US Asian Post April 29, 2016

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Vol. 5 No. 31

A BALITA MEDIA PUBLICATION

LOS ANGELES

Friday - Thursday, Apr. 29 - May 5, 2016

Sen. Grace Poe is not Plan B of President Aquino: Escudero

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, April 25 (PNA) – Vice presidential candidate Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero on Monday denied speculations that his running mate presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe is the secret candidate of President Benigno Aquino III. ”Yung napabalitang usapan diumano ni Senator Grace at ni Pangulong Aquino, wala pong ganoong nangyaring kaganapan.

Tinitiyak ko sa inyo, hindi po ako o kami ang Plan B dahil wala naman po yatang Plan B si Pangulong Aquino,” Escudero said in a media forum in Quezon City.

Escudero said the last time he talked with President Aquino was when he greeted the President on his birthday through text message last Feb. 8.

”Huli kaming nagkapalitan ng text, ni walang tawag o usap, ni Pangulong Aquino, ay noong grineet ko siya ng ‘Merry Christmas’, ‘Happy New Year’ at ‘Happy Birthday’, at nagpasalamat po siya,” Escudero said.

Last year, President Aquino tried to convince Poe to be the running mate of Liberal Party’s standard-bearer Manuel ‘Mar’ Roxas.

The lady senator, however, turned down the offer and instead decided to run as independent presidential candidate.

Due to the poor showing of Roxas in the previous presidential survey, rumors have circulated in the social media that President Aquino is secretly helping Poe’s presidential bid. ”It is not true. Secret, second or See GRACE PLAN B, page 12

Leni Robredo hopes to widen lead in campaign homestretch MANILA, Apr 25 (Mabuhay) – Liberal Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo on Monday said she hopes to widen her lead over erstwhile frontrunner Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the vice-presidential preference surveys in the last two weeks of the election campaign.

“Noong nag-uumpisa ako, at least iyong first few months, parang napaka-imposibleng kakayanin na humabol. Pero ngayon, nagkatotoo na,” Robredo said.

“Hindi pa comfortable ang lead.

Hairline pa iyong gap pero sana kaya kayaning ma-maintain sa last 14 days,” she added.

Robredo, the running mate of former Interior Sec. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, posted the biggest jump

in the latest survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) from April 18 to 20.

She posted a rating of 26 percent, a one-point lead over Marcos, who got 25 percent. The two candidates are statistically tied in the survey of 1,800 registered voters with sampling error margins of ±2 points.

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, meanwhile, was at third place with 18 percent, a three-point drop from his previous rating. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano trailed closely behind with 16 percent.

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Gringo Honasan, meanwhile, garnered 5 percent and 2 percent, respectively.

Robredo attributed her imSee LENI ROBREDO, page 12

Digitized World War II records launched MANILA, April 25 (PNA) – The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, in collaboration with the Filipino War Veterans Foundation Inc., officially launched to the general public the digitized surviving records of Filipino soldiers and guerillas during World War II that were retrieved from the Philippine Collection of the US National Archives and Records Administration in Maryland, USA. Officials present in the event were Undersecretary Ernesto G. Carolina, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Administrator; Gen. Renato De Villa, FILVETS Chairman; Col. Paterno Villoria; Dr. Senen Asuan; Col. Cesar Pobre; Brigadier Gen. William Esplana of Veterans Federation of the Philippines; Capt. Marlon Dantes of Philippine Veterans League; Teddy Atienza of National Historical Commission of the Philippines; Police Director Rufino Ibay, President of AFP Museum; Lt. Gen Raul Urgello and Gen Alexander Yano of FILVETS; Major General Jose P. Magno, Chairman of PVAO Multi-sectoral Governance Council; and Lt. Gen. Delfin Lorenzana.

“What PVAO, FILVETS, and Mr. Licuanan have ventured into is aimed at putting together the bits and pieces of the history of World War II in our country which are scattered in different institutions.

