ako ay abugado, bago pa ako mapunta sa gobyermo at kinita ng misis ko bilang duktora,” he said.

He added that they also earned from their businesses since the 1980s.

“Hindi mo naitatanong hanggang ngayon e nagmana ako sa nanay ko, hanggang ngayon ay nag-iipon pa nga ako, pa coins coins, iyon ang natutunan ko sa nanay ko,” he said.

Binay said the allegations hurled against them are all exaggerations.

“Natatawa nga kami. Ma-charge ka ng 242 bank accounts, hindi ba kasama na iyon sa exaggeration?

Kung maaalala ko noong una si Senator Nancy (Binay) binibintangan

ng exaggerated price ng cakes, iyong aking lupa sa Batangas exagerrated ang size, ngayon iyong bank accounts

grabe, 242 bank accounts,” he said.

■ Amita Legaspi / JJ, GMA News / May 15, 2015 /

4:25 PM

How to make economic growth inclusive? UN body has recommendations MANILA - Growth in Asia and the Pacific has been inclusive on the macro level as countries have reduced extreme poverty, but the gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots” within these countries has increased over the decades.

This is according to the United Nations Economic and Social ommission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), which yesterday launched Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific across countries.

According to the report, success in reducing rates of extreme poverty masked the fact that compared with the 1990s, the years between 2000 and 2012 saw the richest 20 percent the population capturing a larger share of income than the poorest 20 percent.

Also not obvious was the deterioration in labor markets, with many employed but in substandard jobs.

AP economic affairs officer Steve Loris Gui-Diby recommended that governments launch “integrated and well-designed packages of inclusive policies to boost opportunities for decent employment and job security.”

According to the study, agriculture, which employed many members of the population, is “shrinking and delivers low yields.”

Neglect of rural sector. To remedy this, the UN ESCAP suggested that governments address the neglect of the rural sector to reduce poverty and inequality.

Agricultural productivity, for example, could be increased by investing in research and development. The nonfarm sector could also be improved through rural industrialization, GuiDiby said.

He also pushed for the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises, and the strengthening of the

Pag-asa islanders concerned over illegal fishing in West PHL Sea RESIDENTS on Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea are concerned over illegal fishing by foreign fishermen near the island.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines quoted Meldy Pernia, secretary for the Island Administrator, as saying fishermen from Pag-asa Island have seen Chinese and ietnamese fishermen harvesting their catch through illegal means.

They are engaged in blast or dynamite fishing. They also use cyanide, she said.

Pagasa Island Administrator Mary oy Batiancila, for her part, said these activities ruin the natural ecosystem and physical makeup of the bahura or the coral reefs around Pagasa.

This leads to a drop in the fish catch or incomes of our own fishermen, she said.

Kalayaan town Mayor Eugenio Bitoon-

on said the illegal fishing activities have also given officials of Kalayaan and Palawan cause for alert and concern over the condition of the marine ecosystem in the West Philippine Sea. New tourism route. Meanwhile, Bitoon-on said among the projects of his municipality is to create a tourism route through West Philippine Sea, which includes Pagasa Island.

He said the new route would help boost the income of residents in the Kalayaan roup of Islands.

AFP chief of staff en. regorio Pio Catapang r. said the military is willing to support the tourism project in the West Philippine Sea. He also assured the residents that the AFP will continue protecting the island and its surrounding waters against any threat. ■ Amanda Fernandez / JDS, GMA News / May 16, 2015 / 6:03 PM

developmental role of macroeconomic policy by making existing expenditures more development-oriented.

With education critical for growth, Gui-Diby said there are large disparities in secondary school attendance between rural and urban areas, and between male and female pupils.

In the Philippines, there were more boys than girls in elementary school in 2012, with a boy-girl ratio of 1:0.92, according to the National Economic and Development Authority’s Philippine Progress Report on the Millennium Development Goals.

But the situation was reversed in secondary and tertiary education, with a girl-boy ratio of 1.02:1 for secondary and 1.19:1 for tertiary levels.

“Differences in access to education across the sexes, across income quintiles, and across rural and urban sectors, have impacted opportunities for empowerment and economic opportunity,” UN ESCAP said.

A challenge to sustained growth was a shortage in skilled labor, which was a trend in Southeast Asia. “Even in higher income countries, such as Malaysia and Thailand, student performance in essential skills such as reading, mathematics, and science, is relatively weak by international standards,” the report read.

The study therefore called for an increase in secondary enrolment and the promotion of technical and vocational education.

Gui-Diby also cited healthcare as a

factor in growth, with indicators such as access, affordability, and acceptability of health services.

For example, this year’s State of the World’s Mothers Index by humanitarian organization Save the Children showed the following disparities among the richest and poorest women and children in Metro Manila: 72 percent of the poorest women received the recommended minimum number of four prenatal care visits, compared to 93 percent of the richest women; 68 percent of the poorest women gave birth with a skilled health professional, compared to percent of the richest women; and 80 percent of the poorest children were vaccinated for measles, compared to percent of the richest children.

The poorest urban children in Metro Manila were also twice as likely to die as the wealthiest urban children before they reached their fifth birthday.

Save the Children said, however, that this under-five mortality rate was already an improvement from what it was in the 1990s, when the poorest urban children in Metro Manila were four times as likely to die as the wealthiest urban children.

Huge, out-of-pocket health costs.

Another barrier to healthcare, Gui-Diby said, was high out-of-pocket medical payments.

He said that governments should increase access to and the affordability of health systems.

Progress should be along the following dimensions, according to the UN ESCAP: “the breadth or extension of population coverage by insurance schemes; the depth or types of services that need to be provided, such as outpatient and inpatient services; and the height or the financial risk protection.”

The report said another key to inclusive growth was the protection of the environment.

Steps to provide access to improved sanitation, water sources, and cleaner energy must be made.

This was because the poor were “particularly affected by environmental degradation.” Various studies showed that they were also vulnerable to the effects of extreme weather events brought about by climate change.

In the Philippines, 84.4 percent of Filipinos had access to safe water, according to last year’s Philippine Progress Report on the MDGs. The country had not yet reached the target of providing . percent of families with access to safe water, but the rate was already an improvement from only 73 percent in 1990.

UN ESCAP also scored the country for the “chronically low” government spending on infrastructure.

“To enhance well-being, countries need to go beyond just focusing on ‘inequality of income’ and instead promote ‘equality of opportunities’.

To reverse the trend of widening socioeconomic disparities, UN ESCAP recommends that public expenditure be more development-oriented, particularly to enhance access to quality education and healthcare, and to strengthen social safety nets. quitable access to finance, water, and energy is also vital,” the UN agency’s general secretary Dr. Shamshad Akhtar said in a video message at the event. ■ Tricia Aquino / InterAksyon.com / May 15,

2015 / 1:10 PM

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FREE LISTING of events in HELLO PHILIPPINES newspaper.

Please email info@hello-philippines.com to include your event.

D I S C L A I M E R : The Events Diary r listing does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation or fa f vouring by HELLO PHILIPPINES newspaper. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Hello Philippines newspaper and/o / r the Publisher. What’s On is a Filipino Events Diary r listing fo f r UK and Europe.

201 DATE / TIME

EVENT

CALENDAR OF EVENTS – UK & EUROPE VENUE

Sunday May 31st 2015 17:30 onwards

The Diamond Masquerade Ball

Saturday June 6th 09:00 - 18:00

Independence Day sa Newcastle at Pista sa Nayon

Clapham Grand 21- 25 St John's Hill, Clapham Junction, SW11 1TT London, United Kingdom Blaydon Rugby Club, Hexham Road, Swalwell, NE16 3BN, Newcastle, UK K

June 7th

Yorkshire Barrio Fiesta 2015

Ripley racecourse, Ripley, Yorkshire, Ripley, UK

Saturday 13th June 2015

26th Philippine National Day dinner and dance

Hilton London Metropole, 225 Edgware Road, London W2 1JU

ORGANISER

CONTACTS / REMARKS

Dee Chanelle www.diamondmasqueradeball.com Sally Sellars: 07886742417 Bong Bangayan: 07859811648 Rodger Mangnding: 07725892489 Lolita Boddy FWA-UK Dulia Prado

Dulia Prado 07944678525 duliaprado@btinternet.com & Bing Cabatic 0208 902 1016 rcabatic@tiscali.co.uk

Sunday June 14th Bradfo f rd Barrio Fiesta fo 10:00 -17:00 www.hello-philippines.com 18

Lady Hill Park, Allerton, N&N Independent Team Chapel Road, Bradfo f rd, BD15 fo INTERNATIONAL / GLOBAL NEWS 7RJ J Eastville Park, Muller Road, Association of Filipino-British in Bristol Eastville, Bristol, BS5 6XA 6X , United Kingdom

Nelson Ginez: 07823338947

May 2015 – No. 9 • UK & Europe Edition April

F R E E Bristol LIS T IFiesta N G o f e v e n t s i n H E L L O P H I L I P P I N E S Wilfr n ewspaper. f r Barrio ilf edo Manuel, 07900485194 - fo ilfr c l u d eparade y oand uMarian r e Procession vent.

P l e a s e e m a i l i n f o @ h e l l o - p h i l i p p i n e s . c o m t o i nSantacruzan

Saturday, June 20, 2015 8:30 - 18:00

D I S C L A I M E R : The Events Diary r listing does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation or fa f vouring by details.

HELLO PHILIPPINES newspaper. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those Carlo Eduvala, 07528770491 of Hello Philippines newspaper and/o / r the Publisher. What’s On is a Filipino Events Diary r listing fo f r UK and Europe.

201 DATE / TIME

EVENT

CALENDAR OF EVENTS – UK & EUROPE VENUE

ORGANISER

Clarence Tej e ada, 07500896239 ej

Honeylyn Sarao, 07783343848 CONTACTS / REMARKS

F R E E L I S T I N G o f y o u r e v e n t s i n H E L L O P H I L I P P I N E S n e w s p a p e r . I f y o u k n o w o f a n y e v e nHilda t s pPonce l e a s07909724653 e contact us via Saturday andh Sunday Barrio Park, Morden, Greater BAYANIHAN UK K Tess Juco 0795 659 3236 / 020 8671 3966 / info@ e l lay o - p h i Morden lippin e s . Fiesta c o m t o sMorden ubmit your event.

20 and 21 June 2015

London SM4 5DX United

D I S C L A I M E R : T h e E v e n t s D i a r y L i s t i n g Kingdom does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorseme n t ,3417 r e c5038 omm e n d tvj avj ion, 020 Email: vtuco@gmail.com

or favouring by Hello Philippines newspaper. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or Zarcilla r e f l e c t t h o s e o f H e l l o P h i l i p p i n e s n e w s p a p e r . T h i s i s m e r e l y a n E v e n t s D i a r y L i s t i n g o f w h a t i sGil ha p p e n0208 i n g 204 w i t7808 hin the Filipino Communities in Europe. This is for general information only.

Andy Villamor 0746 218 4221

Friday 26th – Saturday ay 1st Saturday 27th June 08:00 – 18:00 st 1

Sunday

th st r d a y 2 5 tu S a1 Sunday a n d

d a y 2 6 th J u l y 2 0 1 5 S u nnd Saturday

2

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2nd Sunday 2

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3

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2 0 fo MO N T H L Y Fairlands F I L I P Valley I N O Park C O M M U N IFil-Herts T Y MBarrio A S SFiesta E S Iorganization N GREATER LONDON Hertfo f1rdshire Barrio Joseph: 07534711757, 07428184063 5:00pm Devotion in Honour of Our Lady of Fatima (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament / Ivy: Rosary / Fiesta Showground Arena (opposite Benediction / Mass) St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB – Michael: 07447588971 Stevenage Football stadium) Oliver Abasolo – 07782 661 922 8RH 2:00pm FiveSG2 Precious Wounds Parish, Brentfield Road, Stonebridge Park,Email: London NW10 8ER barriofiestainhertfo tf rdshire@yahoo.com tfo 07894 140 W E L C O M E T O A S I A Mervic niversal Infinity Limited Sponsorships/Stalls contact: L a m pMonocillo t o n P a r k , H–o u n s l o w , 636 U 5:00pm Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Friary Road, Peckham, London SE15 1RH SUMMER FESIVAL M id d le s e x T– W07713 3 4 D N 625 888 Roselle Collado 07944 026 968 Allen Abeleda 2 04:00pm 15 – previously St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 103 Woolwich New Road, London SE18 6EF Tickets/P erform ers/General Enquiries: Moises Espanola – 07894 648 639 HOUNSLOW SUMMER 5 7 7 89EW 13 104 0 7HA9 2:00pm English Martyrs Church, Chalkhill Road, Wembley Park, Wembley FESTIVAL 2014 Becky Sarinas – 07949 857 699 / 07425 761 519 / Lina B – 07579 418 510 events@universalinfinity.co.uk £2 per person per day 2:00pm

St Dominic Catholic Church, 243 Violet Lane, Waddon, Croydon CR0 4HN

( C h i l d r e n u p t o 1 2 Merlie Mirto – 07722 216 462 y e4:00pm a r s o l d a n d a d u l t sSt. Anselm and St. Cecilia, 70 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3JA Feliciano Ramirez – 07733 680 748 6 03:00pm + years old ENTER Sacred Heart of Jesus, New Priory, Quex Road, Kilburn, London NW6 4PS FREE) Sheidrick de Leon – 07738 210 202 3:00pm Sacrament Parish, 157 Ofba Copenhagen OFBA 6th Barrio Fiesta Blessed f fba Orpington Street, Islington N1 0SR Hewitts Farm Christy Sangalang – 07709 119 969 2015 Court Road, BR6 9BX Orpington, 6:00pm Our Lady of Dolours, Servite Parish Church, 264 Fulham Road, London SW10 Bromley, United Kingdom Fr Allan Satur – 020 7352 6965 / fulhamroad@rcdow.org.uk / Roland Adap –

3rd Sunday

Saturday, August 8 Last Saturday 10:00 - 17:00 Last Sunday

12:00pm

St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB

4EL r_adap@hotmail.com

Lahing Kay Lah ayu umangg ggii LK D an ce St. And ndrrew’s s Unit ite ed Reffo orm ed 922 Oliver 661 Ctont Laurence La attn07840 or Ave Avery att events in H E L L O Abasolo P H I L I P– P 07782 INES n ews paper. If you know of any even s tact p tl e ase co t a c t 602 u s944 via Last Church, 218 Roehampton Lane, London SW15 4LE Frognal Lane i n f oSunday @ h e l l o - p h i Rehearsals l i 2:00pm p p i n e s . c o m St. t o Joseph’s sChurch u b m iHall, t Catholic yo ur ev ent.

14:00 - 18:00 07805 239 801 or email info f fo @lkdance.org.uk Rafael Santiago – 07795 254 451 Road), London D I S C LSunday AIMER: The Ev ents Diary List i n g (corner d o e s Finchley n o t nCatholic e cessa r iChurch, ly const itu te or im p l y i Oval, ts end orseme n t , r6BU ecommendation, Every 5:00pm Holy Redeemer 20 Brixton Road, London SW9 o r f a v o u r i n g b y H e l l o P h i l i p p i n e s n e w s NW3 pape r. T h e v i tube: ews and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or 7DY. Nearest Ben Ortiz – 07723 318 486 reflect those of Hello Philippines newspaper. This is merely an Events Diary Listing of what is happening within the Filipino ey Road First Wednesdays 6:30pm and Novena Comm unities in Euro p e . T h i s i s f o r Filipino g e nFinchley e r a lMass in for mat i o n o n lto y . Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Farm Street Church of the Immaculate (Jesuit access on 114 Mount W1K Josie Ramos – Martyrs Church F i p1 i n o FM am i lN y M s sConception oY ste d bA y :SAS l yE s sS a GIoN nza l eR s EStreet, 2i l0 O TaH L Y English FILIP I N OCatholic CHouse OM MChapel), U N IH T M G A T E RLondon LON O N 3AY – Every 2nd Sunday Becky at D 07949857699 / 07723 024 591 1 Saturday Devotion inRoad, Honour of Our of Fatima (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament / Rosary / Chalkhill Wembley Park,Lady at 5:00pm English Martyrs Benediction / Mass) St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB – 14:00 Lina B at 07579418510 HA9Abasolo 9EW Catholic Church Oliver – 07782 661 922 Sunday 2:00pm Five Precious Wounds Parish, Brentfield Road, Stonebridge Park, London NW10 8ER 1 FREE LISTING of your events in H ELLO P HILIPPIN S n e w636 s p a140 per. If you know of any events please contact us via Mervic Monocillo –E 07894 Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Friary Road, Peckham, London SE15 1RH 1 i n fSunday o @ h e l l o - p h i l i 5:00pm p p i n e s . c o m Our t o s u b m i t y o u r e v e n t .

Allen Abeleda – 07713 625 888 Every Sund unday FRE E LISTING

of

your

st

st

st

2nd Saturday

4:00pm

St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 103 Woolwich New Road, London SE18 6EF

D I S C L A I M E R : T h e E v e n t s D i a r y L i s tMoises i n g d o Espanola e s n o t n e–c 07894 e s s a r i l648 y c o639 nstitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, nd 2 o r fSunday avouring

2:00pm Chalkhill Park,

by Hello P h i l i p p i n e s nEnglish e w s p a pMartyrs e r . T h e Church, views an d o p i n i oRoad, n s o f Wembley authors e x p r e Wembley s s e d h e r eHA9 i n d 9EW o not necessarily state or Becky Sarinas – 07949 857 699 / 07425 761 519 / Lina B – 07579 418 510 r ect those of Hello P h i l i p p i n e s nSt e wDominic s p a p e r . Catholic This is m e r e l y a243 n E vViolet ents D i a r y Waddon, L i s t i n g oCroydon f w h a t i sCR0 h a p4HN pening within the Filipino 2:00pm Church, Lane, 2e f lSunday Mirto – 07722 216 462 C om m u n i t i e s i n E u r o4:00pm p e . T h i s i s f o r Merlie genera l information only.

