US Asian Post April 22, 2016

T H E

ENTERT

INMENT

KC Concepcion sets condition for working with Piolo again See Page 5

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Vol. 5 No. 30

A BALITA MEDIA PUBLICATION

LOS ANGELES

Friday - Thursday, April 22 - 28, 2016

DND to acquire countermeasures munitions for FA-50PHs MANILA, April 18 (PNA) – The Department of National Defense (DND) announced that it is allocating Php33,702,286 for the acquisition of countermeasures munitions needed for the country’s South Korean-made FA-50PH “Fighting Eagle” lift-interim fighter aircraft.

The money will be sourced from the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

To be acquired are 17,280 RR170 chaffs and 8,640 MJU-7 IR flares (with impulse cartridges) for the FA-50PH’s countermeasure dispenser system.

Delivery of the items shall be in two batches with the first to be delivered within 180 calendar days from the notice to proceed (NTP).

While the second batch is re-

quired to be delivered within 360 calendar days upon receipt of the NTP. Bidders should have completed, within the last 10 years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project.

Bid opening is on April 27, 10:00 a.m. at the DND Bids and Awards Committee Conference Room, DND Building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Items being offered must be used by the Armed Forces of the country of origin or by the Armed Forces of at least two other countries.

The goods offered must be from suppliers who are themselves the manufacturers. (PNA) A big delegation of Filipino Americans came to the event to show their support for Clinton. The delegation was led by millionairephilanthropist-lawyer Loida Nicolas Lewis (center) who paid for the buses that brought the Filipino American groups to San Gabriel Valley.

Absentee Voting law ‘unconstitutional’ Fil-Am leader Loida Nicolas Lewis petitions SC to allow campaign sorties in US

President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching of the Angat Afterbay Regulatory Dam (Bustos Dam) Rehabilitation Project in Barangay Tibagan, Bustos, Bulacan on Friday (April 15). (MNS photo)

Aquino launches Bustos Dam Rehabilitation Project MANILA, Apr 16 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday launched the Angat Afterbay Regulator Dam Rehabilitation Project that aims to repair the Bustos Dam in Bulacan to improve the irrigation system and prevent flashfloods in the province.

The P1-billion project begins next month and is expected to be completed by August next year.

Bustos Dam, which irrigates farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga and is a regulator dam of the larger Angat Dam, was built

in 1926. In 1967, the dam was fitted with steel gates, which rusted away through the years and were replaced with rubber gates in 1997.

The rubber gates have since become brittle and needed immediate replacement.

“Pinag-aralan natin ang mga dapat gawin para sa rehabilitasyon at pagpapaunlad nito. Papalitan ang anim na rubber gates, at magkakabit ng mga sprinkler para sa mga rubber gates, para humaba ang lifespan ng mga ito,” the Pres-

MANILA, April 17 (PNA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is strengthening its partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the provision of employment opportunities for parent-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to ensure that they will not force their children to work.

In addition, DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman said that through the agency’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), they are providing technical and capi-

By Michaela del Callar

tal assistance to beneficiaries who want to start their own entrepreneurial activities.

She said that the SLP also facilitates employment for those who want to have jobs by accessing them to different public and private agencies.

Among the government agencies that provide employment 4Ps beneficiaries is the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) which employs them as street sweepers and in road maintenance jobs.

Secretary Soliman further said See DSWD, page 12

See ROBREDO, page 12

See BUSTOS DAM, page 12

See ABSENTEE VOTING, page 12

Don’t joke about rape and Robredo: murder, says Australian envoy Expedite full “Violence against women and implementation MANILA, April 18 (PNA) – Aus- girls is unacceptable anytime, of RAIN program tralia’s ambassador to the Philip- anywhere,” Gorely added.

MANILA, Apr 16 (Mabuhay) – Liberal Party (LP) vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo urges the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to fully accelerate the implementation of the P19-billion Roadmap to Address the Impact of El Niño (RAIN) to effectively combat the effects of dry spell on the agriculture sector.

“Hanggang ngayon, marami pa ring lugar ang apektado ng El Niño na hindi pa rin nararamdaman ang buong tulong ng pamahalaan.

Kaya marapat lang na ipatupad nang buo ang RAIN para malabanan ang epekto ng tagtuyot,” said Robredo.

“Ginawa ang roadmap na ito upang labanan ang pagtuyot kaya dapat nating itodo ang lahat ng tulong, lalo na sa mga magsasaka, na direktang naapektuhan ng El Niño,” she added.

Robredo even mentioned the NEDA’s latest report to Malacanang, underscoring the need to increase support for farmers to augment their incomes through programs such as cash-for-work and emergency employment.

DSWD strengthens partnership with DOLE to fight child labor

By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, April 18 (PNA) – The Supreme Court (SC) was asked on Monday to declare unconstitutional a provision in the Overseas Voters Act. Loida Nicolas Lewis, together with her legal counsel Atty. Ray Paolo Santiago, filed the petition for certiorari before the SC questioning the provision in Republic Act No. 9189, or the “Overseas Voters Act”, as amended by RA 10590, prohibiting partisan

activity abroad during the voting period.

Lewis is Chair of the US Pinoys for Good Governance while Santiago is the Executive Director of the Ateneo Human Rights Center Secretary General, Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism.

The petitioner asked the SC to declare unconstitutional Section 36 of RA 9189 arguing that they cannot anymore campaign since April 9, 2016 for the May 9, 2016 elections.

She said that they already scheduled campaign

pines is displeased over jokes on rape and murder after presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte and his supporters made fun of the 1989 assault on an Australian missionary in Davao City.

“Rape and murder should never be joked about or trivialized,” Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely said in a statement on Twitter.

Duterte’s comments were caught on video, saying he finds the missionary beautiful and lamented that he was upstaged by the prison inmates who committed the rape and killing of the Australian woman.

His comments drew a slew of criticisms on social media and See DON’T JOKE, page 12

Church leaves to voters Duterte’s comments on rape victim

By Ferdinand G. Patinio

MANILA, April 18 (PNA) – A high-ranking official of the Catholic Church is letting the public, particularly the voters to decide if they will vote for presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing another controversy regarding his comment on the case of rape victim which happened in his city in 1989.

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Archbishop Socrates Villegas said that it was up for the people if they wanted to support the presidential bid of the local chief executive.

“Judge for yourself if this is the right choice,” he said in his Twitter account, @frsocvillegas.

The Lingayen-Dagupan prelate noted that he was keeping his personal opinion on the issue to himself.

“I will keep my personal judgment to myself,” he added.

On the other hand, vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that the comment made by Duterte is inappropriate.

See DUTERTE’S COMMENT, page 12

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76 Kidapawan farmers freed on bail

Candidates for the Philippine Navy take the aptitude test held at Philippine Navy Headquarters in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on Thursday. The qualification exam attracted hundreds of applicants.(MNS photo)

PPSC transition curriculum ready for K-1: DILG MANILA, April 18 (PNA) -- The Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) has adopted and implemented a transition curriculum for incoming freshmen in its cadetship program in line with the implementation of Senior High School (SHS) in the K-12 curriculum come School Year (SY) 20162017, Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Monday.

Sarmiento recently approved the adoption and implementation of the transition curriculum to ensure that the PPSC’s Public Safety Cadetship Program adheres to 21st century learning and is set for the K-12 implementation.

“My challenge to the PPSC is to respond to the needs of the uniformed service while ensuring its readiness to implement the K-12 program,” said Sarmiento.

The K-12 program adds two years of SHS aside from the mandatory implementation of Kindergarten. The SHS covers the last two years of the K12 program

and includes Grades 11 and 12 wherein the students will go through a core curriculum and subjects under a track of their choice to enable them to develop their skills and competencies.

The DILG Secretary said the implementation of PPSC’s transition curriculum will ensure that the school’s cadetship program is compliant with the outcomes-based teaching and learning (OBTL) and outcome based education (OBE) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

“There is a huge and comprehensive need for cadets to be proficient in the field of public safety, human rights protection, social development, personality development, communication, forensics, jurisprudence and other areas of learning,” Sarmiento said.

In line with the transition curriculum for K-12, Sarmiento also approved the adoption and implementation of the new PNPA Manual of Operations and the PNPA Cadet Manual.

These new manuals are giant leaps from the previous

versions which have been in circulation for the past 15 years.

These new manuals govern the holistic and integrated formation of cadets which shall be followed during the implementation of PPSC’s transition curriculum.

With the institutionalized standards governing the conduct of the cadetship program, it is expected that the cadets enrolled in PPSC will be more than ready to assume a leadership role in the uniformed sector in the future.

“It is very important for our cadets to comply with the requirements of the program for them to be ready to face the challenges and tasks of the uniformed service,” said Sarmiento. (PNA)

Mag

Tayo!

NORTH COTABATO, Apr 16 (Mabuhay) – Seventy-six farmers who participated in a rally that led to a bloody clash with police forces in Kidapawan, Cotabato this month have been released on bail.

According to Atty. Sarah Villamor of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), 76 out of the total 78 farmers have been released from the Cotabato District Jail as of 2 a.m.

Saturday.

Villamor said only two individuals identified as Ruben Carlos Mangga and Ponciano de la Pena Paunil remained in jail. Their names were not included in the release order signed by Judge Rebecca De Leon of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) in Kidapawan City.

NUPL lawyers and Karapatan paralegals on the ground constantly worked for the bail and directly facilitated the actual release of the farmers.

Celebrities, private individuals and other concerned

sectors helped raise the money for the bail bond of the farmers.

A Senate hearing on the case is set on April 20. The court is meanwhile set to hear the motion for reconsideration on the denial of motion to quash the case filed by the police against the farmers on April 25.

A pre-trial conference of the three accused for frustrated homicide – Crisanto Carlum, 72; Gerardo Pequero, 66; and Mark Henry Delgado, 33 – is set on May 4.

Meanwhile, two farmers identified as Darwin Magyao and Alfie Awe were reportedly taken out by police from the hospital, brought to the police station and afterwards fetched supposedly via a vehicle of the mayor of Arakan.

The El Niño-hit protesters had been demanding for the release of 15,000 sacks of rice subsidy when their three-day rally along the national highway ended in a bloody melee last April 1.

At least two farmers were

killed in the dispersal while scores were wounded, including several policemen who sustained critical injuries.

The El Niño has gripped the country since December 2015, drying up farmlands and hitting food production, especially in the conflict-wracked south where residents are mainly reliant on agriculture.

Seven provinces and 12 cities have been placed under a state of calamity due to the widespread effects of the weather pattern.

As of last March, a total of 252,176 hectares of agricultural land nationwide have been affected by the extreme heat, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The DA added that this resulted in a loss of 383,743 metric tons in agricultural production, equivalent to P5.53 billion.

