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Maguindanao massacre victims honored by LA Fil-Am journalists By Abner Galino

A simple but moving presentation was held by members of the National Union of Journalist of the Philippines (NUJP) - USA chapter and their allies in downtown Los Angeles last Tuesday (November 22) to commemorate the people who perished in the infamous Maguindanao massacre that happened seven years ago. Emceed by community leader and columnist Art Garcia and led by NUJP-USA chair Nimfa

Rueda, the event was held at the Kapistahan Grill restaurant at Temple St, in the Historic Filipinotown. The names of those who perished in the massacre were called and a communal prayer was said. Candles, arranged in a shape of a heart, were lighted afterwards to symbolize the continuing empathy of Los Angeles-based journalists and their allies for the victims of the gruesome murders. See MAGUINDANAO, page 12

Bomb recovered near U.S embassy: Philippine National Police Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa (2nd from left) presents the recovered component of bomb found inside a drum by street sweeper along South Bound Roxas Boulevard near the United States Embassy in Ermita, Manila. (at right photo) Manila Police District Explosive Ordnance Division (MPD-EOD) bomb expert walks towards a garbage where the suspected bomb is found. Also in photo National Capital Region Police Oﬃce Chief General Oscar Albayalde(left);and Manila Police District (MPD) Sr. Supt.Joel Coronel(3rd from left)at a press conference at the MPD Headquarters on Monday. (PNA photos by Avito C.Dalan)

MPD defuse suspected bomb near US embassy

MANILA, Nov. 28 (PNA) -- The Manila Police District (MPB) Bomb Squad safely defused a suspected bomb found at the southbound lane of Roxas Boulevard near the United States Embassy on Monday. This prompted authorities to temporarily close to motorists a portion of Roxas Boulevard in Manila.

Cyclists for change: Cyclists step on their pedal and accelerate at a cycling event themed “Padyak Para Sa Tunay Na Pagbabago” along Manunggal Street, Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City in celebration of the village’s 56th foundation anniversary on Sunday (Nov. 27, 2016). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

According to Ely Garcia, a street sweeper of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), they recovered the suspected bomb in a trash can. Garcia described the suspected bomb consisting of a cellular phone, which they found with black and red wires connected to a black circular object covered with electrical and packing tapes. The MPD immediately allayed fears of the public about any

threats. “There is no threat, no cause for alarm as of now,” MPD Director Senior Supt. Joel Coronel said. The improvised explosive device (IED) defused was similar to the explosive used in the Davao City blast last Sept. 2, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said on Monday. At a press conference in the Manila Police District headquarters,

Dela Rosa said initial examination conducted by the PNP Bomb Data Center showed that the IED was similar to the one used by the Maute group during the Davao blast that claimed the lives of 15 civilians and injured 70 others. ”Ibig sabihin ng same signature ay design, composition and the way it is connected,” Dela Rosa said. He noted that initial examination conducted by the PNP Bomb See MPD DEFUSE, page 12

Erap orders traﬃc parking bureau Relatives of Martial Bato to order dismissal of 174 Law victims appeal cops found positive for drugs personnel to resign en masse MANILA, Nov 28 (Mabuhay) – namin ngayon,” he announced in liable will face the full force of the SC decision on MANILA, Nov. 28 (PNA) – Ma- law,” he said in directing the unPhilippine National Police (PNP) a press conference. nila Mayor Joseph Estrada on precedented mass termination of Marcos burial chief Director General Ronald dela “Ngayon pag-akyat ko pagkuha By Lily O. Ramos

Monday ordered the mass resignation of all 690 traffic enforcers of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) after he was swamped with complaints from motorists over the traffic personnel’s alleged extortion activities. “I have received numerous complaints that many MTPB traffic personnel are involved in extortion and other illegal activities. Investigations are ongoing, but I can assure the public that those found criminally and administratively

the city’s entire traffic force. “Today, I am issuing an order for all traffic enforcers of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau to step down and turn in their resignation letters. I want all of them out, with no exception. Tama na. Sobra na. Palitan na (Enough is enough. Change them),” Estrada announced at the Bulwagang Antonio Villegas. While admitting that his order would affect the livelihood of the

MANILA, Nov 28 (Mabuhay) – A group representing families of victims of enforced disappearances during Martial Law asked the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday to overturn its decision allowing the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. In a motion of reconsideration filed by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, the families of the victims said the court’s decision was a “veritable

See RESIGN, page 12

See VICTIMS, page 12

Returning OFWs exempted from paying Globe, PLDT to lower airport terminal fees starting March 2017 voice call rates and is refunded through MIAA starting Jan. 2017 By Aerol B. Patena

MANILA, Nov. 29 (PNA) – Returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), whose tickets were purchased abroad, will be exempted from paying airport terminal fees starting March 2017. Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal said airlines have agreed to automatically relieve OFWs who purchased their return tickets to the Philippines abroad from paying terminal fee. At present, the PHP 500 terminal fee of returning OFWs are integrated with their ticket fee

refund counters in Philippine airports, which cause inconvenience to OFWs. “Airlines have already agreed in principle, so, hopefully by March 2017, OFWs will now be exempted from paying terminal fee,” Monreal said during the “Kapihan sa Manila Hotel” organized by Samahang Plaridel Monday morning. He explained that the exemption will be implemented by March next year in order to give time for airlines to update their systems and programs for this policy.

MANILA, Nov 28 (Mabuhay) – PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc. have agreed to lower the interconnection rate on voice calls starting January 2017. The telcos on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the government, which limits the interconnection rates of voice calls at P2.50 per minute from P4.00. “We made a study and compared it with other countries. The average is around P2.25 to P2.50 (per minute),” National Telecommuni-

See EXEMPTED, page 12

See GLOBE PLDT, page 12

Rosa on Monday said he will order the dismissal of 174 policemen who have tested positive for drugs. Dela Rosa said the dismissal was recommended by the PNP-Internal Affairs Service which conducted the investigation on the erring policemen. “Mayroong text sa akin ang IAS. Mayroon na daw siyang sinubmit na lahat ng positive sa drug test, for my signature na lang, para for dismissal. Dismiss namin lahat ng positive sa drug test. Idi-dismiss

ko ng papeles pirmahan ko para mabawasan yung sakit ng ulo sa atin,” he added. The PNP chief vowed that he will block any attempt of the policemen to be reinstated. “Once mapirmahan ko yun bye bye na kayong 174 at huwag na kayo mag-attempt na magpa-reinstate dahil haharangin ko yung reinstatement ninyo,” he said. Those ordered dismissed may file an appeal to the National See DISMISSAL, page 12

Senators point to rules, legalities on possible De Lima arrest MANILA, Nov 28 (Mabuhay) – “Let’s cross the bridge when we get there,” was Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III’s response on Monday on the possible arrest of Senator Leila de Lima. “I still have to consult our legal on all possibilities,” Sotto, chairman of the Senate committee on rules, said in a text message. Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, in a television interview, said he would be forced to issue a warrant of arrest against De Lima if the latter would not respond to the show-cause order earlier issued by the chamber. The show-cause order stemmed from De Lima’s alleged advice to her former driver and partner, Ronnie Dayan, against attending a House probe on the alleged proliferation of illegal drugs at the New Bilibid Prison when she was still Justice Secretary. Dayan, who testified in last week’s hearing of the House justice committee, alleged that he had collected money for De Lima from suspected drug lord Kerwin Espinosa. See ARREST, page 12

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Pres. Duterte reappoints Gina Lopez as DENR secretary

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, Nov. 29 (PNA) – Pres. Rodrigo Duterte gave his full trust and confidence to Gina Lopez after he reappointed her as secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Pres. Duterte made the announcement during Monday’s night inauguration and ceremonial switch-on of the 135-megawatt Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion Power Plants of the Palm Concepcion Power Corporation (PCPC) at the Malacañang Palace. ”By the way, I re-appointed her. She was bypassed. But I like her and she’s okay. Very strict, I like that. She is not corrupt, I like that. And she cannot be corrupted, I also like that,” Pres. Duterte said in his speech. The President said having people like Lopez in the government would make the country “at least relatively safe from every predators

from all sorts.” The Commission on Appointments (CA) bypassed Lopez’s confirmation. Pres. Duterte lived up to his election promise to fight corruption as well as illegal drugs and criminality. During his speech, Pres. Duterte showed to the audience a five-inch thick of bond paper containing the list of personalities, including police and local government officials, allegedly involved in the illegal drugs trade. ”Now, the portals of the national government to the contamination of narco-politics was opened by, sadly, De Lima,” Pres. Duterte said, referring to Senator Leila de Lima who won the senatorial election last May. Due to the drug menace that contaminated more than three million Filipinos, Pres. Duterte has suspended the holding of the barangay elections last October. ”Well, I said maybe whether you supported me

Christmas comes early for 280 ‘Yolanda’ families MANILA, Nov. 28 (PNA) – Two-hundred-eighty families received an early Christmas gift as Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino led the completion of all”Yolanda: resettlement sites so that the typhoon victims could be transferred before Christmas. In a matter of two-and-a-half weeks, about 280 families,comprising the first batch of typhoon “Yolanda” victims, finally occupied their respective permanent resettlement houses located in North Hill Arbours in Barangay Sto. Niño (Suhi), Tacloban City on Monday, Nov. 28. “The problem besetting the Yolanda resettlement in three years is solved in just 18 days after President Rodrigo Duterte’s ‘tapang and malasakit’ to the Yolanda victims made him to issue presidential directives to finish it without delay,” Dino said who mobilized Task Force Bulig for the project. Around 8,000 beneficiary-families shall be transferred topermanent houses in 17 relocation sites north of Tacloban. The Task Force has expected a daily transfer of settlers until the last family-beneficiary will be in their new home by the end of the year. The seemingly rapid transfer has been made possible through a convergence of government, military, and private entities. “This does not end here as tomorrow is another day forrelocating. We are moving them little by little every day for safety purposes. There is much work to be done, but we are thankful for the help of the various line agencies, the Tacloban LGU, and 53rd Engineering Brigade of the AFP Central Command,” Dino pointed out. Dino and Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez, along with other officials, toured the site and inspected the housing units, including the power and water utilities. “What we really want is to have a livable and sustainablecommunity,” Dino said, urging all agencies concerned to sustain the enthusiasm, amplify the efficiency further, and keep true to commitments in completing the permanent housing sites.

Senate approves proposed PHP3.35-T 2017 budget on ﬁnal reading By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, Nov. 28 (PNA) – The Senate approved on third and final reading on Monday afternoon the proposed PHP3.35- trillion national budget for 2017, the first under the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte. During the Senate plenary session, House Bill No. 3408 or the 2017 General Appropriations Bill, passed the final reading with all 20 senators present voting in the affirmative. The measure was passed after over a week-long plenary debates which began on Nov. 14, committee hearings, pre-plenary conferences to ensure full scrutiny of the budgets of the different government offices. A nine-member panel was, meanwhile, formed to meet with the House of Representatives (HoR) counterpart in a bicameral conference.