2 Sunday St. Anselm and St. Cecilia, 70 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3JA nd

nd

3rd Sunday

1st Saturday

3rd Sunday

Feliciano Ramirez – 07733 680 748 20 1 M O N T HSacred LY FIL IPINO COMMUNITY MASSES IN GREATER LONDON 3:00pm Heart of Jesus, New Priory, Quex Road, Kilburn, London NW6 4PS

5:00pm

3:00pm

Last Saturday

6:00pm

Last Sunday

12:00pm

Last Sunday 1st Sunday

2:00pm 5:00pm

Every Sunday

5:00pm

1st Sunday

2nd Saturday

First Wednesdays

2

nd

Sunday

2:00pm

4:00pm

6:30pm

2:00pm

Devotion in of Our 210 Lady of Fatima (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament / Rosary / Sheidrick deHonour Leon – 07738 202 Blessed Sacrament Parish, 157 Copenhagen Street, N1 Kingston 0SR Benediction / Mass) St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Islington Orme Road, Upon Thames KT1 3SB – Christy Sangalang – 07709 119 969 Oliver Abasolo – 07782 661 922 Our Lady of Dolours, Servite Parish Church, 264 Fulham Road, London SW10 4EL Fr Allan SaturWounds – 020 7352 6965 / fulhamroad@rcdow.org.uk / Roland Adap – r_adap@hotmail.com Five Precious Parish, Brentfield Road, Stonebridge Park, London NW10 8ER St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB MervicAbasolo Monocillo – 07894 636 140 Oliver – 07782 661 922 St. Roehampton Lane, London SW15 4LE OurJoseph’s Lady of Catholic Sorrows Church, Catholic 218 Church, Friary Road, Peckham, London SE15 1RH Rafael Santiago – 07795 254 451 Allen Abeleda – 07713 625 888 Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 20 Brixton Road, Oval, London SW9 6BU St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 103 Woolwich New Road, London SE18 6EF Ben Ortiz – 07723 318 486 FilipinoEspanola Mass and to Our Moises –Novena 07894 648 639Mother of Perpetual Help, Farm Street Church of the Immaculate Conception (Jesuit House Chapel), access on 114 Mount Street, London W1K 3AY – Josie Ramos – English Martyrs 07723 024 591 Church, Chalkhill Road, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 9EW

Becky Sarinas – 07949 857 699 / 07425 761 519 / Lina B – 07579 418 510 St Dominic Catholic Church, 243 Violet Lane, Waddon, Croydon CR0 4HN Merlie Mirto – 07722 216 462 2nd Sunday 4:00pm St. Anselm and St. Cecilia, 70 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3JA Feliciano Ramirez – 07733 680 748 3:00pm Sacred Heart of Jesus, New Priory, Quex Road, Kilburn, London NW6 4PS 3rd Sunday Sheidrick de Leon – 07738 210 202 3rd Sunday 3:00pm Blessed Sacrament Parish, 157 Copenhagen Street, Islington N1 0SR Christy Sangalang – 07709 119 969 Last Saturday 6:00pm Our Lady of Dolours, Servite Parish Church, 264 Fulham Road, London SW10 4EL Fr Allan Satur – 020 7352 6965 / fulhamroad@rcdow.org.uk / Roland Adap – r_adap@hotmail.com Last Sunday 12:00pm St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB Oliver 661 922 FREE LISTING of your events in H E L L O Abasolo P H I L I P– P 07782 INES n ews paper. If you know of any events please contact us via Last 218 Roehampton Lane, London SW15 4LE i n f oSunday @ h e l l o - p h i l i 2:00pm p p i n e s . c o m St. t o Joseph’s s u b m i t Catholic y o u r e v Church, ent.

Rafael Santiago – 07795 254 451 D I S C LSunday A I M E R : T h e E v5:00pm ents Diary List ing d o e s n o t nCatholic e c e s s a r iChurch, ly const itu te or im p l y i Oval, ts end orseme n t , r6BU ecommendation, Every Holy Redeemer 20 Brixton Road, London SW9 or favouring by Hello Philippines newspaper. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or Ben Ortiz – 07723 318 486 reflect those of Hello Philippines newspaper. This is merely an Events Diary Listing of what is happening within the Filipino First Wednesdays and Novena Comm u n i t i e s i n E u r o6:30pm p e . T h i s i s f o r Filipino g e n e r a lMass infor mat i o n o n lto y . Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Farm Street Church of the Immaculate on 114 Mount W1K 201 M O N T HConception L Y F I L I P I(Jesuit N O CHouse O M MChapel), U N I T Y access MASS ES IN G R EStreet, A T E RLondon LOND O N 3AY – Josie Ramos – 07723 024 1st Saturday 5:00pm Devotion in591 Honour of Our Lady of Fatima (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament / Rosary / 2nd Sunday

2:00pm

Benediction / Mass) St Pius X Catholic Church, 108 Orme Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 3SB – Oliver Abasolo – 07782 661 922 st

May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

INTERNATIONAL / GLOBAL NEWS

www.hello-philippines.com

15

India’s Modi tells China to ‘reconsider’ approach BEIJING - isiting ndian Prime inister arendra odi told his hinese counterpart on Friday that Bei ing needs to “reconsider its approach” to relations between the Asian giants, as the indu nationalist leader departed from the usual diplomatic pleasantries. odi, who despite his hardline reputation has moved to engage with Bei ing since his election last year, made the remarks after being welcomed to the reat all of the People by Premier Li eqiang. “ stressed the need for hina to reconsider its approach on some of the issues that hold us back from realising full potential of our partnership,” odi said, adding that he “suggested that hina should take a strategic and longterm view of our relations”. is comments stood out from the usual public declarations by diplomatic visitors to Bei ing, who normally stick to uninterrupted pledges of friendship and good relations. he worlds two most populous

nations are jockeying for regional influence in Asia and their relationship is coloured by a brief but bloody border war over the northeastern ndian state of Arunachal Pradesh, parts of which Bei ing claims as outh ibet.

Another bone of contention is what Bei ing sees as Delhis support of the Dalai Lama -- a obel Peace Pri e laureate whom hina considers a separatist -- and the ibetan government in exile, both based in ndia. “ ur relationship has been complex in recent decades,” odi said, adding there were issues that “trouble smooth development of our relations”.

“But, we have a historic responsibility to turn this relationship into a source of strength for each other and a force of good for the world,” he said, adding that the hinese leadership had been “responsive” in the meetings.

“We are committed to set a new

direction between the two largest Asian countries,” he said.

‘More common interests than differences’. odi began his three-day

visit on hursday in ian, the capital of hinese President i inping s home province haanxi, where he was hosted by the head of state. his was the first time i had welcomed a foreign leader to his hometown, hinese media reported. n another moment of warmth, a selfie of odi and Li smiling in the sunshine at what appeared to be Bei ing s emple of eaven was posted on both the ndian leader s ina Weibo hinese social media account and witter -- access to which is blocked in hina. “ t s selfie time ” odi captioned the picture on witter. “ hanks Premier Li.” After their formal meeting, Li said in a speech: “We do not deny that there

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during a signing ceremony

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) reviews an honour guard with Chinese Premier

are some disagreements between us, but we have far more common interests than differences.

“We agree that we need to keep up the momentum on the special representatives talks on the boundary question and seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution.” he two countries signed documents, including agreements to cooperate in fields ranging from aerospace and railways to tourism and education, although no details were given, as well as open consulates in hennai and hengdu.

But hina has become increasingly assertive in territorial disputes in recent years and relations remain delicate, as demonstrated by the mixed rhetoric. “ he bilateral relationship is still vulnerable to many sensitive issues,”

said an editorial in the lobal imes, affiliated with the ommunist Party mouthpiece People s Daily. “Lack of mutual trust still disturbs both sides.” hina is ndias biggest trading partner with two-way commerce totalling billion in . But ndias trade deficit with hina has soared from ust billion in - to more than billion last year, ndian figures show.

After his meeting with Li, odi told students at Bei ing s elite singhua niversity that ndias democracy and youthful population were key assets for his country. “ ndia has . billion people, and million below years old,” he said. “ his is a very good advantage, and democracy is also a key advantage to us.” ■ AFP / May 15, 2015

16

INTERNATIONAL / GLOBAL NEWS

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May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

Beijing rebukes US over South China Sea islands row BEIJING - China’s foreign minister told top US diplomat John Kerry on Saturday that Beijing was “unshakeable” in its defence of sovereignty, as tensions between the powers mount over Chinese islandbuilding in strategic but disputed waters.

The United States is weighing sending warships and surveillance aircraft within 12 nautical miles -- the normal territorial zone around natural land -- of artificial islands that Bei ing is building in the South China Sea. Such a move could lead to a standoff on the high seas in an area home to vital global shipping lanes and believed to be rich in oil and gas deposits.

Beijing regards almost the whole of the South China Sea as its own and after talks in the Chinese capital Foreign Minister Wang Yi said sternly: “The determination of the Chinese side to safeguard our own sovereignty and

territorial integrity is as firm as a rock and it is unshakeable.”

Kerry was less assertive in public, saying at their joint press conference that Washington was “concerned about the pace and scope of China’s land reclamation” and urged it “to take actions that will join with everyone to reduce tensions”.

The region needed “smart diplomacy”, he said, rather than “outposts and military strips”. enior tate Department officials had said ahead of the meeting that Kerry would take a tough line and “leave his Chinese interlocutors in absolutely no doubt that the United States remains committed to maintain freedom of navigation”.

“That’s a principle that we are determined to uphold,” the official added.

The world’s top two economies have significant commercial ties and

Satellite images taken in January 2010 (L) and April 2015 shows a section of West Reef

US Secretary of State John Kerry (L) holds a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to pay a state visit to the United States in September.

But China’s ambitions for a place on the world’s political stage commensurate with its economic role have seen it cross the United States in multiple fields, and the two have longrunning disputes over issues ranging from trade to cyberspying to human rights.

At the same time the United States is China’s second-biggest trading partner after the European Union, with twoway commerce worth $555 billion last year, according to hinese figures.

Beijing is the heavily indebted US government’s biggest foreign creditor, figures from Washington showed Friday, reclaiming top spot from Japan with more than $1.26 trillion in Treasury bonds.

Kerry was due to meet senior political and military leaders later.

‘Hegemonic presence’. Beijing bases its territorial claims in the South China Sea on a segmented line dating back to Chinese maps of the 1940s. officials increasingly believe

Washington needs to send a clear signal about China’s activities around the Spratly Islands and other disputed territories, while avoiding triggering a crisis.

Pentagon officials last week revealed that Bei ing is building artificial islands on top of South China Sea coral reefs at an unprecedented pace, in a land reclamation effort dubbed a “great wall of sand” by one American commander.

The rapid construction comes to 2,000 acres (800 hectares), with 75 percent of the total created in the last five months alone, and includes a runway said to be 3,100 metres (10,200 feet) long. government officials stress that under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, only natural land masses create a territorial claim, not artificial islands.

“You can’t build sovereignty,” an official said.

But the United States has never ratified the convention itself.

Beijing’s increasing assertiveness has raised deep concerns across the region in recent years -- as well as its

South China Sea claims, which overlap with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, it is in dispute with Japan over islets in the East China Sea. Beijing defends the island-building as taking place within its own territory and intended to enhance its ability to carry out international obligations such as search and rescue.

In a commentary Saturday, China’s official news agency inhua said the United States was guilty of “thinly veiled hypocrisy”.

“The United States is not a party in the South China Sea disputes, which are between China and other claimants and should be handled by those directly involved,” it said.

“Washington has no valid grounds whatsoever to point an accusing finger at Bei ing over outh hina ea.

Instead, it needs to look at itself in the mirror,” it went on, accusing the United States of seeking “a pretext to maintain its hegemonic presence in the region”.

The United States is pursuing a foreign policy “pivot” towards Asia which has rattled China. ■ AFP / May 16, 2015

in order to help the vulnerable people who are in need .

Washington, meanwhile, urged countries of the region to work together to save lives at sea, State Department spokesman Mark Rathke said.

International human rights watchdogs were also critical.

The Thai, Malaysian, and Indonesian navies should stop playing a three-way game of human ping pong, and instead should work together to rescue all those on these ill-fated boats, said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch.

Many of the migrants are Rohingya, who suffer state-sanctioned discrimination and have been targeted by sectarian violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

More than 1.3 million Rohingya -- viewed

by the United Nations as one of the world’s most persecuted minorities -- live in Myanmar’s western Rakhine State.

Malaysia refused to budge Thursday, with the deputy home minister putting blame for the problem squarely on the migrants’ home countries.

Of course, there is a problem back home in Myanmar with the way they treat the Rohingya people, Wan unaidi Tuanku aafar told AFP. So that is why we need to send a very strong message to Myanmar that they need to treat their people with humanity.

They need to be treated like humans, and cannot be so oppressive.

He said Bangladesh also needed to do more to prevent illegal immigrants leaving its shores. ■ AFP May 14, 2015

Malaysia turns away boats as death stalks weary migrants OFF KOH LIPE, Thailand - Malaysia turned away two vessels carrying hundreds of migrants while one boat turned up in Thai waters, as critics accused Southeast Asian governments Thursday of playing human ping pong with desperate boatpeople.

Malaysia and Indonesia have vowed to bar ships bearing migrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh from entering Southeast Asia waters, triggering warnings from UN Secretary eneral Ban Ki-moon and rights groups that the hardline approach could endanger thousands at sea and falls short of their international obligations.

On Thursday, a boat crammed with scores of Rohingya -- a persecuted Muslim minority in Myanmar -- was found drifting in Thai waters.

As dusk fell several visibly emaciated men jumped into the sea to retrieve food packages dropped by a Thai navy helicopter.

An AFP reporter saw one of the men eat handfuls of raw instant noodles in the water before swimming back to the boat.

About 10 people died during the journey. We threw their bodies into the water, one of the migrants shouted in Rohingya to a boat full of journalists.

We have been at sea for two months.

We want to go to Malaysia but we have

not reached there yet.

Many young children were among the weak-looking passengers on the wooden boat, which was found near the southern Thai island of Koh Lipe in the Andaman Sea. ‘Children are sick’. Sajida, who was travelling with her four young children, said she was also trying to reach Malaysia, but the boat was set adrift by people smugglers who damaged the engine and fled.

We haven’t had anything to eat for a week, there is nowhere to sleep... my children are sick, the 2 -year-old told AFP. A Thai naval officer on Koh Lipe said they planned to help fix the engine so they can go to their destination .

The UN refugee agency and rights groups say thousands of men, women and children are believed to be stuck out at sea and at risk of starvation and illness after a Thai police crackdown disrupted well-worn people-

Rohingya migrants stand in a queue to board a Malaysian Navy ship at the naval base in Langkawi

smuggling routes.

But Malaysian patrol ships intercepted two migrant vessels beginning late Wednesday off the northern Malaysian islands of Penang and Langkawi, according to an official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

They carried a combined 600 people, the official added.

Last night, one boat was pushed back after it entered Malaysian waters off Penang and one more boat was prevented from entering Langkawi waters, the official said.

The boat off Langkawi may have been the same one that later turned up in Thai waters.

Both carried a makeshift banner declaring the passengers as Rohingya.

Rights groups say Thailand -- which has called a May 29 regional meeting on the issue -- also has a policy of not allowing such boats to berth. ‘ ulnerable people’. UN chief Ban Kimoon on Thursday urged Southeast Asian countries not to turn back the migrants, telling them that rescue at sea was an international obligation.

In a statement, Ban voiced alarm that some countries may be refusing entry to boats carrying refugees and migrants .

He urged governments to ensure that the obligation of rescue at sea is upheld and to keep their borders and ports open

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OPINION

May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

Why Pinoys don’t bring their ‘bad habits’ abroad, Part 1 of 2

THE streets of Manila embody chaos: Masses of vehicles crowd the roads, crisscrossing each other’s paths with buses and jeepneys stopping almost everywhere to disgorge and pick up passengers amidst the incessant assault of blaring horns and suffocating, lingering smog.

Equally ill-disciplined pedestrians trudged across sidewalks cheek by jowl with makeshift stalls in a landscape of potholed roads.

A sudden thunderstorm leaves commuters stranded and wading in putrid floods aggravated by overflowing clogged esteros.

The gridlock in the streets of Manila symbolizes the glacial pace of good governance and progress in the sprawling archipelago. However, as I have observed in my three-part article on the Filipino Diaspora, the Filipino driver and commuter easily adapts to traffic conditions in say, orth America and does not bring over his/her “bad habits” from the Philippine homeland.

Why? ‘Survival of the fittest’ behavior. The unruly Filipino suddenly transforms into a courteous and law-abiding driver and/ or commuter when overseas especially in western countries (though ingrained “bad habits” occasionally surface). What is it about the West such as Canada that encourages people to obey traffic rules The Filipino is acutely aware that traffic rules and regulations will be applied strictly and equally with stipulated sanctions regardless of class or status. o violate traffic rules is to stick out like a sore thumb because almost everyone else is following them.

Furthermore, attempts to bribe or pull rank and exhibit arrogance from a sense of entitlement will only worsen the situation. he “survival of the fittest” behavior is not needed since infrastructure is much improved.