However, the bulk of the documents about World War II in the Philippines are in the custody of the US National Archives and Records Administration in Maryland, USA. With the digitization project, we just started to put the pieces back together. Later on, we shall build a Philippine Center for World War II Studies at the Dambana ng See WORLD WAR II, page 12

Presidential candidates Vice President Jejomar Binay, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Grace Poe and former DILG Secretary Mar Roxas share the stage during the 3rd presidential debate “PiliPINASDebates2016” at the PHINMA University of Pangasinan in Dagupan City on Sunday.(MNS photo)

Duterte pushes ‘kill criminals’ message MANILA, Apr 23 (Mabuhay) – Presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte Saturday renewed his vow to kill criminals as the tough-talking favourite hit the stump in the capital heading into the home stretch of a controversial campaign.

Seen by fans and foes alike as a real-life “Dirty Harry” made infamous by shadowy vigilante death squads, the 71-year-old mayor of Davao City is the surprise favorite in the race to succeed President Benigno Aquino.

“The drug pushers, kidnappers, robbers, find them all and arrest them. If they resist, kill them all,” he told about 2,000 people who cheered and shook their fists during a central Manila rally shortly after midnight.

“Go ahead and charge me with

murder, so I could also kill you.”

Duterte had earlier pledged to kill 100,000 criminals and dump so many in Manila Bay that the “fish will grow fat” from feeding on them.

More than 50 million people in the mainly Catholic Asian nation are qualified to vote on May 9 with Duterte holding a clear lead over four other candidates, including Aquino’s preferred successor.

Analysts say Duterte’s profanity-laced campaign resonates in a See DUTERTE, page 12

Political analysts say Duterte clear winner in final debate

MANILA, April 25 (PNA) – PDP-LABAN standard bearer and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte was the clear winner in the third leg of the Pilipinas Debates held at the Phinma University of Pangasinan, Dagupan City Sunday.

This was disclosed by political analysts who monitored the presidential debate sanctioned by the Commission on Elections.

See WINNER, page 12

Premier US tank-busting Tatad will ask BI to probe ‘status’ of Poe’s husband aircraft flying off MANILA, Apr 23 (Mabuhay) – ceedings. If there is a prima facie from Clark Air Base Former senator Francisco Tatad case for deportation, so be it,” Luna

By Priam F. Nepomuceno

MANILA, April 25 (PNA News Feature) -- The Fairchild Republic A-10C “Thunderbolt II,” the US military’s premier tank-busting aircraft, participated in the first American maritime situational awareness flight which took off from Clark Air Base last April 19.

The flight consists of four A-10Cs and two HH-60G “Pavehawk” helicopters.

These aircraft are part of the US Pacific Command’s Air Contingent deployed to Clark Air Base, in Angeles City, Pampanga.

The A-10 has an excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate and survivable weapons-delivery platform.

See TANK-BUSTING, page 12

will ask the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday to investigate claims that the husband of presidential bet Sen. Grace Poe is an American national who is working in the Philippines without a valid permit, a lawyer said Saturday.

Tatad’s counsel, Manuelito Luna, said “unnamed sources” at the BI tipped off the former lawmaker about the residency status of Neil Llamanzares, who was a former serviceman of the United States Air Force.

“He (Llamanzares) has to clear his name, considering that he’s claiming to be a dual [citizen] or a Filipino when in fact he is an American. If the sources here could be validated by the BI, then it’s up to the Philippine government to undertake the necessary pro-

said at a weekly media forum in Quezon City.

The lawyer said they will seek the probe because Llamanzares’ status is a “matter of national interest” as he is a spouse of someone who could be the country’s next president.

Tatad, represented by Luna, is one of the four petitioners who sought Poe’s disqualification from the presidential race.

Acting on the petitions, the Commission on Elections disqualified the senator from the presidential race, but the Supreme Court had ruled against it with finality.

In a statement, Poe’s camp slammed Luna for dragging Llamanzares into politics.

“It is so sad that his political See TATAD WILL ASK, page 12

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World still far from eliminating malaria: UN chief

Fisherfolk and marine conservation advocates sail the Fisherfolk’s Flotilla from Pogaro-Dagupan to TalabDagupan river on Sunday. The group urged candidates to include fisheries in their agenda to address poverty in coastal communities and the deteriorating conditions of Philippine fishing grounds.(MNS photo)

Aquino leads launching of disaster preparedness programs for communities, families

By Joann Santiago

MANILA, April 25 (PNA) – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday highlighted the need to be prepared in any calamities.