State weather bureau PAGASA, however, warned Friday that the peak of the dry season won’t be felt until May. (MNS)

SEC files criminal raps vs. another firm linked to investment scam MANILA, April 18 (PNA) – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Monday filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) a criminal complaint against another company allegedly involved in an investment scam.

Facing a complaint for violation of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC) for offering and selling securities to the public is Klikmart Shopping Club Corporaton and Klikmart Dragon Inc. (Klikmart) and its incorporators and officers, namely Romel Juaton, Dennis A. Occidental, Luzvimindo P. Cabaluna, Mary Louiza M. Amacio, Devon T. Garnanera, AThos C. Garganera and Rowena Cabaluna.

According to SEC, the Klikmart is selling unregistered securities in the form of “membership bonus” to the public mostly in Quezon

City and Laguna area.

It entices the public by promising 33 percent return of their investments within 21 days.

The SEC said that it has been operating for over a year but stopped after a cease and desist order was issued by the SEC last year.

The Klikmart was registered with the SEC in March 2015 with an authorized capital stock of PHP500,000.

It is engaged in the marketing and distribution of goods like soap, perfumes, wares and merchandise.

An individual is required a minimum investment of PHP15,000 and the company offers two boxes of coffee and one box of soap for every PHP1,500 investment and the investor will get PHP50 for every direct referral who will invest PHP1,500.

The SEC earlier filed a

case against trader Royvil Peramide, a trading firm, after complainant Rosita Dizon said that she lost some PHP300,000 investment.

Dizon claimed that Peramide promised her return of investment and interest of 20 percent after just 15 days through the scheme that supposedly involves foreign currency exchange.

The SEC also filed similar charges against trading company Hyper Program International (HPI) over an alleged multimillion-peso pyramiding investment scam. It accused the company and three affiliate companies, namely HPI Direct, HPI Holdings and Business Icon Premier Trading, of engaging in a “pyramiding scam” or “selling investments” to the public at a high interest or profit without required permit. (PNA)

Villar calls for intensified info drive to inform indigents about PhilHealth benefits

MANILA, April 18 (PNA) – Senator Cynthia Villar called on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on Monday to intensify its efforts and reach out to indigent members so that they can benefit from free medical services.

Villar made the statement during the Information and Education Awareness Campaign on PhilHealth Programs and Benefit Availment Program at Villar SIPAG Center, Pulang Lupa 1, Las Pinas City. SIPAG stands for Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance.

Villar said that while PhilHealth is there to take care of the people’s health by providing medical assistance, many Filipinos, especially the indigents, are not aware of PhilHealth and the benefits they can get from it.

“Filipinos should be covered by PhilHealth, but

only a few know about the services being offered by PhilHealth,” said Villar, adding that Filipinos should be educated on how to access them.

“We must also ensure they are aware of their benefits and entitlement from PhilHealth. We must ensure also that the country’s universal health care system can reach all intended beneficiaries,” she added.

The senator believes the information drive about PhilHealth should be intensified and the people should be abreast on the updates of its services like additional health packages.

During the program, Villar also spoke on the significant role PhilHealth, the country’s biggest state insurance, plays in the lives of the Filipino people.

The activity, attended by about 1,000 participants, was in line with PhilHealth’s Universal

Health program – ‘ALAGA Ka’ – Alamin at Gamitin, Kalusugang Benepisyong PhilHealth Program.

“We must guarantee that the poor are not burdened with high cost of hospital care as they can seek treatment in public health care facilities,” Villar added.

Also present were medical doctors, barangay health workers and nurses who are at the forefront of giving medical help to the people, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and barangay leaders and officials.

Villar noted that Republic Act No. 10645 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act amended R.A. 9994 and expanded and made automatic PhilHealth benefits to all senior citizens especially and including indigent or poor senior citizens who were incapable of paying the monthly contribution to PhilHealth to become members. (PNA)

SC invokes separation of powers with Senate during legislative hearings MANILA, April 18 (PNA) – The Supreme Court (SC) has reiterated that it does not endorse any court personnel or individual for the discussion and deliberation on legislative measures relating to the Indeterminate Sentence Law. In an en banc ruling, the SC said that judicial employees who appear at the said hearings or meetings before the Senate of the Philippines “do so in their personal, not official,

capacities.”

The resolution arose from a report on the Jan. 19, 2016 Senate Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting on Senate Bill Nos. 2670 and 1288 both entitled “An Act Amending Section 2 of Act No. 4103, as amended, otherwise known as the Indeterminate Sentence Law” and House Bill No. 4543, an act excluding from the application of the said law those convicted of criminal offenses against a minor,

amending for the Purpose Act. No. 4103.

The SC noted the letter of Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Chairperson, Committee on Justice and Human Rights, inviting representatives from the Judiciary to a TWG committee meeting to discuss the same.

The SC ordered the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) to issue a circular regarding designation of resource persons in legislative hearings or meetings.

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Cayetano: Poe’s anti-crime plan ‘unrealistic’

MANILA, Apr 15 (Mabuhay) – Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is doubtful that presidential candidate and Senator Grace Poe can fulfill her campaign promise that the public would feel safe from crimes in just her first month in office, if she is elected.

Poe was quoted as saying that she will do this by appointing a reliable national police chief. She also promised cash rewards for villages that will register low or zero crime incident.

Cayetano, running-mate of PDP-Laban standard-bearer Rodrigo Duterte, branded Poe’s promise as “unrealistic”.

“It’s unrealistic kasi in one month, you’re still mobilizing. That’s why we think three to six months is the right [time frame],” he told reporters at his campaign rally in Angeles City, Pampanga.

“Gagawin niya raw na PNP head ay magaling. E ang problema nga, walang nagsusumbong sa pusher kasi binabalikan ka e,” he added.

Cayetano and Duterte earlier promised to curb criminality and the drug trade within three to six months. They have offered

to resign should they fail to fulfill this promise.

The duo’s promise has also been dismissed by incredulous critics including vice presidential candidate, Senator Antonio Trillanes, and Poe’s running mate, Senator Francis Escudero.

Cayetano challenged Trillanes and Escudero to also question Poe on how she plans to implement her anti-crime plan.

“Sinabi ngayon ni Senator Grace Poe na kaya niya to make people safe in one month. O, nasaan na ngayon si Senator Escudero na kinukwestyon iyung three to six months? Nasaan ngayon si Senator Trillanes na kinukwestyon iyung three to six months?” he said.

“Ibabalik ko ngayon ang tanong kay Senator Escudero at Senator Trillanes, itanong niyo kay Senator Grace Poe paano niya gagawin ito sa isang buwan.”

Cayetano also addressed comparisons of his performance at the vice-presidential debate last Sunday to that of other candidates.

“Pabayaan na natin ang taong mag-judge kung sinong tama, sinong maganda ang puntos, sinong nanalo. Ang punto ko lang naman, parang produkto

iyan. Kapag hindi mo napaghahambing kung sino ang pinakamaraming pera para mag-advertise, iyun ang lamang,” he said.

During the debate at the University of Santo Tomas, Cayetano grilled his rival, Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos over the $10 billion alleged loot that the latter’s during the martial law rule of his father.

Cayetano again dared Marcos on Thursday to present proof that his family did not steal from public coffers.

“Let me reiterate my challenge to Senator Bongbong Marcos, kung mali ang sinabi ko sa debate—mali ang datos, mali ang tungkol sa kayamanan, iyung bilyon-bilyong dolyar na Marcos wealth, mali na may pending cases—ako ay aatras.

Pero kapag ikaw ang mali, ikaw ang umatras at isauli ng inyong pamilya ang pera,” he said.

He also stressed that with less than a month to go before the May polls, all politicians should be an example to the public both in speech and action.

After making the rounds in Pampanga, the PDP-Laban bet is set to take his campaign to Batangas province. (MNS)

Ex-MRT head Vitangcol asks Sandiganbayan to order Mar Roxas to shut up MANILA, Apr 15 (Mabuhay) – Former Metro Rail Transit (MRT) general manager Al Vitangcol III has asked the anti-graft court to issue a gag order against presidential candidate and former interior and transportation secretary Manuel Roxas II to prevent the latter from publicly airing accusations against him in connection with the MRT Line 3 maintenance deal.

In a four-page “very urgent motion” filed with the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Wednesday, Vitangcol, through his counsel, has asked the court to immediately issue a gag order against Roxas to stop him from using the issue in the upcoming third and final presidential debate sponsored by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“The third and final presidential debate will be on April 24, 2016. It is feared that Mar Roxas II will again accuse Vitangcol of wrongdoing. Besides, this case is sub judice in nature,” Vitangcol’s motion read.

Vitangcol lamented that during the debate held March 20 in Cebu City, Roxas made statements, which supposedly touched on the merits of his pending graft cases before the Sandiganbayan.

It can be remembered that during the second presidential debate, Vice President Jejomar Binay scored Roxas for being allegedly involved in the anomaly in the MRT 3 maintenance deal.

“Mr. Roxas, tinuturo ka ni Mr. Vitangcol. Nagnakaw ka doon sa MRT, ano ba?”

Binay was quoted as saying during the debate.

To which, Roxas replied: “Wala pong kinalaman si Mar Roxas sa kahit anong katiwalian na naganap dyan sa MRT na yan. Ang importante ay malaman natin ang katotohanan ay si Mr. Vitangcol ay natanggal sa pwesto dahil tiyo niya ang kabahagi ng mga nagbid dyan sa mga kontrata habang siya ay nanungkulan sa MRT.” Vitangcol said Roxas reiterated the same allegation in an interview with the Philippine Star published on April 2.

In the Star article, Roxas was quoted as saying: “What’s evident here is that it’s Al Vitangcol who’s being charged over a contract with a company where his family has a financial interest.”

Vitangcol said Roxas’ statements violated the sub judice rule which prohibits public discussion on the merits and information of a pending case before the court. “The above statements of presidential candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas II are not only false, but tend to prejudice the right to accused’s fair trial. These also violate the rule on comments on a case sub judice,” Vitangcol’s motion read.

Vitangcol and five incorporators of PH Trams are facing cases of violation of Sections 3 (e) and 3 (h) of Republic Act 3019 or

the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Section 65 of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act in connection with the alleged maintenance contract anomaly.

Under the contract, the MRT was set to pay PH Trams-CB&T $1.15 million monthly for its maintenance.

Based on the information of the case, Vitangcol “unlawfully” used his position to recommend the awarding of the contract to PH TramsCB&T “despite having a direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in PH Trams” as one of its incorporators, Arturo Soriano, is the uncle of his wife.

Vitangcol, however, maintained that he had no hand in the awarding of the contact to PH Trams-CB&T pointing out that it was the DOTC officials led by its Secretary Josep Emilio Abaya who approved and signed the contract.