On the other hand, what is it about the Philippines that fosters anarchy on its roads raffic rules are frequently violated or often ignored in exchange for a bribe or because of connections.

The infrastructure is also so broken down and inadequate that drivers

take “creative shortcuts” to reach their destination in the quickest possible time.

In short, the Filipino driver or commuter’s behavior is shaped by “the rules of the game” which is the popular definition of “institutions.”

The institutional approach spells out the role of the reward and punishment mechanism of institutions in influencing behavior.

There is no clear incentive in the Philippine setting to follow the basic courtesy of the road. There is a widespread perception that rules are not applied equally that combines with a deep distrust of authority.

In fact, following rules such as staying in line will almost guarantee that one will fall behind because others are not lining up properly and are getting ahead.

Particularly in orth America, celebrities and politicians are sometimes in the news for publici ed traffic violations and the sanctions meted out.

For instance, a popular mayor in the Toronto area struck a sign post with her car some years ago for which she was fined . an this actually happen to a Filipino politician or to politicians of many other countries?

What is the origin of this distorted incentives mechanism and flawed institutions?

Causes: Small elite, extractive institutions.

The centuries of

colonization under the Spaniards and the half century of American rule installed a small elite, extractive institutions and engendered dynasties that aggrandize themselves and controlled the country’s resources.

The outcome over generations had been institutionalized corruption and poor governance which permeated the bureaucracy. If franchises can be granted that strengthens the oligarchy how much more for receiving bribes to overlook traffic violations Vested interests and the rule of a small elite lead to corruption and class privilege resulting eventually in highly unequal income distribution and the quagmire of poverty. The people subsequently endure years of inadequate

and deteriorating infrastructure. Minor functionaries had no incentive to be honest when the officials above them are corrupt. In turn, the impoverished state of the country leads droves of its citizens to immigrate.

Poor governance, deplorable road discipline, and traffic conditions are just symptoms of Philippine underdevelopment. ote the similar conditions in many developing regions such as Africa which has the highest road fatality rate among the regions of the world. Under-development in turn is a multi-faceted process involving history, culture, institutions, geographies, and resulting motivations.

There is a rich literature on modernization theory or explanations on the prosperity and poverty of nations which include a classic work such as Webber’s “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism” to a present day influential work, “Why ations Fail” by Robinson and Acemoglu.

rowth from achievement motivation.

For our purpose, David C. McClelland’s landmark book “The Achieving Society” wherein he argued that cultural customs and especially the motivation for achievement are the major triggers of economic growth is especially relevant for the focus of this article as he discussed the role of the need for achievement through entrepreneurship.

He observed that long run economic growth is preceded by a high level of achievement motivation.

We analyze the work of McClelland and examine their implications in the Philippine context. The achievement motivation and success is hobbled in societies where a small elite corners resources and where it is widely perceived that unequal advantages are critical for upward mobility.

In short, personal networks and financial resources become the vital ingredients of success. Philippine society is notorious for reliance on family connections and padrinos - the patronage system.

The amassing of wealth and influence becomes a self-perpetuating system of the elite few. As business Professor Michael Lewis noted about

VP Binay: I won’t back out from 2016 race

AMID the corruption allegations against him, ice President ejomar Binay is still keen on seeking the highest elective post come 2016. ung ikinakalat nila na yung panlalait sa akin, kung anu-anong kasinungalingan ang itinatapon sa amin, hindi ito magiging dahilan para ako ay umatras, Binay told reporters after his speech at the National Conference of Employers Friday.

Tuloy po ang laban, inumpisahan niya, tatapusin ko, he added.

Senator Antonio Trillanes I earlier said he believes that Binay will back out from the presidential race

because of the various accusations he is now facing.

The Court of Appeals has issued a free e order on the 242 bank accounts owned by Binay, some members of his family, and alleged dummies based on the report submitted by the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

Binay’s ratings declined since he was linked to corruption charges including the alleged overpriced construction of Makati City Hall Building II, Makati Science High School building, University of Makati Nursing building the socalled Hacienda Binay, and allegedly anomalous transactions in the Boy

Scouts of the Philippines and Pag-IBI Fund, both of which he heads.

His camp has denied the allegations, saying these were politically motivated.

In a Social Weather Station survey conducted in March, Binay remained the top contender for the presidency with 36 percent, a one-percent drop from his 3 percent in December, but Senator race Poe is in close second with 31 percent.

Binay’s satisfaction ratings also hit an all-time low in the first quarter of 2015, according to SWS. ■ Amita Legaspi / RSJ/JDS, GMA News / May 15, 2015 / 2:50 PM

Filipino-Canadians welcome President Aquino during his visit to Vancouver, May 2015.

Photp by Ryan Lim/Malacanang photo

the Philippines, “Leadership is based on family name, age, and connections.”

(When Cultures Collide: 477).

There is distrust of outsiders for they may desire the same positions and resources and thus, hampers cooperation transcending the family and clan.

Over the generations, Philippine politics have degenerated into dynasties and personality based contests. Laws and regulations i.e. formal institutions are not taken seriously and are weakly implemented such as in poor traffic management.

Subsequently, informal institutions i.e. beliefs, customs value systems, etc. try to compensate and become the basis for interactions and transactions such as using personal connections in traffic violations. he distorted incentive system and unfairness leads to cynicism, apathy, and resignation - and the Philippines is certainly not unique in this regard.

Similarity

with

Latin

America.

Why did Latin America to which the Philippines is highly similar in culture and colonial history lagged behind orth America which was also coloni ed by the Europeans? In both Philippines and Latin America the encomienda model was instituted by the Spaniards which concentrated wealth in the hands of the few that led to a vicious cycle of corruption and penury.

In contrast, famed British historian iall Ferguson iller Apps observed the high rate of land ownership of household heads in Canada and the US compared to a Latin American nation such as Mexico. Canadian and American pioneers were motivated to work hard and become entrepreneurial as they own land and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

The historical and economic paths of the US vs. Russia are also worth analyzing.

Independent American immigrant families settled the Western frontier and developed self-reliance and entrepreneurship incentivized by the free enterprise system and enforcement of private property rights.

The Russian nation developed through their conquest of their Eastern frontier eventually reaching Alaska

beyond iberia and the Pacific. hese rugged Russian pioneers were mostly serfs in servitude to their nobles. They were motivated to work hard to ensure survival in the harsh environment but they cannot be entrepreneurial nor become prosperous under feudalism.

The Russian character of expansionism became an antecedent to Marxism and authoritarianism. For the serfs, resiliency became the imperative amidst hardships and an unjust system.

Resiliency is basic human trait. In the wake of the horrific devastation of typhoon Haiyan the public discourse centered on the celebration of the resiliency of the Filipino. Indeed, the Filipino is a hardy race.

“Resiliency” or the “ability to bounce back” is however a basic human trait as self-preservation requires resiliency.

Many nations notably the Japanese, oreans, and ermans have gone on to excruciating war time sufferings, demonstrated admirable resiliency, and advanced beyond survival to unprecedented heights of prosperity in their countries’ histories.

There are various inspiring national motivations - attaining the American dream through free enterprise and the conquest of the frontier, the passion of the Chinese to reclaim past glory, the fortitude of the Japanese and the ermans to rise like the phoenix from the ashes of defeat, the ascent of South oreans under the shadow of a hostile orth, etc.

What about Filipinos? What is the distinct narrative that the Philippines offers to the world? What motivates Filipinos to become achievers - or are they in fact motivated to succeed?

The focus has been on the resiliency of Filipinos because as Philippine history would demonstrate, the nation survives and endures through wars, natural disasters, and years of misrule - but is unable to become an achieving and prosperous society. As I posed the issues before: Is there a Filipino Dream? Is it a well-articulated, deeply and widely shared national vision?

Finally, do Filipinos dare to dream big?

■ Cesar Polvorosa Jr. is a business school professor of economics, world geography, and international business management in Canada. He is also a published writer in economics, business, and literature. / InterAksyon.com / May 12, 2015 / 11:18 AM

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May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

Muslim groups, IPs, ARMM execs, assail ‘inclusivity’ in BBL draft, says Marcos MANILA – Saying that there is really no substitute for talking to the locals, Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., on Friday said most stakeholders in Jolo and Zamboanga City, including major groups, indigenous people and local government executives, assailed the so-called inclusivity factor in drafting the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

In a statement, Marcos said that his decision to hold the two-day, marathon BBL hearings in Jolo and Zamboanga proved to be useful in yielding valuable inputs that would help in crafting a version of the BBL that would be acceptable to the majority of the stakeholders.

Marcos, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government, said the hearings brought out into the open the sentiments and concerns of local residents and officials over the draft BBL that were not given much attention, either in news reports or in the congressional discussions over the

proposed law.

The one glaring issue that came to the fore in the two-day hearings was that of “inclusivity”, according to Senator Marcos.

In Jolo, for example, Marcos noted that many resource persons spent a lot of time decrying the fact that they were left out in the process “because they are MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front), because they are Tausugs, or they belong to the Sultanate of Sulu.”

Representatives from both the MNLF and the Sultanates said they wanted out of the Bangsamoro territory as conceived in the draft BBL. In the Zamboanga City hearing, Basilan Governor Jum Akbar bared that the five governors of provinces comprising the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) were never consulted in the process of composing the initial draft of BBL. Likewise, Marcos noted, the majority of the indigenous people (IPs) of Mindanao were apparently left out in the process too.

“That is a very serious shortcoming in the process. That is why we are going to correct it,” Marcos said. For this purpose, he had set a hearing for the MNLF on May 18 and for the Sultanates on May 25.

Marcos said he is also looking at the possibility of another hearing for the local executives in areas that will be included in the Bangsamoro territory, and adjacent LGUs even as the ad hoc committee of the House of Representatives is set to vote on its version of BBL. “It is now well recognized that the only peace agreement that will bring true, just and lasting peace is one that includes all stakeholders in the BBL and in the surrounding territories,” Marcos said.

“And whatever shortcomings Congress has had in consulting with those entities, we will try to correct in the next few weeks by asking them to come to the Senate and to give their views and opinions on the BBL,” he added.

Senator Bongbong Marcos, Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Government, presides over the hearing on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law in Zamboanga City.

Marcos gave assurance that conducting another hearing for the local executives will not cause undue delay in the work of his committee.

Malacañang had openly expressed its desire to have BBL passed before the last session day of Congress on June 10.

Marcos earlier said that his committee will also introduce amendments to address issues of constitutionality, administration,

wealth-sharing, and power relations, among others.

But he warned that, if Congress rushes to pass BBL without addressing its flaws, then it won t achieve its end of bringing just and lasting peace in Muslim Mindanao.

“The main priority is getting it right; maybe, a far second is getting it done under the deadline,” he stressed. ■ Ernie Reyes / InterAksyon.com / May 15, 2015 / 4:46 PM

Palace: Info drive on BBL to continue MALACA AN said Saturday the government will continue its information drive on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, after a new Social Weather Stations survey showed only about one of five Filipinos approve of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro political entity and the BBL – but those in the proposed core territory are more hopeful about it.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail alte said it is good that those who belong in the proposed core areas are more hopeful than the rest

of the nation.”

“The efforts to explain the BBL will continue, efforts to consult with stakeholders will continue, primarily led by the OPAPP (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process), the peace panel, the peace advocates and the stakeholders that have come onboard to support the BBL, she said on government-run d RB radio.

She said those in the core areas are the ones on the ground, and they see how peace can benefit them.”

On Friday, the SWS released its survey showing only 23 percent of Filipinos approve of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro political entity and the BBL following the Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash that killed 44 Special Action Force personnel last Jan. 25.

A generally favorable attitude towards the peace agreements prevailed until after the anuary 25 incident in Mamasapano, and in March 2015 attitudes towards the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law were on balance negative throughout

the country, it said.

But those in the proposed core territory of the prospective Bangsamoro political entity remain hopeful the Bangsamoro Basic Law will be passed, and that it would bring peace and development.

Despite the storm of controversy that followed the anuary 25 Mamasapano encounter, and the delays in Congressional deliberations on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law that ensued, residents of the Core Territory of the Bangsamoro are still

hopeful that Congress could pass the law.

The exception to this is in Sulu, where residents are somewhat not hopeful.

Elsewhere in the Basulta archipelago, the outlook is positive. Mainland areas of the Core Territory have a strongly positive outlook, SWS said.

The core territory includes Sulu, Basilan, Isabela City, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Cotabato City, Lanao del Norte near ARMM, and Cotabato near ARMM. ■ Joel Locsin / LBG, GMA News / May 16, 2015 / 2:10 PM

Malaysian lawmaker asks: Where is people-centered ASEAN in Rohingya refugee issue?

MANILA - ASEAN, which in the last leaders’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur in April called itself people-centered, should take in the thousands of Rohingya refugees who have escaped persecution in Burma and are stranded in boats off Malaysia and Indonesia.

Charles Santiago, lawmaker from Malaysia and head of the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, thus challenged ASEAN on the case of what the United Nations called the

Rohingya refugees. File Photo

most persecuted people in the world.

“ASEAN shamelessly calls itself a people-centered bloc, and goes on to self-style the 10 nation-states as a caring and sharing group. But all we have now are thousands of people stranded at sea. Rohingya women, men, and children who are starving and diseased are at the mercy of the Malaysian, Thailand, and Indonesian navies,” he said in a press statement.

As Europe is trying to manage the

migration of Syrians, Libyans, and other Africans fleeing wars and the ill effects of climate changes, ASEAN should also face up to the mass exodus of Rohingya and Bangladeshis escaping persecution and poverty, Santiago said.

“The world is now looking at Southeast Asia and demanding some form of accountability,” he said.

Santiago noted that ASEAN heads of states failed to iron out the thorny issue of the mass exodus of the Rohingya at the recently concluded ASEAN summit in Malaysia.

“They failed to discuss about this crucial issue as it would entail looking at Burma’s gross human rights violations against the Rohingya,” he said, stressing that ASEAN cannot sweep the issue under the rug or rationalize its inaction due to its noninterference policy.

While Thailand, which had been the traditional destination of Rohingya until the discovery of gravesites believed to be of Rohingya refugees, has indicated it will provide shelter to the fleeing refugees, both alaysia and

Indonesia have said they will send the boats back.

“This is simply inhumane and atrocious. NGOs monitoring the Rohingya boat people say close to 8,000 more are still drifting in sea. So instead of mouthing about a caring society, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand must send their navy to rescue the Rohingya and Bangladeshis who are at sea,” said Santiago, of the Democratic Action Party representing Klang.

“If the three countries fail to do so now, we will have a human catastrophe in our hands,” he warned.

The Rohingya, who are Muslims in the largely Buddhist Myanmar, have suffered decades of persecution. Living in Burma since the 14th century, they are not recognized by the government as citizens, and are thus stateless, that is without any rights as far as the government is concerned.

Special call to Malaysia. Santiago also challenged his government, which currently chairs ASEAN, to provide refuge to the Rohingya.

“As Chair of ASEAN, Malaysia must protect the Rohingya as opposed to sending them back to Burma to face persecution and death,” he said.

“I hope Malaysia will not secretly send the Rohingya in detention centers in Langkawi back to Burma’s killing fields,” he added.

Santiago said Malaysia should support the Rohingya as it had Palestinians and Syrians in conflict with their respective governments.“Malaysia’s foreign policy must be consistent. And as such, support for Palestine and Syria must also be extended to the Rohingya,” he said.

The Malaysian lawmaker also noted that Malaysia was instrumental in bringing Burma into the ASEAN. Countering Malaysia’s description of Rohingya as “illegal immigrants,” Santiago said the Muslim Myanmarese “are refugees fleeing state-engineered violence. They are (rendered) stateless in their home country and victims of targeted killings.” ■ InterAksyon.com / May 15,

2015 / 4:31 PM

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HEALTH and Lifestyle

Hay fever and children HAY fever usually affects children from the age of seven, and older children and teenagers are more susceptible to the allergy than adults.

Hay fever symptoms, including itchy eyes and a running nose, can be particularly distressing for children, who may find the symptoms harder to manage and won’t always realise that they can ask for help.

According to Pierre Dugué, consultant allergist at Guy’s Hospital in London, you should make an appointment with your GP to get a diagnosis if you think your child may have hay fever.

“It’s important to know if it’s hay fever, as it could be a non-pollen allergy such as dust mite or pet fur,” says Dugué.

Dugué says hay fever has clear seasonal symptoms, which occur at the same time every year. “The strict diagnosis of hay fever is allergy to grass pollen. But your child could also be allergic to tree pollen, which usually comes at the end of spring, before grass pollen is produced.

“Allergy to tree pollen usually means allergy to birch, hazel or elder trees, which are in the same family.”

Signs of hay fever in children. Hay fever often affects children at school, and while it is typically thought of as occurring in summer, the hay fever season in the UK starts much earlier in the year, during the spring. Look out for symptoms from March to October.

Sometimes hay fever can be confused with a virus. The way to tell the difference is by how long the symptoms last. If it’s a virus, they should only last for a week or two.

Viruses rarely last for weeks and weeks. If your child has a constant runny nose and is sneezing every day for part of the year but not in the winter, it’s a sign that they may be allergic to something.

Diagnosing your child’s hay fever. It’s important that hay fever is diagnosed so it can be treated and your child can take steps to avoid it. If your child only has symptoms in July and August on a very sunny day, it’s almost certainly hay fever.

In this case, you don’t really need a formal diagnosis. But if your child has symptoms all year round and you’re not sure if it’s hay fever, go to your GP for a diagnosis. Your child may have perennial allergic rhinitis.

