US Asian Post April 15, 2016

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PHL among top Asian economies One of fastest-growing economies in Asean in 3 years: WB MANILA, Apr 11 (Mabuhay) – The Philippines will remain one of the fastest-growing countries in East Asia and the Pacific despite a “modest” easing in economic expansion in the region in the next three years, a new World Bank report showed.

“Among the large developing Southeast Asian economies, the Philippines and Vietnam have the strongest growth prospects, both expected to grow by more than 6 percent in 2016,” the World Bank said in a statement, based on its latest East Asia and Pacific Economic Update released Monday.

The Washington-based lender expects the Philippine economy to expand by 6.4 percent this year

and 6.2 percent in 2017 and 2018.

Across developing East Asia, growth was projected to ease to 6.3 percent this year from 6.5 percent last year.

“The forecast reflects China’s gradual shift to slower, more sustainable growth, expected to be 6.7 percent in 2016 and 6.5 percent in 2017, compared with 6.9 percent in 2015,” the World Bank explained.

“Developing East Asia and Pacific continues to contribute strongly to global growth. The region accounted for almost two-fifths of global growth in 2015, more than twice the combined contribution of all other developing regions,” it said.

See TOP ASIAN, page 12 President Benigno S. Aquino III views the Clark Green City scale model during the groundbreaking ceremony of the project in Sitio Baloy, Barangay Aranguren, Capaz, Tarlac on Monday (April 11). In photo are Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president and chief executive officer Arnel Paciano Casanova, BCDA chairperson Ma. Aurora Geotina-Garcia and Capas, Tarlac Mayor Antonio Rodriguez, Jr. (MNS photo)

PHL tourist Boxing fans still want Pacquiao to fight utive officer Jim Claude Manangqarrivals grow 20.42% By Lolito T. delos Reyes uil, on the other hand, said that to nearly 550,000 DAVAO CITY, April 11 (PNA) he had changed his opinion on – Boxing managers, promoters, Pacquiao’s retirement. in February 2016 trainers and fellow Filipino box“I’ve changed my opinion about

By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, April 11 (PNA) – Tourist arrivals in the Philippines marked a double-digit growth of 20.42 percent to 549,725 visitors in February 2016 compared to the 456, 524 visitors in the same period last year, the Department of TourA member of the Army Skydiving Team carrying the Philippine flag attracts the crowd’s attention during the opening of the Palarong Pambansa 2016 at the Albay Provincial Sports Complex inside the Bicol University compound in Daraga, Albay on Sunday afternoon (April 10, 2016). (PNA-Legazpi Bureau photo)

See PHL TOURIST, page 12

BI on alert over foreign Grand, unique Palarong Pambansa terrorists trying to gain entry into PHL 2016 opening draws praises MANILA, April 11 (PNA) – Bufrom delegates, guests reau of Immigration (BI) CommisBy Nancy Ibo Mediavillo

LEGAZPI CITY, April 11 (PNA) – The grand and unique opening of the Palarong Pambansa 2016 at the Albay Provincial Sports Complex inside the Bicol University compound left a mark on the map of the Philippines as it drew praises from delegates, visitors and local residents who flocked to the red-accented oval ground and braved the heat of the afternoon sun on Sunday.

Now on its 59th year, the annual national games’ opening became a byword among the almost 25,000 spectators who witnessed what the Palaro and the hosts – Albay province and Legazpi City – had to offer.

“I was glued with awe to where I stood as I watched the entire activity that ended with pomposity with a colorful display of fireworks, said Dr. Rosa Kabutahe of Region 7 who

disclosed that it was the first time that she had this experience for the 25 years of attending national scholastic games.

Kabutahe said she was also amazed by what the Province of Albay and Legazpi City have shown her and her group—beautiful place, rich culture, and magnificent people.

The fantastic torch relay participated in by a disabled man and the story of the Friendship Urn, she said, left a permanent mark in his mind.

The Torch Relay was done for three days around the Mayon Volcano.

Important guests headed by Department of Education Secretary Armin Luistro were also made to ride ATV vehicles.

The spectators were also treated to the sight of beautiful and tal-

MANILA, April 12 (PNA) – If elected to the presidency during the May 9 elections, PDP-LABAN standard bearer and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte vowed to intensify the war against crime by running after big-time drug lords.

“I will run after the big fish. I will order the police and the military to run after the drug lords,”

See PALARONG PAMBANSA, page 12

See DUTERTE, page 12

sioner Ronaldo Geron has ordered its newly designated intelligence head to tighten the security and monitoring of all foreign nationals arriving in the country.

He issued the directive to Intel Chief Rommel De Leon to ensure See TERRORIST, page 12

Duterte vows to go after big-time drug lords if elected president

ers think that 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao can still fight and should postpone his retirement after scoring a convincing unanimous decision against Timothy Bradley last Sunday.

“Ok pa si Manny, puwede pa I match kahit sinong boxer pa diyan kahit si (Floyd) Mayweather pa (Manny is still ok. He can still be matched with any of the boxers even Mayweather),” said Raides “Nonoy” Neri, one of Pacquiao’s assistant trainers in a text message.

Sanman Promotions chief exec-

Manny retiring after this. I think he can still go for one more big fight with that kind of performance.

Pacquiao showed his old form and a very good performance,” said the 23-year-old boxing promoter-manager from General Santos City.

WBC 2015 Asia Pacific Promoter of the Year Brico Santig of Highlands Promotion said that Pacquiao showed that he can still catch up with his opponents and also has that knockout power.

“However, he might have no See BOXING FANS, page 12

Hong Kong posts highest voter turnout in Philippine overseas absentee voting

MANILA, April 11 (PNA) – Hong Kong has posted the most number of Filipino voters, three days since the overseas absentee voting began on April 9, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday.

Since absentee voting for Filipinos abroad was introduced in 2004, Hong Kong has consistently topped the list of areas with the most number of voter turnout.

For this year’s 2016 National Elections, the Asia-Pacific region registered the highest number of voters with 9,167 as of 2:30 p.m. on April 11, followed by the Middle East and Africa with 7,159, Europe with 1,927 and the Americas, which include the United States, Latin America and Canada with 107.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis, concurrent Chairman of the DFA Overseas Voting Secretariat, said he expects the voter turnout to increase in the coming days, noting the momentum picks up as it nears the end of the voting period.

Overseas Filipinos have until 5 p.m. Manila time on May 9 to vote in embassies, consulates or Commission on Elections-designated areas.

For the 2016 National Elections, Philippine Foreign Service Posts have been authorized to implement one of the following modes of See HONG KONG, page 12

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RCBC prexy files criminal, civil cases vs. former branch manager

Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV (left) directs clarificatory questions to the resource persons during the 5th Senate hearing on the USD81-million money cyberheist from the Bank of Bangladesh at the Senate Building in Pasay City on Tuesday (April 12, 2016). Also in photo are (2nd from left) Philrem Service Corporation President Salud Bautista; businessman Kim Wong; former Customers Relations Officer of RCBC-Jupiter Branch Angela Ruth Torres; former RCBC-Jupiter Branch Manager Maia Santos Deguito; RCBC Head Legal and Regulatory Affairs Group Atty. Maria Celia F. Estavillo; and RCBC President & CEO Lorenzo V. Tan. (PNA photos by Avito C. Dalan)

By Joann Santiago

MANILA, April 11 (PNA) – Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) President and CEO Lorenzo V. Tan filed civil and criminal cases on Monday against former RCBC Jupiter-Makati branch manager Maia Deguito.

The criminal charges – libel and false testimony – and complaint for damages amounting to Php32

million were filed before the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC).

In a statement, Tan said Deguito made “scurrilous remarks” after she claimed that he (Tan) knew about the laundering of the USD81-million stolen from the Bangladesh Bank in February 2016, which was coursed through RCBC’s Jupiter branch before it was remitted to several

individuals, who are now facing money laundering charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In his complaint, Tan said Deguito’s allegations “were products of mere assumptions.”

“The imputation of the foregoing acts diminished, if not destroyed, my reputation as a banker,” he said.

The RCBC chief ex-

plained that his profession “is based on utmost trust and confidence between myself and the Bank’s clients” thus, he “have striven hard to keep my reputation from being sullied as it is my source of livelihood and productivity as as a professional.”

He noted that Deguito’s statements in media interviews, the Senate hearings and in her March 7, 2016

reply to the bank’s Show Cause Memorandum “is a clear ploy to create a defense for herself against the various criminal accusations made against her by implicating me as a complicit in her caper.”

He said the charges were filed to protect his honor as he “have no other asset but my reputation.”

“Even if her accusations against me are found un-

true, my reputation, which I had carefully built and guarded for almost thirty-five (35) years, has already been irretrievably tainted,” he said.

“In fact, to clear my name, I have taken a voluntary leave just to avoid any perception of undue influence on my part in the ongoing internal investigation by RCBC on the matter,” he added. (PNA)

Aquino leads groundbreaking ceremony of Clark Green City CAPAS, Tarlac, April 11 (PNA) – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Clark Green City which is set to become the country’s first green and intelligent global metropolis.

The Chief Executive, in his speech, cited the economic gains of his administration which regained the confidence ”both in ourselves, and the confidence of investors here and around the globe.”

He said the Clark Green City is another major expression of such confidence as it is one of the biggest ever joint undertakings between the government and the private sector.

The project will cover 9,450 hectares and its development will cost around Php607 billion.

It will be home to companies, retail outlets, schools, government offices, residential communities, parks, and even urban farms that are seen to accommodate an estimated 1.12 million residents and 800,000 workers.

Aside from its economic benefits, the President said the Clark Green City also embodied the vision for a more resilient Philippines.

He said the Clark Green City is an example of a development that has approached the problem on climate change strategically as it will not be flood-

prone since its lowest elevation is 56 meters above sea level, while its central park will serve as a flood catchment basin.

Likewise, the Clark Green City enjoys natural protection from typhoons, with the Sierra Madre to the West and the Zambales mountain range to the east.