Soriano had earlier stated that he had already divested all his shares and interests in PH Trams-CB&T long before the contract was awarded to the company.

Vitangcol said that if Roxas is allowed to continue making accusations against him in public, it may ignite “public outcry for a conviction” especially if “fanned by massive publicity in the news media”.

“Doubtless, trial by publicity would prejudice the right of the accused to a fair and impartial hearing,” the motion read.

Palace claims no power problems in the weeks around May 9 polls MANILA, Apr 15 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Friday gave the assurance that there would be no power interruptions a week before and after the May 9 national and local elections amid thinning power reserves across the country as demand soars because of the El Niño-induced dry spell.

“Ang objective ng DOE ay talagang zero disruption one week before and one week after May 9. ‘Yun ang talagang ideal situation na kanilang nilalayong matamo,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a press briefing.

“Ito ay para ‘di magkaroon ng anumang antala o ligalig

sa panahon ng halalan,” the Palace official noted.

Coloma made the statement as the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) placed Mindanao and Luzon on red alert.

A red alert status signifies that the electricity supply could not cope with the demand. Coloma noted the high demand for electricity was due to a combination of rising heat index – which reached a record-breaking 52.3°C in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, on Tuesday – and the maintenance shutdowns of power plants.

The Department of Energy (DOE), Coloma said, is closely monitoring the main-

tenance works to prevent a forced outage in the crucial period before the presidential elections.

“Patuloy na kinakausap din ‘yung mga [power] players para maayos yung sitwasyon. Isa ring pinanggalingan ng ligalig ay ‘yung bombing of transmission towers,” Coloma noted.

Malacañang appealed to the public to lessen their power consumption.

“Kapag medyo malamig-lamig na at hindi ganun kainit, siguro maaring magbawas ng consumption ng mga appliances at kung meron pang ibang conservation measures,” Coloma said. (MNS)

Senator Antonio Trillanes, Senator Chiz Escudero, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Representative Leni Robredo (l-r) pose for a group photo after the ABS-CBN’s Halalan 2016 special “Harapan ng Bise” at the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center in Quezon City on Sunday.(MNS photo)

Duterte clarifies stand on China row, NPA tax

MANILA, Apr 16 (Mabuhay) – Aspiring president and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Friday clarified his stand on the West Philippine Sea dispute and the importance of friendly ties with rebels in Mindanao.

Speaking to reporters in San Pedro, Laguna, Duterte said that his stand on the sea dispute has never changed from exhausting diplomatic avenues.

This he said is contrary to the observation of his rival, Liberal Party bet Mar Roxas, claiming that the mayor is presenting “flip-flopping” views on the issue.

Roxas was referring to Duterte’s seemingly conflicting statements of being willing to “shut up” about the sea row in exchange for Chinese aid, and being ready to challenge Beijing to a fistfight or shooting match.

But hurling tirades against Roxas, Duterte said: “Baka ang nagfli-flipflop ay siya – sometimes, lalaki; sometimes, babae.

Isa lang ang China, ano ba ang i-flipflop mo diyan.

That is ours there. Anong gusto niya? I will claim the whole of China for us?”

Duterte went on to say that although he will maintain friendly ties with China, the Asian giant should understand that he will not tolerate its encroachment

of Philippine territory in the resource-rich sea.

“I am friendly to everybody. I am friendly even to China, but China knows that that is ours. It doesn’t mean to say that if you’re my friend, if you take a territory from me, I will not be friendly with you,” he said.

He also said that his administration will claim the right to structures that China built on Philippine islands and waters.

“Our stand is very consistent and it cannot change forever: that what they have built there in our area will be ours also by accretion?

Inilagay mo sa teritoryo ko, pasensya ka, eventually that is ours because the waters is ours,” he reasoned.

But Duterte added that even if Beijing escalates its aggression on claiming Philippine territory, government cannot simply retaliate with a proclamation of war.

“War is a dirty word. We cannot fight with anybody including China... I will not go to war and I will not waste the lives of the Filipino soldiers there,” the PDP-Laban bet said.

“Bakit tayo mag-giyera, wala naman tayong laban?

We’re a small country. We must be honest to admit it.

We are under armed.”

Duterte said that the Philippines could only go to war with the help of the

U.S., as mandated by the defense accords of the two countries.

“Kapag may provocation diyan, may namatay, tatawagan ko ang America: ‘Are you with us or are you not with us?’ If you are with us, then let’s go. [If not], e di sasabihin ko, let’s talk,” he said.

Duterte also addressed criticisms on his friendly ties with rebel groups in the south, particularly the New People’s Army.

“You cannot build a nation without talking to your enemies. Definitely, the communists are a threat to our country, an enemy of the state. But the enemy has been here since 1970 and until now, there is war,” he said.

“I have to talk to them, I have see what I can do for my country to arrive at a peaceful solution. You do not kill your own enemies, you have to talk them. I am friendly with them because I know one day, I will have to talk them about nation-building.” Roxas recently slammed Duterte for the mayor’s supposed advice to businessmen to pay revolutionary taxes to the NPA. But Duterte’s running mate, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, countered that Roxas and the administration have also included peace talks with the NPA in their own agenda.

Comelec to impose smoking ban in all voting precincts on Election Day MANILA, Apr 16 (Mabuhay) – Cigarette smoking will be prohibited in all voting precincts during the May 9 polls, the Comelec said Saturday.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista had granted the request from Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala to make all voting precincts 100% smoke-free environments.

In a letter, Bala requested Bautista to enforce CSC Memorandum Circular No. 17, s. 2009 or the Smoking Prohibition Based on 100% Smoke-Free Environment Policy in all voting precincts.

“As we continue to protect the interest of the public, the role of the Comelec is indispensable in securing smoke-free environments for our voters, volunteers and everyone who will

participate in the proceedings inside our precincts,” Bala said.

In a resolution, the poll body approved CSC’s request for assistance to enforce a smoking ban in all voting precincts during the coming polls.

There will be 36,788 voting centers and 92,509 clustered precincts nationwide in the forthcoming polls.

(MNS)

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After 30 years of rivalry, UP political orgs unite vs Bongbong MANILA, Apr 15 (Mabuhay) – Three decades after serving as student leaders and activists with different stances on issues, never did they imagine that they would be sitting in one table.

Alumni of Sandigan para sa Mag-aaral at Sambayan (SAMASA) and Nagkaisang Tugon (Tugon), rival political parties at the University of the Philippines-Diliman in the 1980s, shunned their differences as they joined forces and took a united stand against a possible return of a Marcos in Malacañang – this time, in the person of the late dictator’s son and namesake, vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. But unity was not something new to these foremost rivals for UP student leadership. With leaders like Francis Pangilinan, Lean Alejandro, and Chito Gascon, both groups joined the protest actions against the Marcos dictatorship and mobilized students to rally on the streets.

As if reminiscent of their mass movements and in honor of their common cause 30 years hence, alumni of SAMASA and Tugon on Friday linked arms and chanted “never again” as they condemned supposed attempts to “perverse” history amid the vice presidential bid of Marcos, who has been leading in nationwide preference surveys.

“We did not see eye to eye on many issues and approaches. But despite our differences, what binds us is our stand against any form of dictatorship,” said lawyer Susan Villanueva, chairperson of the UP SAMASA Alumni Association, in a press conference at the UP Vinzon’s Hall, which houses the student council headquarters.

In an expression of solidarity, SAMASA and Tugon recalled the martial rule as the “darkest chapter in recent Philippine history” and remembered the bravery of UP’s fallen heroes martyred by the abuses of the dictatorship.

“We stand in solidarity with the academic community that has already spoken the truth by exposing attempts to whitewash the Marcos regime’s unrelenting violation of human rights, abuse of power, and plunder of the public coffers, and by presenting the dictatorship and martial law as they truly were: monstrous aberrations that should never re-emerge in our country,” the groups said in a statement.

They also called on fellow alumni of the country’s premier state university to “oppose unrelenting attempts of the Marcoses to rewrite history by obliterating the inhumanity of the martial law regime.”

The groups summarized their cause in four points: Condemn the attempts to whitewash the Marcos regime’s vicious violation of human rights, its abuse of power and its plunder of the economy; Support all efforts to ensure that all generations learn the real facts and lessons from the Marcos dictatorship to ensure it never happen again; Call on fellow UP alumni, especially those involved in the 2016 elections, to take a strong stand against the abuses of the Marcos dictatorship; and Oppose and resist any attempt to give Ferdinand E. Marcos a hero’s burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani.

JJ Soriano, founder of Tugon, expressed alarm over the Marcoses’ continuous refusal to acknowledge and apologize for the atrocities and human rights violations committed during their patriarch’s regime and return their ill-gotten wealth.

“Sa dami ng perang nakuha nila, naibabaligtad nila ang kasaysayan.

Ang mga kabataan ngayon ay tingin sa kanila mabubuting tao sila,” Soriano said.

(Using the money they have obtained, they are able to twist history.

Today’s youths think they are good people.)

Pressed about martial law during the vice presidential debate last Sunday, Marcos said he cannot apologize for anyone else and that he cannot give what he does not have.

‘Not a majority candidate’ Marcos himself claimed that his popularity in preference polls was due to the criticisms against him, which he said was being led by President Benigno Aquino III, son of the late democracy icons former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and former president Cory Aquino.

He also attributed his topping of surveys to Filipinos’ acceptance of his campaign message of “unity.”

But for SAMASA’s Villanueva, it was not appropriate to conclude that the dictator’s son was the runaway winner for the vice presidency despite his frontrunner status. “Umakyat si Bongbong Marcos sa survey pero hindi siya lumalagpas ng 26 percent. ‘Yun lang yata ‘yung bloke niya (Bongbong Marcos is rising in surveys, but not higher than 26 percent. That seems to be his threshold). He only has a minority support. The majority are actually divided among five candidates. He is not a majority candidate. He is not the candidate that will bring unity.

He in fact represents division,” Villanueva said.

“When people started speaking against him, his numbers plateaued.

He has met resistance, and we should continue that resistance. We should vow come May 9 that he shall not pass,” she added, exploring the possibility of being united behind one candidate to counter Marcos’ bid.

Marcos (26 percent) grabbed the top spot from Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero (21 percent) in the latest Social Weather Stations survey.

He also secured 28 percent of voter preference in the recent Pulse Asia poll, followed by administration bet Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo with 22 percent.

THE US ASIAN POST

OPINION

Let others plan, we’ll just do it: Cayetano MANILA, April 18 (PNA) – While other candidates keep harping about their plans if elected, PDP-LABAN standard and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and running mate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano will just implement if victorious in the May 9 elections.

“Let others present their plans. We will just do it,” the latter said during the “Harapan ng Bise” vice presidential debate hosted by ABS-CBN Sunday.