May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

Treating your child’s hay fever symptoms. If your child doesn’t like

taking tablets, antihistamines are also available as a liquid. Other treatments include steroid nasal sprays.

Eye drops can be particularly useful if eye symptoms are one of the main symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

How to give your child eye drops.

Below is some advice from the charity Allergy UK on how to give your child eye drops.

Before you begin, follow directions such as washing hands in advance to avoid adding more irritants and infections. t can be easiest to administer eye drops by lying your child down and gently pulling down their lower lid – for example, have their head in front of you as they lie on the end of a bed. lder children sometimes like to sit in a chair while the drops are administered as they lean back and look up.

When you add one drop gently into the eye, your child will naturally blink as a reflex and may then find the drops initially uncomfortable.

When giving eye drops to young children, it can be helpful to have

something you can use to distract them once the eye drops have been given, such as letting your child put a star on their chart. t can be helpful to role play with your child using a doll or teddy bear, telling them what is going to happen and letting them do it to their toy themselves after having their own eye drops administered. emember to praise older children after medication, as it can also be uncomfortable for them.

Mentioning to others how well your child is coping while they are present can boost their self-esteem and make them more compliant.

Preventing hay fever symptoms in children. Pollen is released in the early

morning. As the air warms up, the pollen is carried up above our heads.

As evening comes and the air cools, pollen comes back down.

This means that symptoms are

usually worse first thing in the morning and early evening, particularly on days that have been warm and sunny.

To reduce your child’s exposure to pollens: eep windows closed at night so pollen doesn’t enter the house.

Buy your child a pair of wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen entering their eyes. mear petroleum elly aseline or another pollen blocker around the inside of your child’s nose to trap pollen and stop it being inhaled.

Wash your child s hair, face and hands when they come back indoors, and change their clothes.

Don t let them play in fields or large areas of grassland. se air filters to try to reduce pollen that s floating around the house. eep the car windows shut when driving. ■ NHS Choices

Five tips to reduce hay fever symptoms OUR lifestyle can affect how severe your hay fever symptoms are.

According to the charity Allergy UK, hay fever can adversely affect many areas of your life including your social life, your emotional wellbeing, your performance at work or school, and your self-esteem.

A survey undertaken by the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit of more than 2,000 people with hay fever, found that lifestyle factors, such as stress and exercise, can have a major impact on hay fever.

Although there are many prescribed and over-the-counter treatments for hay fever, the following lifestyle tips can also help to ease the symptoms.

1. Reduce your stress. 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 10 stressed-out hay fever sufferers rate their symptoms as unbearable or debilitating.

As stress levels drop, symptoms become milder. For more information, read about stress management.

2. Exercise more. Regular exercise can improve your hay fever. The survey found that people with hay fever who exercise most have the mildest symptoms. Exercise will help reduce your stress levels, too.

Aim to do 150 minutes (two and a half hours) of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as cycling and fast walking,

every week. However, during hay fever season, it’s best to avoid exercising outdoors when the pollen count is high.

This is generally first thing in the morning and early evening. Instead, exercise in late morning or afternoon when pollen counts tend to be lowest. If pollen counts are really high, stick to indoor exercise, for example at your local gym or swimming pool.

3. Eat well. The survey suggests that people with hay fever who eat a healthy diet are less likely to get severe symptoms.

Eat a varied, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, but be aware than some healthy foods can make hay fever symptoms worse. Foods that can worsen

hay fever symptoms for some people include apples, tomatoes, stoned fruits, melons, bananas and celery.

Eat foods rich in omega 3 and 6 essential fats which can be found in oily fish, nuts, seeds, and their oils. These contain antiinflammatory properties, and may help reduce symptoms of hay fever.

4. Cut down on alcohol. Watch how much you drink at your summer picnics and BBQs Alcohol worsens hay fever. Beer, wine and 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.

For more advice on how to cut down on

Preventing hay fever HAY fever affects around 20% of people in the UK. Lindsey McManus of Allergy UK offers some tips on avoiding the causes and reducing your symptoms.

“The main triggers of hay fever are tree and grass pollen,” says Lindsey.

“The pollen count is always higher when it’s a nice, bright, sunny day.”

Don’t mow your lawn. If grass makes you sneeze, get someone else to mow your lawn. “It sounds obvious, but many people don’t think of this,” says Lindsey. If you react to grass and you spend time on the lawn, you’ll get symptoms.

Create a barrier. Smear Vaseline inside your nostrils. “This acts as a filter for the pollen,” says Lindsey.

Time it right. Don’t sit outside between 4pm and 7pm or in the early

morning, as the pollen count is highest at these times. “If you go out, or need to hang out the washing, do it after 10.30am and before 3.30pm,” says Lindsey.

Shut the windows. Don’t sleep or drive with the windows open, as this will allow pollen to come in.

Damp dust regularly. Dusting with a wet cloth, rather than a dry one, will collect the dust and stop any pollen from being spread around.

Wash your hair. “Pollen is sticky and may be in your hair,” says Lindsey. “It can then transfer to your pillow when you go to bed, and will affect you during the night.” If you’ve been out in the evening, wash your hair at bed time, as clean hair can help you sleep better. acuum. “Pollen can live in carpet

for up to three months,” explains Lindsey, so get vacuuming.

Think about your medication. Talk to your GP or pharmacist about any treatment you’re taking for hay fever as it might be worth trying a new treatment.

“The same antihistamine [antiallergy treatment] doesn’t always work for someone year after year,” Lindsey says. “Try something different, such as a nasal spray or a new antihistamine.”

You can take early steps to avoid symptoms of hay fever before they start.

“Most people wait until symptoms start before they take treatment, but you really need to start at least two weeks before, so that the antihistamine is already in your system when pollen triggers your hay fever,” says Lindsey.

Look back at previous years to work out what time of year your hay fever usually starts, and try to identify what triggers your hay fever. For example,

your drinking, read these articles about alcohol.

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. ust 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 grass pollen is in the air from May until July or August, so you could start taking antihistamine in April. You can find out more about the pollen count each day.

You can also talk to your GP or call the Allergy UK helpline for more information.

Don’t ignore hay fever. Hay fever can make everyday life uncomfortable and tiring, with sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and an itchy throat. However, there are hay fever treatments available and symptoms can get better.

Hay fever can also increase your risk of asthma. “ here is a definite link between hay fever and asthma,” says Lindsey. “If you get hay fever, you’re more likely to get asthma so it’s important to take hay fever seriously and try to treat the symptoms.” ■ NHS Choices

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HEALTH andNEWS Lifestyle food

Eating processed foods PROCESSED foods aren’t just microwave meals and other ready meals. The term ‘processed food’ applies to any food that has been altered from its natural state in some way, either for safety reasons or convenience. This means you may be eating more processed food than you realise.

Processed foods aren’t necessarily unhealthy, but anything that’s been processed may contain added salt, sugar and fat.

One advantage of cooking food from scratch at home is that you know exactly what is going into it, including the amount of added salt or sugar.

However, even homemade food sometimes uses processed ingredients. ead on to find out how you can eat processed foods as part of a healthy diet.

What counts as processed food

Most shop-bought foods will have been processed in some way.

Examples of common processed foods include: breakfast cereals cheese tinned vegetables bread savoury snacks, such as crisps meat products, such as bacon “convenience foods”, such as microwave meals or ready meals drinks, such as milk or soft drinks Food processing techniques include freezing, canning, baking, drying and pasteurising products.

Dietitian ian Porter says: “ ot all processed food is a bad choice. Some foods need processing to make them safe, such as milk, which needs to be pasteurised to remove harmful bacteria. Other foods need processing to make them suitable for use, such as pressing seeds to make oil.

“Free ing fruit and veg preserves most vitamins, while tinned produce (choose those without added sugar and salt) can mean convenient storage, cooking and choice to eat all year round, with less waste and cost than fresh.”

What makes some processed foods less healthy Ingredients such as salt,

sugar and fat are sometimes added to processed foods to make their flavour more appealing and to prolong their shelf life, or in some cases to contribute to the food’s structure, such as salt in bread or sugar in cakes.

This can lead to people eating more than the recommended amounts for these additives, as they may not be aware of how much has been added to the food they are buying and eating.

These foods can also be higher in calories due to the high amounts of added sugar or fat in them.

Furthermore, a diet high in red and processed meat (regularly eating more than 90g a day) has also been linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer.

Some studies have also shown that eating a large amount of processed meat may be linked to a higher risk of cancer or heart disease.

What is processed meat Processed meat refers to meat that has been preserved by smoking, curing, salting or adding preservatives. This includes sausages, bacon, ham, salami and pâtés.

The Department of Health recommends that if you currently eat more than 90g (cooked weight) of red and processed meat a day, that you cut down to 70g a day. This is equivalent to two or three rashers of bacon, or a little over two slices of roast lamb, beef or pork, with each about the size of half a slice of bread.

However, it’s important to remember that the term “processed” applies to a very broad range of foods, many of which can be eaten as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

How can I eat processed foods as part of a healthy diet Reading

May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

saturates (saturated fat), carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt. It may also provide additional information on certain nutrients such as fibre. All nutrition information is provided per 100 grams and sometimes per portion of the food.

How do I know if a processed food is high in fat, saturated fat, sugar or salt There are guidelines to tell you if

nutrition labels can help you choose between processed products and keep a check on the amount of processed foods you’re eating that are high in fat, salt and added sugars.

Adding tinned tomatoes to your shopping basket, for example, is a great way to boost your 5 a day. They can also be stored for longer and cost less than fresh tomatoes – just check the label to make sure there’s no added salt or sugar.

Most pre-packed foods have a nutrition label on the back or side of the packaging.

This type of label includes information on energy (kJ/kcal), fat,

a food is high or low in fat, saturated fat, salt or sugar. These are: Total fat. High: more than 17.5g of fat per 100g Low: 3g of fat or less per 100g Saturated fat. High: more than 5g of saturated fat per 100g Low: 1.5g of saturated fat or less per 100g Sugars. High: more than 22.5g of total sugars per 100g Low: 5g of total sugars or less per 100g Salt. High: more than 1.5g of salt per 100g (or 0.6g sodium)

Raw meat. erms from raw meat can move easily onto your hands and then onto anything else you touch, including food that is cooked and ready to eat.

This is called cross-contamination.

Cross-contamination can happen if raw meat touches anything (including plates, cutlery, tongs and chopping boards) that then comes into contact with other food.

Some easy steps to help prevent cross-contamination are: • always wash your hands after touching raw meat • use separate utensils (plates, tongs, containers) for cooked and raw meat • never put cooked food on a plate or surface that has had raw meat on it • keep raw meat in a sealed container away from foods that are ready to eat, such as salads and buns

• never wash raw chicken or other poultry before cooking as this increases the risk of spreading campylobacter bacteria.

• don’t put raw meat next to cooked or partly cooked meat on the barbecue • don’t put sauce or marinade on cooked food if it has already been used with raw meat Keeping food cool. It’s also important to keep some foods cool to prevent food poisoning germs multiplying.

Make sure you keep the following foods cool: • salads • dips • milk, cream, yoghurt • desserts and cream cakes • sandwiches • ham and other cooked meats • cooked rice, including rice salads

Low: 0.3g of salt or less per 100g (or 0.1g sodium) For example, if you are trying to cut down on saturated fat, try to limit the amount of foods you eat that have more than 5g of saturated fat per 100g.

If the processed food you want to buy has a nutrition label that uses colour-coding, you will often find a mixture of red, amber and green. So, when you’re choosing between similar products, try to go for more greens and ambers, and fewer reds, if you want to make a healthier choice.

However, even healthier ready meals may be higher in fat and other additives than a homemade equivalent. That’s not to say that homemade foods can’t also be high in calories, fat, salt and sugar, but if you make the meal yourself, you’ll have a much better idea of what’s gone into it. You could even save yourself some money, too. ■ NHS Choices

Barbecue food safety FOOD poisoning cases double over the summer, so remember these simple steps to help keep food safe.

Food poisoning is usually mild, and most people get better within a week.

But sometimes it can be more severe, even deadly, so it’s important to take the risks seriously. Children, older people and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to food poisoning.

The safest option is to cook food indoors using your oven, says a spokesperson from the Food Standards Agency (FSA). ou can then put the cooked food outside on the barbecue for flavour. This can be an easier option if you’re cooking for a lot of people at the same time.

If you are only cooking on the barbecue, the two main risk factors are: • undercooked meat • spreading germs from raw meat onto food that’s ready to eat This is because raw or undercooked meat can contain germs that cause food poisoning, such as salmonella, E.coli and campylobacter.

However, these germs can be killed by cooking meat until it is piping hot throughout.

Cooking meat on a barbecue.

When you’re cooking any kind of meat on a barbecue, such as poultry (chicken or turkey), pork, steak, burgers or sausages, make sure: • the coals are glowing red with a powdery grey surface before you start cooking, as this means that they’re hot enough • fro en meat is properly thawed before you cook it • you turn the meat regularly and move it around the barbecue to cook it evenly Remember that meat is safe to eat only when: • it is piping hot in the centre • there is no pink meat visible • any juices are clear Don’t assume that because meat is charred on the outside it will be cooked properly on the inside, says the FSA spokesperson. Cut the meat at the thickest part and ensure none of it is pink on the inside.

Some meat, such as steaks and joints of beef or lamb, can be served rare (not cooked in the middle) as long as the outside has been properly cooked.

This will kill any bacteria that might be on the outside of the meat. However, food made from minced meat, such as sausages and burgers, must be cooked thoroughly all the way through.

Don’t leave food out of the fridge for more than a couple of hours, and don’t leave food in the sun.

Fire and carbon monoxide risk.

Make sure your barbecue is steady on a level surface, away from plants and trees. The Fire Service advises covering the bottom of your barbecue with coal to a depth of no more than 5cm (2in).

With charcoal barbecues, only use recognised fire lighters or starter fuel and only on cold coals – use the minimum necessary and never use petrol. See more on the Fire Service’s barbecue safety tips.

If you’re camping, you are advised never to light, use or leave smouldering barbecues inside tents, awnings or other enclosed spaces because of the risks of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning (CO). ■ NHS Choices

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May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

Get Binay ... and PNoy, Abad, allies too - Bayan MANILA -- Vice President Jejomar Binay should be prosecuted for plunder over allegations of amassing illegal wealth, but doing so “should not be used to cover-up the far bigger systemic corruption” perpetuated by the administration, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said Saturday.

‘Even as we seek truth and accountability with regard to the Binays, we reiterate our demand -‘Lahat ng sangkot, dapat managot (Everyone involved should be held accountable)’,” the leftist alliance said.

“Those who have long misused public funds and/or juggled the national budget for illegal and selfserving ends should also be held accountable, from President Benigno Aquino III (and) Budget Secretary (Florencio) Butch Abad as well as the administration allies who have been tagged as clients of Janet Napoles,” Bayan said.

The administration has been accused of selective prosecution over

the pork barrel scam, charging only political opponents while keeping mum about the involvement of its allies in the funneling off of billions of pesos in lawmakers’ Priority Development Assistance Fund to bogus projects in exchange for hefty kickbacks.

Aquino and Abad also came under fire for the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program, which they ustified as a means to pump prime the economy but which, along with the PDAF, was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Bayan said the accusations against Binay and the “information revealed so far indicate corruption of such scandalous proportions that these cannot be dismissed by general denials or attribution to a demolition job” by his enemies.

“At the very least, being public officials, the Binays have an obligation to show the true figures of their wealth and explain how they acquired this,” the group added.

However, it also echoed suspicions voiced by some quarters that the allegations against Binay are part of efforts to undermine his acknowledged intention to run for president next year and said “it is not in the interest of the public to see this corruption play out as part of the 2016 election drama that merely seeks to neutralize foes of the administration.”

“It is in the public interest to see the principal players investigated and properly charged in court. This is the only way this matter will not end up as mere politicking for dubious ends,” Bayan stressed. “Thus it is the task of the Courts, the Ombudsman, the Department of Justice and related agencies to see to it that appropriate cases are properly filed and prosecuted against those involved.”

Bayan noted that “the Binay rise to power is in fact largely owed to the Aquino family after EDSA 1” and that “it is only now however that

associates of the President are going after Binay because of the need to position favorably for 2016.”

It voiced concern over the possibility “that if Binay pulls out of the 2016 race, these charges will quietly go away” as part of the “horse-trading and transactional politics among the ruling elite.”

It cited allegations of corruption

WORKIN under that Friday afternoons’ oppressive summer heat, workers from the alen uela City government prepared to bury the remains of 49 of the 2 victims of the Kentex sandal factory fire.

The white coffins, each of them numbered, were brought to the apartment-type tombs at the city’s public cemetery.

However, this will not be the victims’ final resting place. These still unidentified victims will be entombed at the apartments temporarily until they have been positively IDed by their families.

Amid all the goings on and away from the scampering journalists and photographers who were trying to find the perfect spot for that perfect shot, a father and his daughter stood silently.

Emmanuel Madiclom was watching workers seal the the tombs with cement.

He glanced occasionally at the yet-to-beburied coffins lined up on the ground,

hoping against hope that his wife Marieta, 50, daughter oanna Marie, 2 , and sisterin-law Myrna Hapiso, 40, were not among those about to be laid to rest.

Though he admitted that the chances they escaped the five-hour fire were slim.

Nung makita ko yung lawak ng sunog, yung iniisip ko na tiyansa na para sila ay makaligtas, biglang nawala, Madiclom told MA News Online.