The Senate panel is composed of Senators Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Nancy Binay, Franklin Drilon, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Loren Legarda, Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Ralph Recto, Cynthia Villar, and Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri. The Senate approval came after the House approved on third and final reading last Oct. 19 the proposed national budget for 2017. The proposed PHP3.35-trillion national budget for 2017 is an 11.6-percent increase from the PHP3.002-trillion budget for 2016. It represents 20.4 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017, higher than the 20.1 percent GDP share this year. According to the National Expenditure Program (NEP), Social Services will have the highest share of the budget in terms of budget distribution by sector at 40 percent.

or not, I am your President and I will never allow my country to be thrown to the dogs,” he said. ”If you destroy my country, I will kill you. Make no doubt about it. If you destroy the generation of Filipinos coming up to replace us, I will kill you. Simple as that,” he warned. To boost his anti-corruption campaign, he signed Executive Order No. 2 operationalizing Freedom of Information in the executive branch. The FOI will give public access to the government information except on matters that would affect national security. He also signed EO No. 6 institutionalizing the 24/7 8888 Citizens’ Hotline and Complaint Center. Complaints and grievances on acts of red tape as defined under Republic Act No. 9485 and other related laws on corruption of any government offices may be filed through the hotline.

Social welfare departmentdistributes emergency shelter cash assistance to 27,052 ‘Lawin’-affected families MANILA, Nov. 28 (PNA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Monday it has provided PHP135.26 million to 27,052 families affected by Typhoon Lawin last Nov. 7-18 under the Emergency Shelter Cash Assistance Project (ESCAP). ESCAP is the assistance immediately provided to victims of disasters with partially and totally damaged houses. A uniform amount of PHP5,000 was given to each family as an initial help in rebuilding their homes. The DSWD is now on its second week of ESCAP provision which targets to distribute the assistance to 271,164 totally damaged and partially damaged houses hit by ‘Lawin’. In the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), 7,939 families received cash assistance out of the 44,433 target. In the Cagayan Valley region, 5,304 families received ESCAP out of the 199,993 households affected by the super typhoon. Meanwhile, 13,809 families in the Ilocos region received monetary assistance to rebuild their homes out of the 26,554 target. Central Luzon has just started to distribute ESCAP to 184 houses damaged by ‘Lawin’. Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said the DSWD aims to distribute cash assistance amounting to PHP730.52 million to 146,104 target households within the next few weeks so that “the affected families can immediately repair their houses and facilitate their recovery from the damages caused by Typhoon Lawin”.

Munato sells native products in Alabel, Sarangani (November 25, 2016) – A Blaan woman from Lamlifew School of Living Tradition displays an array of clay jars from Maitum at Fabli Guni corner where Blaan and Tboli and other Sarangani-made handicraft are showcased. Fabli Guni is a Blaan term which means “I am selling this.” (Sarangani Information Oﬃce/Jake T. Narte)

PHL to focus on high-value coconut products to boost exports By Leslie D. Venzon

MANILA, Nov. 28 (PNA) – The country will focus on high-value coconut products to revitalize the coconut industry and boost exports. “Even its production has declined, coconut is still a major agricultural export crop. We are looking at adding value in our coconut products,” newly appointed Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) administrator Avelino Andal told reporters on Monday. Andal identified coconut sugar and buko juice as among the high-value and high-demand products generating high yielding returns, aside from traditional exports such copra or dried coconut meat, and coconut oil. He is optimistic about the country’s potential for

expansion of coconut sugar production, noting that Alabat town in Quezon is producing more than a metric ton of coconut sugar every month. Andal also bared they are seriously considering creating production zones for buko juice all over the country. “We have to concentrate on more high-value products. Coco sugar is a high value thing. (We can) supplement the income of farmers by introducing other fruit trees, one of which is cacao,” he added. Andal further said China and Russia have expressed willingness to import more coconut products from the Philippines. The United States (US) is the country’s biggest export market. “That is why, we would like to be responsible as

possible to address the production. Of course we have to resurrect the industry and make it the prime industry of the agricultural sector,” he said. For the last five years, coconut products generated export revenues of US$ 900 million every year. “The demand in the export market is a bit soft. I think it’s a global trend,” said PCA deputy administrator Roel Rosales in an interview. Rosales said coconut production has declined this year due to the El Nino phenomenon. “We hope to arrest it by the second semester (of 2017) because we have projects to revive (the industry),” he said, citing the PCA’s fertilization and inter-cropping programs.

Gov’t moves 280 families to Tacloban relocation site By Sarwell Q. Meniano

TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 28 (PNA) – The government has moved 280 families from danger zones to permanent relocation sites on Monday in an effort to beat the December 2016 timeline for mass transfer of super typhoon Yolanda-affected families. Government trucks and buses moved hundreds of families from coastal San Jose District near the city’s airport to North Hills Arbour housing site in Sto. Niño village. “We will try our best to fast track the transfer before the end of December. President Rodrigo Duterte felt so bad that after three years, many families are still living in shanties,” said Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino. On Sunday night, the Leyte II Electric Cooperative initially completed the power supply project to the new relocation site with 1,100 units built by the National Housing Authority. As “stop gap” measure for the water needs, Dino asked the Department of Public Works and Highways, Leyte Metropolitan Water District,

and Bureau of Fire Protection to deliver water and set up tanks at relocation sites. The Local Water Utilities Authority said it will complete the long term water supply project late next year. Hundreds of soldiers from the 53rd Engineering Brigade were also present to help families carry their things to their new homes. Vallacar Transit, Inc., the largest public land transportation company in Negros Island has lent their six Ceres Liner buses to the government for the use of relocated families. “The buses will stay for six months to ensure that the students can go to school and occupants whose job is in the city, can go to work,” Dino said. The Department of Trade and Industry has asked distributors to deliver stocks to store owners in the new resettlement sites. “Those who own stores in their old community can continue doing business here before the establishment of big retail shops and better transport system,” said Ma. Delia Corsiga, chief of the DTI regional business development division.

This is on top of the upcoming livelihood support program of PHP5,000 each for 1,102 identified families in the city. City Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez said the city government targets to transfer at least 200 families every week to their respective relocation sites starting Nov. 28 until January next year. During his visit to this city on November 8, President Duterte has expressed dissatisfaction over slow housing development project for super typhoon Yolanda survivors, prompting him to order concerned agencies to make significant improvement within a month. The NHA reported that out of the 14,631 houses targeted for construction in this city alone, 7,148 have been completed so far, but only 2,101 units have been occupied as of last week. Out of the 14,631 targeted units, 13,062 are NHA projects and 1,569 units by eight non-government organizations. These houses are meant for families badly hit by super typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Duterte inaugurates 135-MW Concepcion Power Plant By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, Nov. 28 (PNA) – President Rodrigo R. Duterte led the ceremonial inauguration on Monday of the 135-megawatt Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion Power Plant of the Palm Concepcion Power Corporation (PCPC) Plant at Malacanang. The President was joined by PCPC officials led by Palm Concepcion Chairman Walter Brown and Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi during the ceremonial switch- on of the coal-fired power plant located in Barangay Nipa, Concepcion, Iloilo. ”I would like to congratulate the corporation. Mr. Brown, do not worry about pollution. It’s always there. It’s up to our mankind to

innovate and come up with gadgets that would compensate all these things because we cannot abandon the sources of energy,” President Duterte said in his speech. The President said coalfired electric power plants are needed for the country to entice more investors to put up businesses that would provide more jobs for more than 100 million Filipinos. ”Whatever is really working on fuel, we cannot really avoid…but you have to consider along the way in our course of civilization,” the President said. ”Coal, it’s the cheapest and probably if we use the modern technology, it’s the safest. Just be careful with the operation,” he added. The power plant is a joint venture between Palm

Thermal Consolidated Holdings Corporation (PTCHC), a subsidiary of A. Brown Co. Inc. (ABCI) and Jin Navitas Resource Inc. (JNRI) that started its commercial operations last Aug. 16. The power plant is considered as a crucial power generation project to meet the demand and reserve requirements of power due to the increase of economic activities in the country. PCPC President and CEO Roel Castro said the Palm Concepcion is using the latest and most efficient technologies. ”As a result, we have one of the lowest tariffs in this same class of plants that the consumers are able to enjoy,” Castro said. At present, the power plant is supplying power to its customers in Panay,

Negros and the rest of the Visayas. Ten distribution utilities and electric cooperatives have also signed up with PCPC for their base load power capacity requirements. The power project generated a total investment of about USD280 million, one of the biggest investments in Iloilo province, and was completed within 37 months only. Brown said the PCPCP has allotted PHP150 million to protect the environment through reforestation and create livelihood and scholarship for the people of Iloilo. Brown also expressed his company’s full support to President Duterte’s strong campaign against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption.

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26th Cavalry Ceremonial Mounted Unit at the 2016 Equestfest A first for Philippine Scouts Marching at the 2017 Tournament of Roses Parade By Lydia V. Solis

PASADENA, Calif. – The Los Angeles-based 26th Cavalry Ceremonial Mounted Unit (CMU), which honors the legacy of the U.S. Army’s 26th Cavalry Regiment (Philippine Scouts), has been invited as one of twenty Equestrian Units in the 2017 Rose Parade, also known as the Tournament of Roses, to be held on January 2, according to Gil Mislang, membership chair of the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society, Lt. Alexander Nininger Chapter. “This will be the first time that a historical Filipino and American U.S. Army Unit, the Philippine Scouts, will be featured,” added Mislang, “and this unique World War II Unit will be represented in the parade by the Los Angeles-based living history group named the 26th Cavalry CMU comprised of equestrians residing in California.” (On April 5, 1989, former Philippine Scout officers John Olson, Lloyd Mills and General Royal Reynolds and Rhode Island State Senator John Patterson, nephew of a deceased Scout, founded the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society. The Society’s mission is to help preserve the history and legacy of these outstanding soldiers. It was a move long overdue, since there are so few individuals in the United States who are aware of who the Philippine Scouts were or what they did. The Philippine Scouts Historic Society was formed to honor the gallant Filipino soldiers and their American officers who seriously affected and delayed Japanese