During the first part of the debate, the candidates were given two minutes each to present their proposed platform to address the country’s most pressing issues, including corruption, education, health, employment, and peace and order.

Cayetano said that their tandem’s platform consists of three main agendas: federalism, anti-crime, and anti-corruption.

If elected, he and Duterte will implement bold solutions to suppress crime and corruption within six months of their term.

Cayetano also stressed that only a federal form

of government can create inclusive growth in the country.

And while their rivals continue to promise real changes for the people, he and Duterte already made these possible in Davao and Taguig.

“May plano po kami, may programa po kami. Sila pinapangako pa lang nila, kami nagawa na namin sa Davao at Taguig,” he said.

Cayetano also stressed that a promising platform is futile with no political will and good leadership qualities.

“Ang problema ay hindi ang plataporma. All the master plans are there. Ang problema ay leadership.

We need leadership with political will,” he said, adding that out of all the candidates, only he and Duterte can offer these to the people.

During his opening statement, Cayetano reiterated their tandem’s pledge to end the cycle of disorder brought about by corruption, crime, and illegal drugs.

(PNA)

Escudero: ‘I’m not beholden to anyone’

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, April 18 (PNA) – Independent vice-presidential contender Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero said his friendship with perceived big business has not influenced him in dispensing his duties since he became a public servant.

He also maintained that he is not beholden to anyone except to the Filipino people.

To prove this, Escudero cited the case of detained former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, one of his wedding sponsors, whose impeachment from office he had sought when he was minority leader of the House of Representatives.

“Ninang ko sa kasal noon si GMA. In-impeach ko sya nang tatlong beses dahil ‘yun ang panawagan ng pagkakataon at ebidensya. Ang ilang mga ninong ko rin, nagawan ko na rin ng desisyon at pasya kung saan iisa ang batayang sinunod ko: ang tama ay tama, ang mali ay mali,” Escudero said in response to a question during the “Harapan ng Bise: The Vice-Presidential Debate” on ABS-CBN Sunday night.

“At kailanman, hindi ko po papayagan na ito ay mamagitan sa pagitan ko at ng aking trabaho at sinumpaang tungkulin sa atin pong mga kababayan anumang puwesto ang aking pinanghahawakan,” the veteran lawmaker added.

Arroyo stood as one of the primary sponsors in Escudero’s wedding with his first wife. But their relationship turned sour when Escudero stood as campaign spokesperson for Arroyo’s bitter rival in the 2004 presidential race, the late actor Fernando Poe Jr. Poe eventually lost to Arroyo in a highly contested electoral exercise.

When evidence of electoral fraud surfaced, Escudero and opposition lawmakers moved to impeach Ar-

royo, but were outnumbered by her allies in Congress.

As minority leader at the House of Representatives, Escudero also led the succeeding attempts to impeach Arroyo. This explains why he did not receive a single centavo of the Priority Development Assistance (PDAF) allocation from the national government during the nine years that Arroyo was in power.

Escudero said he is hurt every time people point out that his principal sponsors in wedding with actress Heart Evangelista are mostly businessmen, as if they influence him in his personal and political decisions.

“Alam niyo, nakakalungkot na palaging nababanggit ‘yan. Porke’t ba bata ako at hindi mayaman, kailangan na lamang palagi na may mayamang negosyante sa likod ko? Simple ang pamumuhay ko at hindi ko sila kailangan para mabuhay nang marangal,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Escudero said he won’t hesitate to support any move to impeach a sitting president if there is strong indication that a wrongdoing has been committed.

“Minsan ko nang nagawa at pinatunayan ‘yan.

Noong may nakita kaming paglabag sa Saligang Batas kaugnay ng katiwalian, pandaraya sa halalan at kasinungalingan ng nagdaang pangulo. Tiniyak namin at sinubukan namin syang i-impeach,” Escudero said in reference to Arroyo.

He added: “Hindi nga lang namin nakuha noon ang kinakailangang boto para mapanagot sana sya ng Senado. Kaya ang ginawa po namin sumama kami sa pakikipaglaban sa lansangan para sana mapasagot man lang sya, mapaliwanag at bigyan ng pagkakataon na depensahan ang kanyang sarili.

“Subalit maski na ‘yon hindi po nya binigay sa amin. Bilang ikalawang pangulo, bilang inyong ikalawang pangulo, layunin ko palagi ay iisa lamang: ipaglaban ang tama at labanan ang mali.” (PNA)

‘Balikatan’ demonstrates US security commitment to PHL: Carter MANILA, Apr 15 (Mabuhay) – As this year’s “Balikatan” exercises formally ended Friday, United States Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said the annual military maneuvers demonstrate America’s ironclad commitment to Philippine security.

“We appreciate your dedication to this exercise and to our alliance, for 65 years our two nations have been standing together and America’s commitment to the Philippines, we made is ironclad,” he said.

“Balikatan” 2016 started last April 4 with 3,773 Filipino soldiers and 4, 904 US troops participating.

Carter said that “Balikatan” is another demonstration of the long-standing and now rapidly growing network of security in the Asia-Pacific Region.

“I (would) like to thank our Australian allies for their participation for the third year, to the observer nation officials here today, including those from Japan and elsewhere and others who attended the course of the exercise. I’m pleased to see so many nations interested in working together to promote stability and security in the Asia-Pacific (Region),” he stressed.

Other observer nations include Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Republic of Korea, Timor Leste, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Carter also took time to condole with the family and friends of A2C Jove Dumansi, who died in a parachuting exercise in Subic Bay, Zambales last April 7.

“Marking the successful conclusion of this multifaceted exercise, tragedy struck in the early days of ‘Balikatan’ 2016, the death of a Philippine Airman Second Class Jover Dumansi, I (want to) express my condolences on behalf of the men and women of the Department of Defense and all Americans to Airman Dumansi’s family and friends as well as to the Philippine armed forces, government and people,” he emphasized.

Carter said this loss is a reminder of the risks that all “Balikatan” participants and their families accept just to see the successful continuation of this exercise.

“In the face of such tragedy is a reminder of our shared commitment to always see the mission through. All of you and the more than 7,000 personnel who joined you have done just that here in ‘Balikatan’ and you’ve done so an exemplary fashion, together you provided medical care to local communities, together you can prove the combined command-and-control, together you rehearsed maritime interdiction operations so we can respond more quickly to threats on the sea and together you simulated the recovery of oil and gas platform for possible forces in the South China, through it all you made our strong alliance even stronger,” the American defense secretary said.

By participating in the annual military maneu-

vers, troops from both the Philippines and the US are trained and prepared to confront very real challenges.

“You’ve demonstrated to the region and to the world that the United States and the Philippines are standing together to defend the rules and principles that have benefited so many in the region, rules and principles like the peaceful resolution of dispute, countries have been able to make their own security and economic choices free from coercion and intimidation, and freedom of navigation and overflight,” Carter emphasized.

“And have also set the stage for a new level of cooperation between the Philippines and the United States for the success of ‘Balikataan’ 2016 and two major recent policy steps forward, the US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and the new US Southeast Asia Maritime Security Initiative, we’re going to be doing more together, and as I announced yesterday some Americans here for this exercise will be staying behind on a rotational basis to continue joint training and working with our Philippine allies to contribute to regional security and stability,” he added.

“I thank these service members for taking on this important assignments. You also contributed to the Asia-Pacific’s ongoing stability and security, it (is) said that (in) this region, that security is like oxygen, (when) we have enough of it you pay no attention to it, but when you don’t have enough you can think of nothing else,” Carter disclosed.

And through “Balikatan” and other similar exercises, the US defense secretary said American and Filipinos troops provide that oxygen, the security that enables millions upon millions of people all around the Asia-Pacific to be safe, to raise their children and to dream their dreams, to live their lives.

“The United States will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder and we will continue to stand up for our safety and freedom, for those of our friends and allies and for the values, principles, and rule-based order that has benefited so many for so long. As long as we remain steadfast in that commitment as we had for decades we will continue to ensure the Philippines remains secure and the Asia-Pacific remains a region where everyone can rise and prosper for generations to come,” Carter stressed. (MNS)

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, April 22 - 28, 2016

ENTERT KC Concepcion sets condition for working with Piolo again Expect to see KC Concepcion hosting and acting again on TV as she is set to renew her contract with ABS-CBN. Concepcion announced that she will be signing a two-year deal with the Kapamilya network.

“Once that’s done, I’m going back to hosting and to drama also. They are just finalizing the contract with Viva so it’s going to be a wild ride. Siyempre mainstream work ko iyon, showbiz work ko,” she said.

Asked if the contract involves movies, the actress just smiled and said: “I don’t want to talk about something that’s not confirmed yet kasi ayaw ko ma-preempt.”

While hinting of doing “big things” this year, Concepcion refused to comment on speculations that she is among the actresses being eyed to play the superhero

KC Concepcion

Darna.

Meanwhile, Concepcion said she is also open to working with ex-boyfriend Piolo Pascual.

“Piolo and I are okay.

I think that if there’s a project, we would have to talk about it and, of course, dapat pareho kaming 100% kasi ang hirap na hindi dahil unfair din naman iyon sa mga manonood. Makikita din sa camera iyon,” she explained.

“Right now, I just want to focus on the things na na-

kakapagpa-happy sa akin, the things that I want to do right now. If the Piolo project comes, then we’ll see.

But I have to feel that, even he is 100% in it,” she added.

Concepcion, however, immediately rejected the possibility of working with her mother Sharon Cuneta.

“Ayaw ko. Kasi kinakabahan ako kasi siyempre parang too close for comfort.

Para na kasi kaming reality show. Parang pinapanood na ‘yung life namin,” she said.

Concepcion added that Cuneta knows this.

“Sabi ko, ‘Ma, hindi ko kayang umarte sa harap mo.’ Sabi niya, ‘Ano ka ba, para kang loko-loko.’ Gusto ko talaga but nahihiya ako kay mama. I will learn so much from my mom, I’m sure. Pero makiki-sit in na lang ako sa mga shooting niya to learn her ways,” she said. (MNS)

Toni Gonzaga confirms pregnancy on ‘ASAP’ After months of speculations and gossips that actress and television host Toni Gonzaga is pregnant with her first child by husband Paul Soriano, the Kapamilya star recently confirmed that she is indeed expecting a baby during ABS-CBN’s weekend noontime show ASAP. Toni made the big an-

nouncement on Sunday (April 17, 2016) after her performance at the musical variety show. As she was joined by sister Alex Gonzaga and co-stars Luis Manzano and Piolo Pascual, she addressed the audience, noting how special ASAP is for her before sharing the good news.

“I’m so happy that finally,

our love story (with Direk Paul) ay nagbunga na and yes, God finally opened my womb and I’m expecting my first child,” shared the 32-year-old actress.

Toni mentioned that she has been making big announcements and a lot of firsts on the show ever since she was launched as a Kapamilya in 2004.