He also thanked partners in the private sector, particularly Filinvest and Japanese agencies such as the JICA for their active participation in making the dream a reality. ”There is nothing that can forestall our ambitions except ourselves. Let us devote more and more to seeing our dreams fulfilled today,” he added. (PNA)

President Benigno S. Aquino III shovels dirt during the groundbreaking ceremony of Clark Green City in Sitio Baloy, Barangay Aranguren, Capaz, Tarlac on Monday (April 11). In photo are Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president and chief executive officer Arnel Paciano Casanova, BCDA chairperson Ma. Aurora Geotina-GarciaCapas, Tarlac Mayor Antonio Rodriguez, Jr. (MNS photo)

Increasing taxation on extractive industries’ revenues vital towards sustainable dev’t

By Filane Mikee Z. Cervantes

MANILA, April 12 (PNA) – The second Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) country report has revealed that the government received PHP40.7 billion as payment for its minerals and oil and gas in 2013.

According to the EITI report recently published in December 2015, the Philippine government collected a mere PHP2.2 billion for its minerals. The said amount is the sum of total collection from the 5 percent mineral royalties and 2 percent excise tax on minerals imposed by the government.

The report also showed total reconciled payments from mining amounting to PHP5.6 billion, which is less than 1 percent of the total government revenues. This is partly attributable to the low tax rates in the country, which is also among the lowest in the world.

EITI is a global standard of transparency that requires extractive industry companies to publish what they pay to the government, and governments are required to publish what they receive from companies.

Following the report, Bantay Kita (BK), a coalition of civil society organizations advocating for transparency and accountability in the extractive industries, has urged the government to formulate fiscal reforms that would allow Filipinos to benefit from these limited resources.

BK national coordinator Cielo Magno said that the mainstream paradigm, wherein taxes are reduced to attract investments, does not work for developing countries such as the Philippines and is considerably deterrent in attaining sustainable development.

Magno cited the proposition of the United Nations Conference on Trade and

Development (UNCTAD) to employ a different overall development strategy which involves building a diversified economy, as well as investing in human capital, infrastructure and productive capacity. ”Investment in the mining sector did not translate into sustainable development. It did not translate to development gains,” said Magno, noting that the extractive industry is capital-intensive, not labor-intensive.

In 2013, Philippine extractive industries generated about 239,000 jobs for mining and 1,600 jobs for oil and gas, both of which account for less than 1 percent of the total employment.

Additionally, some communities hosting mining activities have higher incidence of poverty than communities without mining, according to the national coordinator.

Magno proposed restructuring the mining development framework by putting in place four necessary conditions that, in turn, will incite sustainable development and management of natural resources.

The conditions include good governance of the public and extractive sector; link of the extractive sector and the rest of the economy; institutional capacity to regulate the sector and manage the returns from the sector; and fair share in the extraction of resources.

Magno emphasized that the government must guarantee that the public — specifically local communities on the receiving end of adverse social and environmental effects of mining — have their fair share of extractive revenues. ”The government has to secure an appropriate share from its minerals above regular tax. The citizens have

a right over the minerals—a share or payment for those materials,” argued the BK national coordinator.

Estimates using EITI data reveal that only 23 percent of mining revenues went to local government units (LGUs) while only 4 percent went to indigenous peoples (IPs) groups where there is presence of mining.

IPs are entitled to 1 percent of gross revenues of mining companies operating under their ancestral lands. A total of PHP242 million was paid by six companies to IPs in their respective localities in 2013.

Meanwhile, LGUs are entitled to 40 percent of total excise tax on minerals collections and 36 percent of mineral royalties. In total, LGUs received PHP1.2 billion while the national government retained 73 percent of total mining revenues.

Thus, the BK is pushing for the imposition of the 5 percent mineral royalties on all mine sites in the country.

Currently, only those in mineral reservation areas such as in CARAGA region and Zambales are paying royalties, noted the coalition group.

Estimates show that government revenues could have reached PHP8.5 billion, or PHP2.9 billion higher than the PHP5.6 billion, had the royalty been imposed on all operators.

Furthermore, the government lost 3 billion, or 34 percent of foregone revenues, from income tax holidays granted to eight mining companies in 2013.

BK is also pushing for export tax on raw mineral ores in order to encourage processing of minerals in the Philippines and create a downstream industry that will generate employment and higher revenues for the state. (PNA)

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Roxas camp says Duterte ‘a threat to democracy’ MANILA, Apr 11 (Mabuhay) – The camp of administration standard bearer Mar Roxas on Monday described Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as a “threat to democracy” whose “politics of fear” has seduced Filipinos.

“It is becoming clear that more and more of our countrymen are being seduced by the politics of fear of Mayor Duterte,” said Akbayan party-list Rep. Barry Gutierrez, spokesman for the administration coalition, in reaction to the latest Social Weather Stations presidential survey showing Duterte on top.

“To ease our fears, we give him our freedom and rights. He is a threat to the democracy we cherish,” Gutierrez added as he called on “decent Filipinos” to support Roxas in the May 9 elections.

According to Gutierrez,

Roxas, who was fourth in the recent SWS survey, “is the only candidate with the proven integrity, experience, and competence to realize our dream of having a decent country.

“Only Mar has proven to be capable to standing up to Mayor Duterte, to have a solid base of support, and to have an organization that can deliver victory,” he said.

Based on SWS’ first quarter 2016 presidential preference poll, Duterte has a score of 27 percent, with Sen. Grace Poe in close second with 23 percent. Vice President Jejomar Binay came in third with 20 percent, followed

by Roxas with 18 percent and Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago at three percent.

In his statement, Gutierrez urged voters to “show our courage in not giving in to fear” on Election Day. (MNS)

Binay: In the end, presidential race only between me, Roxas MANILA, Apr 11 (Mabuhay) – In the end, it will be a race between Binay and Roxas.

A confident Jejomar Binay walked into the Inquirer radio studio, saying that he would win the 2016 presidential elections by a landslide four million votes in a two-way race with his nemesis, administration bet Mar Roxas.

The vice president gave Radyo Inquirer 990AM an exclusive interview on Monday even as he filed a damage suit against the Philippine Daily Inquirer for publishing reports about his alleged corruption activities when he was Makati mayor.

In the interview, Binay was asked about the radio hosts’ observation that he seemed to be in it to win it.

“I know I am going to win,” Binay said.

He said his chief of staff had already calculated their solid votes and predicted that he would have a seven to 10 percent lead from the next candidate, or a margin of four million votes.

He said he does not doubt for a moment his chief of staff, who was also able to predict his win in the 2010 vice presidential race against then candidate Roxas, who is now gunning for the presidency against Binay.

In 2010, Binay won with 14,645,574 votes against Roxas’ 13,918,490 votes, or a lead of only 727,084 votes.

Binay’s target of a four million margin against Roxas is close to that of President Benigno Aquino III when he won by a landslide in the 2010 elections.

Aquino won with 15,208,678 votes, or a margin of 5,720,841 votes from the second placer former Pres.

Joseph Estrada who got 9,487,837 votes.

Asked about the scenario if he loses the presidential race, he said: “What if I don’t win? Hindi ko iniisip yun.”

Binay explained that his confidence stemmed from his deep grassroots organization with allies at the local level.

Asked if he thinks the May 9 polls would end up between him and Roxas, despite the latter’s poor ratings in the survey, Binay said: “At the end of the day, (yes).

These are practical politics.”

He said only Roxas has the same level of grassroots organizing, but his other rivals Sen. Grace Poe and Davao city mayor Rodrigo Duterte have only started making local alliances and are only banking on the popularity of their names.

Duterte and Poe are the ones leading in the surveys.

READ: Duterte is new frontrunner in SWS poll He said the elections have two stages–the first stage was image building, but the second stage closer to the election day was about party machinery and grassroots organization.

“Sa second stage ng kampanya, makakapareho ko rito si Mar Roxas; napakalaki ang ginastos ng pamahalaan, may organization. Yung iba, walang organization ‘yun, at saka ngayon lang sila lumalapit sa mga supporters at political leaders; ngayon lang sila nakipag-uusap sa mga tao, kasi inuna nila ung perception, ung image sa media,” Binay said.

“Wala silang machinery in the first place. Sila lumaban sa image popularity; ‘yun ang unang yugto ng labanan. Nasira ang popularity ko dahil dun sa demolition by perception. So ‘yun ang kaibahan. Ngayon pa lang sila nagkukumahog sa kanilang organization,” Binay said.

Binay has expressed confidence of his victory despite his failure to regain the top spot in the voters’ preference polls ever since he and his son, dismissed Makati mayor Junjun, were indicted by the Ombudsman for graft, malversation and falsification of public documents for the alleged rigging of the procurement for the design and construction of the allegedly overpriced P2.8 billion Makati car park building.

While the Ombudsman has yet to charge the vice president because he is immune from suit, it has charged Junjun before the Sandiganbayan for graft and falsification.

The vice president’s family has also been a subject of a Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing on the allegations of kickbacks from graft-ridden deals in Makati, but Binay has dismissed the probe as a political inquisition meant to derail his presidential bid. (MNS)

Supporters of PDP-Laban presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte from Marikina City are ready for the Duterte-Cayetano tandem motorcade from the Marikina Freedom Park to Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College in Marikina City on Tuesday (April 12, 2016). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

Duterte tops new SWS survey MANILA, Apr 11 (Mabuhay) – Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte wrestled the top spot of presidential race away from Senator Grace Poe, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

The poll, conducted on March 30 - April 2 and commissioned by BusinessWorld, saw 27% of the candidates picking the tough-talking mayor.

In the survey conducted after the second presidential debate in Cebu, Duterte surged four points from his 23% in the March 8 - 11 SWS survey.

Poe, meanwhile, ranked second with 23%, six percentage points down from her 29% in the previous poll.

Given the survey’s margin of error of +/-3, the

senator was statistically tied with Vice President Jejomar Binay who got 20%.

Binay jumped two points from the previous poll’s 18%.

At third place was Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Mar Roxas with 18%.

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago steadied at 3%.

The BusinessWorld-commissioned survey was done using face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults nationwide.

Speaking to dzMM, political analyst Prof. Edmund Tayao attributed the rise in Duterte’s popularity to the 71-year-old mayor’s performance in the March 20 #PiliPinas Debates compared to that of Poe, the ertswhile frontrunner.