Imperial Army plans on conquering the Pacific Far East and invade Australia in 1941. The Society has chapters in Tacoma, Washington; El Paso, Texas; Monterey County, California; and the San Francisco Bay Area. Its members reside in half the states and several foreign countries.) ECHOES The historical Philippine Scouts were composed of Filipino enlisted men commanded by American officers. General Douglas MacArthur was their Supreme Commander and they were often called ‘MacArthur’s Soldiers.’ The Philippine Scouts Cavalry and its affiliate, the Lt. Alexander Nininger Living History Company (LHC), fit right into this year’s Tournament of Roses theme ‘Echoes of Success.’ They represent military units of ‘America’s Greatest Generation’ and the success they had in defeating the problems and tribulations of their time. The story of the Philippine Scouts reverberates and echoes their success through slogans coined by men who experienced those times: “I Shall Return, “Strong to Endure,” “Anywhere, Anytime,” and “Our Strength is in Loyalty.” Philippine Scouts will also participate in the Equestfest on December 29, to be held at the L.A. Equestrian Center in Burbank, CA. At Equestfest, the 26th Cavalry CMU and Lt. Alexander Nininger LHC will be dressed in vintage World War II period U.S. Army Philippine Scouts Cavalry and Infantry uniforms and field gear; and the horses

will be adorned in WW II period style horse tack, saddles, stirrups, saddle bags, blanket and bed rolls. “The Living History Units will also exhibit Philippine Scouts history through uniformed living historians and display period artifacts of field equipment, medals, uniforms, memorabilia weaponry, posters, pictures and books on the subject of the U.S. Army’s Philippine Scouts,” Mislang informed. As a special feature, several descendants of World War II Filipino 26th Cavalry Troopers will present first hand experiences of their surviving relatives who were on the front lines in battles in Damortis, Pangasinan, Pampanga and Bataan. The exhibits will also feature books from various writers about the Philippine Scouts with several of them giving an account of the ‘last organized charge of a U.S. Cavalry unit against an enemy’ which was led by Lt. Edwin Ramsey, a decorated war hero who lived in Los Angeles, CA. “With Southern California having the largest concentration of Filipino Americans in the United States, and having an opportunity to tell the whole world about the valiant Philippine Scouts, the 26th Cavalry Ceremonial Mounted Unit and the Lt. Alexander Nininger Living History Company are greatly honored to participate in the Tournament of Roses Equestfest and Rose Parade,” stated Mislang. For more information, contact: HB Mislang at mrbenmis@gmail.com or call (562) 417-6772.

Nagkamit ng 4 na “best of” awards ang Pechanga Resort & Casino: ang Journey sa Pechanga Golf Pro kinilala bilang 2016 merchandiser ng taon Nasa atin ang panahong magwagi, ngunit hindi namin binabanggit ng Emmy’s, ESPN’s o maging ang Oscars. Kamakailan lang, ang Pechanga Resort & Casino ay nagtamo ng award na pinakamataas na parangal mula sa tatlong kilala sa bansang magazines at organisasyon para sa ekselehenteng serbisyo sa mga bisita at mga amenidad. Tinalo ng Temecula resort/casino ang mahigit sa 20 kakumpitensya nito sa kanilang kaibahan. Ang mga mambabasa ng SoCal Gaming Guide ay tinukoy ang Pechanga Resort & Casino bilang Best Casino sa Southern California. Pinagbotohan ng mga mambabasa ng magazine, 22 tribal casinos sa Southern California ang kasali para kilalanin sa taunang Reader’s Choice 2016 BEST CASINOS na isinagawa nitong Agosto. Ang Pechanga ay nagtamo rin ng award sa Best Overall Gaming Resort, Best Golf Course, at Best Craps mula sa Casino Player Magazine. Paulit-ulit na nanalo sa Casino Player’s Best Of na serye, ang buong-serbisyong resort at Journey sa Pechanga golf course ang mga katalista na nagpanalo sa mga mambabasa ilang taon na. Itinalaga bilang pinaka mataas na pampublikong kurso sa California ng GolfWeek magazine, ikinagiliw ng mga mambabasa ang sagradong tribal na aspeto ng kurso gayundin ng nakaeenganyong bahagdan. Pinagkalooban ng South-

Mag

ern California PGA ang Journey sa Pechanga ng First Assistant Golf Professional, Bill Crist, sa 2016 Merchandiser of the Year. Ang kurso na may 2,600 square foot pro shop ay may mga club, balls, shoes, apparel, gadgets, magazines, at anumang kailangan ng isang golfer mapa street o golf chic sa pagitan lamang ng minuto. “ Ang pagkakaloob ng mapagkaibigang serbisyo sa mga customers ay laging pinakamataas na prayoridad para sa amin sa Journey Pro Shop, “ ayon kay Bill Crist. “ Sakaling hindi namin dinadala ang kailangan ng isang golfer, gagawin namin ang lahat upang makakita nito. “ “ Sa Pechanga pinag-iibayo naming magkaloob ng totohanang kakaibang eksperiyensa sa lahat ng aming bisita - sa casino floor, sa hotel, sa spa at sa golf course, kaya’t upang makilala ng mga bisita para sa aming mga pagpapakasakit ay isang karangalan, “ ayon kay Rudy Prieto, Pechanga Resort & Casino General Manager. Ang 200,000 square foot casino floor ng Pechanga ang nagbadya ng pagtaas ng antas sa mga casino sa buong bansa, ang pagkakaroon ng pinakamalaking casino floor daig pa ang Las Vegas resort, gayundin bilang pinakamalaking resort-casinos sa kabuuan ng Estados Unidos. Piling-pili na 3,400 slot machines, 130 table games, 700-seat Bingo hall, 43-table-poker rooms, nakatalagang lugar upang

manigarilyo at naglalakihang matataas na limit ng amenidad, ang prestihiyosong awards ay nararapat lamang. Upang maranasan ang lahat ng award winning na mga amenidad at gaming sa Pechanga Resort & Casino, bumisita sa pechanga.com Patungkol sa Pechanga Resort & Casino Inaalok ng Pechanga Resort & Casino ang isa sa mga pinakamalaki at malaganap na kasiyahan na pang resort/casino kahit saan sa United States. Ibinotong numero unong casino ng mga mambababasa ng USA Today at hinirang na “Four Diamond property” ng AAA mula pa noong 2002, ang Pechanga Resort & Casino ay nagbibigay ng walang katumbas na marangyang bakasyon. Naghahandog ng mahigit sa 3,400 sa pinaka mainit na slots, table games at world-class entertainment, 517 mga kwarto sa hotel, kainan, spa at championship golf sa Journey sa Pechanga, ang Pechanga Resort & Casino ay tampok na destinasyon na tumutugon at humihigit sa kagustuhan ng mga panauhin nito at ng komunidad. Ang Pechanga Resort & Casino ay pag-aari at palakad ng Pechanga Band ng mga Luiseño Indians. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, tumawag ng toll-free sa 1-888-PECHANGA o bumisita sa www. Pechanga.com. Sundan ang Pechanga Resort & Casino sa facebook at sa Twitter @ PechangaCasino.

Tayo!

President Rodrigo Duterte shakes hands with Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende and other Norwegian officials who paid a courtesy call to the President at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City on November 25, 2016.(MNS photo)

Gov’t signs air fare deal with Cebu Pacific By Joann S. Villanueva

MANILA, Nov. 28 (PNA) –The government is set to save about P1 billion from official air travel expenses of government employees and officials through the government fare agreement (GFA). “That’s our estimate by coming up with this agreement with major airlines... (The savings will be) used for other purposes,” Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno said during the signing ceremony for the pact with Cebu Pacific at the airline company’s office in Pasay City Monday. The agreement between the Procurement Service, a Department of Budget and Management (DBM) attached agency, and Cebu Pacific will be utilized through the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS). It will give state workers discounted fares on official trips. Processing fees and rebooking fees will also be waived. This is the second air fare

agreement of the government with a privately-owned domestic airline company. Last April, DBM signed a similar deal with the Philippine Air Lines, but only for domestic air travel. Diokno said a PhilGEPS survey in 2015 showed that airline tickets expenses is one of the top expenses of the government, thus, “it is expected that partnership with airlines will greatly improve government transactions for airline travel.” “By harnessing the collective buying power of the government and establishing supply agreements with trusted suppliers, the government not only saves money but also standardizes a previously quite arbitrary sector or government purchases,” he said. The DBM chief said Cebu Pacific’s online portal can be included in PhilGEPS website as early as January 2017. “Ultimately, the Filipino taxpayers win by experiencing reduced transactions

costs at a much more efficient pace,” he added. Cebu Pacific President and CEO Lance Gokongwei, during the same briefing, said the transparent process using PhilGEPS will definitely be advantageous to the government. “This is a huge step into our goal of getting the highest value for the hard-earned money of our Filipino taxpayers,” he added.

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Duterte ﬁnds no reason to suspend writ of habeas corpus: Palace By Cielito M. Reganit MANILA, Nov. 28 (PNA) – Malacañang assured on Monday that despite recent incidents, President Rodrigo R. Duterte finds no compelling reason to suspend the writ of habeas corpus at this point as authorities are in full control of the situation. Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar made the assurance after a confirmed improvised explosive device (IED) was found and defused near the United States Embassy in Manila on Monday morning, three days after the Maute terror group reportedly occupied an abandoned portion of Butig town in Lanao del Sur. The two incidents are being used by some sectors to fuel suspicion that these events “may be laying a foundation for the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.” “President Duterte finds no compelling reason to suspend the writ of habeas corpus at this point. As a strong advocate of the rule of law, he is fully aware of the limits of presidential powers,” Andanar said. He added that the President fully trusts the capability and competence of Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald de la Rosa to maintain law and order and to serve and protect the citizenry. “He knows that General De la Rosa is up to the job and can handle any untoward incident and the overall situation very well. Given this, President Duterte believes any intervention at his level is unnecessary,” Andanar said. According to reports, the police bomb squad had safely defused the improvised bomb found at the southbound lane of Roxas Boulevard near the US Embassy. In the meantime, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has conducted military operations against the Maute Group, resulting in the killing of 11 members of the terror group. The Maute Group is allegedly behind the deadly bombing in Davao City last Sept. 2. Andanar said last Sunday that the AFP will continue to frustrate the sinister objectives of the Maute Group which has long been professing allegiance to international terrorist group Islamic State in Iraq and Syria or ISIS.