In his speech during the launching of the Listong Pamayanan (Fast/Ready Community) and Listong Pamilyang Pilipino (Fast/ Ready Filipino Family) in Royce Hotel and Casino in Pampanga, the President said that being prepared during times of calamities has enabled the government and the communities lessen the impact of disasters.

He cited as an example the experience when Typhoon Chedeng hit Regions 2 and 3 in April 2015, or more than a year after Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) damaged several provinces in the Visayas, particularly Leyte, and nearby provinces in November 2013.

He explained that Oplan Listo was launched in 2014 to help local government units (LGUs) prepare for disasters, thus, preventing

or lessening impact of calamities both on people and properties.

“Sa pagpapatupad natin ng Oplan Listo, naging mas handa ang ating mga lokal na pamahalaan, gaya nang nanalasa si Bagyong Chedeng noong 2015, kung saan nagkaroon tayo ng zero casualty sa mga apektadong lugar sa Region 2 at Region 3, kasama na ang Pampanga, sa kabila ng pagtaas natin ng storm signals sa mga lalawigan dito,” he said.

Thus, the launch of two new components of Oplan Listo - - the Listong Pamayanan and Listong Pamilyang Pilipino.

Under Listong Pamayanan, the government will conduct dialogues among stakeholders as well as simulation drills on tsunami and storm surge.

For Listong Pamilyang Pilipino, the Department of Social Welfare and Development will distribute guide maps that will teach people what to do during disasters as well as E-balde (emergen-

cy pail), which in turn will have emergency provisions like three gallons of water, ready-to-eat food, medicine, first aid and hygiene kit, shirts, flashlight and radio.

The President stressed that people cannot control nature but they can do something to be prepared for any eventualities.

“Nagsisimula ang kaligtasan sa tamang kaalaman at kahandaan, at ito nga po ang ginagawa natin sa ilalim ng ating programa,” he said.

“Hangad natin: Hindi lang agarang lingap, kundi maibsan din ang pinsala ng pagbaha at mailayo sa peligro ng pagbaha at mailayo sa peligro ang ating mga Boss,” he added. (PNA)

Mag

Tayo!

UNITED NATIONS, April 26 (PNA/Xinhua) – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday said that although new malaria cases have fallen by 18 percent since 2000, the world is still far from eliminating malaria, and Africa remains the biggest victim.

“In Africa, where the burden of malaria is greatest, the mortality rate has fallen by two-thirds,” Ban said in his message for the World Malaria Day, which falls on April 25.

Between 2000 and 2015, an estimated six million deaths from malaria were averted, thanks in part to efforts linked with the Millennium Development Goals, a set of eight anti-poverty targets which was replaced in 2016 by the Sustainable Development Goals, the secretary-general said.

“The increase in global financing for malaria has yielded impressive results,” he said, adding that more than half of the people in Africa are now protected by mosquito nets, up from less than 2 percent in 2000.

“The development and distribution of rapid diagnostic tests means cases can be identified and action taken quickly to prevent further spread of the disease,” Ban said.

“Investment in malaria prevention and treatment is one of the most cost-effective ways to spend money,” he said. “The World Health Organization estimates that anti-malarial efforts have saved USD900 million in healthcare costs alone since 2001, in addition to the economic contributions of people who would otherwise be sick.”

“Today, on World Malaria Day, we should celebrate these remarkable achievements in the battle against one of the world’s biggest killers,” he said. “But sadly, we are still far from eliminating malaria.”

Last year, there were 214 million new malaria cases and more than 400,000 deaths, he noted, adding that nearly nine in 10 cases were in Africa.

“Malaria is a formidable opponent, so there is no

guarantee that progress will continue,” he said. “If we lower our guard, experience shows that the disease may come back. Mosquitoes develop resistance to insecticides and malaria parasites can become resistant to medicines.”

Ban has commend the World Health Assembly for setting ambitious goals for 2030: reducing malaria cases and mortality by at least 90 percent; and eliminating malaria in at least 35 countries.