“Hindi lang naman iyung mensahe ang napapansin ng mga nanonood kundi pati na rin iyung composure at personalidad ng kandidato... Si Senator Grace, halimbawa, kahit malaman ang sinasabi at alam nating preparado, e parang napikon at kumbaga, hindi na nga siya sumusunod sa rules,” Tayao said.

“Siguro isa ito doon sa pinagkumparahan ng mga nanonood at nakita si Mayor Duterte na cool na cool.

Mas alam niya ang ginagawa at sinasabi niya.”

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) professor added that Duterte’s memorable one liners during the face-off may have also appealed to voters.

The popularity figures of the candidates in the

face-to-face polls differed slightly from the Bilang Pilipino-SWS Mobile Survey conducted last March 30.

Duterte’s rating was down four points if compared to the 31% he got in the last mobile survey.

Poe, meanwhile, was the frontrunner with a preference rating of 34 %. in the mobile poll, Binay placed third with 20% while Roxas followed him with 17 %.

Roxas saw his number decrease by 1 percent from 19 percent in early March.

On the other hand, Santiago was flat at 3 percent.

Aside from the second presidential debate, the poll was conducted also after the Supreme Court’s ruled in favor Poe’s presidential bid. (MNS)

‘Daang Matuwid’ as Mar and Leni’s nicknames on ballots questioned MANILA, Apr 11 (Mabuhay) – A former Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner said the inclusion of the term “Daang Matuwid” in the names of Liberal Party (LP) bets Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo on the official ballot for the 2016 elections violates the Omnibus Election Code (OEC).

Former Comelec commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal, who now serves as le-

gal counsel of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, said candidates can only use their nicknames and not other phrases and terms such as “Daang Matuwid,” the slogan of the administration. “The OEC says the use of government funds to directly or indirectly campaign for a candidate is prohibited so if there’s billboard that has the phrase or nickname ‘Daang Matuwid,’ that’s a violation of

the OEC. That has to be taken down. If you see a billboard, a streamer or other material that has the phrase ‘Daang Matuwid,’ technically, that’s violation of the law and the person can be charged with an election offense,” he said.

Larrazabal made the comment amid complaints and inquiries he received after the start of the overseas absentee voting (OAV). “At the start of the

OAV a lot of people contacted me, asking about the ballot face. They were wondering why ‘Daang Matuwid’ was included in the name of some candidates and asked me if it was allowed. I looked at the rules. Comelec only allowed the use of nicknames and ‘Daang Matuwid’ is not a nickname. I told them the candidates are supposed to be allowed to use only their nicknames.” (MNS(

Bongbong takes solo lead in latest SWS survey; Chiz, Leni tied at 2nd MANILA, Apr 11 (Mabuhay) – Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has taken the sole lead in the Social Weather Station’s (SWS) latest voters’ preference survey for vice president.

Marcos got 26 percent in the latest survey conducted from March 30 to April 2.

The survey, which had sampling error margins of ±3 points, was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults.

Business World, which published the SWS survey, said 1,377 of the respondents are validates voters.

Marcos gained a one-percent increase from SWS’ March 8 to 11 survey, where he got 25 percent.

Sen. Francis Escudero fell to second place with 21 percent. He lost seven percentage points compared to the March 8 to 11 survey.

Escudero was statistically tied with Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo who got 19 percent, which is 6 percent lower compared to her score in the previous survey.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, meanwhile, got 13

percent, gaining one-percentage point from the March 8 to 11 survey.

Sen. Gregorio Honasan and Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV both got five percent.

Honasan had four percent and Trillanes got five percent in the previous survey.

The six candidates faced off in the first and only

vice presidential leg of the Commission on Elections-initiated PiliPinas Debates 2016 held at the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday.

In a Facebook survey conducted by GMA News during the debate, Marcos was chosen by by more than half of the 40,158 respondents as of 11:47

p.m. Sunday as the candidate who was able able adequately answer all questions thrown at him.

Cayetano was chosen by 30 percent of the respondents while Robredo was chosen by 12 percent.

Escudero got 4 percent followed by Honasan with 2 percent and Trillanes with 1 percent. (MNS)

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Politicians exploiting women, children do not deserve votes: DSWD

By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, April 11 (PNA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Monday urged voters not to vote for candidates who utilize deceptive ways such as exploiting women and children in order to advance their political agenda.

“To our people, do not elect politicians resorting to deceptive ways to gather votes. They are still not in the positions, yet they are using people, what’s more if they got elected?),” said DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman.

Soliman made the remarks as she began to get emotional after hearing the stories of the women and children who had undergone critical stress debriefing sessions due to trauma that they experienced during their involvement in the violent dispersal of a mass action in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato last April 1.

Soliman said such women revealed that they will receive a sack of rice in exchange for their participation in the rally.

The women admitted that they were lured into joining the rally due to such promise without knowing that such was just a deceptive strategy.

The DSWD Chief said that fooling and using women and children is a hateful act and dirty trick of politicians seeking votes.

“Politicians should not do such act. This will only show that they are afraid to lose in the polls because they are using women and children for their own interests,” she pleaded as she burst into tears.

She added that if politicians who are behind such false promises really wanted to help, they can just directly provide assistance to those in need instead of resorting to violent ways that can hurt and affect the vulnerable women and children.

She further said for the part of DSWD, the agency had been providing assistance in the form of cash for work (CFW) and food packs since November of last year and in February of this year.

Early preparation of assistance and distribution came ahead as a result of early planning that was done last August 2015 when the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Administration (PAG-ASA) warned authorities of the adverse effects of the El Nino Phenomenon.

She assured that victims of El Nino phenomenon will continuously received the necessary assistance from the government.

Meanwhile, the critical debriefing sessions continue for affected women and children. This seeks to bring them to normalcy and reduce the trauma and pain they suffered from the tragic incident.PNA)

Sins of the dictator dog Bongbong in VP debate Manila, Philippines | AFP | Sunday 4/10/2016 – The son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos came under attack over his father’s record of corruption and rights abuse during a vice-presidential debate on Sunday.

Surveys show that Ferdinand Marcos Jnr., popularly known by his nickname “Bong-bong”, is running either first or second in the race for the vice-presidency in the May 9 elections.

But he came under fire from both the audience and rival vice-presidential candidates in the debate.

Even before he could speak, a group of protesters had to be escorted out of the auditorium because they refused to stop jeering him.

Marcos Jnr. touted more than two decades of experience in government, calling himself dedicated to the people.

But rival candidates and moderators raised the massive corruption and human rights violations during his father’s rule. Members of the audience booed Marcos Jnr. as he answered some questions.

Marcos Senior ruled the Philippines for 20 years, much of the time under martial law, until a military-backed popular revolt sent him and his family fleeing into exile in 1986.

The family was allowed to return home after he died in Hawaii in 1989 and has made a remarkable political comeback.

Marcos Jnr. has been at the forefront, getting elected to the House of Representatives and then the powerful Senate before mounting his bid for the vice-presidency.

The Marcos family has never admitted any wrongdoing and Bong-bong Marcos has depicted his father’s rule as a virtual golden age, angering the many victims of the regime who are still alive.

Challenged during the debate about charges his family stole $10 billion during his father’s term, Marcos Jnr. responded: “I can say that I have never been touched by corruption.”

Asked if he would apologise for his father’s human rights abuses, he replied, “I can only apologise for myself. I cannot apologise for anyone else.”

He brushed aside allegations of massive corruption, saying that “all those big numbers came out of nowhere.”

If Marcos Jnr, 58, wins the vice presidency, he would be well positioned for a run at the top post at the next elections in 2022.

In the Philippines, president and vice-president are elected separately for a single six-year term and are sometimes from different political parties.

The dictator’s flamboyant widow Imelda has said she hopes her son will eventually run for the presidency.

Friday - Thursday, April 15 - 21, 2016

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OPINION

Only federalism can bring peace to Mindanao: Cayetano MANILA, April 11 (PNA) – Vice presidential candidate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said only federalism can bring peace to war-torn Mindanao.

He made the statement during the Pilipinas Debates for the vice presidential bets held at the University of Sto. Tomas, Manila Sunday.

Cayetano is the running mate of PDP-LABAN standard bearer and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

This is in response to how he proposes to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao.

“Sabi nga ni Mayor Duterte, na aking pinaniniwalaan, nothing short of federalism can solve the problem in Mindanao,” Cayetano added.

“Ang pederalismo lamang ang kayang magbuklod

sa lahat ng sektor. Ang hindi lang pumapayag dito ay ang mga nakikinabang sa sistema ngayon,” the senator stressed.

Back in January, Senators Grace Poe and Francis “Chiz” Escudero rejected Duterte’s and Cayetano’s call for federalism. They said that it would not work well in the Philippine setup, a statement which Cayetano dubbed as a “classic Manila-centric” attitude.

“The very essence of federalism is to ensure that growth and prosperity are spread to every part of the Philippines, not just in Manila. It’s a pity that Senators Poe and Escudero are against this. Kawawa naman ang ibang parte ng bansa kung sila ang mamumuno,” he said. (PNA)

Marcos grilling expected; Leni stands out in debate, says analyst MANILA, Apr 11 (Mabuhay) – A political analyst was not surprised that Sen. Bongbong Marcos got a beating during the first televised vice-presidential debate.

Ramon Casiple, Executive Director of the Institute for Election Reforms, said his impression of the debate was it focused on Marcos, but it was “worth it.”

“The real issue at the vice-presidential level is Bongbong, not only because he’s leading, but because the issues being brought up—not only in the vice-presidential but also in the presidential—actually concern him.”

Casiple underlined the historical connection between the present state of poverty, peace, order, and corruption to Ferdinand Marcos’ Martial Law. “There is a historical linkage between issues like poverty, peace and order, corruption. You mention those things, obligado kang pag-usapan ‘yun nangyari nung martial law,” he said.

With Marcos leading the surveys, he added “the more important issue is the fitness of Bongbong for the position considering that background.”

Casiple said Marcos’ solid base of loyalists are not likely to be swayed by the debate outcome.