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OPINION Bello downplays Marcos burial at LNMB a hurdle in attaining peace with NPA-CCP-NDF By Sammy F. Martin

MANILA, Nov. 28 (PN) –Peace chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III has stressed the Marcos burial issue, release political prisoners and severed ties with the United States is a non issue and not an obstacle to succeed in the peace process with the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). Bello said, “it might have a very little effect but not to stop the peace negotiation.” “The could not be substantial as pictured out. It cannot stop the ongoing peace process. Both parties want to end hostilities and it is more important than the issue of Marcos burial,” Bello stressed. It was Luis Jalandoni, one of the top negotiators representing CPP-NPA-NDF, has said that if the Duterte administration did not react in their favor, peae process might be at stake. He said, he was with Jalandoni in Baguio City recently in a speaking engagement at St. Louis University and his counterpart has not said anything about the Marcos burial. He pointed out that it was clear to both sides that there are no preconditions that would have to be fulfilled before the peace talks to move on. He said the rebel group is aware that they need to focus on the peace talks, specially on their differences and on how to patch these up. “We need to focus on social and economic reforms of the returning rebels which we called the heart and soul of the peace negotiations. This is the reason why there is internal conflict which we need to resolve the soonest possible time,” he noted. According to Bello, both panels need to tackle the issue of root causes of armed rebellion. He said they will also look into why there are many

Filipinos living below poverty level, the issue of land reform, national industrialization, among others. “Marcos burial is just a small thing and the Supreme Court has spoken that there are no legal hurdles,” he stressed. On the issue that if the government is not determined to free political prisoners, there will be no ceasefire agreement that will push through on December 10, based on the statement issued by CPPNPA-NDF . Bello said the process of releasing political prisoners continues. “They are aware of that, that the government is doing it legally and they are aware that releasing political detainees is not anchored on the ceasefire agreement,” he emphasized. He added that the reason why they have not signed the joint and permanent ceasefire agreement is because they are still ironing out the terms of reference (TOR) but he is optimistic that they can meet the target date. Among the issues that needed attention are the 10 buffer zone, what is considered as buffer zone. Second, to have a common definition of hostile act, what is really considered as hostile act, is disconnection of revolutionary tax a hostile act?. Asked on his comment to another threat made by NPA spokesman Jaime Padilla that if the Duterte administration will not cut ties with the United States, the peace negotiation will not prosper. The chief peace negotiator said the government has insisted on independent foreign policy which the Duterte administration thinks is more appropriate. With this, he said, “US will be obliged to respect our decision on independent foreign policy just like respecting our foreign policy with the superpower that no one should interfere to what we have agreed upon.”

After the 2016 presidential election, Business conﬁdence decline should the fight for immigrant rights will continue After the Nov. 8 presidential election, the Asian quests. not be attributed to Duterte: Palace American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALCurrent DACA recipients seeking to renew their By Jelly F. Musico MANILA, Nov. 28 (PNA) – Malacañang said on Monday that the decline in business confidence should not be attributed to President Rodrigo Duterte and his policies. ”As we are fully aware, global uncertainties are growing due to recent events such as Brexit, Trump’s election as next US president and slower-than-anticipated global recovery,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar said in a text message to the Palace media. ”These resulted in risk aversion as investors prefer to adopt a ‘wait-and-see’ mode,” he added. According to the Q4 Business Expectations Survey of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), business confidence for the fourth quarter of 2016 declined with the overall consumer index dropping from 45.4 percent in the third quarter poll to 39.8 percent. Andanar said the government is confident that domestic economic fundamentals remain strong. ”Further reforms in the fiscal sector can help our country become more resilient in the years ahead,” he added. Recently, the Duterte administration launched big ticket infrastructures that would boost economic growth in the next five years. The big-ticket projects include roads and bridges, mass urban transport and alternative green city solutions that would address traffic congestion in overcrowded Metro Manila. Based on the recent data of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Philippine economy grew by 7.1 percent in the third quarter of this year. The Philippines has even surpassed major Asian emerging economies such as China with 6.7 percent, Vietnam (6.4%), Indonesia (5%) and Malaysia (4.3%).

DEF) remains as committed as ever to fight for the rights of Asian American and Pacific Islander immigrant communities in the face of the new administration’s proposal to deport millions of undocumented individuals. This could threaten the continuation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative, which was announced by President Obama in June 2012 through an executive action and can be ended by the next president. Under the DACA program, certain undocumented individuals who came to this country before the age of 16 are provided temporary relief from deportation and employment authorization. Annie Wang, AALDEF staff attorney, said: “Although the future of the 2012 DACA initiative is uncertain at this time, AALDEF will provide free consultations to Asian immigrant youth who are seeking to renew their deferred action and work authorization under the original DACA program. We also plan to offer legal screenings to individuals who would have qualified for the new DACA to determine if other forms of relief are available to them.” AALDEF is currently providing the following guidance: Individuals filing an initial DACA request, who were formerly not known to the government, increase their exposure to potential enforcement actions that the new administration decides to take in the future. [Note that according to one source, it’s taking USCIS more than nine months to process initial DACA re-

deferred action and employment authorization are unlikely to subject themselves to additional risks by submitting renewal requests at this time. However, they may not have their applications processed in time before the new administration ends DACA and could lose their filing fee in that event. DACA recipients who have been granted or are seeking advance permission (known as advance parole) to travel outside the U.S. should ensure that they return to the country before January 20, 2017, the date the new administration takes office. Margaret Fung, AALDEF executive director, said: “As a national civil rights organization that advocates for fair immigration policies, we continue to strongly support the president’s immigration actions that have provided temporary protection from deportation and employment authorization for eligible individuals. The DACA initiative has transformed the lives of thousands of undocumented immigrants of AAPI descent out of a total of almost 1.5 million undocumented Asian immigrants in this country.” NOTE: Individuals who believe they would have qualified for the original DACA initiative or DACA recipients who are seeking renewals should go to reputable attorneys and nonprofit legal service providers to see if they qualify for other forms of immigration relief. They should also be wary of individuals claiming that they can help get work authorization for a fee without applying for a benefit.

With 500,000 children living under siege in Syria, UNICEF calls for humanitarian access

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 29 (PNA/Xinhua) – As violence continues to escalate across Syria, the number of children living under siege has doubled in less than one year, UNICEF said in a press release, adding that nearly 500,000 children now live in 16 besieged areas across the country, almost completely cut off from sustained humanitarian aid and basic services. “For millions of human beings in Syria, life has become an endless nightmare -- in particular for the hundreds of thousands of children living under siege,” said Anthony Lake, the UNICEF executive director. “Children are being killed and injured, too afraid to go to school or even play, surviving with little food and hardly any medicine,” Lake said. “This is no way to live -- and too many are dying.” Some communities have received little to no aid in nearly two years. In eastern Aleppo alone, UNICEF

estimates that 100,000 children are living under siege. In the absence of safe spaces, children are turning to basement playgrounds, schools and hospitals to continue playing, learning and, when necessary, seeking medical care. In one besieged area, a group of volunteers built a playground and a park by linking a series of basements. On average, around 200 children come to this playground every day. In another besieged area, an underground school provides 250 girls with the chance to keep learning. As the conflict nears six years, UNICEF renews its call on all parties to lift the sieges across Syria, and to allow and facilitate immediate, unconditional and sustained humanitarian access to all areas across the war-torn Middle East country.

Akbayan Sen. Risa Hontiveros on the HoR’s probe of Ronnie Dayan: Lowest of the low The House of Representatives hit a lowest of the low as the House Committee on Justice reopened its probe into the narcotics trade inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) during Senator Leila De Lima’s stint as justice secretary. It was not an investigation in aid of legislation. It was a public lynching in aid of misogyny and sexism. The intention was clear. Members of the committee were grossly unparliamentary. Their derogatory line of questioning did not aim to shed light on the issue of the drug trade in our prisons. They were meant to humiliate and shame Senator De Lima for her association with a certain man, or her past relationship. It is very frustrating that in this day and age, the integrity and reputation of women can be undermined by unreasonable, traditional and conservative expectations of women’s conduct in romantic and even sexual relationships. It is even more shameful that this nation’s supposed leaders, elected representatives of the Filipino people, made the shaming of women a

political strategy and a spectacle in the “honorable” chambers of Congress. Even the very premise of focusing on Sen. De Lima’s past relationship reeks of elitism. It assumes that people of a certain social and political stature shouldn’t or couldn’t enter into relationships with people belonging to a different social class, and should be the subject of ridicule. It is not surprising that there is a surge in the number of sexual harrassment cases against our women both online and off. The dishonorable behavior of our lawmakers has reinforced this despicable culture since the beginning of these investigations. I join Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel Jr. and my other fellow Senators in calling on the members of the HoR to observe and respect the principles of co-equality and inter-chamber courtesy even with their issuance of a show cause order to Sen. De Lima. It is prudent for both the House and the Senate to first conclude their respective inquiries on the issue.

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DOT chief wants Yagyag festival showcased in intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l travel fairs MANILA, Nov 28 (PNA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A Dumaguete-based festival, Yagyag Festival, will soon be stepping out in the international stage after catching the interest of Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo. Teo took interest in the festival after a mini version of it was presented at DOT office in Makati on Monday. It was originally staged and won first place during the Buglasan Grand Festival of Festivals in Dumaguete City last October. Organized through the support of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and Sibulan Mayor Jose Abiera, the Yagyag Festival was also adjudged the National Champion of the Best of the Bests during the WOW Philippines in 2003 and Grand Champion during the 2005 Sinulog de Cebu Street

Dancing Competition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This rendition of the Yagyag Festival is so beautiful we have to bring it abroad as part of the Philippine cultural showcase in international travel fairs,â&#x20AC;? Teo said. She said that because the lyrics of the accompanying song was is in the vernacular, she suggested to have it translated into English so the foreign audience will understand. Barangay Chairman Edwin Parajado said that the festival mimics the spawning ritual performed land crabs like the cagang (Cardisoma Carnifex) and the alalasan (Episesarma Singaparense) along the village shores and riverbanks every last quarter of the year. Choreographer Trifo Colina said that through a tapestry of native costume, dance

and music, performance compare to the crabsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; characteristics of solidarity and of renewing their unending cycle of life. DOT Region 7 Officer-in-Charge Judy de la Cruz-Gabato meanwhile invited the public to take a glimpse of their regional exhibit and sale of native products from the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Syquijor and Negros Oriental at the DOT office. Cruz-Gabato said that the two-week showcase presents well-known and trademark delicacies like the chicharon, otap, rosquillos, peanut kisses and banana chips to the well-crafted products of local communities and micro-small medium enterprises such as handbags and table-runners to export quality fashion accessories of Arden and Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Legacy.

City dad, DOT eye remote village as Davaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new tourism product DAVAO CITY, Nov. 28 (PNA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Davao City Council Committee on Tourism and the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Davao Region are eyeing Sitio Datu Salumay in Barangay Marilog in the third district here as the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future tourism destination for domestic and foreign tourists. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are just starting to plan the cultural village but it is another possible new tourism offering for the city,â&#x20AC;? DOT-11 Regional Director Roberto Alabado said in an interview. Alabado said members of the Davao Highland Homeowners Association are also coordinating with the local tribes since Datu Salumay is an ancestral domain area. City councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, chair of the committee on tourism, said the

Lumad village in Marilog is the newest site for the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will showcase their culture and we will tap the barangay and promote their tourism products,â&#x20AC;? he said. Alejandre said the city has to look for new tourism products and destinations if it wants to lure tourists to the city. The city has quality destinations such as the Philippine Eagle but we need new destinations to offer to tourists if we want to be competitive. However, Alejandre urged the various barangays in the city to take an active role in identifying new tourism destinations since they are the ones who know their localities well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All barangay captains should submit tourism po-

tential activities and destinations but sad to say, only a few manage to do this,â&#x20AC;? he said. There is very little effort from the barangays to submit their tourism offerings to the city council, he added. He commended the officials of Barangay Mintal since they were very aggressive in informing the council about the need to establish a Little Tokyo in the area and the project is doing good. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to double time. We have edge because the President is from Davao but we have to promote the city and not just wait for tourists to come here,â&#x20AC;? he said. Homestays are encouraged in Marilog since there are no hotels in the area, and these will help lower the cost for tourists.