“Reaching these goals will require significantly greater investment in fighting malaria. But it will take more than money,” he said. “It will take political will and leadership.”

“On World Malaria Day, as we celebrate our progress against this ancient killer, I call on everyone involved to redouble our efforts to reach the 2030 malaria goals,” he said. World Malaria Day is an international observance commemorated every year on April 25 and recognizes global efforts to control malaria.

PHL eagle rescued and released in Apayao PUDTOL, Apayao, April 25 (PNA) – An endangered female Philippine eagle has been rescued by local fishers in this town while in search for food at the Nagan river, a hall of fame awardee as the cleanest and greenest inland body of water in the country.

Provincial Tourism Officer Rebekah Tamaken-Mamba told the PNA on Sunday a local fisher identified as Richard Tumas of Aurora village along with six others nearby saw a giant bird lost control when trying to catch an approximately four-kilo freshwater fish locally known as “carpa” or carp. Its feathers got submerged into the river.

Though unknown to them that it was a rare Philippine eagle, they immediately informed an employee Teddy Zuniga at the Pudtol local government who reported it to local authorities.

Mamba said the fouryear-old eagle was found and rescued on April 21 and released on Sunday morning

to its natural habitat – the Agora wildlife sanctuary in Barangay Lydia, this town.

Joining a group of the Philippine Eagle Foundation who is actively monitoring the presence of giant raptors in Apayao province including representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Provincial Veterinary Office, Local government unit of Pudtol and other local officials, Mamba said they were amazed to hear a “cry” of another eagle as they released “Ingagan” on Sunday or barely two days after she was rescued.

Ingagan’s name was derived from the Nagan river where she was found and rescued.

Prior to the release, Ingagan was brought by local authorities to Laoag City for an x-ray examination because of an old wound found in the body. Result showed an airgun bullet was found inside the body but authorities said it can be outgrown

over time.

Apayao residents take pride of its nature’s richness as the provincial government of Apayao continue to implement measures and programs to protect its environment while promoting various eco-tourism sites here to provide alternative livelihood and investment.

Last year, a live nest of the Philippine eagle was found in Calanasan town including more sightings in Mt. Lambayo in Pudtol, and in Mt. Asi in Kabugao.

To date, the Calanasan town government placed at least 25,000 hectares of its forests under the lapat system to ensure the protection and preservation of its flora and fauna. For a giant raptor like the Philippine eagle, it takes about 13,000 ha of untouched forests as its exclusive territory, prompting the Apayao government to draft a long-term plan to ensure that this natural heritage is preserved for generations.(PNA)

Tighter KYC measures now in place: Bangko Sentral MANILA, Apr 25 (Mabuhay) – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Monday assured the public that Philippine financial institutions are now imposing stricter know-your-customer (KYC) protocols, in the wake of the recent hacking which leaked personal data of millions of voters.

BSP Core Information Technology Specialist Group Head Mel Plabasan said banks have strengthened their KYC measures to avoid cases of identity theft after the recent “Comeleaks.”

Hackers broke into the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) website and exposed the personal information of millions of registered voters.

The stolen data from the

COMELEC was reposted on Thursday, April 21, as a searchable database on an independent site.

Banks are now cross-checking the identity of new customers with other institutions, on top of the 11 fields of information required to open an account, Plabasan noted.

For existing clients, customer sales associates are now going beyond asking for “static information” such as the maiden name of the applicant’s mother, address, and birth date.

Banks are now asking for previous transaction details to verify the identity of account holders.

Plabasan emphasized that clients must change passwords regularly and

avoid online transactions using a public network or unsecure Wi Fi. “It has become dangerous these days to divulge too much information,” he said The BSP on Friday issued a memorandum ordering all financial institutions to strengthen KYC practices.

“Customer identification procedures of BSFIs (BSP-supervised financial instititioins) that rely on static information which may be obtained from the disclosed Comelec records should be supplemented by requests for additional proof or secondary information to establish the true identity of new and existing clients,” BSP Deputy Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. said. (MNS)

Ombudsman orders graft raps vs Pichay, 3 LWUA officials MANILA, Apr 25 (Mabuhay) – The Ombudsman has ordered the immediate filing of graft charges against former Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) acting chairman Prospero Pichay Jr. and three other former officials over the allegedly questionable sporting event sponsorship in 2010.