“You’re talking here of Marcos loyalists—that’s hard. You’re talking here of Ilocano vote—that’s a little bit hard. And you’re talking here of the part of the youth that had not been there during the martial law—this is the soft part, but I would say that a por-

tion of this is already hard because they have been organizing this since 2008.”

But he maintained that it is also likely for Marcos to not have additional support than his current base, saying if Marcos stands at 25%, “the 75% won’t be his.”

For Casiple, it was Rep. Leni Robredo who stood out during the debate, especially during the anti-Marcos repartee.

“From my vantage point, it was Leni Robredo who started the Marcos issue,” he said.

“It’s only Leni Robredo who doesn’t have that kind of association in the past with the Marcos regime; the families of these other candidates have that connection,” he added.

Her performance during the debate, he said, proved that she is no neophyte and that she can “more than roll with [the more experienced senators]; she dominates some issues there.”

He also commended Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, but said he was not convinced of the senator’s anti-Marcos stance.

“I have this feeling it’s all for the moment because he’s down. He’s not known to be anti-Marcos before.”

He attributed Cayetano’s aggressiveness to wooing the anti-Marcos voters.

“He’s not fighting the Marcos vote; he’s fighting for the anti-Marcos vote that’s why he needs the strong anti-Marcos image,” he explained. (MNS)

PHL: Five things to know about the Abu Sayyaf Manila, Philippines | AFP | Friday 4/8/2016 – Italian hostage Rolando Del Torchio was released on Friday on a southern Philippine island known as a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf, an Islamic militant group.

Here are five facts about the Abu Sayyaf, which is notorious for kidnappings-for-ransom: Origins The group is a radical offshoot of a Muslim separatist insurgency that has claimed more than 100,000 lives in the south of the mainly Catholic Asian nation since the 1970s.

It was established in the 1990s with funds from a relative of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

Although the Abu Sayyaf is believed to be made up of just a few hundred gunmen, it has defied a decade-long US-military campaign to destroy it and regularly kidnaps foreigners who venture near its sphere of influence.

Methods Sallying forth in fast boats from bases in the Muslim-populated islands of Jolo and Basilan, the Abu Sayyaf snatches local and foreign victims and demands ransom payments for their freedom.

Hostages, many of them western tourists but also Christian missionaries, are hidden amongst sympathetic Muslim communities on Jolo or Basilan, about 950 kilometers (590 miles) from Manila. Victims are often murdered if ransoms are not paid.

Kidnapping spree The group has abducted 22 foreigners and more than a dozen Filipinos since 2014. It ransomed off

a German yachting couple, with millions of dollars believed to have been paid. It murdered two other victims, including a Malaysian tourist snatched from the Malaysian port of Sandakan.

Ten Indonesian sailors on a tugboat laden with coal were abducted sailing from Malaysia to the southern Philippines in late March. Last week, four Malaysians were kidnapped off Borneo island, with the Abu Sayyaf the prime suspects.

US help The United States lists the Abu Sayyaf as a “foreign terrorist organization”. From 2002-2014 the US deployed Special Forces advisers to train and provide intelligence to Filipino troops, which led to the killing or arrest of many Abu Sayyaf leaders.

US assistance was scaled back after the Pentagon concluded the group, originally with about 1,000 fighters, had lost the ability to launch international attacks. The Philippine military believe about 300 gunmen, loosely organized into several sub-groups, remain.

Black flags After the US military left, the threat took on a new dimension as several Abu Sayyaf units, along with other small armed groups in the area, pledged allegiance to Islamic State fighters who hold vast swathes of Iraq and Syria.

Philippine authorities and security analysts say the pledges are mere ploys to draw attention and potential funding from the Islamic State group. They say they the Abu Sayyaf is less interested in Islamic ideology than getting rich from kidnappings.

Drilon, Sotto, Pangilinan, Lacson statistically tied for top 4 spots in SWS poll MANILA, Apr 11 (Mabuhay) – Four senatorial candidates—Senate President Franklin Drilon, Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, and former senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Panfilo “Ping” Lacson – emerged statistically tied for the top four spots in the latest survey of Social Weather Stations (SWS) on voting preferences for senators.

Drilon got 45 percent while erstwhile leader Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III cornered 42 percent in SWS’ First Quarter 2016 Social Weather Survey conducted from March 30 to April 2.

Sotto consistently topped recent SWS polls scoring more than 50 percent and even peaked by 59 percent during the December 12-14, 2015 survey. Most recently, he scored 53 percent in the March 4-7 survey, seven points ahead of Drilon’s 46 percent.

Liberal Party (LP) candidate Pangilinan and Independent candidate Lacson each got 37 percent in the latest SWS poll.Pangilinan dropped six points from his 43 percent, while Lacson dropped nine points from second spot in the March survey.

SWS said the remaining eight seats in the Magic 12 are all in statistical contention due to the survey’s sampling error margins of +/-3 percentage points.

Three candidates scored 31 percent: former Jus-

tice Secretary Leila de Lima, Juan Miguel Zubiri, and United Nationalist Alliance candidate Manny Pacquiao.

Zubiri dipped the biggest among the three losing 10 points from 41 percent compared to the previous survey. Pacquiao lost seven points from 38 percent while de Lima only shed one point from her rating.

Meanwhile, Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, re-electionist senators Sergio Osmena III and Ralph Recto, and Richard Gordon followed the list with 30 percent each.

Recto shed the biggest points among all candidates in the poll losing 13 points (43 percent) from his fourth spot showing in the March survey.

Former Technical Skills and Development Authority Director General Joel Villanueva capped the top 12 with 28 percent, up by four points from his rating in the March poll. He overtook the twelth spot over Senator Teofisto Guingona III who dropped to the seventeenth spot and lost five points with 21 percent.

Nationalist People’s Coalition candidate and Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian, meanwhile, ranked 13th and scored 25 percent.

SWS conducted the survey using face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults nationwide, 92 percent or 1,377 among them are validated voters. (MNS)

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DOH raises alert on summer illnesses ILOILO CITY, April 11 (PNA) – The Department of Health has raised a nationwide alert on the emergence of “6S” or six illnesses of summer as the temperature continues to rise.

In Iloilo City and the rest of Panay Island provinces, the temperature rose to 36 degrees and above, intensifying the El Niño phenomenon had caused havoc to crops, livestock and the population. DOH Regional Director Marlyn Convocar said the 6S are diarrhea and vomiting, sore eyes or conjunctivitis, sunburn, skin diseases, cough and colds,

A student reacts before a nurse administers the anti-dengue vaccine at Parang Elementary School in Marikina.© AFP PHOTO/NOEL CELIS

Aquino’s vaccination programs will be his legacy: DOH Sec. Garin

By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, April 10 (PNA) – The government under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III has made various investments in vaccines and vaccination programs that it will be leaving as a “legacy” for the next generations.

According to Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Janette L. Garin, the latest of such programs is the free dengue immunization program that they started this month for nine-year-old grade 4 children studying in public elementary schools in three targeted regions with high incidence of dengue cases. ‘‘It’s a legacy that we can leave to our children... It’s a legacy that the Aquino government will leave behind,” the Health Chief said.

The three regions covered by the free dengue immunization program are the National Capital Region (NCR), Regions III (Central Luzon) and IV-A (Calabarzon).

Secretary Garin explained that in the efforts to bridge the problems with inequities in healthcare, the Aquino administration has made free and accessible vaccination programs for the poor among its top health priorities in the attainment of Kalusugang Pangkalahatan or Universal Healthcare Agenda.

She recalled that in the past years, there have been

several vaccines made available to prevent and reduce the impact of illnesses, but these cannot be accessed by the poor who cannot afford the high costs in private clinics and hospitals.

The Health secretary said that because of “political will” and determination of the government to really not leave behind the poor, the DOH is bringing closer such vaccines to the poor and vulnerable sectors of society so that the vaccines normally meant only for the rich can also be accessed by the poor who also need them.

“Mali ba na hangarin ng departamento (DOH) na ang bakuna para sa mayayaman ay ibigay sa mahihirap?

Mali ba na hangarin ng ‘Kalusugang Pangkalahatan’ na we have equity to health, that we have equity to access and making healthcare a primary program of the government?” the Health Chief said.

In naming the vaccines that have been made accessible to the poor (children and even to the senior citizens), she cited the following as examples: Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV); Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine; Tatravalent Vaccine, Pneumoccocal Vaccine; Pneumonia Vaccine (for senior citizens); Flu Vaccine; Measles, Rubella, Diphtheria and Tetanus (MRDT) Vaccine in school– based immunizations and

even Rabies Vaccine.

“That’s an evidence on how the government has moved forward to shifting from Oral Polio Vaccine to Inactivated Polio Vaccine; to making Human Papilloma Virus Vaccines or the Cervical Cancer Vaccines available in 20 poorest provinces…. We have included the school-based immunization program which actually covers the two booster doses for the four diseases—Measles, Rubella, Diphtheria and Tetanus or MRDT, among others,” Dr. Garin said.

She added that investing on vaccination programs is in the heart of the administration to help in reducing out-of-pocket expenditures that are usually high in terms of providing the treatment, aside from enduring emotional burden and loss of productivity.

“There are illnesses that can actually be prevented with vaccination; and that is why we have included it in our health agenda,” the Health Chief said.

She also said that while there is no vaccine that will really provide a 100 percent or full protection, the vaccines will significantly help in “cutting” the sources of disease wherein it is actually preventing the transmission because those who have been vaccinated have higher chances of not becoming agents for transmission of the ailment to others.

US health officials say Zika ‘a bit scarier’ than initially thought WASHINGTON, April 12 (PNA/Xinhua) – The Zika virus, thought to be the cause of birth defects known as microcephaly, is “a bit scarier” than scientists initially thought and the first vaccine candidate could be ready for human trials in September, top US health officials said Monday.

“Most of what we’re learning is not reassuring,” said Anne Schuchat, principal deputy director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Everything we look at with this virus seems to be a bit scarier than we initially thought.”

Schuchat said that the Zika virus, that is mainly spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species of mosquito, is linked to a broader set of complications in pregnancy, not just microcephaly but also premature birth, eye problems and some other conditions.