The fear and horror of that Wednesday afternoon, when he and the other relatives of the other factory workers could do nothing but wait for hours for the bla e to be put out, was still with him. Hindi mo naman sila mahahanap dahil sa laki ng sunog e. At dahil sa lakas ng apoy, hindi na kami pinayagan makalapit ng mga pulis at bumbero sa site, kaya talagang ilang oras kami nagintay sa malayo.

A day after the fire, the fortunate factory workers who were able to escape, broke the news to him. Ang sabi sa’kin ng ibang nagtratrabaho doon sa factory , at nung ibang nakaligtas, kasama daw sila

ang aking asawa, anak, at hipag sa mga na-trap, Madiclom said.

But since the remains retrieved from the factory had yet to be identified, Madiclom said he would just like to consider his loved ones as missing.

Working conditions. That Friday afternoon, only three of the 2 victims had been identified, Raf Porcincula from the alen uela City Mayor’s Office told MA News Online.

Officials from the PNP Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) had earlier admitted that the identification process could take months to complete.

Wala kaming maggagawa kundi ang mag intay. Mas mabuti na yung dumaan sa tamang proseso ang forensic examination, mahirap naman mag claim ka ng bangkay na hindi mo pala kaanoano, Madiclom said.

At the burial, Madiclom’s young daughter, Paula, had decided to join her father.

And like her father, Paula would not

consider her mother, sister, and aunt dead until the SOCO positively identified their remains through DNA matching. Hanggat hindi pa nakikita yung mga resulta dito kung may nag-match ba o wala sa DNA samples, mas naniniwala ako na nakatakas sila at buhay sila, Paula said.

Madiclom, meanwhile, wanted those responsible for the fire and all the deaths punished. Ang pinaka hangad naming ngayon ay makamit yung katarungan, yung talagang managot kung sino man ang dapat managot at hindi magkaroon ng cover-up sa imbestigasyon, he explained.

Madiclom confirmed that, aside from the poor working environment, workers at the footwear factory were paid salaries below the minimum wage, lacked health and social benefits, and were not paid for overtime work.

Pakyawan sila, ibig sabihin, ang bayad sa kanila ay depended sa kung ilang ang matatapos nila sa isang araw, Madiclom said.

His wife Marieta, has been working at

against one of Aquino’s opponents in the 2010 presidential race, former Senator Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party.

“No one has heard of these (allegations) again after Aquino won.” Bayan said, adding, “He even invited Villar’s Nacionalista Party to join the administration coalition.” ■ InterAksyon.com / May 16, 2015 / 11:01 AM

Mourning the unnamed: Father, daughter attend entombment of unidentified Valenzuela fire victims

Kentex factory for 15 years while his daughter oanna, has been working there for 10 years.

Madiclom said that his wife and daughter were usually paid around P300 to P400 a day, way below the standard minimum wage of P480 per day. The working hours were also very long, usually between 9 hours to 12 hours per day.

Kasi ang sabi sakin ng asawa ko, kung hindi daw sila mage-extend ay sobrang liit lang ng mauuwi nila na sweldo . Wala silang overtime pay dahil hindi naman sila regular employees, basta binabayaran lang sila sa bawat piraso ng tsinelas na matatapos nila sa isang araw, Madiclom explained.

Madiclom, a construction worker, said his wife and daughter had to work at the Kentex factory for them to make ends meet for their family of seven. His missing daughter has an 11-month-old son. ■ Elizabeth Marcelo / DVM, GMA News /

May 16, 2015 / 11:59 PM

Baguio vendors urge government to respect their right to livelihood BAGUIO CITY – “We are not criminals! We are humans. We have the right to livelihood!”

These were the words of the ambulant and sidewalk vendors here as they play cat-and-mouse with the city government’s Public Order and

Safety Division (POSD) personnel who ve come to confiscate their wares.

The vendors claimed that, most of the time, they are treated inhumanely by those they described as “goons” out to harass them.

A vendor, Daisy Bagni, called for

Vendors protest inhumane treatment by Baguio City Public Order and Safety Division personnel.

Photo by Arthur Allad-iw.

the “decriminalization” of the vendors who, because of lack of employment opportunities, resort to hawking on the streets of Baguio to feed their families.

There are at least 2,000 sidewalk and ambulant vendors in the city.

They should be extended help, instead, by the government, but what’s happening is the other way around: their right to livelihood is being trampled on, said Bagni, who is the secretary-general of the Organisasyon Dagiti Nakurapay nga Umili iti Siyudad (ORNUS).

Osang Walitan, a 31 year old ambulant vendor, expressed disgust with the city government: “Even if we are in a private area or inside an enclosed space selling our wares,

the P D men still confiscated and grabbed our wares, with many of us ending physically hurt.”

“Kasla kami nakapatay ti tao ti trato da kadakami (They way we are treated, it’s as if we had killed someone),” she added.

Another vendor, Mercy Dumpit, 44, narrated how POSD grabbed their wares even these were inside their bag and not displayed for sale: “We need to feed our children. We have to stay up late at night, selling and earning our keep.”

The vendors tried to engage the city government in dialogues, and were given IDs but admonished to sell their wares without displaying their wares on the streets.

But the POSD men are said to

continuously disregarded their pleas invoking the agreement.

The city tax ordinance prohibits ambulant vending, regarding this as criminal acts under such legislation, but the vendors had been contesting this as inhuman, that they should not be considered as criminals.

“We urge the city council to repeal this ordinance and consider our situation,” said the vendors. They also urged the mayor to be considerate to them as his POSD men often treated them “inhumanely”.

“If vending is prohibited, where then is the government that should extend their help to the less fortunate like us?” Walitan asked. ■ Arthur L. Allad-iw

/ Northern Dispatch / Special to InterAksyon.com / May 16, 2015 / 3:16 PM

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May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

El Gamma Penumbra thanks supporters for ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ victory Continuation from page 1

Fast forward to 2015 and AXN’s “Asia’s Got Talent”, the talented dancers from anauan, Batangas finally won it all in an bigger stage with even bigger cash pri e , or roughly P million compared to the P million that was given by its local counterpart , the chance to travel around the world courtesy of etstar and the prospect of being regular entertainers at the worldclass arina Bay ands in ingapore.

“To all our Asian supporters, thank you so much for] this wonderful ourney. ou have been an unforgettable part of our ‘Asia’s Got alent experience that we re] gonna miss. ou have voted for us and it means you are all with us in promoting good

will to the world. his success will serve as our inspiration to strive harder. We are going home now and very excited to see all our Filipino supporters. ee you Philippines. nce again, A A A A D AB A P L P A ,” the group posted on Facebook hours after besting eight other finalists including ongolia s equally formidable traditional musical ensemble, husugtun. l amma Penumbra was the only Filipino act to advance to the semifinals and the grand finals via the judges’ Golden Buzzer which no longer necessitated any public votes for them.

After their Grand Finals performances, the four judges

Anggun, elanie , an ess Wu and David Foster had no more say on their fate and that of the other eight finalists.

For a while, it looked like having four Philippine finalists in the competition were both a boon and a bane for them as it would also split the votes of their respective Filipino fans.

True enough, the three other Pinoy finalists erphil Flores, unior ew ystem and wyneth Dorado were edged out in the voting by finalists who were their country s lone representative, most notably apan s Triqstar, Thailand’s The Talento and the eventual runner-up, husugtun.

But l amma Penumbra was not to be denied as in addition to their solid

Filipino fan base, they also earned a good number of other Asian fans that contributed to their victory. n a statement issued to nteraksyon, AXN Asia said that despite the results being leaked on social media prior to the actual broadcast of the results show, the wonderful conclusion was not at all ruined. “ othing can take away our celebration of such talented individuals and teams giving all that they have to become the very best of Asia. We congratulate l amma Penumbra for being a deserving winner for their incredible efforts and amazing talent,” the statement further went.

“We thank everyone who has

contributed to make ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ such a great success, as well as every viewer who has joined AXN on this thrilling ourney.”

With the overwhelming ratings success of “Asia’s Got Talent”, the likelihood of a second season of the show looms on the horizon as Anggun and hosts Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez hinted during the Grand Finals. f a second season does happen, the Philippines will be expected not only to again figure prominently in the competition but also to further raise the bar like l amma Penumbra and the other Filipino participants did. Edwin

P. Sallan / InterAksyon / May 15, 2015 / 6:24 PM

GMA Network tops digital TV coverage survey BROADCAST giant MA Network led in an independent study measuring digital T presence in the country, affirming the robust coverage of the Network’s digital T signal.

The study, which was conducted by local smartphone and tablet manufacturer Starmobile, revealed that MA 1SE and MA News T were available in 10 out of the 14 test locations in Metro Manila.

Other channels surveyed were ABSCBN, ABS-CBN Sports, T 5, and AKS ON T , among others.

The results of the study confirm our readiness for the eventual shift to Digital T , says Engr. Elvis B. Ancheta, MA Senior ice President for Engineering.

In compliance with the directive of the National Telecommunications Commission, MA has started to adapt the apanese DT standard or ISDB-T. Moreover, it manifests the level of importance the Network has placed in being able to reach as many viewers as possible as this ultimately determines our audience si e, Ancheta adds.

The Network takes pride in its commitment to signal superiority as evidenced by its excellent signal across the country, an advantage over competitors exhibited consistently by its analog footprint which it commits to carry over to digital.

Based on claimed household reception findings in the 2014 T Establishment Survey of Nielsen Philippines, MA is received by 99 percent of all T households in Total Urban Philippines, leading other local free-to-air channels.

As it continues to improve and expand its coverage in the regions, MA completed numerous transmission upgrades in 2014. The Network commissioned a new 2KW T relay station in Daet, Camarines Norte and re-located its transmitting station in Iligan City to enable the re-broadcast of Northern Mindanao programs from Cagayan de Oro. GMA is set to commission a new 5KW T relay station in Butuan City this May. ■

Christian Bautista admits having high standards in women MA DADALAWAN taon nang single ang Kapuso singer-actor na si Christian Bautista mula nang maghiwalay sila ni Carla Dunareanu noong 2013. Before Carla, he was also in a relationship with fellow singer Rachelle Ann o. He visited her in London during her Miss Saigon stint, and even shot a music video for their duet ‘The Way We Were.’

Sa story conference ng kanyang upcoming series with wen amora, kinamusta ng press ang estado ng love life ng Asia’s Romantic Balladeer, lalo na’t ang kanyang latest single na ‘A Thousand ears’ ay madalas kantahin sa kasal.

Hinihintay ko pa ‘yun sa ngayon, mabilis niyang sagot.

Photo by Bochic Estrada, GMANetwork.com

Dagdag pa niya, Kahapon nga I was in an event in Davao. Tinanong ako ‘Bakit ka pa single ’ Sabi ko ‘ eah, my standards are high. Meet my mom (laughs).’

Ano ba ang qualities ng kanyang ina na dapat taglay ng babaeng papakasalan niya?

She’s such an ama ing, ama ing person, smart, beautiful, understanding, loving, can handle three boys, can work kahit na sometimes mahirap. ou find someone like that to be your wife. Not just you know, the pretty face. ou find someone who’s strong, saad niya. ■ Michelle Caligan / GMANetwork.com / May 8, 2015 / 8:11 PM

Sancho Delas Alas on being AiAi’s son: ‘May pros and cons’ “MAY pros and cons,” the newest apuso artist ancho Delas Alas said when he was asked about how he feels being the Philippine omedy ueen Aiai Delas Alas son.

“Sa una, feeling ko kasi normal lang eh. insan nagtataka ang mga tao na, Anak ka ng artista Parang ako naman, o kasi hindi ko naiintindihan yung concept na pag anak ka ng artista ay] may something na kakaiba sa yo dapat,” he shared.

Sancho would ride public transportation and stroll in places his mother would consider dangerous, but he would contest her by saying, “ a, wala namang nakakakilala sa akin na anak mo ako. Wala namang nagsasabi na], y, anak ni AiAi Walang ganun kaya hindi ko masyadong ninanamnam na anak ako ng artista.”

ow that the apuso newbie has entered the industry, he shared the pros and cons of being related to the omedy ueen, “Anak ako ng artista, nasa-showbi ako tapos] nabanggit ‘Sancho’ so mabilis makilala, pero ang downside naman nun ay kapag may nagsabi na], aya lang nandiyan siya kasi anak ni AiAi. ” he -year-old actor said his relationship with his mother played a vital role when he decided to joined showbiz, “Lahat ng kalokohan namin alam niya eh. Were] very open from head to toe.

Wala akong maitatago sa kanya at wala din siyang maitatago sa amin.” e also feels at home since he would accompany his mom during her shows and tapings even when he was young, “Nung nakapag-sign na ako ng contract at nag-start mag-workshop, parang

feeling ko nasa bahay lang ako. indi siya na parang nakakakaba, kumbaga relaxed lang everytime na nandito.” ancho is happy to be part of the primetime romantic drama series Let he Love Begin by portraying a anitor, plus, he will be working with his mom Aiai in this first-ever pro ect. hey will also star in an upcoming episode of agpakailanman.

How is his mom as a manager?

“ akakatuwa kasi pag may kailangan ako, text at tawag lang sa kanya. obrang hands-on niya,” he is grateful for having a mom who guides him in the industry. “ sa na nag-push sa akin na i-try ang showbi is my mom as an actress and my dad is] an actor din,” he concluded. ■ Bea Rodriguez / GMANetwork.com / May 15, 2015 / 9:25 PM

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E N T E R T A IN M E N T C E L E B R IT Y

Scoop

May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

Joy Viado on asking financial support for operation: ‘Nahihiya ako’

ILANG araw matapos lumabas ang balitang nangangailangan siya ng tulong pinansyal para sa operasyon na kinakailangan upang maiwasan ang pagkaputol ng kaniyang binti dahil sa diabetes, inihayag ng komedyanteng si Joy Viado ang kaniyang kalagayan, mula sa halos 30 taong pakikipaglaban niya sa sakit aty ang desisyon niyang manatili sa charity ward ng isang ospital.

Sa ginawang panayam ni Rhea Santos para sa Tunay Na Buhay, sinabi ng 56-year-old singer at comedian, na isang linggo na siyang nakaconfine sa charity ward ng hinese General Hospital at nakatakda siyang

sumailalim sa ikatlo niyang operasyon para masagip ang kaniyang binti.

Hindi itinanggi ni Joy na kapos siya sa pera kaya pinili niyang manatili sa charity ward.

“Wala akong pera. Practical lang ako. May pera ako pero hindi ko ilalagay sa kuwarto, ilalagay ko sa gamot. Saka hindi naman ako nahihiya kung nasa charity (ward) ako. Bakit?

Eh, okay lang naman ako,” pahayag ng komedyante na hindi pa rin maiwasan na magbiro sa kabila ng kalagayan.

Dagdag pa niya, bukod sa libreng pananatili sa ospital, libreng pagkain, at libreng konsultasyon sa mga doktor, alagang-alaga rin umano siya ng

mga kawani at maging ng ibang mga pasyente sa pagamutan.

Gayunpaman, nilinaw niya ang usap-usapang nananawagan siya ng tulong pinansyal para sa nakatakda niyang operasyon dahil sa acquired diabetes na lalo pa umanong lumala sa nakalipas na 30 taon dahil sa katigasan ng kaniyang ulo at maling lifestyle. “‘Yung mga taong nakakita sa akin, sila lang ang nagsasabing, ‘Hihingi po kami ng tulong para kay Joy Viado.’

Sa totoo lang, ayaw ko ng ganun.

Nahihiya ako. Kung nakikita nila ang hitsura ko sa Facebook at gusto nila akong tulungan, salamat,” ayon sa komedyante.

Nakatakda siya ngayong sumailalim sa Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy para sa mga sugat niya sa paa, at magpapasalamat umano siya sa lahat ng mga nais tumulong para sa malaking gastusing kaakibat nito.

Aniya, kinakailangan niyang dumaan sa 20 sessions na nagkakahalaga ng P6,500 kada isa.

Kaugnay ng malaking pangangailangan ni Joy, hindi nagatubili ang kaniyang mga kaibigan at dating katrabaho na gumawa ng paraan upang makatulong sa kaniya.

Idaraos ang fundraising concert na pinamagatang ‘Jam for Joy!’ sa ika31 ng Mayo sa 19 East Bar and Grill

Km. sa 19 East Service Road Sucat, Muntinlupa City, kung saan lahat ng malilikom na pera ay mapupunta sa komedyante upang maipandagdag sa kanyang panggastos sa ospital, mga gamot, at sa kinakailangang operasyon.

Kabilang sa mga kilalang personalidad sa showbiz na magiging bahagi ng nasabing concert sina Gino Padilla, Noel Cabangon, Richard Merk, Marissa Sanchez, at marami pang iba.

■ Bianca Rose Dabu / FRJ, GMA News May 14, 2015

/ 3:45 PM

Heart Evangelista on having a baby: ‘Definitely not this year’ KAPUSO leading lady Heart Evangelista made it very clear that she does not have any plans of getting pregnant anytime soon.

Hindi pa talaga. I want to make sure that I’ve got everything in control.

I’d like to plan my life. I want to make sure na nakalatag properly ang lahat ng plano ko sa buhay bago ako magkaroon ng anak, she shares.

Dagdag pa niya, Definitely not this year, definitely not early next year. But I will make sure to plan it properly.

Kasi it’s not all the time that you get

married. ou want to enjoy each other, and gusto ko lang na mas maayos ko pa ang buhay ko.

Ayon kay Mrs. Escudero, marami pa daw siyang kailangang malaman bago niya masabing handa na siya maging isang ina.