Also ordered indicted were former LWUA deputy acting administrator Wilfredo Feleo, former senior deputy administrator Emmanuel Malicdem and former administrator Daniel Landingin.

The case stems from the P1.5 million LWUA funds released to sponsor a chess event named after Pichay.

The Ombudsman investigation stated the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, chaired by Pichay, wrote to LWUA on August 2010, asking for sponsorship of the “2nd Chairman Prospero Pichay Jr. Cup International Chess Championship”.

A week later, former administrator Daniel Landingin issued a memorandum suspending LWUA’s support to all sports and cultural activities to give way to their

operations expenditures.

Despite this, Feleo and Malicdim allegedly recommended the grant of sponsorship request for the Pichay Chess Championship.

Meanwhile, Feleo and Landingin signed the P1.5 million check to NCFP. Pichay allegedly received and benefited from the questioned funds.

The Ombudsman said the favor to NCFP was clear after it was given P1.5 million, which was “way more than the allocations for other sporting events amounting only to tens or hundreds of thousands.”

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Poe’s lack of leadership experience exposed in Mindanao statement MANILA, April 25 (PNA) – Sen. Grace Poe’s lack of leadership experience was exposed when she claimed that she will go to war to resolve the decades-long Mindanao conflict.

This stressed by Peter Laviña, spokesperson of PDP-LABAN standard bearer Rodrigo Duterte, in a statement Monday.

“Senator Grace Poe revealed herself as someone who will resort to war instead of peace to resolve the Mindanao problem,” he added.

“This character and preference of war over peace is the manifestation of Poe’s lack of understanding of the history of the Mindanao conflict and the appreciation of the state of unpeace on the island,” Laviña stressed.

During the third leg of Pilipinas Debates which was held in Dagupan, Pangasinan on Sunday, Poe said she will launch an all-out war against what she termed as terror groups that will refuse to negotiate and forge an agreement with the government.

“This revelation is startling as it showed that she is a threat to the Moro people and to Mindanao and to the peace-loving Filipinos who

have worked hard to put an end to the Moro armed rebellion,” Laviña said.

He also scored Poe’s apparent lack of understanding of the decades-old Moro struggle against discrimination, abuses, poverty, and other forms of injustice that pushed many of them to join the rebellion.

“It’s clear that Poe hasn’t seen the suffering of Mindanao because of the armed conflict. It’s clear that she hasn’t seen how ugly war can be to the civilians, especially to the children, the elderly, the women. It’s clear that she hasn’t seen too many deaths and grief because of the war in Mindanao,” Laviña disclosed.

In sharp contrast to Poe’s war prescription, Duterte said the conflict in Mindanao can only be resolved through inclusive peace negotiations.

Among the presidential candidates, it was only Duterte who provided a context to the Mindanao problem.

He said settlers came in droves to Mindanao because the Moro people would not work for the Americans in the early 20th century.

But the conflict that erupted from this cannot go on forever, he said.

“We have to talk. We can-

not fight forever,” Duterte said.

“We have to talk and we have to correct the historical injustice committed against our Moro brothers and sisters.”

One of the keys to establishing sustainable peace in Mindanao is federalism, Duterte said.

The PDP-LABAN standard bearer said he will pursue peace negotiations with the New People’s Army (NPA).

“There can be no peace, there can never be a Federal Government until we talk to the NPA, which has been fighting us in the 70s, estudyante pa ako. Ngayon, 70 years old na ako,” he said.

“It has to be development, but you have to make the peace there. Bago ka makagalaw. Kapag hindi mo nakausap ito in peace talks, everything will fail,” he said.

Duterte also underscored the importance of fulfilling the aspirations of the Moro people.

“I would like to tell you, and I’m telling you now that in the Republic of the Philippines, nothing will appease the Moro people if you do not give them the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law),” he said. (PNA)

Palace cites ‘well-prepared’ Roxas, hits Duterte performance DAGUPAN CITY, Apr 25 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Monday dismissed allegations that administration bet Mar Roxas had received “advanced information” that helped him during the final presidential debate held in this city the night before.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told the media that all candidates were briefed about the debate topics beforehand.