Anthony Fauci, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious

Diseases, detailed that Zika may also cause an autoimmune disorder called the Guillain-Barre syndrome, a spinal cord inflammation called acute myelitis, a brain inflammation called Meningoencephalitis, as well as an autoimmune condition called Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, which shares some traits with multiple sclerosis.

“I’m not an alarmist... but the more we learn about the neurological aspects, the more we look around and say this is very serious,” Fauci said.

Both Schuchat and Fauci made the remarks at a White House press briefing, where they were invited to provide an update on this virus and the risk that it poses to the US public.

Schuchat said the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that spread the virus are present in about 30 US states, instead of 12 states as initially thought.

Meanwhile, the virus is likely to be a problem during

much of the pregnancy period, not just the first trimester but potentially throughout the pregnancy, she said.

Fauci said researchers have developed two mouse models to study how Zika infects the neurological tissues, as well as a monkey model that showed that the virus stays around the blood significantly longer in pregnant monkeys than it does in non-pregnant monkeys.

He said it’s “very likely” the first vaccine candidate, which is being produced in a pilot plant outside of Bethesda, Maryland, where his agency is situated, could be available for human trials in September.

In addition, US researchers have screened about 62 Zika drugs, 15 of which “have some degree of activity,” Fauci said.

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat the Zika disease, which is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week in humans. (PNA/Xinhua)

and rabies, which are the six common ailments the Ilonggos must watch out for in the next two-to-three months.

Convocar also said that many people heading to the beach or swimming pool may accidentally drink water that is infected with the E. Coli bacteria that may cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Poorly chlorinated swimming pools may also cause sore eyes or conjunctivitis when the virus enters through the eyes.

Sunburn is caused by prolonged exposure to the sun without proper protection against the harmful

5

ultraviolet rays and painful, itchy, irritated patch of skin that often peels off. When combined with dehydration, overexposure may lead to heat stroke. Cough and colds may cause discomfort anytime of the year and tend to linger in the summer. DOH also warned against dog bites as dogs become irritable due to the heat.

Vaccines against dog bites and rabies are now available at the health center and in Iloilo City. The dog bite center is at the Western Visayas Medical Center and at the health center in Rosario Duran. (PNA)

6

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ENTERT

INMENT

Why Princess Punzalan returned to PHL For the love of her craft, explained veteran actress Princess Punzalan when asked about her decision to return to the Philippines and join the cast of the late night drama “The Story of Us.” The 47-year-old Punzalan admitted that she would often find herself missing the limelight.

“Mahal na mahal ko talaga ang pag-arte,” said Punzalan, who is perhaps best known for her role as Selina in the 1997 series “Mula sa Puso.”

“So, may mga desire ako na gawin iyon pero every now and then I come back to the Philippines para mag-guesting, para ma-fulfill naman iyong desire ko na iyon bilang artista,” she added.

Punzalan, who moved to the United States back in 2005 for a quiet life with husband Jason Field, also downplayed suggestions that her return to the country is permanent.

“Panandalian lang dahil tinanggap ko ang isang napakagandang proyekto sa ABS-CBN,” she clarified.

In the series, Punzalan will portray the role of Claudette, the mother of CJ (Byran Santos), who will be the third wheel to the relationship of Xian Lim and Kim Chiu’s characters.

Asked if Claudette will play out in a similar vein as Selina, Punzalan said: “Si Selina, dark siya talaga. Sa sobrang desire niya na maging powerful, kaya niyang pumatay.”

“As opposed to Claudette na ang nagdri-drive sa kanya is love for her son. Gusto lang niya maging protektado ang kanyang son.”

Directed by Richard Romes, “The Story of Us” airs weeknights after “Dolce Amore.” (MNS)

Princess Punzalan

Ronnie clarifies real score with Sue Hashtags member Ronnie Alonte and young actress Sue Ramirez have been making buzz on social media since their cute selfies surfaced online.

The photos, which were taken in Baguio City, made fans speculate that something special is going on between the two.

The 18-year-old Alonte, however, clarified that he and Ramirez are just friends.

“Wala. As in natural na magkaibigan lang. Siguro

Ronnie Alonte

Benjamin, in a word

Benjamin Alves

When speaking is not enough, actor Benjamin Alves resorts to the written word to express himself.

He pools his artistic energy and creates poems or short stories.

“I may have a hard time putting my thoughts into words when speaking but writing them down was never a problem,” he said.

Note that the 26-year-old actor earned a degree in English Literature at the University of Guam, graduating Summa Cum Laude, no less, in 2012.

Despite his busy schedule, Benjamin still finds time to create poems that he publishes online through his Tumblr account dedicated solely to his writings.

“Even when I’m on a set, I write. I just simply pick up my notepad or iPhone and do it. The great thing about social media is, you can post your work instantly,” he said. We asked Benjamin if he ever thought of reading his poetry live in front of an audience. “I don’t know if I have enough courage to do it,” he said, “but… I actually write some poems in the mindset na baka pwede siyang piyesang pang-spoken word.”

He mulls coming out with a book but notes, “Not anytime soon. I’d have to write

How being a dad changed Michael Pangilinan Singer Michael Pangilinan struggled to hold back his emotions after he was asked about his newborn child.

“Ginagamit ko iyong baby ko bilang lakas ko, bilang inspiration ko. Kumbaga, kung ako ang tatanungin po ninyo, siya na ang buhay ko,” said the 19-year-old singer, who was close to tears.

“Sa baby ko kasi kahit mamatay ako basta para sa kanya kasi simula noong dumating siya ang dami daming blessings na dumating sa akin,” he added.

Pangilinan also shared his one wish for his child with his former girlfriend, whom he has yet to name.

“Ang dasal ko lang kay God, kung ano man mang-

Michael Pangilinan

yari sa akin, sana hindi siya makaramdam ng kahit anong pambu-bully ...Gabayan siya lagi ni God. Kahit wala nang magmahal sa kanya basta mahal lang siya ni God.”(MNS)

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kaya rin nae-exagge kasi nabi-big deal rin ng mga fans namin kaya ganon,” he said.

According to him, they went to the summer capital to endorse a clothing brand.

Meanwhile, Alonte expressed joy over the opportunity to work with Ramirez.

“Super saya kasi si Sue ‘yong tipong babae na super simple lang. Walang arte sa katawan. ‘Di kagaya ng iba,” he said. “Kasi gusto ko ‘yong ganon eh, kung

ano ang ugali ko ganon din ugali niya. Siya ‘yong tipo ng babae na palingkera na chill lang, go lang. Kung ano siya ‘yon siya.”

Alonte teased his fans by revealing that he and Ramirez are currently taking workshops for an upcoming project.

“Opo abangan nila kasi nagwo-workshop na kami eh. Ayoko nalang muna magsalita kasi baka alam na, baka maudlot. Pero promise may aabangan sila,” he said. (MNS)

more. If there’s a demand for it, maybe I’ll do it.”

His love for writing started when he was a kid, and it became an outlet for him to express himself despite his shyness.

“It always felt natural for me, and every time I write, I feel great,” he said.

It helps that he’s also a bookworm and being so further developed his vocabulary and focus. “’Yung makabasa ng isang buong libro from beginning to end ay napaka importante na achievement dahil natapos mo siyang basahin nang walang ibang distractions,” he said.

He doesn’t differentiate between an e-book and a physical copy; he believes reading is worthwhile whichever way you enjoy it.

“As long as you’re reading, may it be poetry, short story, novel, whatever it is, maybe on an e-book or a real book, it’s going to be good for you.”

Benjamin is taking his passion for reading to another level, opening Books And Borders Café with good friend Karylle. The coffee shop now has branches along Tomas Morato, in Quezon City and at Tuscany in McKinley Hill, Bonifacio Global City.

“It’s a place for people like us who like coffee and books.

It’s cozy and inviting and isn’t too distracting like other crowded cafés,” he said.

This interest aside, Benjamin assures fans he isn’t giving up on acting. “There’s more to explore… and I want to delve deeper into it,” he said.

He relies on his home network for projects, noting, “I trust GMA fully in that; that wherever they’re gonna push or take me in terms of my acting career, it’s something that is good for me, something that would help develop further my understanding of acting.”

Pay off comes for Andrea Torres Almost a year since appearing on a major TV series, Andrea Torres returns via “The Millionaire’s Wife” which puts a smile on her face that seemingly says good things come to those who wait.

“Medyo napatagal pero sabi nga nila na ‘slowly but surely,’” she said. “Nag-antay ako at naging masaya kasi ’yung role na binigay sa akin ay napakaganda.”

On “The Millionaire’s Wife” that airs its pilot episode tonight, the 25-year-old actress plays a hardworking single mother who will do anything and everything for her son, even marrying a rich old man.

“Dito ipapakita namin kung ano ’yung nangyayari sa kabilang banda kapag nag-asawa ka ng matandang mayaman” is how she put the long and short of it.

Andrea denied she has gotten unnecessarily picky with her roles. Note that she’s not had a TV series after “Ang Lihim Ni Annasandra” ended early last year. “’Di naman po (picky).

Andrea Torres Basta kapag maganda po ’yung story, okay naman sa akin,” she said, adding, “Iniiwasan ko lang naman na puro sexy roles ang gawin kasi may mga fans na gusto akong mag-drama. Eto na (this show) ang sagot dun.”

Asked if she is willing to do play sweet on cam with veteran actor Robert Arevalo as their roles require, Andrea said, “Kung merong eksena na kailangan ng mga ganung bagay, okay lang naman pero feeling ko wala naman ata.”

Also in the cast is awarded actress Jaclyn Jose, whom Andrea approached as soon as she saw her on the set.

The younger actress said she always shows her respect to stars of Jaclyn’s stature this way, knowing that they have had far longer tenure in show business.

“Nu’ng unang meeting palang namin nag-hi na ako kaagad and kinausap niya naman ako,” Andrea recalled.

“After nu’n, kwento na agad siya and nag-small talk na kami.”

Andrea believes she will learn a lot working with Robert and Jaclyn. “Ang gagaling kasi nila na i-feel mo nalang ’yung mga eksena tapos madadala ka na lang,” she said.