Feeling ko hindi pa sapat ang kung ano ang mayroon ako para magkaroon ng anak, kahit ‘yung maturity ko. Mayroon pa ‘yan, and one year can make a big difference. So I just want to make sure I do everything right. I want to pave the way for my baby.

Kamusta naman ang relationship niya with Chiz’s twins?

It’s not as hard as I thought. I just need to open myself. ‘ un ang isang advice na binigay sa akin ng daddy ko.

Nakita daw niya ang Instagram posts ko.

Sabi niya, ‘Talaga in-embrace mo na ang bago mong role. I’m happy for you.’

As earlier reported, nagkaayos na si Heart at ang kanyang ina.

Perfect na ang buhay ko kung mangyari ‘yun, saad niya. ■ Michelle Caligan / GMANetwork.com / May 13, 2015 / 5:54 PM

Photo by Charmaine Aquino, GMANetwork.com

Kris Aquino calls upcoming film with Willie Revillame naka one-on-one ni Mike Enriquez Herbert Bautista ‘a collision worth having’ ALMOST three months ago, Kris Aquino posted a lengthy blog entry called “The State of My Heart” where she revealed details of her short-lived romance with Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, including what she called “the least romantic marriage proposal any woman has ever received.”

In justifying her rather belated revelations of things that took place in 2014, Kris included the hash tag “#CLOSURE” suggesting that everything between her and the actorpolitician also known as Bistek was over and done with.

Maybe not yet. In three successive posts on her Instagram account, the self-styled Queen of All Media revealed that she and Bistek are doing a movie together to be produced by Star Cinema and to be directed by Antoinette Jadaone of “That Thing Called Tadhana” fame.

“Getting ready for a presentation/ meeting a year ago I’d never have believed could happen, and just up to a week ago I didn’t believe I could handle working on the project on a personal level But it s a first professionally, and I prayed about it, examined my heart, and realized I

Hertbert Bautista, director Antoinette Jadaone, and Kris Aquino announce their upcoming film project with Star Cinema on Friday. Photo posted by Kris Aquino on Instagram.

should just HAVE FAITH,” Kris posted early in the day captioning a message that says “Hoping my parachute will open.”

Five hours later, Kris posted a photo of her and Mayor Herbert sandwiching Direk Antoinette as she spilled the beans on the yet untitled project with the hash tags #leapofFAITH and #onceinalifetime.

The post then started a heated exchange between Kris’ followers and her bashers who harshly commented on the photo.

Sounding irked by the negative feedback, Kris later posted another

message that says, “I could have avoided you but somehow you were a collision worth having”.

In captioning this last message, Kris wrote, “In general about the project, and in particular about my leading man, and actually because trip ko lang asarin lahat ng affected much…Good Night. Itulog nyo na, 2 months pa naman before we start shooting.”

As Kris has become a staple in the Metro Manila Film Festival, the upcoming project could be her entry for the annual Christmas season movie fest. ■ Edwin P. Sallan / InterAksyon.com / May 16, 2015 / 10:26 AM

INAANTABAYANAN na ng buong bansa ang pagbabalik telebisyon ng controversial TV host na si Willie Revillame ngayong Linggo, May 10.

Excited na ang mga Kapuso natin para sa bonggang production numbers na mapapanood nila sa pilot episode ng Wowowin at sa limpak-limpak na premyong ipamimigay ng show para sa lucky studio audience.

Pero bago ang great TV comeback ni Kuya Willie, bumisita ang Wowowin host sa morning program ng 24 Oras anchor na si Mike Enriquez sa DZBB ngayong umaga (May 8).

Makikita sa larawang pinost sa Facebook na masayang nagkukuwentuhan ang dalawang matalik na magkaibigan.

Matatandaan na noong nakaraang taon may ulat na lumabas na tinutulangan daw nila Mike Enriquez at Eat Bulaga host Joey de Leon si

Willie para maipalabas ang show nito sa Kapuso network.

Ayon sa panayam ng GMANewsOnline kay Mike last November 2014, nagkita-kita raw sila ni Willie at Joey sa isang birthday celebration ng common friend nila.

Napag-usapan daw nila ang pagkakaroon ng show ni Willie sa GMA-7, pero nilinaw rin ni Mike na ilan lamang ito sa mga “idea” na nabuo sa usapan nilang tatlo.

Pahayag ni Mike, “Ako naman anything na worth exploring lalo na iyong mga outside the box na idea, ‘yung new innovation at kung makatutulong sa GMA, susuportahan ko iyan,” Celebrate Mother’s Day with us Kapuso by watching the pilot episode of Wowowin this Sunday, May 10, 3:30 pm after Sunday All Stars. ■ Aedrianne

Acar / GMANetwork.com / May 8, 2015 / 5:49 PM

ORIGINAL CREATION & COPYRIGHT RESERVED BY © HELLO PHILIPPINES 2015

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PHILIPPINE EMBASSY AROUND THE WORLD

www.hello-philippines.com

May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

PHL Mission to ASEAN holds “It’s More Fun In The Philippines; It’s More Fun In ASEAN” Event with ASEAN Women’s Circle THE Permanent Mission of the Philippines to ASEAN based in Jakarta held the traditional ASEAN Women’s Circle (AWC) contact morning on May 11 at the chancery of the Philippine Mission with the theme “It’s more fun in the Philippines; it’s more fun in A A .” he fun-filled event which allowed guests to experience why “it’s more fun in the Philippines,” was attended by about 80 members of the AWC. The guests, led by Madame Yasmin Fachir, AWC Chief Patron and spouse of Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdurrahman Mohammad Fachir and Madame Ugi Pramono, AWC President and spouse of ndonesia s Permanent epresentative to ASEAN Rahmat Pramono, were composed mostly of spouses of Permanent epresentatives, bilateral Ambassadors, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, lady diplomats, friends and patrons of AWC. In her welcome remarks, Philippine Permanent epresentative to A A Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso hailed the AWC as the embodiment of what ASEAN should be about-people-centered and people-driven. he applauded the AW s ob ective

A

enior

to bring about a shared appreciation of A A s cultural diversity and the group’s focus on social responsibility by sharing the funds of its various activities to help marginali ed sectors in Indonesia, such as orphans, outof-school youth and children from poor families with medical needs.

Ambassador Buensuceso also took the opportunity to greet the AWC on the occasion of international Mothers’ Day and said that the Philippines is a strong advocate in A A of the socioeconomic empowerment of women and the enhancement of their role in political processes.

Ambassador Buensuceso thanked rs. Doris ovicio, rs. Bernadette Aro and rs. vita arcia, spouses of the officers of the Philippine ission, as well as the staff, for the excellent preparations made to ensure the success of the event.

For her part, Madame Ugi Pramono, expressed her deep appreciation to Ambassador Buensuceso for hosting the said event. he updated the guests of recent projects undertaken

by AWC, including the ASEAN Education Program, which featured the Philippines and Brunei. Madame

fficials

Ugi likewise enjoined AWC members to continue to actively participate in the organization’s fundraising projects and events especially those that are geared towards helping the needy.

The AWC is a social organization of women from ASEAN countries and its dialogue partners. It was founded on 08 August 1975 by Madame Nelly Adam Malik, wife of one of the founding members of ASEAN and former Indonesian Foreign Minister Adam Malik. he event showcased popular Filipino games like “Pera o Bayong” and “Pinoy Henyo” to allow the participants to experience why it’s more fun in the Philippines. Most of the participants said that it was their first time to play such games, which they found to be very entertaining and exciting. Questions to the games were about the Philippines, Indonesia and AWC, which the ladies spiritedly answered.

To set the Fiesta ambiance, the Mission was decorated with a “Palamigan” where popular fruit drinks like “buko” and melon juice and “gulaman” were served as welcome drinks; a photo booth where guests

ri ate ector and

perts to

ASIA-PACIFIC Economic Cooperation (APEC) Senior Officials, representatives of various APEC fora, and representatives from the government, business, and academic sectors are expected to engage in a meaningful discussion at the Symposium on the Internet Economy to be held on May 18 at Ballroom 2 of Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center in Boracay. uided by the APEC 2015 theme of Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World , the Symposium will look at the role of the internet economy in promoting inclusive growth, particularly

(Top photo) Philippine Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso links hands the ASEAN Way with the Executive Committee of the ASEAN Women’s Circle led by its President, Ibu Ugi Pramono and Chief Patro, Ibu Yasmin Fachir. (Bottom photos) Pinoy Henyo, Pera o Bayong, Filipino food and fiesta-themed decor explain why “it’s more fun in the Philippines

posed for souvenir pictures and a floral “arko” representing the flowers of May. Lunch was a delectable selection oftinolang manok, lumpiang sariwa, ensaladang talong, Bicol express, rellenong bangus, the ubiquitous adobo and halo-halo for dessert. he guests appreciatively shared their comments after the event. ost of them loved the floral decorations and photo booth, the “delicious Filipino food” and the “exciting games.” “I

will remember the eepney forever,” a Malaysian lady who joined Pinoy Henyo said. The newly posted wife of the Permanment epresentative of ndia expressed delight over “my first time to taste lovely Filipino food.” he wife of the Thai Ambassador likened the “polvoron”, a take-home gift to the ladies, to a dessert of her childhood and happily said, she will introduce “Pinoy Henyo” to her grandchildren. ■ Philippine Embassy Philippines / May 15, 2015

old nternet conomy iscussion

how the Internet enables different services to connect and expand. Further, experts will also share how the Internet led to the emergence of new business practices and models. Lastly, the Symposium will tackle the challenges in fully harnessing this technology, as well as the opportunities to address such barriers.

Hosted by the Philippines in cooperation with the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC), the Symposium will gather experts’ inputs and recommendations for APEC, particularly on the role it can play in improving understanding among

economies of policies that promote economic benefits from the information economy. Outcomes of the Symposium are expected to contribute to APEC’s discussions on services as well as on SMEs. The Symposium on the Internet Economy stems from the APEC Leaders’ instructions in 2014 to discuss the Internet Economy, promote member economies’ cooperation on developing the Internet Economy, and facilitate technological and policy exchanges to bridge the digital divide. ■ Philippine

Embassy Philippines / May 14, 2015

Internet oter Registration System Rolled-Out for Filipinos in Americas THE Department of Foreign Affairs - verseas oting ecretariat DFAannounced that effective May 13, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in collaboration with the DFA-OVS has rolled out iREHISTRO for implementation by the following Foreign ervice Posts F Ps in the Americas region: Philippine Embassies in Washington, Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Mexico, Ottawa, Santiago plus the Philippine onsulate eneral in Agana, Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Toronto and ancouver. iREHISTRO is an online system that provides another way of accomplishing forms for voter registration related process.

Prospective applicants still have to appear personally at Foreign ervice Posts or obile Field

registration sites, to sign and submit their duly accomplished printed form, and for biometrics capturing. In addition, the processed applications still have to be approved by the Resident Election Registration Board (RERB).

Commissioner Al A. Parreño, who conceptualized and is in charge of the COMELEC’s implementation of iRehistro, offered the technology to the verseas oting ecretariat DFAOVS) last September 2014. As a result, a pilot project was initiated with the Philippine Embassy in Madrid, Spain in ovember , and was successfully concluded in January 2015.

Based on the Philippine Embassy in Madrid’s recommendation, with a favorable endorsement from DFA, the L approved the

implementation of iREHISTRO for the entire Foreign ervice. egional training for Voter Registration Machine Operators in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and Americas region has just been successfully completed.

Training and rollout for FSPs in the Asia Pacific region is being planned for the end of this month. verseas Filipinos in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa region now have the option of filling up the forms from the comfort of their homes, workplace, internet café, or anywhere they have access to reliable internet connection. The optional appointment feature of the system allows for better time management since it provides them an easy way to schedule their personal appearance at a FSP or obile Field registration site.

F P s also benefit from i .

The optional appointment system if and when used can accurately inform the Post on how many registrants to expect on a given day, thus giving them a heads up on how to adjust for the walk-ins. In addition, planning for outreach and Akyat Barko activities is made easier by the advance relatively accurate head count. fficiency

is enhanced because of the faster processing time resulting to potentially more registrants per day, with higher “customer satisfaction”.

All Filipino citizens who expect to be in Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa during the thirty day (April to ay overseas voting period for the 2016 Presidential Elections, at least 18 years old on May 09, 2016, not otherwise disqualified by law and who would like to be among the first overseas Filipinos to become part of this historical evolution of the Philippine overseas electoral process, may now go to www.irehistro.com or www.comelec.gov.ph to access the iREHISTRO System to register as an overseas voter. he voter registration period ends on October 31. Register now! ■ Philippine Embassy Philippines / May 14, 2015

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PHILIPPINE EMBASSY AROUND THE WORLD

www.hello-philippines.com

May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

Secretary Del Rosario Calls on US to Give More Focus to SCS Devt’s, Substantiate Asia Rebalance Policy FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario called on the United States to urgently give more focus to recent developments in the South China Sea and provide substance to its Asia rebalance policy.

At the launch of the US-Philippines Strategic Initiative (USPSI) on May 12, at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C., the Secretary said that the Philippines remains supportive of the US Government’s rebalance towards Asia.

The US-Philippines Strategic Initiative, a joint project by CSIS and the ADR Institute, aims to highlight the enduring alliance “through sustainable and strategic engagement on high-impact global and regional issues.” It is expected to produce policy recommendations that would enable the Philippines-US alliance to effectively deal with current political and economic realities.

Secretary Del Rosario lauded the effort in his written remarks, describing it as “deliberate, timely, and time-bound.”

“At the core of this Initiative is the realization that the United States must remain an active player in strengthening the regional architecture

for stability, security and development.

The Philippines, in turn, contributes to and has an important role to play in maintaining that regional stability,” the Secretary emphasized.

The Philippines is the oldest treaty ally of the United States in Asia. In recent years, the two countries have been closely working together to reinvigorate their bilateral relations within the context of the US rebalance policy and in light of new issues that have far-reaching implications for the region’s security and progress. Among these issues are the maritime disputes plaguing the region, including those that concern the South China Sea. Secretary Del Rosario agreed with the expressed belief that the South China Sea is considered as the most important issue in the world today.

He stressed that, “The goals of US and China are so diametrically opposed, the outcome of the contest is capable of impacting international order.”

The Philippines is advocating a peaceful settlement of the disputes in the South China Sea in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law. This position has generated broad support from the United States and the rest of the international community.

(From left) Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, CSIS Simitro Chair for Southeast Asia Studies Ernest Bower and Mr. William Cohen at the launch of the US-Philippines Strategic Initiative on May 12, 2015 in Washington, D.C.

The Secretary also underscored the economic and people-to-people ties that bind the Philippines and the United States as strongly as their cooperation in the field of defense and security.

The audience was composed of around 150 people, including CSIS fellows, Philippine and US government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and media representatives. He was joined in the panel by Mr. William Cohen, Chairman and CEO of The Cohen Group, a global consultancy

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario (3rd from left) and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. (leftmost) with some members of the US-Philippines Friendship Cauous on May 12, 2015 at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C.

firm. r. rnest Bower, umitro hair for Southeast Asia Studies and codirector of the Pacific Partners nitiative at CSIS, moderated the discussion.

The Secretary last visited CSIS in September 2012 during the “The Philippines Conference”.

After the launch of the USPSI, Secretary Del Rosario proceeded to a reception in honor of the USPhilippines Friendship Caucus in the US Capitol. He reiterated to US legislators the vital role of the Philippines-US alliance in preserving

peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific. he ecretary then briefed the Caucus members on Philippine issues, including the recent developments in the South China Sea, the post-Haiyan rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts and the status of the Filipino communities across the US. “It is through the tireless efforts of the US-Philippines Friendship Caucus that bilateral relations gain more meaning and relevance to peoples’ lives,” Secretary Del Rosario remarked.

■ Philippine Embassy Philippines / May 14, 2015

Davao Doctor’s Hospital Delegation isits Manado City to Explore Possible Medical Cooperation

A delegation from Davao Doctors Hospital (DDH) led by President and CEO Mr. Raymund Del al, accompanied by Medical Director Noel illanueva, and Corporate Research and Development Director Cecilia C. Castillo, MD, paid a courtesy call on the Philippine Consulate eneral in Manado on April 2 in order to explore possible collaborative opportunities between hospitals and healthcare academic facilities in Manado and Davao Cities.

During the said meeting, the visiting Davao Doctor’s delegation noted the high demand in North

Sulawesi for Philippine healthcare and medical practitioners, as well as for medical training, particularly in light of the close proximity of the two regions, which are geographically only 620 km apart. In anticipation of accelerating regional interconnectivity between the two neighbor regions, the delegation expressed interest in a possible Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Davao Doctor’s Hospital and Sam Ratulangi University in Manado, which will involve cooperation in training and exchange of students and professionals, medical services, and joint medical

tourism projects.

The Consulate eneral also took the opportunity to brief the visiting delegation on upcoming Southern Mindanao-North Sulawesi interconnectivity projects, in particular the upcoming BitungLikupang-Talaud- eneral Santos Roll-on/ Roll-off (RORO) passenger ferry and cargo shipping service, which is anticipated to commence within Q2 2015, which will allow direct passenger travel between the two regions for greater people-to-people interaction, including greater interaction in medical services. ■ Philippine Embassy

Philippines / May 15, 2015

Vice Consul Jan Sherwin P. Wenceslao (leftmost) poses with Davao Doctor’s Hospital (DDH) President and CEO Raymund Del Val (2nd from left) during the latter’s courtesy call. Also in picture is Medical Director Noel Villanueva (rightmost), Corporate Research and Development Director Cecilia C. Castillo, MD (3rd from left), and Liaison Officer Novia Helena A. Lambey (4th from left).