“The topics were given to all the candidates ahead of time to prepare,” he said in a text message.

Referring to to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who is now leading the presidential race, Lacierda said:

“Ang problema kay Digong (Duterte) at ang team nya, mahilig sa soundbite at tamad mag research, hindi nya alam na sarili nyang Davao City, nakikinabanang sa Philhealth.” (The problem with Digong and his team is that they prefer soundbites and are lazy when it comes to research. He does not know that in Davao City people are benefitting from Philhealth.)

Lacierrda said that Roxas was more knowledgeable than Duterte and Vice President Jejomar Binay, whom he said were experienced only on local governance.

“So sa mga undecided po na mga voters (So for the

undecided voters), the third debate presented an opportunity to see who among the presidentiables will be able to lead our country forward … and without corruption,” Lacierda said.

Some analysts said Roxas and Senator Grace Poe performed well during the debate held at the Phinma University of Pangasinan on Sunday evening. However, they added it did little to erode the support that Duterte had been receiving.

Duterte continues to enjoy high preference ratings despite his controversial comment on the rape-slay of Australian missionary Jacqueline Hamill.(MNS)

Duterte on Trillanes’ killing allegations: ‘It’s all for news’ MANILA, Apr 23 (Mabuhay) – Senator Antonio Trillanes IV may be just seeking attention when he claimed that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte personally told him how he killed people mercilessly.

This is what Duterte told reporters in Silang, Cavite on Friday evening.

“I know the purpose, para nasa news siya. Baka sakali manalo siya,” he said.

The statement came after Trillanes said in a report that he personally heard Duterte talk about shooting people in their head, kneeling down during a meeting April 2015. He said that the meeting was set up by a com-

mon friend. They discussed the possibility of running together, Trillanes said.

Trillanes is running for vice president without a running mate. In surveys, he is either at second to the last or last spot.

Duterte admitted that he met with Trillanes, but did not provide specifics on the meeting. He said that Trillanes asked him to be his president when he runs for vice president. But Duterte said he closed the possibility right away.

“Alam mo si Trillanes, hindi ko kilala. Nag-picture kami isang beses. Nakiusap siya sa akin sa Linden [Suites] na gawin niya

akong—vice president siya.

Sabi ko, ‘Huwag ka lang magalit. You are not deserving.’ Nagkudeta ang gago.

Sinira ang hotel. Pinagkakalat sa mundo at ngayon nagyayabang pa,” he said.

“Sabi ko, ‘Hindi ka pwede.

Madumi ang record mo. Sa militar, pinag-iinsulto mo pa,’” Duterte also said.

He repeated these sentiments during his rally in Pandacan, Manila later that night.

The Davao City mayor repeatedly denied hand in killing people while they are helpless. But he has been open about killing criminals in line with law enforcement duties. (MNS)

Senator Grace Poe elated by support of six governors from Bicol region

By Jelly F. Musico

PANGASINAN, April 25 (PNA) – Independent presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe has expressed appreciation for the support extended to her by the six governors of Bicol region. ”The supports of the local leaders are very important for what we fight,” Poe told the media in an ambush media interview during her campaign sortie on Monday in Malasiqui here.

Poe was referring to the support given to her by Gov. Joey Salceda of Albay, Gov. Migz Villafuerte of Camarines Sur, Gov. Edgardo Tallado of Camarines Norte, Gov. Raul Lee of Sorsogon, Gov. Rizalina Seachon Lanete of Masbate, Gov. Arceli

Wong and Vice Gov. Jose Teves of Catanduanes.

While thanking the support of the Bicol region’s top local leaders, Poe said it still the people who will decide on the election day. ”It will depend on the people. It’s really the candidate assuring the people that the platform of government is really something that will address their needs, something that will resonate to them; otherwise, no matter how good your political machinery is, if the people won’t accept your message, your platform will be meaningless,” Poe explained.

Among the platforms of government that Poe will offer for the Bicol region is the revival of the rail-

way system; subsidy for the farmers; improved health services, free college education and intensify local industry. ”The time has come for Bicolanos to rise up from poverty,” Poe said.