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INMENT John Lloyd on doing love scenes: It’s challenging Actor John Lloyd Cruz admitted that it is not easy for him to do a love scene.

Cruz stars in the upcoming romantic movie “Just the 3 of Us” with Jennylyn Mercado.

“Hindi kasi nare-realize ng tao kung gaano kahirap ‘yung gumawa ng [love scene]... Kasi kapag tapos nang gawin at na-edit na, ang nakikita niyo is ‘yung finished na. Pero sa totoo lang po, isa ‘yan sa pinaka-challenging na gawin.

Kasi you are talking about intimacy with another person—minsan stranger pa nga,” he explained.

When asked if he finds love scenes more challenging than dramatic scenes, Cruz replied: “Well, magkaiba naman po. Iba kasi ‘yung, let’s say, confrontational scene. Kung ikukumpara mo sa love scene ay magkaiba sila, at ‘yung dini-demand nila from you ay magkalayo.

But sometimes, nakakatu-

John Lloyd Cruz

long kung you really know the character very well at kung gaano ka-willing ‘yung partner mo.”

“Given all that, minsan nangangatog pa rin ako dahil, hindi ba, you have to be intimate with the other person?” he added. Cruz went on to reveal that he still feels awkward shooting intimate scenes with his long-time on-screen partner, Bea Alonzo. “Kahit kami ni Bea, kahit ilang taon na

kaming gumawa ng pelikula, mayroon pa ring [ilang sa isa’t isa]. Kasi bukod sa gusto mong ma-achieve [’yung gusto ng direktor], you want to be able to protect your leading lady, hindi ba? Siyempre kung mahirap sa ‘yo, sobrang hirap lalo noon sa kanya kasi babae siya. Feeling ko, kailangan kong protektahan because medyo maselan po talagang gumawa ng ganoong eksena,” he said.

Cruz’s current leading lady, Mercado, meanwhile praised Cruz for being a gentleman as they shot their love scene for “Just the 3 of Us”. “Maganda ‘yung pagkakagawa ni Direk noong love scene. Medyo intense, pero maganda. Kagaya ng sinabi ni Direk, si John Lloyd, very gentleman talaga siya.

Takot siyang hawakan ako,” she said. Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, “Just The 3 Of Us” will hit theaters nationwide on April 27.(MNS)

Angelica Panganiban: No such thing as a ‘happy ending’ Angelica Panganiban doesn’t believe in happy endings.

On Instagram, the 29-year-old actress shared a photo from the popular American television series “How I Met Your Mother.” It had a quote from one of the series’ characters, Barney Stinson, which was portrayed by actor Neil Patrick Harris.

“I love our story. Sure it’s messy, but it’s the story

that got us here,” Barney told Robin (Cobie Smulders) as the two struggle to find a priest who would marry them because of their “debaucherous courtship.”

In the caption, Panganiban gave her two cents on the concept of happy endings. “Not a happy ending, but there’s no happy ending.

Ang meron lang, happiness and love. Then live your life,” she explained.

Panganiban, one of the

mainstays of gag show “Banana Sundae,” has since taken the post down, but entertainment website Pep managed to grab a screenshot.

Back in January, rumors started swirling that Panganiban and actor John Lloyd Cruz decided to end their three-year relationship. Cruz only confirmed the break-up last March 31, saying that he is currently “single na single.” (MNS)

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UTREACH

Obama’s immigration plan faces uncertainty

By Olivia Hampton

Washington, United States | AFP | Monday 4/18/2016 – President Barack Obama’s plan to delay deportation for nearly half of the nation’s 11 million undocumented immigrants was fraught with uncertainty Monday, as US Supreme Court justices signaled deep divisions.

If the eight justices deadlock in their ruling, due by late June, the plan would remain on hold, dealing a bruising defeat to Obama during his last year in office and pushing the issue to the next president.

Hundreds of activists massed outside in blazing sunshine, brandishing heart-shaped signs reading “Keep families together” and chanting “Si se puede” – putting a Spanish twist on Obama’s 2008 campaign slogan “Yes We Can.” Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Anthony Kennedy, two conservatives whose opinions are critical in this case, sparred repeatedly with the Obama administration’s attorney during an extended 90-minute session of oral arguments.

At stake is a series of executive actions the president took in November 2014 to bypass a Republican-held Congress that refused to enact his promised reform of America’s immigration system.

One initiative, Deferred

Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), would shield from deportation people living in the United States since 2010 whose children are US citizens or residents. They would also be able to obtain a work authorization and pay taxes.

Another measure would expand on an existing program that grants a reprieve to immigrants who entered the country as children.

Obama, who has deported more people than any other US president, said he wanted to prioritize deportations of “felons, not families.”

The four liberal-leaning justices pointed to similar executive actions by his predecessors.

Critics accuse Obama of overstepping his authority, a view echoed on the conservative wing of the bench.

‘Upside down’ “It’s as if the president is setting the policy and the Congress is executing it,” Kennedy said. “That’s just upside down.”

Mirroring Obama’s gridlock with Congress on immigration is that of a Supreme Court evenly split between liberals and conservatives while Senate Republicans refuse to fill the ninth seat left vacant by the late Antonin Scalia.

One way out of a stalemate would be for the justices to issue a narrow ruling on whether the 26 mostly

Republican-led states bringing the challenge would suffer enough injury as a result of Obama’s actions to legally sue the federal government.

Roberts, who has insisted the Supreme Court should stand above the political fray, is likely to focus on the issue, which dominated much of the court’s morning session.

Texas, for instance, claims it would cost the state millions of dollars in public funds to provide driver’s licenses at a subsidized cost to the huge group of immigrants who would be allowed to stay.

If the states lack legal standing, that would be enough to dismiss the case—allowing the justices to eschew a decision on more fundamental aspects of the immigration debate, an immensely divisive issue at the heart of the White House race.

Justice Stephen Breyer, a liberal, noted that if Texas is allowed to sue the government on immigration, that would open the door for states to challenge “all kinds” of federal regulations with which they disagree.

But Roberts repeatedly challenged Solicitor General Donald Verrilli as he argued on behalf of the administration that Texas had no grounds to sue.

While declining to predict the outcome of the case, White House spokesman

Josh Earnest expressed “continued confidence in the power of the legal argument” the government’s attorney presented to the court.

Senate Democratic Minority Leader Harry Reid urged Republicans to cooperate to pass immigration reform in Congress for a “permanent solution.”

“Our nation would be far better off with a bipartisan, comprehensive overhaul of our nation’s immigration laws,” he said.

‘Unprecedented, unlawful’ Nearly five million people would get relief from depor-

tation under Obama’s policy.

Texas Solicitor General Scott Keller called the actions “an unprecedented, unlawful assertion of executive power.”

But Verrilli stressed that those who would win a reprieve would be a low priority for deportations anyway.

“There is a pressing humanitarian concern in avoiding the breakup of families that contain US citizen children,” he said.

Roshell, a 17-year-old protester who declined to give her last name, said she lives with the fear “every day” that authorities could

come deport her and her parents, who brought her to the United States illegally when she was just a toddler.

“We have hope, we are on the right side of justice,” said Uruguayan immigrant and activist Victoria Siciliano, while Mexican Mariachi bands played the US national anthem outside the court.

America’s huge population of undocumented immigrants is “living in the shadows,” said Sonia Sotomayor, the court’s first Hispanic justice and the daughter of Puerto Rican-born parents.

“They are here, whether we want them or not.”

OC tax preparer nabbed for fraud LOS ANGELES – The owner of a Tustin tax preparation business called First Quality Tax Services was arrested this morning on federal charges that allege he prepared and filed fraudulent federal income tax returns claiming false deductions for his clients.

Thomas P. Butcher, 61, of Rancho Santa Margarita, was arrested by special agents with IRS Criminal Investigation pursuant to an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on April 13.

The 38-count indictment charges Butcher with 37 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of fraudulent income tax returns and one count of obstructing the administration of Internal Revenue laws.

The indictment alleges that for tax years 2009 through 2011, Butcher prepared and filed tax returns that claimed false credits and deductions that clients were not entitled to receive.

The tax returns included fraudulent education credits, as well as false deductions for charitable donations and unreimbursed employee expenses. The

fraudulent deductions and credits lowered the taxpayers’ income tax liability.

The indictment also alleges that Butcher submitted bogus receipts for charitable donations and employee-related expenses when filing 2009 tax returns.

“Today’s tax deadline reminds us that our system depends on every citizen filing honest income tax returns,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker.

“Butcher is charged with systematically filing false and fraudulent returns for his clients without their knowledge. Butcher’s arrest underscores this office’s commitment to protect innocent taxpayers and preserve the integrity of our tax system through the prosecution of corrupt tax professionals.”

Butcher is expected to be arraigned on the indictment this afternoon in United States District Court in Santa Ana, California.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.

Each of the 38 counts in the indictment carries a

statutory maximum penalty of three years in federal prison.

This case is the product of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation.

“On this final day of the 2016 tax filing season, those who might consider preparing false tax returns are reminded of the extremely negative consequences of doing so,” stated IRS Criminal Investigation’s acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony J. Orlando. “Today’s arrest of Mr. Butcher again emphasizes that the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue their aggressive pursuit of those who attempt to defraud America’s tax system.”

Return preparer fraud is one of the Internal Revenue Service’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2016. The IRS has some tips on their website for choosing a tax preparer, and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers.

Additional information about and enforcement efforts by the United States Department of Justice may be found on the Tax Division’s website.

22 named in theft of Social Security benefits LOS ANGELES – Federal authorities have charged a total of 22 defendants with defrauding the Social Security Administration by illegally receiving cash benefits and causing a cumulative loss of $2.6 million. Most of the defendants are charged with taking Social Security benefits for relatives after the family members had died and failing to alert the agency that the actual beneficiary had passed away.

Federal grand juries in Los Angeles returned 21 indictments last week, cases that were announced today after one defendant – an employee of the Social Security Administration – was arrested for allegedly diverting benefits to herself.

Those charged last week include the federal government employee, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy and a San Fernando Valley man who is accused of illegally receiving more than $400,000.

“Government programs like Social Security provide important benefits to qualified individuals so they can have economic security,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “We cannot tolerate abuse of the system that provides support to millions of honest Americans, many of whom worked their entire lives to receive Social Security benefits. This series of cases illustrates our commitment

to root out abuse and fraud involving social security, and to protect the integrity of an important program aimed at helping senior citizens and the most vulnerable in our society.” All of the defendants are charged with theft of government property, a crime that carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. Some of the defendants are charged with additional offenses, including aggravated identity theft and defrauding the Social Security Administration.