Composite Team from PHL Embassy in Riyadh and PHL Consulate General in Jeddah meets with Filipinos in Najran

Welfare Officer Amelito Adel, Minister and Consul General Marshall Louis Alferez, Vice Consul RJ Sumague and Labor Attaché Jainal Rasul Jr.

Minister and Consul General Alferez briefs Filipino workers.

THE Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah conducted an open forum with members of the Filipino community in Najran at the King Khalid Hospital Auditorium on May 13.

The aim of the forum was to discuss the present situation in Najran, validate reports on the ground, hear the concerns of the Filipino workers, and brief them on the plans being made by both the Embassy and the Consulate General.

Around 200 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from different hospitals, clinics and commercial establishments in Najran attended the forum. Present were Minister and Consul General Marshall Louis Alferez

of the Philippine Embassy, and Vice Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague, Labor Attache Jainal Rasul, Jr. and Welfare fficer Amelito Adel of the Philippine Consulate General.

“Filipinos in Najran are safe and in good condition. While they rightfully have concerns over the Houthi mortar attacks in the past week, the situation is now calm and the first day of the ceasefire has largely been observed by both sides. Public services are still being delivered and commercial establishments are still open. We also noted that Filipinos are able to go about their daily routines with minimal disruption. Nevertheless, we have advised Filipinos to remain calm and ever vigilant, and to always

monitor the advisories of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah”, remarked Minister and Consul General Alferez.

The forum allowed the attendees to further clarify labor-related concerns vis-à-vis the situation on the ground.

The team informed the group that the Saudi Government still requires all regular labor and immigration rules and procedures for departing expatriates to be followed, especially for those with irregular status.

At the end of the forum, the Filipino workers expressed their appreciation to composite team for going to Najran and helping them better understand their present situation. ■ Philippine Embassy

Philippines / May 15, 2015

NEWS

May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

www.hello-philippines.com

35

Aside from freeze order, 19 Binay allies may face arrest by Senate

MANILA – Aside from the freeze order on their monetary assets by the Court of Appeals (CA), nineteen individuals including the purported bagmen of Vice President Jejomar Binay are also likely to face arrest by the Senate.

In his media advisory on Thursday, enator eofisto uingona announced a Notice of Meeting among members of the Blue Ribbon Committee to decide on the recommendation by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III to issue citations for contempt on the alleged dummies and bagmen of Binay.

“In this connection, a meeting will be held on Monday, May 18, to

discuss the resolution of the attached recommendation by the Subcommittee to cite in contempt nineteen (19) resource persons who unduly refused to appear before the Subcommittee despite the valid issuance of subpoena ad testificandum and show cause orders,” Guingona said. “ he significance of the meeting on Monday is that, if there would be a warrant of arrest by the Senate, then we will need to seek the help of the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) to have them arrested,” Pimentel said.

The biggest hurdle is not in having to affect the arrest orders, but in

ner of missing fishing essel ith

THE Taiwanese owner of a fishing vessel with 13 Filipino crew members that went missing last February may have given up its search for them, the Department of Labor and Employment said Wednesday.

DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldo said Hsiang Fu Chun Co., owner of fishing vessel Hsiang Fu Chun paid the three months’ salaries of the crew and is now claiming insurance for them.

Insurance regulations provide that the claims can be applied in three months, a DOLE news release quoted Taipei-based Labor Attach Cynthia

Cru as saying.

Families of the crew members could get the insurance benefit in as little as one month’s time, the DOLE said.

Also, it said the salaries of the crew members have been paid until end-March.

Baldo also assured the families of the 13 missing Filipino crew the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration is ready to provide them the benefits due them as OWWA members.

Citing Cru ’s update, Baldo said the ship owner decided to leave the search area in the Falklands Islands and leave the search to the Argentinean Search and Rescue Center.

ascertaining the whereabouts of the some of the concerned individuals especially Binay’s alleged bagmen or finance officers erry Limlingan and personal secretary Eduviges “Ebeng” Baloloy.

“At least, we can locate most of them, but Limlingan and Baloloy, there is difficulty tracing them,” enator Guingona remarked.

As far as Limlingan is concerned, the sub-committee had already ruled in the past that the panel has “deemed served” the subpoena issued against him, and this means that he had been given ample time to respond to a show cause order why he should not be cited

inoys ends search ops “The Argentinian Navy has dispatched a warship and an ocean patrol vessel for the search, Cru said in her report.

Uruguay and other neighboring countries are helping in the search, Cru added. ■ Joel Locsin / LBG, GMA News

Vice President Jejomar Binay

in contempt by the Senate, Pimentel pointed out. ince he has not filed any response to the issuance by the investigating committee, the next appropriate step is to recommend the imposition of sanction, he added.

“As for Baloloy, it’s a difference situation. he filed a urisdictional challenge through a lawyer (before the committee). It means that she knows [she’s being subpoenaed] and we need not have to look for her,” Pimentel said.

Aside from the two, also recommended for the contempt citation are the following: University of Makati president and Pag-IBIG board member Prof. Tomas Lopez and his wife Hirene; businessman Antonio Tiu and his brother James and his sister-

in-law Anne Lorraine BuencaminoTiu; Engr. Line de la Peña, Bernadette Portallano, Vissia Marie Aldon, Danilo Villas, Aida Alcantara, Eng. Mario Badillo, Irene Chong, Imee Chong, Kim Tun Chong, Irish Chong, Erlinda Chong and Kimsfer Chong.

Pimentel said the move to impose sanction is also to prevent others from disrespecting the orders and the authority of the committee.

Meanwhile, Pimentel said his committee does not have any plan to investigate the alleged ill-gotten wealth of Binay and his cronies, as this is already covered by the mandate of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). ■ Ernie Reyes / InterAksyon.com / May 14, 2015 / 9:09 PM

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JAKARTA - Indonesia has extended a landmark moratorium aimed at preserving the archipelago’s vast swathes of tropical rainforest, but environmentalists said on Thursday the logging ban did not go far enough.

Large tracts of the country are covered in trees, including some of the world’s most biodiverse rainforest that is home to endangered animals such as orangutans, tigers and elephants.

But huge swathes have been chopped down by palm oil, mining and timber companies in Southeast Asia’s top economy, which has become the world’s third-biggest carbon emitter as a result.

In 2011 Indonesia signed a two-year moratorium, which bans new logging permits for primary or virgin forest -- defined as forest not logged in recent history, as well as peatlands which store large quantities of carbon.

The scheme was created with help from Norway, which has pledged to pay out up to $1 billion to the government to preserve rainforests, depending on progress.

It protects an area of around 43 million hectares (106 million acres), according to environmental group the World Resources Institute.

The logging ban had already been extended

once in 2013 to 2015, and President Joko Widodo on Wednesday signed a further two-year extension, telling reporters: “We need to protect our forests.”

However environmental groups criticised the moratorium, saying that it still allowed deforestation for projects deemed in the national interest.

Infrastructure projects -- which Widodo is pushing in order to boost slowing economic growth -- and crop plantations are among those excluded from the ban.

“One of the biggest loopholes in the current policy is the clause that allows key strategic national priorities to be excluded,” said Nirarta Samadhi, from the World Resources Institute.

Activists have also pressed the government to strengthen the moratorium to include other types of forest.

“Strengthening forests protection is urgent,” said Greenpeace Indonesia forests campaigner Teguh Surya. “President Joko Widodo has failed to listen to public demands to protect our remaining forests and peatlands.”

The forestry minister said discussions were under way about strengthening the moratorium.

■ AFP / May 14, 2015

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lndonesia extends landmark FATIMA, SPAIN & LOURDES 8–18 JUNE logging moratorium A forest is cleared on a piece of land to be developed into a palm oil plantation, on Indonesia

36

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Victims of Visayas typhoons send petition to PNoy, seek to scrap ‘restrictive’ DSWD order MANILA - Calamity victims of typhoons Ruby and Seniang in Eastern Visayas trooped to Mendiola Thursday to submit a petition paper signed by 22,000 poor peasants, asking President Aquino to order the immediate release of financial and shelter assistance to affected communities.

Farmers belonging to the Sagupa sinirangan Visayas, along with Yolanda victims from Kusog Sang Pumuluyo sa Panay, Peoples Surge and Anakpawis party list submitted also a position paper seeking the scrapping of Memorandum Circular 24 of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, on the implementation of the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA).

The groups said the DSWD

memorandum circular perpetuates “unreasonable conditions” which limit the beneficiaries of the A. In a joint statement; the groups slammed alleged government neglect of calamity victims in Eastern Visayas and Panay, particularly those affected

by Typhoons Ruby and Seniang who have yet to receive help from the government. They said that after the two typhoons struck the island of Eastern Visayas, only two kilos of rice have been distributed to the victims by the municipal social welfare office.

“Where are the billions of funds and foreign donations? It’s been six months but the calamity victims continue to suffer. That is why we are submitting our petition paper signed by poor

peasants to President Aquino calling for an immediate response for relief and rehabilitation in our region,” said Nestor Lebico, Secretary General of SAGUPA SB. Meanwhile, Yolanda survivors in the Visayas are criticizing the government not only for the slow distribution, but also for its highly discriminating guidelines for implementing the ESA in the three regions mostly affected by the typhoon Yolanda.

“We want DSWD Memo Circular 24 to be scrapped, and the ESA should be available to all Yolanda survivors in the three regions without any preconditions” said Fr. Marco Sulayao, spokesperson of Kusog Sang Pumuluyo.

As for Anakpawis party list Rep.

Victims of two typhoons in Eastern Visayas march at Mendiola to deliver to Malacanang Palace a petition seeking to scrap what they describe as a restrictive DSWD circular that impedes their access to muchneeded assistance. Phot by Jamin Verde, InterAksyon.c om.

Fernando Hicap, “calamity victims went to the NCR to remind the president that he has unfinished business in the regions mostly affected by typhoon Yolanda, Ruby and Seniang. His government’s criminal neglect will be not forgotten by the victims.”

“Almost two years since Yolanda wreaked havoc mostly in the Visayas

region, we continuously struggle economically despite the billions of pesos worth of funds and foreign donations. We would like to remind this government that many of us have not yet recovered and should be entitled to government attention,” said Marissa Cabaljao, People Surge spokesperson. ■ InterAksyon.com / May 14, 2015 / 4:17 PM

First HI /AIDS treatment hub in Mimaropa launched in Palawan PUERTO PRINCESA CIT - With the alarming increase in the HI /AIDS cases in Palawan and Mimaropa, the first treatment hub in the province and in the Mindoro-Marinduque-RomblonPalawan region was formally launched Monday at the Ospital ng Palawan (OnP) here.

This was put up to educate, disseminate, control, and prevent the spread of the disease in Palawan and

Mimaropa, said Dr. ose Coloma, head of OnP’s HI -AIDS Core Team (HACT).

Coloma said the escalation of HI -AIDS cases in the province was alarming.

Fourteen diagnosed and confirmed individuals were identified in the province, of which four died since 2011, primarily due to absence of accessible treatment hub, said HACT chief.

In December 2014, meanwhile, HACT screened 2 individuals, of which 34

declared positive but not confirmed, because of tracking problem as patients gave in to self-discrimination as they perceived social stigma.

Iba ‘yung rapid test reactive ka, iba ‘yung confirmed ka. ‘Pag reactive-positive ka, it doesn’t mean you have already a fullblown HI no, you have to confirm that (It is different when you’re rapid test reactive, and when you are positive. It does not mean you have already a full-blown HI no, you have to confirm that), Coloma explained.

Coloma said that with the installation of the center, which was in line with the National HI -AIDS Testing Week, the patients would not need to go to Metro Manila to be treated.

Since it is first in Mimaropa, they too, expect patients from across the region.

Dr. Eduardo anairo, regional director

of Department of Health (DOH)-Mimaropa, encouraged Puerto Princesans to help eradicate the social stigma attached to the fatal HI -AIDS and make testing a norm.

Hindi ibig sabihin na magpapa-test kayo ay positive na kayo agad ang gusto natin maliwanagan ang lahat at magkaroon ng kapangyarihang-impormasyon na ang ating pangangatawan ay libre sa HI -AIDS (It does not mean that when you have yourself tested, you are already positive what we want is to enlighten and empower everyone with information that their bodies are free from HI -AIDS), said anairo, adding the treatment was for free. ust Sunday, anairo’s group visited entertainment establishments and communities within downtown Puerto Princesa, and surprisingly gathered over 40 individuals mostly from the community

of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transexual (L BT), who volunteered themselves to be tested.

Meanwhile, anairo said the treatment center would expect to also cater to domestic and foreign tourists as Palawan is a tourism hub. DOHMimaropa is also planning to turn the provincial hospital to a regional medical center, he added.

The launch was made possible in collaboration with Regional Health Office 4-Mimaropa, and in partnership with the City and Provincial Health Office.

To sustain the awareness campaign, Coloma further said he was thinking of training some barangay workers to explain HI -AIDS in confidentiality. ■ Keith Anthony S. Fabro / Philippines News Agency / May 13, 2015 10:22 AM

Pinoys at Saudi-Yemen border ‘safe’ - DFA MANILA -- Filipinos in a city on the border of Saudi Arabia and wartorn Yemen “are safe and in good condition,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said after a recent visit there.

The May 13 visit to Najran by a team from the Philippine embassy in Riyadh and the consulate general in Jeddah came just after overseas Filipino workers in the Saudi city pleaded for help from the government

because of the worsening violence in the area.

Saudi Arabia leads a coalition of countries that have been carrying out an air campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen who have, in turn, been firing artillery from across the border on Saudi targets, including Najran.

In an interview with News5, JR Rosarda, who works at a farm in Najran, made a tearful plea for the

Pinoy arrested in anti-smuggle operation in Sabah –report A 50-year-old Filipino was arrested in an anti-smuggling operation in Sabah last Sunday, a Malaysian news site reported on Wednesday.

The arrest was part of a crackdown on the smuggling of fuel and subsidi ed goods from Sabah to southern Philippines, Malaysia’s The Star Online reported.

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency teams intercepted the fast craft off the east coast Sandakan district, the report said.

While the report did not name the Filipino, it said he had no identification documents.

Philippine government to relocate him and other OFWs in the area, who he estimated to number 1,000. Another OFW, Warren Corpuz, said their position was almost hit by bombs at least six times, with a shell falling just 20 meters away at one instance.

The visit to Najran by consult general Marshall Louis Alferez from the Philippine embassy, vice consul Rodney Jonas Sumague, labor attaché ainal asul r. and welfare officer

Amelito Adel from the consulate general coincided with the start of a five-day humanitarian ceasefire in Yemen.

The team held an open forum at the King Khalid Hospital auditorium in Najran, which the DFA said was attended by some 200 OFWs working in hospitals and commercial establishments.

The DFA quoted Alferez as saying: “While they rightfully have concerns

Investigation showed the vessel was loaded with three jerry cans filled with gasoline, a cooking gas tank and various goods. It was detained at about 10 a.m.

Sunday.

MMEA Sandakan enforcement chief Kepten Maritim Abd Ra ak Abd Rahman said the vessel was detained some 3.6 nautical miles off Tanjung Layar Layar.

The value of the goods in the fast craft was estimated at about RM1,500 (P18,601).

After the interception, the Filipino and the vessel were turned over to MMEA investigation officers. ■ Joel Locsin / KBK, GMA News / May 13, 2015 / 3:45 PM

Saudi Arabian artillery fires across the border with Yemen at Houthi rebel positions. ©AFP

over the Houthi mortar attacks in the past week, the situation is now calm and the first day of the ceasefire has largely been observed by both sides.

Public services are still being delivered and commercial establishments are still open. We also noted that Filipinos are able to go about their daily routines with minimal disruption.”

“Nevertheless, we have advised Filipinos to remain calm and ever vigilant, and to always monitor the advisories of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah,” he added.

The DFA said the consular team informed the OFWs in Najraf that “the Saudi Government still requires all regular labor and immigration rules and procedures for departing expatriates to be followed, especially for those with irregular status.”

In contrast, Yemen was placed under Alert Level 4, which calls for the mandatory repatriation of Filipinos, months ago as fighting between the Houthis and government began worsening. ■ InterAksyon.com / May 16, 2015 /

7:30 AM

May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

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Aquino ‘sabotaging’ chances for talks’ resumption - Reds

MANILA -- Communist rebels accused President Benigno Aquino III of “sabotaging” chances of resuming peace talks just as, they said, they were preparing for the possibility of reopening the stalled negotiations.

The accusations made by Luis Jalandoni, chief negotiator of the National Democratic Front -- which represents the rebels to the peace talks -- and Jose Ma. Sison, Communist Party of the Philippines founder and the NDF’s chief political consultant, were in response to statements by Aquino during an interview with Bombo Radyo last week, in which he said government was “always open to peace talks” but that the rebels “also need to show their sincerity.”

In the interview, Aquino twitted the communists, referring to information from his peace adviser, Secretary Teresita Deles, that, at the height of the controversy following the January 25 Mamasapano incident, the communists imposed “impossible demands” even as they issued “propaganda that they want to talk peace.”

He also accused the NDF of exploiting the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees to claim consultant status for captured rebel leaders as a ploy to get them out of jail.

Jalandoni, in a statement, said with his statements, “Aquino destroys the chances for resumption of peace negotiations between his lame-duck administration and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.”

The NDF chief negotiator said their

preparations for a possible resumption of the talks was not propaganda but “in response to calls of peasants and workers to work for genuine land reform and national industrialization in the face of massive poverty, landlessness and spiraling prices of basic commodities,” as well as “to the efforts of peace advocates and the Royal Norwegian Government,” the third-party facilitator of the negotiations.