Sharing what she’s learned, she said, “Ayaw nila ’yung parang naninigas ka when you’re with them. Gusto nila ’yung natural lang.”

Andrea only has good words for Mike Tan, who plays a crucial role on the series.

“Sobrang dali niya katrabaho. Nu’ng una nga naming scene eh, natulala ako kasi ang dami niyang luha. Tinanong ko nga siya kung may pinagdadaanan ba siya,” she shared, laughing.

“The Millionaire’s Wife” also stars Ina Raymundo, Rich Asuncion and Sid Lucero. It airs on GMA Afternoon Prime.(MNS)

Derek Ramsay

Derek, girlfriend profess love for each other Since the turn of the year, actor Derek Ramsay and his girlfriend, model Joanne Villablanca, have been more vocal about their feelings for each other on Instagram.

It might be partly because of their promise to each other to make the most out of 2016.

“I promise to build a new world for us two, with you in the middle,” wrote Villablanca as the caption to a photo of her with Ramsay during their recent vacation to Palawan.

In another photo of them together posted on Tuesday, Villablanca told her boyfriend: “No way but up, love! Matira matibay.

Love you always, Mr. Pakipot.”

For his part, Ramsay, in a screenshot of a comment he made on one of Villablanca’s posts, told his girlfriend: “I love you more, babe!”

Ramsay and Villablanca celebrated their first anniversary as a couple last January. The two have since been photographed together in public events, with Villablanca attending the premiere night of Ramsay’s film, “Love is Blind”.

In an earlier interview, Ramsay, who previously dated actresses Angelica Panganiban and Cristine Reyes, said that he wants his relationship with Villablanca to last.

“We enjoy each other’s company and we’re very much intrigued by each other —we want to know each other more,” Ramsay shared. “She supports the things I do and seems genuinely interested in them. There’s no pressure. And I love it.”

(MNS)

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UTREACH

PHL remembers, honors Filipino WWII veterans on Day of Valor WASHINGTON, D.C., April 2016 – “Our veterans have rendered a service that has no equal, and one which we can only hope to repay by living up to the promise of a free and peaceful and civilized nation”, Charge d’affaires and Minister Patrick Chuasoto said in his opening remarks during the reception and symposium held in commemoration of the 74th Araw Ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy on 08 April 2016.

The Philippines celebrates Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) every 9th day of April to commemorate the heroism of Filipino soldiers during the day in the Second World War in 1942 when the Philippines was invaded by the Japanese forces, leading to the eventual fall of Bataan and Death March.

Also present during the reception were two (2) of the remaining Filipino WWII veterans, Lt. Celestino Almeda and Private Rodolfo Panaglima.

Mr. Panaglima, 86, was among the youngest members of Filipino guerillas who fought the Japanese forces while Mr. Almeda, 98, was a member of the underground guerilla units during the second world war.

“This year’s theme, Isabuhay ang Kagitingan, Kapayapaan ay Pagkaisahan, Kamtin ang Mithiing Kaunlaran, reminds us how peace and progress go hand in hand. The sacrifice of our veterans to forge a lasting peace ensures the path to economic prosperity,” the Minister further stated.

The Philippine Government and Filipino community also continue their joint campaign to mobilize Congressional support for the bill seeking to award the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to Filipino WWII veterans.

Currently, the bill has 33 co-sponsors in the US Senate and 67 in the House of Representatives. To pass into law, the bill needs 34 more co-sponsors in the Senate

and 152 co-sponsors in the House.

“I hope that you will continue to join me in getting them the recognition they truly deserve to restore their dignity and honor”, MGen Antonio T. Taguba USA (Ret), Chair of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FILVETREP) said during the symposium.

Earlier before the reception, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the World War II Memorial, led by Minister Patrick Chuasoto and MGen Delfin Lorenzana, Head of the Office of Veteran Affairs, along with the WWII Veterans, Philippine Embassy personnel, and Fil-Am Community of Metro DC. A documentary on the Filipino WWII veterans entitled “Duty to Country” was also shown during the symposium, followed by a brief discussion on the Rescission Act of 1946 and its lasting effect on WWII Filipino Veterans by MGen Delfin Lorenzana.###

Lt. Celestino Almeda and Private Rodolfo Panaglima, two of the remaining Filipino WWII veterans, were present during the reception and symposium held at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy on 08 April 2016

Judge bans Christian cross from Los Angeles County seal Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Friday 4/8/2016 - A federal judge in California has ruled that including a small Christian cross on the official seal of Los Angeles County is unconstitutional, siding with civil liberties advocates.

Thursday’s decision, following a two-year legal battle, was handed down by US District Judge Christina Snyder, who said that including the religious emblem in the government symbol “places the county’s power, prestige and purse behind a single religion, Christianity.”

The case erupted in 2014 when the county had the cross drawn on top of the San Gabriel Mission which

appears in the logo.

The move reversed a decision by officials a decade earlier to remove the cross from the seal, amid threats of legal action by various groups opposing the inclusion of the crucifix on the county symbol.

The LA county seal appears on flags and official stationery and government buildings across Los Angeles County.

Supporters of keeping the cross on the mission in the seal said it is a historically accurate symbol, given California’s early settlement

by Franciscan missionaries from Spain.

They also noted that courts have upheld the constitutionality of the phrases

“in God We Trust” on US currency and “one nation under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Thursday’s ruling is a victory for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which brought the suit.

Hector Villagra, executive director of the ACLU of Southern California and attorney Linda Burrow who represented plaintiffs in the case said in a statement Thursday that they were “heartened” by the ruling.

“It recognizes that Los Angeles is a diverse county comprised of adherents of hundreds of faiths as well as non-believers, all of whom are entitled to be treated with equal dignity by their government,” they said.

Riots, deportations headline spoof ‘President Trump’ front page

By Olivia Hampton

Washington, United States | AFP | Sunday 4/10/2016 – Mass deportations, riots and a looming trade war: The Boston Globe on Sunday ran a fake front page imagining the state of America under a Donald Trump presidency—and denouncing his “deeply disturbing” vision.

Posted in the US newspaper’s idea section alongside an op-ed with the title “The GOP must stop Trump,” the mockup appeared three months before the Republican Party convention confirms its White House nominee.

“Deportations to begin,” ran the Globe’s fictitious headline, dated April 9,

2017, above a spoof article about Trump’s push to expel more than 11 million undocumented immigrants—sparking nationwide riots and curfews.

“This is Donald Trump’s America,” read a note from the editor at the foot of the page. “What you read on this page is what might happen if the GOP frontrunner can put his ideas into practice, his words into action.”

A number of mainstream US newspapers, from The New York Times to The Los Angeles Times or The Washington Post have taken strong positions in their editorial pages against Trump’s election bid, urging Republicans to

reject the populist rhetoric against migrants, Muslims or women that has fueled his campaign.

But the Globe’s satire marked the most spectacular example to date.

“Markets sink as trade war looms,” read the headline of a make-believe piece detailing the meltdown of US commercial relations with China and Mexico.

One article features US soldiers refusing to obey orders to kill the families of Islamic State fighters, another has a Republican-controlled Congress passing a libel law targeting “absolute scum” in the press—both riffs on campaign pronouncements by Trump.

National Printing Office (NPO) personnel test run official ballots to vote-counting machines (VCMs) at National Printing Office (NPO) in Diliman, Quezon City, on Saturday (April 9, 2016). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

PHL Embassy tests vote counting machines WASHINGTON, D.C. – The final testing and sealing (FTS) of COMELEC vote counting machines (VCMs) for the 2016 Philippine National Elections was held at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy on Wednesday, 06 April 2016.

Consul Katrina Borja-Martin led the FTS along with Embassy personnel who took their oaths as Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) and Special Ballot Reception and Custody Group (SBRCG) last 23 March 2016.

The FTS checks the security and accuracy of the VCMs using test ballots, which are fed to the machines. It also checks if the count of the machines will match the manual counting done after the actual voting.

The Embassy tested three (3) VCMs during the FTS, using 10 test ballots each for the 47 precincts under the

Post’s jurisdiction.

“The machines are in good condition, but it is very important that the voters follow the instructions about shading the ovals that correspond to the respective candidates that they want to vote for, to ensure that their votes will be read and counted by the VCMs,” Consul Borja-Martin said.

“The ovals have to be fully-shaded in black ink, no check or cross marks. The votes cast should also not exceed the number of vacancies,” the Consul re-iterated.

The FTS is the last preparatory step for the Overseas Voting that will start on 09 April 2016, and will run through 09 May 2016.### PHOTO CAPTIONS: 1.) Consul Katrina Borja-Martin (left) feeds test ballots to one vote counting machine (VCM), during the final testing and sealing (FTS) of COMELEC VCMs

at the Philippine Embassy on 06 April 2016.

2.) Consul General Emilio Fernandez facilitates the oath taking of Embassy personnel as Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) and Special Ballot Reception and Custody Group (SBRCG), for purposes of the 2016 Philippine National Elections at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy on 23 March 2016.

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KITCHENOMICS

Cod Parmesan with Zucchini Noodles

Cod Parmesan with Zucchini Noodles Serves: 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes 2 medium zucchini (5-6 ounces each), thinly sliced 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 teaspoon olive oil salt and pepper, to taste 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1/8 teaspoon dried basil 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano 1/8 teaspoon onion powder 4 Alaska cod fillets (4-6 ounces each) 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese, divided In nonstick skillet, saute zucchini slices in butter and oil just until soft. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Keep warm.

Heat oven to broil setting. Mix grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, basil, oregano and onion powder together. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Divide and spread topping onto the top of each fillet.

Place fillets on foil-lined broiler pan. Broil 5-7 inches from broiler element for 3 minutes, or until top is browned and bubbly. Reduce heat to 300 F and cook 3-5 more minutes. Cook until fish is opaque throughout.

To serve, place 1/4 of zucchini on each plate.

Top with cod fillet and garnish with 1/2 tablespoon shredded cheese.

FAMILY FEATURES

N

ow more than ever, food choices matter.

People want healthy, environmentally friendly foods without sacrificing flavor.