The Social Security Administration employee – Daysi Salazar-Arias, 38, of Thousand Oaks – was arrested this morning by special agents with the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General. Salazar-Arias is named in an eight-count indictment that alleges she diverted benefits to herself and making it appear that the money was going to legitimate beneficiaries, one of whom was deceased.

Salazar-Arias is expected to be arraigned on the indictment this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

Vicki Lynn Gregory, a sergeant with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, is charged with seven felony counts for allegedly taking her mother’s Widow’s Insurance Benefits after she died. According

to the indictment, Gregory “intentionally concealed the death of her mother…in order to continue to receive and spend these Widow’s Insurance Benefits.” Gregory allegedly illegally received approximately $30,000.

In the case involving the largest alleged loss, Jose Aguinaco Ugalde, 68, of West Hills, is charged with 16 counts, including aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence. According to the indictment, Ugalde stole Retirement Insurance Benefits that continued to be sent to his father, even though the man had died. Ugalde also allegedly stole spousal benefits that were intended for his ex-stepmother. The two identity theft charges in the indictment allege that Ugalde illegally used a debit card issued to his late father, as well as the signature of his ex-stepmother, in stealing these Social Security benefits. “The Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General is committed to pursuing those who violate the public trust,” said Robb Stickley, the Special Agent in Charge of the San Francisco Field Division, which is responsible for Southern California. “We will continue to uphold the integrity of Social Security’s benefit programs, which are a lifeline for so many Americans and their families.”

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, April 22 - 28, 2016

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KITCHENOMICS )$0,/< )($785(6

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pring celebrations wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the same without one classic centerpiece: leg of lamb. Whether roasted or grilled, a leg of lamb is a tried and true addition to the Easter or Passover table. As elegant as it is, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also quite simple to prepare.

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one half pound of American lamb per serving.

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determine doneness. Medium Rare: 145 F; Medium: 160 F.

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EXWWHUĂ&#x20AC;LHG salt and pepper (to taste) 0LQW 3LVWDFKLR 3HVWR 1 cup shelled pistachios 1 cup fresh mint (leaves only) 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley FXS SOXV WDEOHVSRRQV H[WUD YLUJLQ ROLYH RLO 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to taste) 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (to taste) freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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7RDVW SLVWDFKLRV E\ SODFLQJ LQ VLQJOH OD\HU LQ VKDOORZ dish or pan and baking 8 to 10 minutes. ,Q IRRG SURFHVVRU DGG SLVWDFKLRV PLQW SDUVOH\ RLO vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper and chili Ă&#x20AC;DNHV EOHQG XQWLO VRPHZKDW FKXQN\ Heat grill to medium-high. Grill lamb leg to mediumrare (remove from heat when thermometer reads between 130 F and 135 F), or to desired doneness. Rest PHDW OLJKWO\ FRYHUHG IRU DW OHDVW PLQXWHV EHIRUH serving. Slice meat across grain into thin slices.

Serve lamb with pesto, grilled vegetables and salad.

Roasted Boneless Leg of American Lamb ZLWK )LQJHUOLQJ 3RWDWRHV /HHNV DQG 0LQW 6DOVD 9HUGH Serves: 6-8 Mint Salsa Verde 3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled 2 cups loosely packed fresh

Ă&#x20AC;DW OHDI SDUVOH\ OHDYHV 1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves

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$PHULFDQ ODPE EXWWHUĂ&#x20AC;LHG 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided 3 large leeks

SRXQGV ÂżQJHUOLQJ SRWDWRHV halved lengthwise

WDEOHVSRRQ H[WUD YLUJLQ ROLYH RLO Position rack in lower third of oven (so roast will be in the middle) and heat to 325 F. With food processor running, add garlic FORYHV :KHQ ÂżQHO\ PLQFHG VWRS PRWRU remove top and scrape down bowl. Add SDUVOH\ PLQW DQFKRYLHV FDSHUV VDOW DQG SHSSHU 3XOVH XQWLO LQJUHGLHQWV DUH ÂżQHO\ chopped. Pour in 2 tablespoons olive oil and pulse to combine. Transfer about twothirds of paste to small bowl and cover ZLWK UHPDLQLQJ ROLYH RLO &RYHU WLJKWO\ DQG UHIULJHUDWH XQWLO VHUYLQJ WLPH RU XS WR GD\V /D\ ODPE Ă&#x20AC;DW RQ FXWWLQJ ERDUG ZLWK IDW VLGH up. Trim fat to no more than 1/8 inch. Turn PHDW RYHU DQG WULP DZD\ DQ\ ODUJH FKXQNV of fat from interior, but leave the rest intact.

%H FDUHIXO QRW WR WULP DZD\ FRQQHFWLYH WLVVXH that holds meat together. Season lamb on both sides with 2 teaspoons salt.

Spread salsa verde paste over interior of meat to edges, rubbing into crevices. Reserve remaining salsa verde. Roll lamb up lengthZLVH LQWR F\OLQGHU 8VH NLWFKHQ WZLQH WR WLH F\OLQGHU DW LQFK LQWHUYDOV 7LH DQRWKHU piece of twine lengthwise to secure ends.

Allow lamb to sit at room temperature 1-2 KRXUV EHIRUH URDVWLQJ ,I \RX SODQ WR ZDLW PRUH WKDQ KRXUV EHIRUH URDVWLQJ ORRVHO\ cover and refrigerate roast, but bring to room temperature before cooking.) Pat outside of URDVW GU\ XVLQJ SDSHU WRZHOV EHIRUH URDVWLQJ Trim dark green tops from leeks. Halve OHHNV OHQJWKZLVH DQG ULQVH ZHOO 3DW GU\ and cut into 2-inch pieces. Put leeks and halved potatoes in large roasting pan.

Drizzle vegetables with olive oil, season with remaining salt and toss to coat. Spread YHJHWDEOHV DURXQG URDVWLQJ SDQ LQ HYHQ OD\HU Place lamb roast on top, seam-side down and transfer to oven. Roast until an instantread thermometer inserted into center of meat reaches 135 F for medium-rare, about 1-1 1/2 hours.

Transfer lamb to cutting board and allow PHDW WR UHVW IRU PLQXWHV ORRVHO\ covered with foil. (The internal temperature will increase to 145 F.) Bring reserved salsa verde to room temperature. Toss vegetables in URDVWLQJ SDQ WR FRDW LQ SDQ GULSSLQJV ,I WKH\ are tender and browned, set aside in a warm spot while meat rests. If not, return to oven to ÂżQLVK FRRNLQJ 7ULP DZD\ NLWFKHQ WZLQH DQG FXW URDVW LQWR 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange slices over vegetables. Stir salsa verde to incorporate oil, spoon it over meat and serve.

8

By Joy Marino

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Friday - Thursday, April 22 - 28, 2016

THE US ASIAN POST

A memorable trip to Cebu and Bohol

Sometimes, the most unlikely and inexplicable good luck seems to just happen. Travelling to Cebu and Bohol was one of those times – thanks to the courtesy of Philippine Airlines, which hosted a Familiarization Tour to the “Queen City of the South” for the members of the US media when it launched the new LAX-Cebu flight on March 15, 2016 which coincided with the flag carrier’s 75th anniversary.

Cebu is one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines and its capital Cebu City is the main center of commerce, trade, education and industry in the Visayas.

For the past several years Cebu has been recognized as one of the country’s prime tourist destinations by many respected travel and tourism organizations including the highly influential Conde Nast Travel Magazine. This is not so surprising considering that the Central Philippines island-province offers the tourists numerous opportunities for diving, nature tourism, sun and beach adventure, cultural tourism, health and wellness, not to mention shopping and leisure.

It was my first trip to Cebu and naturally I was excited – like most of my Fam Tour buddies. From day one, it was easy to see why any traveler would fall in love with Cebu. The city is a crossroad where modern and provincial life meet; a bustling metropolis with a rural feel to it. And unlike Manila, traffic is not as bad.

Our first stop was a visit to the Kenneth Cobonpue showroom. Kenneth Cobonpue is a renowned and award winning industrial designer who had placed the Philippines arts and craft on the spotlight with his signature furniture designs using abaca, rattan, bamboo and other natural fibers. His never before seen furniture designs make them in high demand among the world’s elite and Hollywood celebrities including Bratt Pitt and Angelina Jolie. During our showroom visit I could only wish I could afford those uniquely designed and crafted furniture. I may not have the resources to own one of them but nothing is stopping me from dreaming.

Providing a stark contrast from the modern and exotic display at the Cobonpue showroom is the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, which was our next destination. Upon entering the threshold, I had the strange feeling that I was being transported back to the past. Like a picture that is frozen in time, the house showcases authentic objects from the past that provide a glimpse of what kind of life our ancestors lived centuries ago. It even contains the furnitures and belongings of those who lived there in the past. It was built over 400 years ago. What is most amazing was that the house has been in the same family line for eight generations and remains habitable to this day. In fact, a member of the family – whom we had the privilege of personally meeting during the tour – still sleeps in the old house at least once a week.

A visit to Magellan’s Cross is an opportunity to review my knowledge of Philippine history. Planted by the Portuguese explorer who history says was the “discoverer” of

the Philippines, Magellan’s Cross is an icon worth seeing if only for its historical and religious significance. Naturally tourists tend to crowd in and around the small edifice where local women come to you and ask you to buy their candles for offering.

Close by, of course, is the Basilica del Santo Nino, home to the oldest religious relic in the Philippines -- the statue of the Child Jesus. While the church’s beautiful ancient architecture, its religious adornments and paintings are enough reasons for a visit, you simply cannot ignore the place’s religious significance to the country’s history.

For more of history, paintings and antique collections, another place to see is the 18th century Fort San Pedro, the oldest and smallest fort in the country. Pressed for time, we could only spare a few minutes for a quick glimpse of what this centuries-old military defense structure has on display. Still it was worth a visit.

Cebu is definitely a beautiful tourist destination, with lots of product offerings to the traveler. Exotic and scenic spots abound in the island as well as unique and interesting arts and crafts that are helping in propelling the city’s economic growth. Island Girl fashion accessories is one such industry. The products – fashion accessory pieces – were very stylish, vibrant and imaginative. What better way to cap our day than a visit to Island Girl showroom, where we get to design our own accessory and take it home.

The following day took us to beautiful Bohol via Supercat 2Go. Travel was fast! The ferry took less than two hours sail through the calm waters of the Cebu Strait before reaching Bohol. And by the time we disembarked in Tagbilaran City, everyone was raring to go on the countryside tour.

Tarsiers here we come! Let’s talk about those cuddly little adorable creatures that resemble tiny ETs. Easily mistaken for a monkey or a rat, Tarsier is probably the smallest mammal on the face of the planet. It can easily fit in the palm of your hand. Whatever, it’s so easy to fall in love with these teeny tiny bizarre animals, which according to our guide spend the day sleeping and getting active only during the night. Another interesting thing about them is that they can rotate their heads 180 degrees. How’s that for an amazing feat? One thing to remember though: when visiting the Tarsier Sanctuary, be extremely quiet as they are very sensitive to the noises and light, so you better be cautious around them.