Australian state set to erect signs in Mandarin to accommodate Chinese tourists MELBOURNE, Nov. 28 (PNA/Xinhua) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tasmanian tourism chiefs are considering erecting signs in Mandarin to make life easier for Chinese visitors. The island-state, the smallest of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s six states, has become a popular destination for Chinese visitors. Communities along the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s east coast, which is home to tourist destinations such as the Bay of Fires conservation area and Freycinet National Park, are leading the push to introduce the signs, which they say will enhance the experience for Chinese tourists. Mick Tucker, mayor of the Break Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Day Council which governs the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s northeast including the Bay of Fires, said visitors from China travelled to the region throughout the entire year.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A huge population of Chinese tourists seem to be here 12 months of the year,â&#x20AC;? Tucker said. Tucker said that the region, which has a population of 6,500 that more than doubles during summer would the first in Australia to adopt the idea. He said that the cost of erecting the sings would be minimal compared to the benefits it would bring. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We like to think outside the square here and I think it will be paid back in spades,â&#x20AC;? Tucker told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Monday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anyone else doing it that we know of.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;To make sure when they come from the other side of the world, just something they can read in their own language (is) a nice gesture.â&#x20AC;? A study published in May

by the China Outbound Tourism Institute said that many Chinese tourists did not enjoy their time in Tasmania, saying many of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s businesses and tourist facilities such as restaurants and hotels closed too early. Leo Seaton, a spokesman for Tourism Australia, said adapting signs was one measure that could win over Chinese tourists. He said businesses and governments could go even further with the initiative to accommodate Chinese tourists. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the case of hotels having Mandarin speaking staff on the front desk, Chinese food options and even Chinese channels on television,â&#x20AC;? Seaton suggested. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For airports it might be Mandarin signage for the first point of entry, very simple measures and very symbolic.â&#x20AC;?

Russia, Iran tear down Visa walls, pave way for mutual tourism influx MOSCOW, Nov. 28 (PNA/Sputnik) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; An agreement signed during the fifth session of the commission on consular cooperation between Russia and Iran simplifies the visa regime for tour groups travelling between the two countries. Yevgeny Ivanov, head of the Russian Foreign Ministry Consular Department, explained that per the new agreement tour groups of 5 to 50 people heading to Russia from Iran or vice versa will be granted a visa-free stay of up to 15 days, according to Sputnik Persian. Maya Lomidze, executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, told Sputnik that the visa agreement between Russia and Iran may significantly increase the tourist flows between the two countries, just like it happened when

a similar deal was signed between Russia and China. â&#x20AC;&#x153;According to the agreement, tour groups of at least five people may travel from Russia to Iran and vice versa without having to receive a visa for the entire group. Similar to the agreement with China, only a limited number of travel agencies will be able to offer such tours, and all such companies will have to be verified by both sides. I hope that this process will be as democratic as possible, because any simplification of the visa regime and further liberalization will help increase the tourist flow between the two countries,â&#x20AC;? Lomidze said. She also pointed out that the number of Iranian tourists visiting Russia has drastically increased during the last two years, and that

the new agreement will further amplify this tendency. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The flow of Iranian tourists (to Russia) increased by 50-70 percent, in no small part due to the creation of direct flights to St. Petersburg, Moscow and Sochi. And this increasing tourist flow proves that Iranian tourists are very interested in Russia,â&#x20AC;? Lomidze said. The agreement is expected to come into effect in 2017.

Cultural master at Munato Festival in Alabel, Sarangani (November 25, 2016) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tabih Blaan weaver-designer Lilia Pasib, 38, from Lamlifew Village in Malungon was a student of master weaver Fu Gusi, 84, the last master weaver of the Blaan tribe from the said village. Pasib has now become the cultural master who would pass her skills to the next youth Blaan generation in the village. Pasib is featured at the Looms and Beads showcase at the Kasfala Hall of the Capitol complex during the November 24-26 Munato Festival. (Ener T. Toguin for Sarangani Information OďŹ&#x192;ce)

Mindanao, Visayas OFWs encouraged to fly out via Clark CLARK, Pampanga, Nov. 28 (PNA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Mindanao and the Visayas may now find it more comfortable to fly out of the Clark International Airport (CRK) as more local and international airlines have announced increased flights at the CRK, Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president Alexander Cauguiran on Monday said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the launch of domestic and international flights starting December by the Philippine Airlines, increased flight frequencies by carriers such as Cebu Pacific and by other international airlines catering to OFWs, foreign-bound Filipino workers could avoid the monstrous traffic going to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) by flying through CRK,â&#x20AC;? Cauguiran said. Among the international

carriers flying in and out of Clark are Emirates, which will resume its daily flights to Dubai starting December; Qatar Airlines, daily flights to Doha; Dragonair, Hong Kong; Tiger Air, Singapore; and Jin Air, Busan, South Korea. Cebu Pacific services Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore. CRK is currently averaging 114 domestic and international flights weekly from these carriers. Cauguiran said a onestop-shop for OFWs has recently been set up near the CRK at the Clark Freeport Zone upon orders of President Rodrigo Duterte to provide for all the government services needed by OFWs. In 2015, a total of 122,473 OFWs flew out of CRK. In January to October this year, 112,930 OFWs flew out via Clark Airport. According to statistics, about 1.8 million OFWs fly

out of the country on a yearly basis, for an average of 6,000 departures a day. These are aside from returning OFWs who are coming home for vacation or whose contracts have ended. Because of severe traffic, it usually takes as much as three hours to travel to the NAIA in Paranaque City from Quezon City, Caloocan and other cities in Metro Manila. â&#x20AC;&#x153;CRK offers a less stressful departure and arrival point not only for OFWs and other travelers, that could also help ease traffic in Metro Manila, particularly on roads leading to the airport,â&#x20AC;? Cauguiran said. From Quezon City, it takes only about an hour of road travel to reach CRK via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx). Plans for a fast rail system from Metro Manila to Clark will make travel a lot faster, Cauguiran added.

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Ang panahon ng nominasyon para sa mga tanggapang ito ay magsisimula sa Enero 5, 2017, sa 7:30 a.m. at magsasara sa Enero 26, 2017, sa 5:30 p.m. (GMC Â§ 1.08.030(a)) Kung walang sinuman o tanging isang tao lamang ang nominado para sa isang elective na tanggapan, maaaring gawin ang appointment sa elective na tanggapan tulad ng itinakda sa Â§ 10229, Kodigo sa Halalan ng Estado ng California. Ang mga botohan na ito ay bubuksan sa pagitan ng 7:00 a.m. at 8:00 p.m.

Ilathala Nang Isang Beses Biyernes, Disyembre 2, 2016

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ENTERT

INMENT

Reformed man Rico J. takes it slow these days After his recent heart surgery, seasoned singer Rico J. Puno has turned his life upside down for the better, first by shunning parties and choosing to be a homebody whenever possible. “Talagang nagbago na ako ng lifestyle, hinay-hinay na kumbaga,” he said. “Hindi na ako masyadong lumalabas kasi naisip ko na kailangan ko na din talagang i-reserve ang energy ko.” Recalling his triple heart bypass operation last year, he said it meant that “kailangan ko ng ayusin ’yung lifestyle ko” as “binigyan ako ng pagkakataong maka-survive.” With the changes in his life, Rico, at 63, feels young again. “Sino ba mag-a-akala na 63 na ako’di ba?” he quipped. “Wala naman sa mukha eh,

Rico J. Puno

bagets pa din ang dating.” To think Rico is also busy with politics, a very stressful field. He serves as councilor of the 1st district of Makati. “Kaya bihira na din ako lumabas-labas kasi politiko na din ako eh,” he noted. “Sabi ko i-reserve ko na lang

energy ko para sa trabaho ko.” Rico vows to help more people, especially senior citizens. “Ang tinututukan ko is ’yung pagtulong ko sa mga ka-edad ko,” he said, adding that among his pet projects is to give senior citizens lon-

ger ID renewal period. Rico is a headliner of “The Best Of The OPM Hitmakers” concert on Dec. 9 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila. Joining him on the main marquee are Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera, and Marco Sison. The stars of the show promise to perform their biggest hits, crowd favorites and new songs, as well as deliver a few jokes. “Lampoon type gagawin namin para nakakatuwa,” Rico shared. “Actually, may plano pa nga kami eh, may usapan kami na ’yung mga kanta ng bawat isa sa’min, ire-revive namin, gagawan ng ibang arrangements.” Adding fun to the concert is guest performer Jessa Zaragoza.(MNS)

Ex-Sexbomb dancer admits lesbian relationship Former Sexbomb dancer Louise Bolton said she’s in love with a 19-year-old woman, Nathalie Danielle Padilla.

Bolton said that she wanted to make the relationship public as proof that she cares more about Padilla than her showbiz career and image.

Louise Bolton

“Si [Padilla], ayaw niyang i-out, kasi baka raw kasi masira ang pangalan ko,” shared Bolton. “Sabi ko, hindi. Kasi kung mahal ka talaga ng mga sumusuporta o ng mga fans mo, kahit anong gawin mo tanggap ka nila. So kung may magba-bash man, hindi ko mga followers yun.” Padilla was part of a 2015 “It’s Showtime” segment that showcased talented lesbians. And while Bolton said that she has been with Padilla for only two months, she revealed that she and

her girlfriend have been talking about having kids in the near future. She plans to get her pregnant using the sperm of Padilla’s brother. “Ang gusto niya kasi sa kuya niya, hihingi lang kami ng sperm,” Bolton said. Padilla, in the same interview, added: “Parang yung egg cell niya at yung sperm ng kuya ko.” Meanwhile, Bolton was also asked about her new short-haired look. She said that she wanted to announce her lesbian side after her contract as a Sexbomb dancer expired last May. (MNS)

Richard Gomez feels vindicated by Kerwin’s testimony Actor and Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez said he feels vindicated after alleged Eastern Visayas drug lord Kerwin Espinosa cleared him from allegations that he has links to the illegal drug trade. Gomez said Espinosa’s statement proves that he is not a protector of drug syndicates but a staunch advocate against illegal drugs. “Sinabi ko talaga ‘yan dati, dito sa Ormoc, na ‘pag nagkaron tayo ng problema sa droga, magbabarilan talaga tayo dito... It’s really a vindication na talagang from the start sinabi ko talaga na wala kaming kinalaman sa drug trade na ‘yan,” he said.