Substituting the traditional protein in your favorite dishes with seafood is one deliciously smart way to satisfy these demands.

Seafood offers numerous health benefits. In fact, because seafood is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins and minerals, but low in saturated fat and calories, several health organizations recommend two servings per week.

When it comes to the environment, seafood offers an advantage as well – it’s the most environmentally friendly of all the animal proteins. In a comparison of environmental costs, wild-capture fisheries have a miniscule cost compared to foods such as beef, chicken, pork and dairy.

Changing up traditional meals to incorporate the goodness of seafood is easier than you may think.

Just pick a non-seafood protein dish that you regularly enjoy, and replace the protein with one of Alaska’s many species of seafood. For example, replace veal in veal parmesan with delicious Alaska cod or the chicken in chicken Marsala with flavorful Alaska salmon.

Find more easy, meatless recipes and inspiration at wildalaskaseafood.com.

Salmon Marsala Serves: 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes 4 Alaska salmon fillets (4-6 ounces each) salt and pepper, to taste 2 cups flour 1/2 cup olive oil 1 cup Marsala wine 2 cups mushrooms, sliced 2 cups chicken stock 2 teaspoons fresh thyme 2 tablespoons cold butter 4 fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, to taste.

On plate, season flour with salt and pepper, to taste.

Dredge both sides of each salmon fillet in seasoned flour, shaking off excess.

Heat large saute pan and add olive oil then place each piece of salmon in pan. Cook for 2-4 minutes, turn fillets over and cook until almost done. Remove fillets from pan; set aside.

Off heat, add wine to pan, scraping bits off the bottom. Return pan to heat and add mushrooms.

Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and cook for 1 minute. Add stock and thyme, and let liquid reduce by half.

Return salmon fillets to pan. Cook, while basting fish, until fillets are heated through. Remove fillets to 4 serving plates.

Return pan to heat, add cold butter and swirl until incorporated and sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and divide sauce evenly over salmon fillets.

Garnish each plate with 1 thyme sprig, if desired.

Smothered Cod or Pollock

Salmon Marsala

Smothered Cod or Pollock Serves: 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 cup red onion 2 teaspoons garlic, chopped 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced salt and pepper, to taste 4 tablespoons flour 2 cups chicken stock 1/2 cup tomato, seeded and chopped 2 teaspoons fresh thyme 4 wild Alaska cod or pollock fillets (4-6 ounces each) 2 cups mashed potatoes, warmed 4 fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish In hot saute pan, cook olive oil, onion and garlic for 1 minute. Add both peppers and salt and pepper, and saute 2 minutes. Add flour and stir until flour turns light brown. Add chicken stock and stir until liquid smooths and starts to thicken. Add tomato and thyme.

Season fish with salt and pepper, to taste, and place into simmering sauce and cover. Cook 3-4 minutes, carefully turn, cover and continue to cook until done, 3-4 minutes.

To serve, place 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes on 4 serving plates. Carefully remove each piece of fish and place on top of mashed potatoes. Evenly divide sauce over each piece of fish. Garnish each plate with 1 sprig of fresh thyme, if desired.

What’s in a name?

Alaska pollock

For many ingredients, substitutions are no problem. For example, pollock, which is a member of the cod family and shares many of its attributes, including a firm texture, mild flavor and snow-white fillets loaded with lean protein, works in any recipe calling for cod.

However, at the fish counter it pays to pay attention to names because the Food & Drug Administration regulates what foods sold in the United States are called. This allows consumers to know more about their origin and be confident in the safety and environmental standards used to raise or harvest the product.

Recently, the FDA made a change regarding pollock. Alaska pollock was previously a species name, which meant pollock from Russia or China could be sold as Alaska pollock.

To clear up the confusion and help ensure consumers know the source of their food, now only pollock from Alaska can be called Alaska pollock.

Alaska cod

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, April 15 - 21, 2016

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MOTORING

Fil-Am Nash Jimenez: A ‘driving force’ at Mercedes-Benz of West Covina

By Angel Tahimik

“Everyone is expecting for a better car but they are not willing to put their reservations aside and consider getting a car that may be pricey, but with exceptional benefits that far outweigh its cost.”

This was Nash Jimenez’s first statement. He is the Fleet Sales Manager of Penske Mercedes-Benz in West Covina.

“I have been selling cars half my life. I started in 1993 but it still feels like yesterday. Mercedez-Benz is a different breed altogether since it is a luxury car but that it is worth the price.

Unfortunately, everybody has misconceptions about owning a luxury car.

And that is where I come in,” says Nash.

As a car enthusiast, Nash considers his job at Penske Mercedez-Benz as a challenge. He says dealing

Nash Jimenez

with family cars has been a fruitful experience for his clients as his customer service never waned, but his transition to a luxury line (of cars) would be like proving to himself that he can still arrange great deals regardless of the type of car.

According to Nash, he wants to offer the same level of expertise and customer service in making great deals for his clients to get them – this time – a luxury car. He said, “It’s like giving back to my cus-

tomers by changing their impression about luxury cars.

You will be paying almost the same for a topof-the-line car of another make, but getting the most advanced technology.

I want my loyal clients to experience that. They deserve to know the truth about owning a luxury car.”

Hyundai eyes PHL for car assembly

By Kris M. Crismundo

MANILA, April 7 (PNA) – Korean car maker Hyundai is considering the Philippines as its new location for car assembly or car parts manufacturing, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo told reporters on Thursday.

At the sidelines of the 2016 Manila In-

ternational Auto Show (MIAS), Perez-Agudo said Hyundai is reviewing its business strategy for Southeast Asia which will involve investments and complementing the assembly in the region. “(We’re) reviewing not only investments but possible complementation assembly in ASEAN because there will be a swapping of

products in terms of complementation,” she said.

She added that one of the strategies that the company is looking at is putting up a manufacturing plant in ASEAN which can also serve as source for Hyundai vehicles for the entire region.

When asked if the Korean car firm eyes investments for man-

It was an eye-opener for this author as I get a crash course on luxury cars from an empathetic car expert who’s been highly recognized in car sales and dealership.

His reputation in arranging the best car deals and converting a “car window-shopper” into a car owner is his legacy. When

asked, “what makes him good a salesman”, he said: “Selling is easy. It is serving your customers that makes a lasting impression.

I take it upon me to educate them and make their buying experience a memorable one.”

Buying a car is one of the major decisions one will make in his lifetime. If he’s

lucky, he will meet someone who is willing to break misconceptions to serve his customers. Someone like Nash Jimenez.

Nash Jimenez, Fleet Manager of Penske Mercedes Benz of West Covina 2010 E Garvey Ave West Covina, CA 91791.

You may reach him at (909) 225-9983

ufacturing in the Philippines, Perez-Agudo said, “We’re getting there. But as I’ve said, we are currently reviewing the strength, the business strategy of Hyundai not only in the Philippines but for the entire ASEAN”.

After China, the Philippines is the strongest partner of Hyundai in ASEAN, according to the president of HARI— the exclusive distributor

of Hyundai vehicles in the country.

She mentioned that HARI target sales for this year is at 35,000 units, a 15-percent growth from last year’s sales at 22,058 units.

Hyundai is benefitting from the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement which cuts tariff of Korean cars imported to ASEAN markets from 25 percent to 5.0 percent, making

Korean-made cars more competitive in the region. (PNA)

Life and Leisure News for Filipino-Americans

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11

Pampanga’s balloon fest to feature Taiwan’s top hot air balloon

By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, April 12 (PNA) – This year’s 2016 Lubao International Balloon Festival, which will run from April 14-17, 2016 at Lubao, Pampanga, will feature Taiwan’s Taitung No. 1 Hot Air Balloon called “Kid’s Hooray”.

This was after the Taitung County Government and the Lubao International Balloon Festival Inc. (LIBF) signed a “memorandum of understanding” (MoU) to have a better collaboration to further promote hot air balloon festivals in the region.

They have also invited the LIBF to join the Asia Hot Air Balloon Alliance which aims not only to promote Hot Air Balloon Festivals but also multi-destination travel in Asia.

During the event, Taiwan’s Taitung County Government Tourism Department Vice-Director Wang will lead two pilots and Taitung’s “Kid’s Hooray”

during the launching ceremony on April 14.

“Kid’s Hooray”, which is the first ever legally registered balloon in Taiwan, was a created by five elementary students in the East Rift Valley of Taitung, Taiwan.

Taitung is the third largest county in Taiwan, located in Eastern Coast and they are much known for their hot air balloons because of their strategic location.

“Kid’s Hooray” serves as a good-will ambassador representing Taitung, which has already flown in countries, such as Australia, Vietnam, Canada, New Zealand and Spain.

The Taitung County Government expressed confidence that participating in the LIBF would enhance Taiwan-Philippine substantial relation and people-to-people understanding.

Wang noted that Taiwan’s participation in the

balloon festival symbolized the friendship between pilots of Taiwan and those of the Philippines under the bright sunshine in the heartwarming province of Pampanga.

This is the third Lubao Hot Air Balloon Festival in Pampanga and is the biggest annual hot air balloon festival in the Southeast Asia. A total of 40 beautiful balloons will join the festival.

Concerts, aerial and land exhibitions, street activities, games and many attractive events are prepared for all the guests.

The organizers expect to draw more than 100,000 visitors to this event.

The 2016 Lubao International Festival is organized by the LIBF & Forthinker, Inc in cooperation with the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTO) and with the support from Provincial Government of Pampanga.

(PNA)

Indigenous peoples to benefit from Sox tourism: DOT

By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, April 12 (PNA) – Aside from poor communities, indigenous peoples (IPs) are also seen to greatly benefit from various tourism activities in the region of Soccskargen or Sox (Region 12), a tourism official said.

Department of Tourism-Region 12 (DOT-12) director Nelly Dillera said that it was part of the department’s mandate to preserve their culture, protect their sites and promote their products.

“As far as the IPs are concerned, they are very much present in the communities.