Another activity that made our trip to Bohol exciting was the Loboc River Cruise. The journey on the river took at least half an hour each way – and all the time, food and entertainment were in abundance. Food was served buffet style and everything is quite tasty. Loboc River may not be affluent, but it was definitely picturesque. On both sides lush jungles fringed the waters and offered great photo opportunities. Few houses on shore and fishing boats complete a simple rural landscape that made me missed life in the province. And – I definitely didn’t expect the small waterfalls at the end of the route. They are called Busay Falls and are simply gorgeous!

Another pleasant surprise was the performances of the barge cum restaurant crew who doubled as entertainers, much to the delight of the members of our Fam Trip.

Nothing could be more charming than having your meal with friends while you’re being serenaded by talented music-loving Filipinos. It was not surprising that after a few minutes, we were on our feet dancing and singing karaoke-style. Everything happened spontaneously, so what could be more fun than that?

Of course one doesn’t go to Bohol and miss the “Chocolate Hills”. To reach the Chocolate Hills in the town of Carmen, we drove through the two-kilometer stretch of densely planted mahogany trees called the Man-made Forest in the border of Loboc and Bilar towns, passing by old churches along the way.

Chocolate Hills are the greatest pride of Bohol. These perplexing geological formations are a strange group of oddly shaped hills – a lot of hills, in fact, they total at least 1,260 spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers or 20 square miles. It is not easy to describe the place. Being there for the first time, I was completely awestruck. The scenery was unbelievable. Surely, I am not the only one baffled by these strange earth formations that are truly fascinating.

We had such a wonderful time in Bohol. Unfortunately we did not have the luxury of time to see and experience everything that Bohol has to offer. It was truly regretful that we had to leave so soon.

Again, we travel back to Cebu via ferryboat. It was an exhausting trip, but I was truly exhilarated by the day’s activities.

Dinner at Radisson Blu Hotel was another highlight of the Fam Tour. Radisson Blu in Cebu City exudes a unique elegance and comfort that makes you feel at home. It is conveniently located in Downtown Cebu near the SM Shopping Mall, which you can reach by using a walkway from the hotel. Of course, SM Mall needs no further introduction especially to us Filipinos, but its proximity is one of the many advantages Radisson Blu Hotel offers to its guests, besides of course the excellent dining and the courteous and helpful staff, led by Ann Olalo, Radisson Blu Hotel’s Area Director of Sales and Marketing who made each one of us in the Fam Tour very welcome.

Our visit to Cebu and Bohol was definitely worthwhile, fun and memorable. Besides Philippine Airlines, credit also goes to DOT VII Regional Director Rowena Lu Y. Montecillo, who commissioned Southwind Travel to oversee the Cebu and Bohol legs of. the Fam Trip. In return, Southwind Travel did not disappoint because they provided Unfortunately, all things had to end – even the good ones. Two days had gone by so quickly. It was amazing, however, at how much we’ve done, seen, and experience in the past 48 hours that would make others want to experience the same. Yet there were so much left to do, see, discover, and explore in both provinces. Before boarding the plane that would take us to Manila, I made a promise to myself: I will come back – for sure!

Photos by Joy Marino, JB Adkins, Irwin Chee

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, April 22 - 28, 2016

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PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short GLDORJXH ZDQW WR WKDQN <RX IRU HYHU\WKLQJ DQG FRQÂżUP RQFH PRUH WKDW , QHYHU want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. After WKH UG GD\ WKH ZLVK ZLOO EH JUDQWHG QR PDWWHU KRZ GLá&#x201A;&#x2C6;FXOW LW PD\ EH 3URPLVH to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted. VICKIE

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short GLDORJXH ZDQW WR WKDQN <RX IRU HYHU\WKLQJ DQG FRQÂżUP RQFH PRUH WKDW , QHYHU want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen.

A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. $IWHU WKH UG GD\ WKH ZLVK ZLOO EH JUDQWHG QR PDWWHU KRZ GLá&#x201A;&#x2C6;FXOW LW PD\ EH Promise to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted.ROBERT

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Friday - Thursday, April 22 - 28, 2016

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THE US ASIAN POST

MOTORING

Strong interest in US cab service just for women and children Like other rideshare services, these drivers would use their personal vehicle to drive on demand. However the drivers would be female, and their customers would be women and children.

Without spending a dime on advertising, no fewer than 7,000 female candidates contacted him in four days to offer to become company drivers.

“We need to make sure that our technology can handle the millions of people that are going to use our company,” the Boston-based Pelletz told AFP on Friday. “We’re going to delay for a few months just to make sure.”

In Boston, where the service is to be launched, rates will be about the same as Uber and Lyft, the two ridesharing giants, but

without Uber’s progressive pricing system.

Pelletz also said that the company would keep 25 percent of the first $100 earned daily by each driver, but nothing beyond that.

Uber takes a 25 percent share on all rides.

“I’m not really in this for the money but because there’s such a need to keep women and children safe,” Pelletz said.

Chariot For Women is not the first service to offer services in this niche, but none has ever been successful, in part due to charges of discrimination.

“Our legal department is well prepared” for any challenge Pelletz said.

He even hopes to be legally challenged “because laws can change if we show that there is a need,” he said.

Chariot For Women, fully funded by its founder and close associates, was initially set to kick off early this week. Interest in the service has largely been driven by the apprehension some women have of male taxi rideshare drivers.

European cars like Volvo initiate projects with automated vehicles, this new agreement will accelerate the development and testing of connected and self-driving car technologies.© Volvo

European Union policy makers and European vehicle manufacturers have reached their first agreement on the future of self-driving cars and their place on the continent’s roads.

The ‘Declaration of Amsterdam’ endorsed on Thursday by the Informal Transport Council represents a first agreement among all parties regarding how potentially life-saving technologies are to be deployed on European roads.

Tackling the issues surrounding connected and autonomous vehicles is a key focus for The Netherlands which in 2016 is the European Union’s president nation.

The Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment, Melanie Schultz van Haegen, stated: “Today for the first time, we have talked at the European political level about self-driving vehicles and the measures required for their smooth introduction in Europe. We want to pick up the pace be-

US entrepreneur Michael Pelletz’s project of a rideshare service for women and children with vehicles driven by women has prompted such interest that he is postponing the service’s launch date.

Chariot For Women, fully funded by its founder and close associates, was initially set to kick off on Tuesday.

Interest in the service has largely been driven by the apprehension some women have of male taxi rideshare drivers.

Several sexual harassment and even rape cases have been reported on rideshare vehicles driven by men. Pelletz, a former parttime Uber driver, wanted to initially collect a roster of 1,000 potential drivers in the northeastern state of Massachusetts.

European countries agree to cooperate on connected and autonomous cars cause there are many gains to be made for mobility.

Connected and automated vehicles will make our roads safer, more sustainable and more efficient.”

Schultz van Haegen has already been very active in raising the profile and highlighting the benefits of these innovations, playing a key role in the recent European Truck Platooning Challenge.

The initiative saw six threetruck platoons semi-autonomously drive across Europe at a set distance from each

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other and arrive in Rotterdam, the Netherlands on April 6.

Speaking at the Transport Council, Erik Jonnaert, Secretary General of The European Automotive Manufacturers Association (ACEA) said: “Connected and automated driving is an important part of our response to future mobility challenges, in terms of balancing the growing demand for transport and mobility with environmental protection and increased safety.

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, April 22 - 28, 2016

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11

Taiwan launches tourism campaign in Los Angeles

By Abner Galino

A campaign to attract North American tourists, dubbed as “Best of Taste Taiwan,” was recently launched in Los Angeles by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau.

The campaign, which emphasizes Taiwan’s “heart of Asia” geographical location, strives to convince people why the country is a “perfect destination for both longhaul and stopover visits.” At the center of the information drive is a 30-minute video showing the 10 must-do things for tourists while in Taiwan.

The said video, which was premiered at the AMC Theater at Westfield Mall in Century City, highlighted the many interesting places and things that tourists can visit and experience which include world-renowned

cuisine hubs, local delicacies and produce, bargain and shopping centers, ancient and modern architecture, natural scenery, arts and culture and hospitable people. The 30-minute travel show special was hosted by Mike Seigel, an acclaimed television presenter, and was produced by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau.

A 30-second sneak peek version of the travel video are going to be shown on select theaters for two weeks from its premiere night. And on Saturday, April 23 (12:20 pm PST) the travel show will air on CNBC. From then on, the show will be available on Taste Taiwan’s official YouTube Channel from May 1 up to June 30.

The Taiwan Tourism Bureau will launch its “Best of Taste Taiwan” on Facebook

where it will give away free tripsto Taiwan. Interested parties can join the promotional campaign by visitingthe “Tanya Loves Taiwan” Facebook page.

In 2015, Taiwan welcomed more than 10 million international visitors.

The “Best of Taste Taiwan: 10 Things You Must Do,” particularly highlighted thevisit to the iconic modern architecture of Taipei 101, the tallest building in Taiwan;savoring local cuisine in a bustling night market and at the world-famousDin Tai Fungrestaurant;navigating the island aboard Taiwan’s inexpensive and accessibletransportation system;experiencing naturalwondersat Taroko Gorge; and wandering through the nostalgic gold-mining town of Jiufen.

1-Pacman partylist group vows 1 million jobs for marginalized Filipinos DAVAO CITY, April 18 (PNA) -- The partylist group One Patriotic Coalition of Marginalized Nationals or 1-Pacman vowed to create at least 1 million jobs — mostly in Mindanao — if the group makes it to Congress.

Businessman and sportsman Mikee Romero, the partylist group’s first nominee, said their main objective is to provide opportunities for unemployed Filipinos, particularly in Mindanao, for the first three years of being elected in Congress.

Based on a 2015 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Romero said unemployment in the Philippines continues to make the lives of the Filipinos difficult.

Citing the PSA data, Romero said the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has the lowest unemployment rate at 3.2 percent and this needs to be remedied. “For a rich region such as ARMM, it is ironic that many people are faced with the reality of

joblessness,” said Romero.

“This is one of the things that we would like to address.”

Romero’s group intends to replicate the Emergency Employment Authority of late President Diosdado Macapagal, believing that the agency was successful in providing jobs for Filipinos.

1-Pacman, he said, will lay down its program on short-term, medium term, and long term job generation scheme. Romero, who has a doctorate degrees in Economic and Management, said 1-Pacman will give attention to Mindanao, saying social problems such as unemployment contribute to the peace problem of the region. “If we are able to provide work for the people, they will be swayed away from violence. In this way, we will be able to contribute to nation building, particularly on economic development, tourism, medical tourism, and generally, peace and security,” Romero said.