Gomez said he believes Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido of Albuera, Leyte PNP is behind the accusations against him. “He is really the mastermind of all these. Makikita mo naman lahat ng question sa Senate, hindi niya talaga madugtong-dugtong, hindi niya maitahi ang storya niya,” he said. Gomez earlier filed cases against Espenido and two other cops, CIDG’s Chief Inspector Leo Laraga and Heidi Yutrago, after he was accused of being a drug protector. During the hearing, Espinosa alleged Espenido is one of the cops who received drug money. (MNS)

Arjo Atayde admits dating Girl Trends member After three years being single, actor Arjo Atayde admitted that he’s dating a member of girl-group Girl Trends. Atayde refused to reveal her identity but stressed that they are now in the getting-to-know-each-other stage. “I want to keep it to that. Ayaw ko munang (magsabi) baka ma-jinx,” Atayde said, adding that he will reveal the name of the girl at the “right time.” The “Ang Probinsyano” star said that aside from going out several times, she also attended his recent birthday party and met his

parents for the first time. “For me, whatever goes, I’m happy naman,” Atayde said. Asked what he likes about her, the actor said: “Simplicity, hindi pa-sosyal, hindi siya showbiz. She’s in showbiz but she’s very simple.” Early this year, Atayde was romantically linked to actress Jane Oineza. In the interview, however, the actor clarified that he and Oineza were never an item. “Actually hindi kami naging talaga, walang kami. We are friends and maybe na misinterpret lang siguri ng ibang tao,” he said. (MNS)

Why Julia Montes left Star Magic Actress Julia Montes explained her decision to leave Star Magic, the talent agency that managed her career for more than a decade, and transfer to Cornerstone Entertainment. “Mayroon lang kailangan move na gawin,” the “Doble Kara” star said, adding that “kung ano mayroon ako ngayon, lahat iyon ay dahil sa mga taong nakasama ko, nag-guide sa akin, lahat ng tumulong sa akin from the very start. So walang nagbago doon.” Montes began her career as an actress under Star Magic, and appeared on several ABS-CBN shows before top-billing the remake of “Mara Clara” with Kathryn Bernardo. She went on to star in other teleseryes such as “Walang Hanggan” Julia Montes and “Ikaw Lamang.”

Brillante Mendoza

Brillante Mendoza wins best director in Gijón ﬁlm fest Acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Brillante Mendoza took home another best director trophy, this time from the 54th Gijón International Film Festival for his film “Ma’ Rosa” on Sunday. Mendoza was the sole winner from the Philippines in the annual Spanish film festival. The director was chosen by an international jury chaired by Judith Colell and made up of David Matamoros, Kathleen Haney, Nima Javidi and Claudia Pinto. “Ma’ Rosa,” which stars

Arci Muñoz didn’t exactly please her ex-managers, Annabelle Rama and Viva Artists, when she decided to leave them for Star Magic. “Noong walang nangyayari sa career niya, lumapit siya sa akin at nagtulong kami ni Boss Vic na mapaganda ang takbo ng career niya,” says Annabelle. “But what else is new? Ganyan naman talaga ang mga artista. Kapag nagamit ka na, iiwan ka.” Viva first thought of suing her for breach of contract because she reportedly has several instances of accepting projects without consulting them, so she wouldn’t have to share any commission with them. But they decided to just let go of her. “Kasi magpapa-interview

Jaclyn Jose, the first Filipino to win the best actress award at the Cannes International Film Festival, tells the story of a mother who runs a convenience store and sells drugs on the side with her husband to make ends meet. The movie also stars Julio Diaz, Baron Geisler, Neil Ryan Sese, Mercedes Cabral, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Jomari Angeles, Felix Roco, Mon Confiado, Maria Isabel Lopez and Andi Eigenmann, Jose’s daughter. (MNS)

Rufa Mae Quinto ties the knot

Richard Gomez

Former managers wanted to sue Arci for breach of contract

Arjo Atayde

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Arci Muñoz

lang daw ‘yan, iiyak-iyak na mukhang siya pa ang naapi, kaya huwag na lang at baka sumikat pa. As it is, kinakarma na siya ngayon dahil hindi nagre-rate ang soap niya sa primetime at talung-talo ng kabila.” (MNS)

Sexy comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto tied the knot with Trev Magallanes Friday. The ceremony was held at 3 p.m. at Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Libis, Quezon City. Quinto and Magallanes had a star-studded entourage, which included veteran comedienne Ai Ai delas Alas as cord sponsor and actress Aiko Melendez as veil sponsor. Korean celebrity Grace Lee and former TV hosts Shalani Soledad-Romulo and Camille Villar, served as bridesmaids, while actress LJ Moreno-Alapag was Quinto’s matron of honor. Principal sponsors, meanwhile, included actor Cesar Montano, director Joyce Bernal, among others. Quinto wore a dress by Pepsi Herrera, while Ma-

Rufa Mae Quinto

gallanes was in a black suit by Edwin Tan. Quinto announced her engagement to Magallanes via her Instagram account last February. Last month, Quinto said in a television interview that she and Magallanes are expecting a baby girl. They have decided to name their first child Alexandria. (MNS)

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Health think tank: Two-tier tobacco tax ineffective, will not make smokers quit MANILA, Nov. 28 (PNA) – HealthJustice Philippines said Monday the two-tier tobacco tax system, which imposes lower tax rates on cheaper cigarettes or those that are “lower-tier”, will not be effective in curbing smoking rates in the country. “The two-tier tobacco tax system that the tobacco industry has been pushing for is ineffective and will not encourage smokers to quit or reduce consumption of tobacco products,” said Atty. Bianca Bacani of HealthJustice. Instead, the group recommended a single-tier system that assigns uniform tax rates to all tobacco products, regardless of their prices. Illustrating the shift from

a multi-tier to a single-tier tax system, a sin tax briefer produced by the government notes the imposition of “a two-rate structure of PHP14 and PHP30 per pack for the first two years, and a uniform rate of PHP30 per pack of cigarettes on the third year”. Stella Luz Quimbo of the University of the Philippines College of Economics pointed out during the 37th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in 2015 that the sin tax reform law has paved the way for the emergence of cheaper cigarettes from tobacco manufacturers. Quimbo said producing cheaper cigarette brands

has been the response to downshifting, which takes place when smokers shift to cheaper cigarette brands because of the increase in cigarette prices, calling it the “Mighty effect”. “If we don’t make tobacco products substantially more expensive, smokers will continue to shift to cheaper cigarettes instead of shifting to a healthy lifestyle,” Bacani warned. “They won’t even reduce the number of cigarettes they consume. This is called downshifting, and it has taken place in many countries after they imposed the two-tier tobacco tax,” she explained. She also said that cigarette manufacturers have

been rolling out cheaper cigarettes because they know that insignificant price increases will not make the smokers quit but just turn to cheaper products. As early as 2012, the Department of Finance also reported that downshifting in alcohol and tobacco products had caused the government to lose PHP32 billion in revenues. “Two-hundred-forty people die every day due to smoking-related diseases. Let us not allow the tobacco industry to endanger more lives,” Bacani added. Health Justice Philippines is a public health policy think tank that won the Bloomberg Award for Global Tobacco Control in 2012.

Social welfare dept. provides nutrition, livelihood intervention in pilot project By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, Nov. 28 (PNA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is carrying out a Pilot Convergence Project that would benefit children and farmers, as its contribution to the Duterte administration’s anti-poverty program, its chief said Monday. “The DSWD is stepping up its efforts to provide livelihood opportunities for Filipinos. What we’ve done is to unite the different livelihood and safety net programs of the department, and we want to make them more

accessible to poor communities,” said Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo. She explained that the DSWD’s Pilot Convergence Project has many components, but among the first to be launched are the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) and the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). “These are in partnership with the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC). We have already signed a Memorandum of Agreement to facilitate this initiative and the pilot area chosen is Bukidnon. The Pilot Convergence

Project has two components -- the Milk Supplementary Component and the Livelihood Component –- and we hope that both components will be beneficial to our ‘kababayans’ and their children,” she said. The DSWD, she said, has already released PHP13,324,080 to the PCC for the provision of milk to children in pilot Child Development Centers (CDC). The Milk Supplementary Component entails the provision of milk and other dairy products to CDCs. The dairy products pro-

duced by the PCC and farmer communities engaged in carabao-based enterprises will be included in the food served in the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) for the pilot CDCs. Under the program, 200 ml. of milk will be provided to every child daily for 120 days. The milk supplementation component will be implemented simultaneously with the provision of regular hot meals or alternative meals to children enrolled in the feeding program and in the CDCs.

FDA, PNP boost fight against ‘illegal’ products posing risks to public health MANILA, Nov. 28 (PNA) – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to boost the drive against products and substances being sold in the market without proper evaluation and approval. FDA director general, Nela Charade Puno, said the partnership aims to end the proliferation of processed food products, chemicals, drugs and substances that pose serious risks to the health of the public. “These include products that are counterfeit, misbranded, unregistered or substandard,” Puno explained. Under the agreement, the FDA gives the PNP the authority to investigate, conduct search and seizure operations, and arrest erring individuals and manufacturers involved in the production and distribution of such products. The FDA will also be the one that will fund the PNP support operations with an initial amount of PHP15 million and an annual budget of PHP25 million. The step-up enforcement drive is part of the directions set by Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial, Puno said, adding that it is time to address the FDA’s old problem -- the lack of manpower to stop illegal products proliferation. She noted that illegal products that are proliferating are not just endangering the health of the public but are also eroding the trust in the government. “This is because the public expects us to protect them from these unscrupulous characters who prey on them and pose risks on their lives and health for the sake of profit,” she said. She then compared it to the campaign on illegal drugs, noting that in the war against drugs, consumers know they are buying an illegal product. “In the case of counterfeits, unregistered, substandard and unbranded products, the consumers are not aware that they are buying illegal items,” she said. In the latter, she said, there is the perpetrator’s intention to cheat and take advantage of the people.

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Simbang Gabi in Los Angeles celebrates its 14th anniversary Los Angeles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Our Lady of the Angels Pastoral Region of the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will once again host the Annual Simbang Gabi Advent (night mass). It is the 14th anniversary of the liturgical celebration of the Philippine tradition of culture, faith, and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. Our theme this year is â&#x20AC;&#x153;JESUS, MAKE USGENEROUSDISPENSERS OF YOUR DIVINE MERCYâ&#x20AC;? translated in Tagalog, â&#x20AC;&#x153;HESUS, GAWINMOKAMING MASAGANANG DALUYAN NG IYONG BANAL NA AWA.â&#x20AC;? WHEN: Thursday, De-

cember 15, 2016 TIME: 6:30 PM WHERE: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 WHY: We consider our celebration a rich cultural heritage as well as a service totheFilipino American community. The beginning of the 9 days novena before Christmas strengthen our family relationship and bring Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence to unityand peace. PAROL PROCESSION:Ministers from parishes of the Pastoral Regions of Santa Barbara, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Pedroand Our Lady of the

Angelstogether withDignitaries, Civic,Business and Non-profit organizations will march with their banner and parol (lantern), a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem. MAIN CELEBRANT:Most ReverendArchbishop Jose H. Gomez, D.D.Other Concelebrants will be the Bishops and Priests of the Archdiocese. EXPECTED ATTENDANCE: 3,000. PARKING: Cathedral parking - $8.00 or pay at adjacent lots. FOR MORE INFORMATION:EmailLemAmit -filipinoministryola@gmail.com |CP: 323 793 5141.