They have a School of Living Tradition wherein they

are taught their language, their weaves, crop production so they have a sense of pride in their culture,” Dillera noted. “We also help them package their homes into home-stay so tourists can experience the life of IPs in the area. After all, the objective of tourism is business, we want them to earn from this activity,” she added. Diller said that the IPs themselves operate tourism activities and serve as tour guides, performers, food servers, storytellers, chanters among other jobs.

She said that the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Agriculture, Trade and Industry and Tourism cooperated to

ensure that the sites were protected, culture was preserved and enterprise was developed so IPs earned from the crafts that they produced.

Sox is currently staging the Treasures of Sox: A Travel and Trade Expo from April 11 to 14, 2016 at the Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City.

The event is meant to generate awareness on sales on its tour packages, export and other processed products, cultural crafts, fresh produce and generate investments on the identified projects proposed by local government units (LGUs) and private proponents.

Over a hundred employees of the new delivery center of Accenture in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte conduct a coastal clean-up drive at the Pangil rocks formation as part of its commitment to help protect and preserve the environment. (PNA photo by Lailane G. Adriano)

‘Pista’y Dayat’ to kick off April 22 with beach party LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, April 12 (PNA) – People attending the annual Pista’y Dayat (sea festival) of the province of Pangasinan will be welcomed through a beach party when this year’s revelry starts on April 22 at the Capitol beachfront here.

Dubbed as “I Love Pangasinan” beach rave concert/party, the kickoff concert at night will be preceded by an opening program and the launching of the Pangasinan Tourism and Trade Expo at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center (PTDC) ground, said special events office head Marife Acerit.

Acerit added more beach parties are slated for the rest of the festivity.

Also, on April 23, the provincial government, in partnership with local artists, will hold the “PanagARTela Art Workshop” simultaneous with the opening of an art exhibit at the Pangainan Trade and Development Center (PTDC).

In the evening of the 23rd, the 24 ladies vying for the “Limgas na Pangasinan” crown will showcase their respective skills during the Talent Night to be held at the Capitol Plaza.

Other events which form part of the Pista’y Dayat 2016 celebration are the following: Battle of the Bands (April 25-27); “Pangkalikasang Suporta sa Ummunlad na Lingayen/Pangasinan” tree planting (Apr. 27); “Sayawan at Musikahan sa Dagat” beach party (Apr. 28-29); boxing (Apr. 29); 1st Pangasinan Pista’y Dayat Carshow and Motorshow, “Limgas na Pangasinan” Pageant Night, and “Sayawan at Musikahan sa Dagat” beach party (Apr. 30); sand sculpting competition and Beach Volleybelles (Apr. 30-May 1); youth activity, thanksgiving mass, “Bance Parada”, 1st Pangasinan Skateboarding Competition, Pangasinan Tourism and Trade Expo Awarding

& Lifestyle

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l daily with local, nationa ed at pd U e. yl st fe Li m r Fil-A Your premier source fo

and international news.

Ceremony, Night Job Market, and “Mitoy Concert” (May 1); and Lingayen Gulf coastal cleanup (May 2). (PNA) LAP/LVM/JOHANNE MARGARETTE R. MACOB/RMA

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DUTERTE

BOXING FANS

From page 1

From page 1

Duterte said to an estimated crowd of 50,000 in Taguig City Monday night.

The rally, organized by Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, wife of Duterte’s running mate and vice presidential aspirant Sen. Alan Cayetano, lasted until the wee hours in the morning.

The activity included song and dance numbers and was graced no less than one of the country’s music icon Freddie Aguilar, who belted out two songs.Duterte had declared to suppress crime and illegal drugs and stop corruption in the first three to six months of his term if elected.

Addressing his critics and the Doubting Thomases, the PDP-LABAN standard bearer reiterated he is capable of fulfilling this vow as he is ready and determined to serve the country.

more time to fight if he gets elected as Senator. He will be very busy already,” said Santig, who just arrived from Bangkok, Thailand.

Santig’s prized fighter Rey “Singwancha” Loreto, the reigning IBO world light flyweight champion and twotime Gabriel Elorde Boxer of the Year awardee, said that Pacquiao should not yet retire after scoring a convincing win. Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas, who slated to challenge International Boxing Federation (IBF) world super flyweight champion McJoe Arroyo of Puerto Rico on April 16 at the Strike Coliseum in Bacoor, Cavite also thinks Pacquiao should still fight.

“He can really still fight.

It was a great fight although sometimes Bradley was already hesitating to attack probably he’s scared to get hit again,” said Ancajas.

However, WBF International featherweight champion John Rey “Mulawin” Moralde of Davao City thinks Pacquiao should already retire.

“Condition masyado si Pacman. Maingat din siya sa kanyang mga kilos. Pero dapat na din siguro siyang mag retire kasi may edad na rin siya. Mahirap na baka my mangyaring masama pa sa kanya (Pacman was very conditioned. He was also very careful in his moves.

But he should really now retire because he has aged also. It will be unfortunate if something happens to him),” said the 21-year-old Moralde. But Moralde of the Sanman Stable said that all the boxers and even those who are not are all happy for his victory. Former world-rated boxer Edito Villamor, chief trainer of ALA Stable, said that he thinks Pacquiao will not yet retire after giving an exciting fight.

agents in all international airports and seaports to screen arriving foreigners and prevent the entry of suspected international terrorists and wanted foreign persons.b With this, De Leon reported that they intercepted a Korean national wanted in his home country for various crimes, including extortion and blackmailing his countrymen living in the Philippines.

The fugitive was identi-

fied as Choi Yeong-ik, who also used fraudulent Philippine passport under a Filipino name Bryan Cruz Chua.

He also claimed that he was born in Motiong, Samar, to gain easy entry at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The BI reported that the foreigner also holds a Philippine driver’s license, while his Philippine passport was allegedly issued in Cebu province.

Kwakwa, incoming World Bank East Asia and Pacific regional vice president.

“Developing East Asia and Pacific faces elevated risks, including a weaker-than-expected recovery in high-income economies and a faster-than-expected slowdown in China. At the same time, policy makers have less room to manoeuver in setting macroeconomic

policy,” said Sudhir Shetty, chief economist of the World Bank for East Asia and Pacific Region.

Shetty added, “Countries should adopt monetary and fiscal policies that reduce their exposure to global and regional risks, and continue with structural reforms to boost productivity and promote inclusive growth.”

(MNS)

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that wanted persons from friendly nations and foreign terrorists with links to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) will not use the Philippines as their hiding place and jump-off point to their foreign targets.

For his part, the new chief of the Intelligence Division vowed to assign skilled and experienced immigration

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It added, “The region has benefited from careful macroeconomic policies, including efforts to boost domestic revenue in some commodity-exporting countries.”

“But sustaining growth amid challenging global conditions will require continued progress on structural reforms,” said Victoria

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ism (DOT) said on Monday.

DOT attributed this surge to the government’s efforts to raise greater awareness among the international community and unlock investments in the Philippines’ emerging economy.

“The biggest change during this Administration is that we now have the Filipino people more enthusiastic about tourism itself,” DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said.

“We, as a country, believe that we can deliver an experience to tourists that is more fun because we allow visitors to take part in our joy. And the whole world is as convinced that more people should visit and revisit the Philippines,” he added.

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voting: Automated Election, Personal/Manual Voting, Postal Voting, and Modified Postal Voting.

The DFA said this year’s polls had the most number of overseas Filipino voter registration with 1.376 million, Seguis said, adding the DFA is targeting a turnout of 80 percent.

The figure is quite small compared to the estimated 10 million overseas Filipinos

The total number of inbound visitors recorded from the January to February 2016 period is already at 1,091,983, a 16.71 percent increase from the same period in 2015. The country surpassed the one-million visitor arrivals in just two months. Top visitor market was still Korea with around 284,763 visitors, accounting for 26.08 percent or more than one- fourth of the total arrivals. Korea was followed by the United States with 155,796 visitors, representing 14.27 percent of the total arrivals, and China, with 130,916 visitors or 11.99 percent of the total arrivals.

Fourth top visitor market was Japan with 92,531 visitors, which accounts for 8.47 percent of the total arrivals, followed by Australia

with 43,712 arrivals or four percent of the overall total.

Rounding up the top 10 visitor markets are Canada (36,773 arrivals); Taiwan (35,344 arrivals); Singapore (28,376 arrivals); the United Kingdom (28,238 arrivals); and Malaysia (23,990 arrivals).

The DOT chief also noted that the growth is also the work and effort of the Filipino people who have nurtured and sustained progress despite various political and economic challenges.

He said that the department has also established itself as “the country’s primary marketing and selling unit” by restoring confidence in the Philippines through a professional, well-planned, and well-supported tourism industry.

abroad, but for Seguis the increase in the number or registrations signifies “political maturity” for Philippine nationals living and working overseas.

“Our Filipinos overseas should exercise their right to vote because a big number of votes will have an impact on the number of votes in the Philippines. They will be game-changers in our political and democratic process,” he said.

Seguis attributed the residence status of the Filipi-

nos, their proximity to the polling centers and political indifference as factors in the low turnout of registration and voting.

“What we are doing now is to intensify our information drive with the Filipino community through social media and our local media partners with bureaus in abroad to encourage all registered overseas voters to cast their votes and participate directly in the election and in this nation-building,” he said. (PNA)

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ented products of the Albay Pageant Academy as well as the grace of the BU and Cagsawa dancers.

Delegate officials noted that this was the first time that the guests did not leave the place at once, even after the program had long ended.

They witnessed the preparedness of Albay province, the 15 towns and three cities, national government agencies – especially the famous Team Albay, the Joint

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Operation Center based at the Governor’s Guest House and the different working committees manned by provincial government and DepEd personnel.

Each delegation showed its best during the parade, including the Bicol delegation headed by Governor Joey Sarte Salceda and DepEd Bicol Regional Director Ramon Fiel Abcede.

Region 10 was acclaimed as best in moving choreogra-

phy and received Php50,000 as cash prize from Salceda.

One of the special numbers was the skydiving exhibition by members of the Philippine Army who showered the place with confetti.

After the welcome messages, speech of President Benigno C. Aquino III given by Luistro, hoisting of banners, and the penetrating and inspiring message of Salceda, white doves of friendship were freed into the sky. (PNA)