Romero recognized the

success of the government in easing out unemployment from 6.4 percent in 2014 from 7 percent the previous year, but he stressed more needs to be done.

“But we should do more and make enough jobs for the Filipinos. It is the our duty to provide better opportunities for those who do not have,” he said.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said 495,000 Filipinos were employed between April in 2014 and April 2015.

1-Pacman advocates for development of sports, education for children and youth, and job generation for poor Filipinos.

The group is supported by top Filipino athletes and sports personalities.

At present, Romero, who owns Air Asia and Harbour Center Port Terminal, has provided around 100,000 jobs to Filipinos and has sent over a thousand children to school for free. (PNA)

Winners of the Binibining Pilipinas 2016 beauty pageant, led by Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Maria Mika Maxine Medina (3rd from left), wave to the crowd shortly after they were crowned at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Monday. Medina will represent the country in this year’s Miss Universe pageant.(MNS photo)

Int’l events boost tourism industry in Siargao Island DAVAO CITY, April 18 (PNA) – The yearly international events regularly held in Siargao Island in the province of Surigao del Norte are big boosters to the tourism and economic growth in the island.

The prestigious Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament that concluded on Sunday, April 17 in Pilar town was able to gather 55 professional anglers from 9 countries including the Philippines.

Surigao del Norte 1st District representative Francisco Matugas said international events have paved the way in the improvement of the infrastructures in Siargao that further developed its tourism industry.

“The concreting of the 162-kilometer circumferential road is already completed that made tourism spots in the island more accessible to tourists, both local and foreign,” Matugas pointed out during the opening of the event.

He added that improvement of the airport in Siargao is already on the bag with the approval of the P3-billion expansion program aimed to widen and expand its runway and terminals.

“The expansion of Siargao airport is ready for bidding,”

Matugas stressed, citing that the bidding will probably proceed after the May 2016 elections.

Regular flights from and to Cebu City is presently being catered by Siargao airport but Matugas said its expansion will accommodate bigger planes and more flights in and out of the island.

The island is also the venue of two world surfing events that attract local and foreign tourists every year.

For 2016, two world surfing events are scheduled in Siargao, one in June and another in September.

Local businesses in Pilar town gained as the three-day game fishing event wrapped up on Sunday.

Among the sector that benefited most from the event are the catering and home stay programs of local residents organized by the Department of Tourism in the area (DOT-CARAGA).

Under the home stay program, residents were trained into basic hotel and restaurant management and services.

Local and foreign tourists, including the anglers stay in residences in Pilar town accredited by DOT-CARAGA under its home stay program.

The recently-concluded

world event in Pilar was joined by professional anglers from the USA, Spain, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, Netherlands and the Philippines.

Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas expressed gratitude to countries and anglers who joined the event.

Governor Matugas also thanked the residents in the area for their continued support to every international event.

To further boost the capability of Siargao Island, the congressional and provincial governments work hand-in-hand to improve facilities and venues for future events.

Construction of the P300-million sports complex that can accommodate 5,000 persons in already underway in the town of Dapa.

Matugas said Siargao Island will be hosting the 2017 regional games once the sports complex is completed.

Construction of the P100-million convention center in General Luna town is also 20 percent complete and is expected to be opened to various activities early next year.

General Luna hosts the yearly world surfing events every June and September.

(PNA)

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.

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

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 Offi ce 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 Delfi n Lorenzana.

Wreath-laying ceremony during the 74th Bataan Day Commemoration held at the World War II Memorial, National Mall on 08 April 2016

PHL tourist arrivals grow 20.42% to nearly 550,000 in February 2016

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 Tourism (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.

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.

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that through the Family Development Sessions (FDS), parents are educated on raising their children properly by encouraging them to go to school rather than forcing them to work.

FDS is conducted monthly by DSWD and partner non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in coordination with the private sector and civil society organizations.

It is a venue where topics on effective parenting, husband-and-wife relationships, child development, laws affecting the Filipino family, gender and development, home management, active citizenship, and electoral education are discussed.

FDS is one of the conditionalities that heads of the family beneficiaries have to attend in order for them not to be de-listed from the program.

“We can continue working together (with the DOLE) to fight child labor and build a brighter future for children.

Our aim is to have child labor-free barangays,” Secretary Soliman said.

She added that while the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program is not enough to completely keep children from working, it has made beneficiary-children spend less time working compared to their non-beneficiary

counterparts, presumably due to increased time spent in schooling.

If children are in school and studying, their parents will at least find ways to ensure that their children will not be forced to work and prioritize their studies.

In a recently-conducted international workshop addressing child labor, it has been observed that cash transfers are keys to eliminating child labor in other countries.

Paula Montagner of the Department of Evaluation and Information Management of Brazil said that the Brazilian Constitution, adopted in 1988, prohibits any form of work up to the age of 13 years old while 14 to 15 years old adolescents are allowed to participate in formal apprenticeship programs, as long as they keep attending school, while those between the ages of 16 and 17 years can work but still are subject to restrictions.

She added that since the start of the Bolsa Familia (social welfare) Program in 2004, the number of childlaborers aged five to 15 years decreased from 3.1 million to 1.36 million in 2014, while those aged five to 17 years declined from five million to 2.83 million from 2004 to 2014.

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sorties in Chicago, United States; Milan, Italy; New York, United States and Malta, but which were cancelled because of the resolution of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) prohibiting any partisan activity outside the Philippines from April 9, 2016 to May 9, 2016.

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The petitioner also asked the SC to immediately issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) or writ of preliminary injunction against the order of the Comelec and the provision of the Overseas Voters Act prohibiting the Filipinos abroad from engaging in partisan activity. (PNA)

The RAIN is aimed at mitigating the impact of the El Niño phenomenon on four areas –food security, energy security, health and safety. The action plan focuses on 67 El Niño-affected provinces throughout the country, including Metro Manila.

“Dapat nang maisakatuparan ang plano upang mabawasan ang pasaning dala ng ating mga magsasaka at matulungan silang makatawid habang naghihintay na mawala ang epekto ng El Niño,” Robredo said.

Robredo said she received reports that six municipalities, collectively known as BAKAS municipalities, in Zamboanga, still need assistance from the national government despite declaring a state of calamity in their area.

The municipalities— composed of Sindangan and Siayan in Zamboanga

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ident said in his speech.

“Pag natapos ito, inaasahang mapapatubigan ang buong 26,791 hectares na kasalukuyang service area ng Angat-Maasim River Irrigation System, mula 23,068 hectares lamang na napapatubigan nitong nakaraang cropping season.

Tinatayang 23,700 magsasaka ng Bulacan at Pampanga ang makikinabang dito.”

He further noted that to address the flooding in Bulacan, P3.41 billion had been allocated for flood control projects in the province from 2011 to 2016. These projects include the Valenzuela-Obando-Meycauayan Flood Control Project.

“Ang kwento sa atin, noong araw, maski high

del Norte and Dumingag, Mahayag, Midsalip and Sominot in Zamboanga del Sur—are hoping that the government will expedite the process of assessment and implementation to fully address the needs of the ag-

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from his rival candidates, saying his remarks were insensitive, unacceptable and shows lack of respect for women.

riculture sector in the area.

A lawyer for the poor, Robredo provided free legal aid to the marginalized sectors of society, including farmers, fishermen and abused women for a long time before becoming the

representative of the 3rd District of Camarines Sur. From sixth place in October, she is now in second place in the recent survey results with a few weeks to go before the elections.

(MNS)

President Benigno S. Aquino III’s spokesman Herminio Coloma says Duterte’s offer to serve as President “truly deserves scrutiny” and that his words shows his “lack of fitness” for the posi-

tion. Known for his brazen expletive-laced speeches and bragging about his sexual conquests, Duterte, 71, did not apologize for his comments, saying what he said was merely a joke. (PNA)

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“Nagulat kami. It seems unfortunate and I can only describe it as inappropriate.

Biktima ‘yung tao ‘tapos dinagdagan pa natin,” he said in an interview in Bulacan, where he accompanied his tandem, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, who was the speaker of the commencement exercises at the Bulacan State University

in Malolos City on Tuesday.

Marcos noted that the mayor took the joke too far because the life of a victim of a crime was involved.

“He took a step too far.

Kawawa naman yung biktima. Let’s be sensitive to someone who has already suffered as a victim of a crime,” the independent vice presidential said in a sepa-

rate interview at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City during a luncheon hosted by former Court of Appeals Justice Manuel Lazaro.

Duterte has made the headlines again over his comment on the rape of an Australian woman missionary, which happened several years ago. (PNA)

tide lang o kahit konti lang ang pag-ulan, binabaha na agad ang mga barangay.

Sa ilalim po ng inyong flood control project, nagpapagawa na tayo ng flood control wall para maiwasan ang perwisyo. At ang balita sa atin ay sa kasalukuyan napapakinabangan na po itong flood wall na ito,” he said.

The Chief Executive said that efforts to deal with the flood problem include the installation of two Automated Rain Gauges and 10 Water Level Monitoring Stations; and covering Malolos, Meycauayan and San Jose del Monte under the FloodNET, which provides rainfall forecasts and warnings.

President Aquino earlier led the groundbreaking of the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project in San Jose del Monte, the first

Public-Private Partnership project in the water sector to be awarded by the administration. “Nito ngang Enero, napirmahan na natin ang kontrata para sa Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project, at may preconstruction activities na sinisimulan na po.

July pa dapat magsisimula po ito, pero sa kasalukuyan, ginagawa na. Layon nga po ng mga proyektong ito, unang-una, mapalitan ‘yung pinagkukuhanan ng tubig na hindi na deep well,” he said. “Ito na po ay papunta tayo sa tinatawag na ‘surface water’. Resulta po nito: mas tiyak ‘yung tubig, mas malakas ‘yung pressure at mapapababa pa ‘yung gastusin ng tubig. Sa kasalukuyan raw po, ang average na binabayad ng inyong mga OSEC sa mga water district ay mga P20. Ito po ‘yung

nanalong bidder ay P8.50 per cubic meter ang isisingil,” he said, noting that once completed, the project would benefit 3 million Bulakeños.

All these projects, he said, are proof of his government’s intention to bring true service to the people.

“Kayo na po ang testigo: Magkakarugtong ang lahat ng proyekto natin; at nakatutok sa iisang layunin: ang iangat pa ang antas ng pamumuhay ng ating mga Boss. Ngayon, narito na tayo sa mas mataas na lunsaran: Pwede na muling mangarap, at mas mataas na ang kapasidad nating gawin itong realidad. Sa patuloy nating ambagan at malasakit, tiwala akong abot-kamay rin natin ang katuparan ng matatayog pa nating mithiin,” President Aquino said. (MNS)