Fil-Ams, other parishioners of The Church of the Good Shepherd of Beverly Hills celebrate Simbang Gabi 2016 The Filipino-American & Ethnic Parishioners of the Church of the Good Shepherd of Beverly Hills will celebrate â&#x20AC;&#x153;Simbang Gabi 2016â&#x20AC;? on December 19, 2016, Monday, at 7:00 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Simbang Gabi â&#x20AC;&#x153; is a Filipino Pre-Christmas Mass Tradition which will be held for the 4th time together with the Ethnic parishioners of the parish community. Everyone is invited to come and celebrate the special advent mass in the parish in consonance with the observance of the tradition by the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The theme of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Simbang Gabi is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jesus

make us generous dispensers of your divine mercy,â&#x20AC;? translated in Pilipino as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hesus gawin mo kaming masaganang daluyan ng iyong banal na awa.â&#x20AC;? Most Reverend Bishop Oscar A. Solis, the first Filipino Bishop in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and currently the Head of the San Pedro Pastoral Region, will be the main celebrant. The church pastor, Fr. Ed

Benioff and other Filipino priests will concelebrate with the bishop. The Philippine Chamber Singers of Los Angeles will be the Choir for the festive occasion. A catered and potluck reception follows after the mass at the Church Hall. The Church of the Good Shepherd is located at 505 N. Bedford Drive corner Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210.

Filipino priests oďŹ&#x192;ciate what has become a traditional â&#x20AC;&#x153;Simbang Gabiâ&#x20AC;? masses in many churches in the city of Los Angeles and its suburbs.

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Not only do they celebrate masses, Filipino priests also belt out Christmas carols during â&#x20AC;&#x153;Simbang Gabiâ&#x20AC;? masses in and around Los Angeles

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MOTORING Ford Hot Hatch buyers stay on [eco]boost; Registrations up over 21 percent in 2016 Buyers of hot hatchbacks are flocking to Ford, with retail registrations yearto-date for Fiesta ST, Focus ST and Focus RS up 21.3 percent DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 21, 2016 – Retail registrations for non-luxury, turbocharged small hatchbacks are down 21 percent in 2016 as buyers are snapping up SUVs. That’s not stopping Ford from posting just over a 21 percent gain in retail new vehicle registrations through September of its newest hot hatchback models – Fiesta ST, Focus ST and Focus RS. Erich Merkle, Ford sales analyst, breaks it all down: “Non-luxury, turbocharged small hatchbacks are down 21 percent year-over-year, but our turbocharged Ford Focus is up 37 percent. With

the shift into SUVs and crossovers, our hot hatches are bucking the trend.” These gains for Ford are coming against a broader current of buyers trading in cars for SUVs. Ford is seeing sales of both its Focus ST and Fiesta ST hot hatchbacks up this year, despite both the highly anticipated arrival of its own fire-breathing, 350-horsepower all-wheel-drive Focus RS* and an overall market decline in small cars. The data is based on Ford analysis of IHS Markit retail registrations of new vehicles through September – the most recent data available. “For decades, we heard criticism from customers that Ford sold its best small cars only in Europe, yet in five short years we’ve built a reputation here for making very serious but affordable performance cars with our Focus ST and Fiesta ST

one-two punch,” says Jessica Bishop, Ford Focus brand manager. “Buyers now know Ford is committed to affordable performance.” Retail registrations of Fiesta ST are up 7 percent year over year, based on IHS Markit data, and with Focus ST up just over 5 percent in the same timeframe. The addition of Focus RS, starting in June, puts retail registrations of Ford’s hot hatchbacks up 21.3 percent year over year. Through September, retail registrations of the 165-mph-top-speed Focus RS totaled 1,674. Focus ST retail registrations totaled 8,249, while Fiesta ST totaled 3,215. Bishop says that with Focus, people are driving the hot Focus ST thinking, “Wow, I can get a 150-mph, 252-horsepower 2013 Car and Driver 10Best hatchback for under $25,000? Sign me up!”

Ford debuts new mobility one ﬂoat as America’s Thanksgiving Parade brings communities together

2017 Lexus LS: Flagship Luxury has standard V8 power in every model November 17, 2016 – The 2017 Lexus LS meets lofty expectations of what a flagship luxury sedan should be, and for good reason. It was the Lexus LS that turned the flagship luxury sedan category on its head more than a quarter-century ago by introducing new and daring approaches to unstinting comfort, innovative conveniences and polished driving smoothness. Those attributes, along with painstaking craftsmanship, once again stand at

the fore in the 2017 LS 460, which offers standard- and long-wheelbase models and a choice of rear-wheel drive or Lexus all-weather drive. The 2017 Lexus LS offers a raft of driver-assist technologies, including the Advanced Pre-Collision System (A-PCS) with Collision Avoidance Assist. This system is designed to assist the driver in avoiding or mitigating frontal collisions with vehicles and pedestrians, under certain conditions. At speeds lower

than 24 mph, this technology can help the driver to avoid accidents by automatically bringing the LS to a full stop. Exclusively V8-Powered Quietly powerful, seamless acceleration remains a hallmark aspect of driving a Lexus LS, courtesy of a 4.6-liter V8 teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The original Lexus LS disrupted the premium sedan category by making a V8 standard when most others had a six-cylinder engine.

Today, the 2017 Lexus LS remains one of the few in the class with a standard V8. Its 386 horsepower (359 hp with AWD) and 367 lb.-ft. of torque move the LS 460 to highway speeds with consummate ease. Functionally Elegant Design With its Lexus-signature spindle grille and sleek profile, the Lexus LS 460 eschews cookie-cutter luxury design themes and also slices through the air with a very low 0.26 coefficient of drag. That figure translates

into meaningful benefits that include hushed wind noise and admirable V8 fuel efficiency. The Lexus LS quietness is rooted in body construction details that minimize noise, right down to the wheel design. As the car drives, resonant noise is channeled from the main air chamber to adjacent hollow areas within the wheels via a resonator hole, cutting a significant source of road noise. Beneath the sleek lines,

standard frequency-dependent suspension dampers contribute to flat, agile handling and the uncanny ride smoothness that has long been a Lexus LS hallmark. Using Lexus Drive Select, you can tailor the car’s performance to your driving style or mood by selecting one of three settings: “Normal,” “Eco” or “Sport S.” The system automatically adjusts several performance parameters, including transmission shift points and throttle response.

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KITCHENOMICS

FAMILY FEATURES

hen the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to up your game in the kitchen with standout recipes. A knockout holiday meal starts with a main dish like filet mignon topped with Roasted Garlic Compound Butter for a rich treat, paired with cheesy a sidekick like these Crispy Cheddar Mashed Potato Puffs. Finally, top off the night with Honey and Blackberry Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust, and you’ll have guests ready to come back next year.

A Rich, Buttery Main Dish

A Simply Sweet Dessert

It’s easy to add buttery richness to just about any protein you choose to serve at your holiday gathering with this easy compound butter. The sauce takes little time to make and adds an unforgettably elegant touch to filet mignon, making it perfect for your next holiday celebration. Cut from the heart of the tenderloin, Omaha Steaks Filet Mignon is aged to peak flavor and tenderness, vacuum wrapped and flash frozen to lock in freshness. Find more holiday main dish ideas and recipes at omahasteaks.com.

Once the satisfaction of a full meal wears off and the craving for one final course comes calling, there’s no better dessert to turn to than the creamy delight of cheesecake. Add in the sweet flavors of honey and blackberries, and you’ll find yourself perfectly content to wind down the holiday get-together. For more ways to infuse honey into your holiday menu, visit honey.com.

Roasted Garlic Compound Butter 2 2 1/2 1

A New Twist on a Classic Holiday Recipe Transforming family recipes into something memorable is easy when you use high-quality, wholesome ingredients, made with love from Borden Cheese. With a wide range of offerings, including mild cheddar, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, Mexican, Swiss, American, Colby Jack and more, Borden Cheese is available as singles, shreds, chunks, slices, strings and snacks – offering pure, creamy goodness to satisfy every taste. Add a new twist to your holiday spread with this delectable recipe for Crispy Cheddar Mashed Potato Puffs, which uses chunks of mild cheddar, and find more recipes at BordenCheese.com.

Crispy Cheddar Mashed Potato Puffs 3/4 cup sour cream, divided 1 teaspoon finely chopped chives or green onions, plus additional for garnish 8 ounces Borden Cheese Medium Cheddar Chunk, divided 2 medium russet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and chopped 2 tablespoons Borden Butter 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon seasoned salt 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard 1/4 teaspoon salt 15 bacon strips, cooked crisp and crumbled 1 cup beer batter dry mix oil, for frying To make chive cream: In small bowl, mix 1/2 cup sour cream and chives or onions together. Refrigerate.

To make cheddar crisps: Heat oven to 400 F. Shred 4 ounces cheese to make about 1 cup shreds. Divide shreds into eight piles, about 2 inches apart, on silicone baking mat or parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and bake about 5 minutes, or until cheese melts and becomes crisp. Let cool 5 minutes and remove from baking sheet. Reduce oven temperature to 180 F. To make potato puffs: Place potatoes in medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Heat over medium-high heat and boil potatoes until tender; drain. In electric mixer bowl fitted with paddle, beat potatoes with butter on medium-low speed until smooth then add remaining sour cream and all seasonings. Stir in crumbled bacon. Cut remaining cheese into eight 1/2-inch cubes. Form balls of mashed potato mixture using ice cream scoop. Make small hole in center of each potato ball and fill with one cube cheese. Cover with additional mashed potato so cheese is hidden inside. Refrigerate until ready to fry. In large saucepan over medium-high heat, heat oil to 375 F. Prepare beer batter according to package directions; dip each mashed potato ball into batter and deep-fry about 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on paper towel. Reheat oil to 375 F between batches. Keep potato puffs warm in holding oven. On plate, top potato puffs with dollop of chive cream, chives and cheddar crisp. Serve immediately.

heads garlic teaspoons olive oil teaspoon kosher or sea salt stick unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 Omaha Steaks Filet Mignons (6 ounces each), prepared Heat oven to 350 F. Slice about 1/4 inch off each garlic head to reveal cloves. Remove any excess outer layers of paper on garlic. On sheet of aluminum foil, drizzle each garlic head with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Wrap foil tightly over garlic. Roast 40-60 minutes, until garlic is golden and can be easily pierced with a knife. Let cool 15 minutes. In bowl, squeeze garlic cloves out of paper. Add salt and mash with fork to create paste. Add butter and combine with fork, ensuring paste is well blended into butter. Place butter on edge of a sheet of parchment or wax paper. Fold paper over butter and roll into cylinder. Twist ends of paper and refrigerate until solid. When ready to serve, cut chilled butter into slices and place on top of prepared filet mignons. Note: Unused butter can be kept in refrigerator for about 2 weeks.