In his own statement, Sison said Aquino had “wantonly violated” not just the JASIG but other existing agreements between the government and the NDF, including The Hague Joint Declaration, which laid down the framework for the negotiations, the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, and the Joint Agreement on the Formation, Sequence and Operationalization of the Reciprocal Working Committees.

In the Bombo interview, Aquino also alluded to a “special track” proposed

by Sison to fast-track the negotiations.

While describing the proposal, which suggested that an indefinite ceasefire was possible, as “doable,” Aquino said the rebels “took it back.”

However, Sison said Aquino “is out of his mind if he thinks that he can get an agreement on indefinite ceasefire without complying with the aforesaid existing agreements and without a Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms at the same time.” ■ InterAksyon.com / May 16, 2015 / 9:10 AM

File photos of resigned PNP chief Alan Purisima, DILG chief Mar Roxas, and President Benigno Aquino III

Palace: PHL not exaggerating claims on China’s activities in West Philippine Sea MALACA AN on Saturday disputed China’s claim that the Philippines is exaggerating the threat it supposedly poses in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

“The Philippines makes it a point to be very objective and to be very accurate when it comes to the facts that we present, that our positions are based on... It is not to our interest to exaggerate any incident or to make any incident bigger than it actually is because, as far as we were concerned, we only proceed upon the facts, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail alte said on government-run d RB radio.

How it is perceived by other people outside is something that is not in government’s control, she added.

On Friday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang i was quoted as saying someone has been exaggerating or even playing up the so-called tension in the South China Sea.” President Benigno Aquino III said in April that China’s reclamation activities

in the South China Sea should be seen as a global problem because it could affect the flow of goods through shipping lanes there.

Core issues. For his part, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Charles ose said the real issue that needs to be addressed is China’s claim of indisputable sovereignty in the disputed area, which has no basis under international law.”

Another core issue is China’s unilateral and aggressive actions to assert and enforce its claim, especially its reclamation work, he added.

All these threaten peace and stability in the region, raise tension in the area, and undermine the rule of law.

Reduce tension. Earlier, US Secretary of State ohn Kerry urged China to take action to reduce tension in the South China Sea and expressed concern about the pace and scope of Beijing’s land reclamation in the disputed area.

Kerry spoke at the start of a twoday China tour dominated by deepening

security concern about China’s maritime ambitions in the South China Sea, parts of which Manila calls the West Philippine Sea. But China’s Wang told Kerry that Beijing was unshakeable in its defense of sovereignty in the disputed marine areas in the Spratlys, an Agnece FrancePresse report said.

In a move that could lead to a standoff in an area of vital importance in global shipping, the US has sent warships and surveillance aircraft within 12 nautical miles -- the normal territorial one around natural land -- of artificial islands that Beijing is building in the South China Sea, the AFP report added.

Also, it said Beijing regards almost the whole of the South China Sea as its own and after talks in Beijing Wang said: The determination of the Chinese side to safeguard our own sovereignty and territorial integrity is as firm as a rock and it is unshakeable. ■ Joel Locsin and Amanda Fernandez / JDS/LBG, GMA News / May 16, 2015 / 2:22 PM

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May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

FOOTBALL

Rampaging Fullback: Five things we learned from Global FC’s AFC Cup campaign GLOBAL FC’s hopes of progressing to the next round of the AFC Cup ended last Wednesday after a scoreless draw against Pahang FA of Malaysia, but not before a spirited Global display almost produced the solitary goal needed for the team to advance.

Pahang FA had no intention to attack and was setup from the onset to get the draw they needed to progress.

Global’s maiden AFC Cup campaign ended in tears and disappointment at the Philippine Sports Stadium, but there should be no shame in their performance that night. ere are five things we learned from Philippine football s first foray to the AFC Cup:

1. lobal could have fielded a stronger line-up. The occasion had Izo

Elhabib’s name written all over it.

With time running down Global’s AFC Cup campaign and the team desperately needing a goal, most people would not bet against the Sudanese grabbing the goal against a tiring Pahang defense.

Instead, Izo Elhabib and the likes of Yu Hoshide and Roland Sadia could only watch helplessly from the stands, unable to help the team –- all because of paperwork that was not submitted in time.

Matt Hartmann, signed from Loyola specifically for the AF up, was also unable to play and was the best paid

UFL file photo

BOXING

cheerleader on the team.

The new low came in the away match to Yadanarbon of Myanmar, where there were only two players on the subs bench that day -– one being goalkeeper Patrick Deyto.

Team President Dan Palami admits to the team’s shortcomings.: “We just need to make sure that for the federation and the clubs, to be more professional in the approach especially in these kinds of tournaments because they are very strict.”

“I think it is a lesson learned both by the club and the federation and I think this is good for others who will be following Global FC, because I’m sure this is a lesson that we’ll ensure that these things won’t happen again.”

2. Poor start hit Global. It was supposed to be Global’s coming of age party at home in the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium; instead it was Hong Kong’s South China who celebrated as they blew out Global 6-1 in Manila.

There are numerous ways to start a campaign, but conceding at home after two minutes couldn’t be the best way to start your AFC Cup debut.

Perhaps it was a case of first game jitters, but it was a debilitating start for the UFL Champions whose league form subsequently took a similar hit as they went on to play a winless month of March (3 losses and 1 draw), while scoring zero goals in the process.

As Global’s AFC Cup campaign came to a close, Dan Palami admitted some mistakes, especially in the early stages of the tournament.

“We finally learned how to play at the level of this particular tournament,” he said.

“We were too aggressive in the first game, and that is the reason why we were made to pay for it by South China, but in our next games we were more realistic with the resources that we had, and played to our strengths.”

3. Global can play toe to toe with the teams in the region. The lopsided losses

against South China aside, Global proved it can compete with the other teams in Group G. The away draw to Pahang – with one outfield player on the subs bench was the most creditable performance of the team, as it gave Global its very first point of the tournament and galvanized the team into believing that qualification is possible.

The unfortunate loss to Yadanarbon away could have been avoided had Global had a full line-up at its disposal.

The subsequent 4-1 victory against the same team in the reverse fixture attests to that.

Coach Leigh Manson said before the tournament that the AFC Cup was ‘new ground’ for any Filipino club. Given the resources at their disposal, Global performed well, even with a chance

World Sport Group photo

Filipina Marnelle

FILIPINA boxer Marnelle “Shark 2 erano of alencia City, Bukidnon captured the vacant Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) world super flyweight crown Friday night at the La Mirage Receptions and Convention Centre in Somerton, ictoria, Australia.

The 2 -year old erano (6-2-1, 2 KOs) scored a unanimous decision against previously unbeaten Australia female bantamweight champion Sylvia Scharper (3-1, 1 KO) in 10-round championship fight.

Two judges saw the fight 9 -93 and the third judge had it 98-92 all in favor of the 5-foot-6 erano.

World Sport Group photo

of progressing to the knockout stages until the very last second.

Palami enthuses: “We’ll have to use the line-up that we had. But even then, tonight’s game (vs. Pahang) should have been a defining moment.

Everything was in the balance in this game, all we needed was one goal.”

“We tried to minimize all these mistakes and that is the reason why in the sixth game, we were still in the fight. mean, not all of the clubs were in there (with a chance, at the last game of the group stages), so we’re happy to have had a chance.”

4.

oung guns come to fore.

With Global’s stars unavailable for the tournament, it was the perfect opportunity for the team’s youngsters to shine – and they took their chance when presented.

The names Jun Badelic, Richard Talaroc, Paolo Bugas, John Kanayama, and Paolo Salenga may not ring a bell even to most local fans embedded in the game, but the AFC Cup gave them a chance to show the world what they got.

The youthful Badelic, third choice behind Patrick Deyto and Roland Sadia in Global’s pecking order, stepped up when needed and held Pahang FA to a goalless draw in Pahang.

If there is one positive development from this campaign, it is that Global were able to utilize and give tremendous experience to these youngsters, who will undoubtedly be part of Global’s footballing future.

5. On the field, lobal represented the Philippines well. Contrary to what

opposing UFL fans might think, Global FC represented the Philippines in the AF up. n the field, they did the country proud. ff the field, some will argue and perhaps with good reason, that Global could have represented the country and the UFL better with improved handling of the behind the scenes situation, notably in the player registration.

However, on the pitch, Global left it all out there and had nothing to be ashamed of. It is a testament to the quality of “The People’s Club” that Pahang FA came to Manila to play ultra-defensive football with only the intention of getting the draw and nothing more.

Palami rues: “We could have been the first Filipino club to be in the second round of an Asian competition.”

The Global head honcho however, remains upbeat: “(This) means we’ll just have to do it next year.” ■ Ryan Fenix / Special to InterAksyon.com / May 16, 2015 / 3:54 PM

erano wins boxing world title in Australia

erano fought 3 th ranked, five spots lower than Scharper in bantamweight. She is the second female boxer from the Philippines to win WIBA world title and third Asian champion in 115-pound division next to heng hou, China native Cheng ing and South Korean oon- oo Shin from Seoul.

The first Filipina WIBA titleholder was retchen Abaniel, a native of Palawan who beat Thailand’s Nongbua Lookprai-aree for the WIBA minimumweight title in Manila Hotel in 2009.

Before her WIBA championship fight, erano stopped oan Ambalongo

by a third round technical knockout at the Barangay Biasong covered court in Dipolog City, amboanga del Note last October 6, 2014. erano also fought but lost in the Orient Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) female flyweight championship against apanese Asami Shikasho by a unanimous decision at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, apan last une 14, 2010. erano was also stopped by another apanese Naoko amaguchi in the fourth round by a TKO at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on October 12, 2009.

Before her back-to-back setbacks, erano won four of her five first fights.

She debuted by knocking down once for

a unanimous decision on Babay Teckok in Muntinlupa City on une 30, 200 .

In her next outing, erano only settled a majority draw with eremie Tabastabas at the Elorde Sports Center in Paranaque on August 4.

Verano came back to its winning form by whipping Baina Londo by a unanimous decision on Nov. 9 in Pasay City. She then scored a first round TKO against Cheralyn Dagit at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel on March 25, 2008. erano went to Puerto Princesa City in Palawan to beat Teeraporn Pannimit of Thailand by a unanimous decision on September 13. ■ PNA / May 10, 2015 / 6:01 PM

May 2015 / Fortnightly – No. 10 • UK & Europe Edition

BOXING

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As he recovers from shoulder surgery, Manny Pacquiao admits retirement is near

MANNY Pacquiao made a low-key return to the Philippines on Wednesday after losing his mega-fight with Floyd ayweather and said retirement was drawing closer as he recovers from shoulder surgery.

Few signs of Pacquiao s earlymorning arrival were visible at anila airport, and he was later welcomed by modest crowds as he paraded the capital on the back of a flatbed truck. t was very different from previous oyous homecomings for the eight-weight world champion and congressman, whose fights bring the outheast Asian country to a standstill.

A smiling Pacquiao, his right arm supported by a black sling, told reporters he hadn t yet decided on his future after his ay defeat by unanimous decision in Las egas. “ will focus first on healing my shoulder. After that, will announce continuing my career or announcing retirement,” Pacquiao said.

BASKETBALL

“ m not saying am going to retire, but it s near. m already , turning this December.”

Pacquiao said it could take six months to recover from the operation on his torn rotator cuff, which he underwent days after what was billed as the “Fight of the entury”. he American called Pacquiao a “sore loser” for blaming the in ury for his defeat, and the Filipino is facing a law suit which claims he fraudulently concealed the problem.

Asked about a possible rematch with ayweather, Pacquiao said: “ would like that. want that. But my focus right now is my shoulder, my work as a congressman and my family.” won by two points Pacquiao said he had accepted his defeat to ayweather, but after reviewing the fight on video, he believed he won by a slim margin. “ reviewed the fight and kept score. won by two points But a decision

and to their family was making him cautious. “ y wife said it s difficult because we are losing time for our children,” Pacquiao said of his wife, inkee, with whom he has three sons and two daughters.

“We ve also been spending millions

out of our own pockets to help the poor. We can t ust shoo away people lined up at our door,” he said.

Pacquiao is on his second threeyear term in the Philippines ouse of epresentatives, representing his wife s home province of arangani in the south. ■ AFP / May 13, 2015

Blackwater stuns Barangay inebra, notches first win in out-of-town clash THE Blackwater Elite picked up their first win of the PBA overnors up in a shocker over crowd favorite Barangay inebra, - , in an outof-town game on aturday in Dipolog, amboanga del orte.

Blackwater and inebra were tied at -apiece with : remaining but the lite went on a - run to finish the ballgame. ddie Laure hit a free throw to make it - and, after Dorian Pena missed two from the free throw line,

Sports5/Pranz Kaeno Billones

Ginebra out to nail win No.2 at Blackwater’s expense BASKETBALL

BARANGAY inebra an iguel tries to raise its record to the . mark as they take on the struggling Blackwater lite in PBA overnors up action aturday at Dipolog ity in amboanga Del orte. he in ings and the lite face off at p.m. live on . inebra barged into the winning column after a - win over ia last Wednesday in a game where import rlando ohnson poured

Sports5/Pranz Kaeno Billones

has been made and we have to accept it,” he said.

Despite the loss, officials still laid on the motorcade around anila, where autographed -shirts and Ds of Pacquiao s songs were flung to waiting fans.

Later, the rags-to-riches “ ational Fist” was scheduled to pay a courtesy call to President Benigno Aquino.

Asked about his own presidential ambitions, Pacquiao said: “ am considering that. am thinking about it. “ ur family has no other intention but to help our countrymen. We consider it an obligation.”

Pacquiao is not eligible to stand until he reaches the minimum age of , ruling him out of the next election in , with likely to be his first opportunity.

But he said his wife s worries over the enormous cost of higher political office both to their bank accounts

in points in another explosive performance. he BA veteran ohnson, who also scored and in his first two games, has been prolific for the in ings who have sorely missed twin towers reg laughter and apeth Aguilar to in uries.

Blackwater is aiming to snap a three-game skid which the lite lost by a margin of . points. ■

InterAksyon.com / May 16, 2015 / 1:57 AM

arcus Douthit earned a trip of his own and made both for a three-point Blackwater lead, - .

Brian eruela then made a huge steal on inebra s inbound pass and turned it into a four-point game, , with ust . seconds left before Laure sealed the win with two more from the stripe.

Douthit finished with points while Bam amalinda had . eil ervantes added eight of those in the fourth quarter, including two

three-pointers early in the period. inebra s prolific import, rlando ohnson, finished with points a relatively low figure after averaging . in his first three appearances. he ings continued to miss the services of reg laughter and apeth Aguilar.

Blackwater and inebra are now tied at the bottom of the standings with identical records. ■ InterAksyon.com / May 16, 2015 / 8:28 PM

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Petron sweeps Shopinas to complete perfect run to Philippine SuperLiga crown; Daquis named MVP THE Petron Bla e Spikers beat the Shopinas Lady Clickers in four sets, 25-1 , 22-25, 30-28, 25-1 , in ame Two of their finals showdown to complete a perfect run to the 2015 Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference women’s volleyball tournament title Thursday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

With the win, the powerhouse Petron capped an immaculate 13-0 record throughout the conference. It is also the second crown of the Bla e Spikers who also won the rand Prix last year.

We finally achieved our goal, Petron coach eorge Pascua said after the game.

Right from the start, our objective is to win the title and make history of becoming the first team to win all of its games in this tournament. Tonight, we made it. We achieved our objective.

Dindin Manabat and Aby Marano paced Petron with 18 points apiece while Rachel Anne Daquis, named as the tournament Most aluable Player,

Sports5/Marlon Bernabe

chipped in 16 markers.

Manabat and Marano also shared the Best Middle Blocker awards while their teammate en Reyes was named the Best Libero.

Michele umabao of Philips old

captured the Best Opposite Spiker title while her teammate Iris Tolenada was named Best Setter. Shopinas’ Cha Cru and Foton’s Patty Orendain were hailed as Best Outside Spikers. ■ InterAksyon.com / May 14, 2015 / 9:39 PM

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Rampaging Fullback- Filipina Marnelle As he recovers from Ginebra out to Five things we learned Verano wins boxing shoulder surgery, nail win No.2 from Global FC’s AFC world title in Manny Pacquiao admits at Blackwater’s Cup campaign retirement is near expense Australia Story on page 38

Manny Pacquiao pays courtesy call to P-Noy at Malacañang BOXING

Malacañang Photo Bureau

Story on page 38

Story on page 39

Story on page 39

FILIPINO ring icon Manny Pacquiao paid a courtesy call to President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday afternoon at the Malacañang Palace after arriving from the United States following his megafight with Floyd ayweather.

Pacquiao and Aquino chatted for almost 30 minutes about a number of topics, including the boxer’s loss, shoulder injury and even their interest in shooting.

Aquino also congratulated Pacquiao for bringing honor to the country.

Pacquiao was accompanied by r. Wilson ieng, president of Solar Sports, and adviser Michael onc .

At the end of their meeting, Pacquiao, also a congressman of Sarangani, gave two black jackets to the President as souvenirs from the fight.

Pacquiao returned to the country on Wednesday morning almost two weeks after his defeat to Mayweather in the richest bout in boxing history. ■ InterAksyon.com / May 13, 2015 / 6:05 PM

HOUNSLOW SUMMER FESTIVAL 2014 POST EVENT - NOW 2015 IT'S CALLED WELCOME TO ASIA SUMMER FESTIVAL 2015