Honey and Blackberry Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board Crust: 2 cups (8-ounce package) crushed gingersnaps 1/4 cup melted butter Cake: 1 1/2 pounds cream cheese, softened 3/4 cup honey 1/3 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon vanilla 1 tablespoon gluten-free all-purpose flour 1/8 teaspoon salt 4 large eggs 1 pint fresh blackberries Garnish: 1 pint fresh blackberries (optional) honey (optional) Heat oven to 350 F. In medium bowl, combine crushed gingersnaps and butter. Transfer mixture to 9-inch springform pan. Stick hand in sandwich bag and firmly press mixture into bottom of pan to form crust. Bake 8 minutes. Remove from oven, reduce heat to 300 F and allow crust to rest. Meanwhile, using stand mixer, beat cream cheese at medium speed 3-4 minutes. Add honey, cream, vanilla, flour and salt. Beat until mixed. Add eggs, one at a time, beating between each addition. Beat mixture until just combined. Pour cream cheese mixture into prepared crust. Drop blackberries on top of mixture. Bake 65 minutes. Turn off oven and leave cake in oven 1 hour. Remove and allow to cool. Run knife around sides of cheesecake. Cover and chill overnight. Remove sides from pan. Serve with additional berries and drizzle with honey, if desired.

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EXEMPTED

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This development came amid other accomplishments of the DOTr in the aviation sector. Among these achievements is the enforcement of a slot management system to ensure that flight departures are on time. The system has improved the on-time performance of airlines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from 47 percent to 71 percent since the new administration took over. The MIAA is also coordinating with Villamor Air Base to allow vehicles to pass through especially along Andrews Avenue to

address traffic congestion in the airports. A two-minute waiting time is also being implemented for people welcoming and sending off passengers at the airport. Capt. Jim Sydiongco, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, also reported the addition of Legzapi, Butuan, Dumaguete, and Caticlan airports to the country’s night-rated airports. Roxas airport will also be able to accommodate evening flights before Christmas. Meanwhile, DOTr officials also reiterated the need for emergency powers to implement further improve-

PLDT GLOBE

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cations Commission (NTC) Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said during the signing ceremony in Quezon City. According to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the new rates must be implemented by January 1, 2017, to give the tecos sufficient time to make the necessary adjustments in their respective billing systems. “Consumers will enjoy lower rates for voice calls starting next year. The reduced retail rate will depend on the various plans or promos offered by the telcos,” it said. “The interconnection charges shall be subject to an annual review by the NTC,” it added. For Pangilinan-led PLDT, the new interconnection rates would reflect a 40-percent drop in interconnection charges. “The voice business is

challenging as the market goes to mobile and fixed. This actually lowers the revenues that we generate,” PLDT Chief Revenue Officer Eric Alberto told reporters. “The market reality is that competition and market demands have actually brought pricing down,” he added. For Ayala-led Globe, the lower rates mean a 38-percent reduction in charges. “We are confident that a reduction in the cost of interconnection for voice calls will eventually redound to a more robust economy, providing our customers with an affordable and easily accessible way of communication,” Globe Chief Technology and Information Officer Gil Genio said. The lower interconnection rate, he said, could actually goad the telcos to act more aggressively when it comes to voice calls moving forward, he added. (MNS)

DISMISSAL

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sive justice for the victims of martial law, perpetuates the impunity of his transgressions and mocks the unfinished task of recovering his hoard of ill-gotten wealth,” the motion stated. “It is not remote to realize that the Marcos burial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani is a gross distortion, a malevolent revision and a wanton derogation of Philippine history.”

Appellate Board and to the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Dela Rosa said he will make it a personal cause to block the reinstatement of the other policemen who will be dismissed from service due to illegal drugs use. “Sige kayo balik balik dito sa serbisyo, sakit ng ulo lang binibigay ninyo sa amin. Hindi na kayo mapapa-reinstate habang buhay ako. Hahanapan ko nang paraan na harangin ko kayo. Sabihin n’yo personal na ito, pepersonalin ko kayo,” he said. PNP Crime Laboratory director Chief Superintendent Aurelio Trampe said that as part of the internal cleansing of the police organization, they collected urine samples from 159,129 PNP personnel for random drug testing. Of the 174 found positive for illegal drug use, 167 were uniformed and seven were non-uniformed personnel. He said that of those found positive, three challenged the result of the Crime Laboratory but their positive findings were further confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory. (MNS)

town, Lanao Del Sur has climbed to 19, while 13 militarymen were wounded. During a briefing, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the number of casualties and wounded were as of noon Monday. All troops wounded in action were evacuated and undergoing treatment in various medical facilities. Dislodgement operations are now being conducted by the 103rd Infantry Brigade assisted by armored and artillery units. Also backing these assets are close-air support units spearheaded by SF-260 and OV-10 attack planes by the Air Force.

Padilla said Maute casualties could go higher as government forces are now zeroing in on the old Butig municipal hall and Barangays Sindig and Bayabao where most of the terrorists are holed up. Maute supporters living in these areas are providing aid to the terrorists. Padilla expressed hope that areas held by Maute members would be overrun by the military soon. There are no civilians in the areas as most of them have been evacuated early Friday, he added. Padilla said the terrorists tried to capture last February the Butig municipal hall only to be foiled by government troops.

VICTIMS

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honor” accorded to a “disgraced” leader who was deposed through a people’s revolt in 1986 over allegations of massive human rights violations and corruption. Lagman said no less than the SC acknowledged that Marcos amassed ill-gotten wealth during his 20-year rule. “His burial in the memorial of good men impedes on the continuing quest for illu-

ments in the transportation sector. DOTr spokesperson Cherie Mercado assured the public that the emergency powers will expedite the implementation of vital infrastructure projects and will not be abused. “Emergency Powers was proposed to get projects moving fast. We have safeguards such as Congress oversight, TROs/injunctions to be filed only in the Supreme Court, and its compliance with the FOI,” Mercado said. She also guaranteed that the department led by Secretary Arthur Tugade continues to perform while waiting for the emergency powers to be granted. “Sec. Tugade works hard with no need of any fanfare. He is a man of accomplishments. He’s impatient for accomplishments, but he’s also a man of transparency,” Mercado added.

MPD DIFFUSE

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Data Center showed that the bomb was similar to the one used by the Maute group, a local terror group. ”If you’re a determined terrorist, you can deliver the bomb to your intended target... IED could be a diversion from clash with Maute group,” he added. He did not discount the possibility that planting of the IED could be a handiwork of the Maute group -- the subject of the ongoing military offensive in Butig town, Lanao del Sur province. 19 Maute members killed in Butig military offensive, 13 troops wounded The number of Maute Group bandits killed in the ongoing military offensive in Butig

MAGUINDANAO

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Former National Press Club (NPC) president Roy Mabasa of Manila Bulletin took part in the ceremony and also played guitar and sung during the so-called “celebration of life” portion that followed the solemn part of the program. Freelance writer and singer Lou Sabas also rendered song numbers for the participants. She was alternately joined on the stage by another singer Joni Villamil and her 13-yearold daughter Jasmine and by journalists Joe Cobilla, Roger Parajes, Nikki Arriola, Carmelo Breeze and this

reporter. In an interview with ABS-CBN-Balitang America Steve Angeles, the LA-based journalists decried the very slow grind of judicial processes to uphold the guilt of the 197 people, including prominent members of Maguindanao’sAmpatuan clan and some policemen, who were charged for the crimes. On November 23, 2009, during the heat of the Philippine elections, 58 people, 32 of them media workers, were executed and their bodies dumped into a common grave that was hurriedly dug up using a backhoe

tractor. The journalists had joined family members and election supporters of then Buluan Vice Mayor EsmaelMangudadatu who were on their way to the provincial capitol to file his certificate of candidacy for governor of Maguindanao. Mangudadatu’s candidacy was regarded as a challenge to the Ampatuan family who had ruled the province for decades. The Maguindanao massacre was regarded as the most savage election-related killings in the Philippines and as the single deadliest attack against the media.

THE US ASIAN POST

RESIGN

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MTPB personnel and their families, Estrada said he made this difficult decision for “the greatest good” of the majority. Everyone will start with a clean slate, he said, noting that he was disappointed and outraged by what the MTPB has become over the years, despite his administration’s initiatives to eliminate corruption and introduce reforms in the city government. “Hindi ko maaaring isakripisyo ang kapakanan ng higit na nakararaming Manilenyo dahil lamang sa ilang tiwaling traffic enforcer na sumisira sa imahe ng MTPB, at maging ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Maynila,” he further said. (“I cannot sacrifice the welfare of the majority of the Manileños just because of these erring traffic enforcers, who are ruining the image of the MTPB and the city government,” he further said.) Estrada said he sacked all MTPB personnel to weed out misfits and those with bad records. They may however re-apply, provided they meet the new set of stricter qualification standards that will be formulated by a special selection committee he has formed, he added. While the MTPB is being reorganized, Estrada has temporarily turned over traffic management operations to the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) of the Manila Police District (MPD), with help from the barangay volunteers and other auxiliary units. The new MTPB recruits will be trained by MPD director, Sr. Supt. Joel Coronel for three weeks, he said. Meanwhile, Estrada formally launched the Ma-

nila “traffic super body”, an inter-agency group composed of city and barangay officials, leaders and representatives of local transport organizations, Parents-Teachers Associations (PTAs), business groups and other stakeholders that will jointly come up with longterm solutions to address the city’s traffic problems. The mayor has tasked the traffic super body to oversee the strict implementation of traffic rules in the city and come up with doable solutions to help decongest the city’s main thoroughfares. “Traffic is everybody’s concern -- bata man o matanda (young or old). We should come up with a collective effort to address our perennial traffic problems,” he said, adding that the composite team will go around the city to look for traffic-prone areas, mount

traffic management operations, including road clearing, and apprehend traffic violators, both motorists and pedestrians. The traffic super body is composed of elements of the MPD-TEU, Department of Public Services (DPS), Manila Tricycle Regulatory Office, Office of the City Engineer, Manila Barangay Bureau, City Treasurer’s Office, and the Manila City Hall Action and Support Assignment (MASA), as well as officials and representatives of local transport groups, such as the Consolidated Truckers Association, Fejodap, and Pasang Masda; PTAs, city councilors, and barangay officials. From among the local business sector, port operators International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) and Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI) have also joined.

ARREST

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De Lima, however, denied the allegation as well as any involvement in illegal drugs. Senator Panfilo Lacson, meanwhile, took to Twitter to insist that both chambers of Congress have their own rules in disciplining their

respective members. “It’s not about protecting a member of the Senate. Rather, we both have out rules in disciplining our respective members. Let’s respect that,” Lacson said. (MNS)

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