Poe’s running mate Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero also got supports from Tallado, Villafuerte, Lee and Salceda.

Meanwhile, Ako Bicol partylist has expressed its full support for the decision of all six governors of the Bicol Region to support the presidency of Poe. The partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe said their group has already forged an alliance with all the governors of the Bicol Region to ensure the victory of Poe.

Supporters of various candidates struggle to get thru the thick crowd to get to the University of Pangasinan where they have tickets for the Pilipinas Debates 2016. All of the presidential candidates confirmed attendance to the final presidential debate prior to the May 9 elections.(MNS photo)

SWS: Duterte widens lead; Robredo, Marcos in a tie MANILA, Apr 25 (Mabuhay) – Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has pulled away from the pack of presidential candidates while Rep. Leni Robredo and Sen. Bongbong Marcos are in a statistical tie in the vice-presidential race, according to the latest BusinessWorld-Social Weather Stations (SWS) pre-election survey.

Duterte, in the April 1820 survey conducted after his controversial April 12 statement on the rape-slay of an Australian woman, saw his voter preference rating rise to 33%.

He had a 27% voter preference rating in an earlier BusinessWorld-SWS survey

held March 30-April 2.

His nearest rival, Sen. Grace Poe, has a 26% voter preference rating, up one percentage point from previous poll.

Administration standard bearer Mar Roxas is in third place with 19%, while Vice-President Jejomar Binay dropped to fourth place with 14%.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is in fifth spot with 2%.

The survey, which covered 1,800 validated voters, has an error margin of plus-minus 2 points.

A significant development is the surge of Robredo in the vice-presidential race.

It showed the widow of

the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo gaining seven percentage poings with 26%, while erstwhile race leader Marcos has 25%.

Sen. Francis Escudero dropped to third place with 18%, followed by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano with 16%.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV has 5%, while Sen. Gregorio Honasan II has a 2% voter preference rating in the vice-presidential race, the survey said.

Reelectionist senators Franklin Drilon of the Liberal Party and Vicente Sotto III of the Nationalist People’s Coalition are in the top two slots in the race for 12 upper House seats, according to the survey.

Thousands of 4Ps beneficiaries express support to Roxas-Robredo tandem

By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, April 25 (PNA) – Almost 10,000 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) gathered on Monday afternoon at Liwasang Aurora of the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City to express their support to the Roxas-Robredo presidential and vice presidential tandem in the May 9 elections.

The gathering was attended by 4Ps parent-leaders and household beneficiaries from the National Capital Region (NCR) who shared their sentiments and assessments of what other candidates are promising to them just to win their votes.

Most of them said that obviously, there are candidates who have criticized the program before but are now enticing them with shining promises. “Maraming kandidato ang nangangakong ipagpapatuloy ang 4Ps, pero sa lahat sa kanila, kay Mar at Leni lang talaga kami nagtitiwala. Sila ‘yung matagal nang sumusuporta sa programa bago pa man mag-eleksyon,” said Maria Elena Lagumbay, a 4Ps Par-

ent-Leader from Quezon City.

Lagumbay was one of the 4Ps mothers who spearheaded the event dubbed as “Lakas ng Pantawid: Kami naman ang Magtatawid sa Daang Matuwid.”

The participants came from the 16 cities and one municipality of Metro Manila, including Quezon City, Caloocan City, Malabon City, Valenzuela City, Pasig City, and Makati City.

They said that it is their way of showing their support to the “Tuwid na Daan” path that has provided opportunities for them to enjoy the benefits of seeing their children in school, healthy and can have a better future.

“Ang mensahe ng aming pagkilos ay ‘Kami naman ang Magtatawid sa Daang Matuwid.’ Anim na taon kaming itinawid mula sa hirap ng programang ito, kami naman ang magtatawid sa kanila ngayon,” said Lorie Mejica, another 4Ps beneficiary from Caloocan City.

The 4Ps is the government’s conditional cash transfer program that was started in 2008, or during the time of former President

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

It was continued and enhanced under the “Daang Matuwid” program of President Benigno S. Aquino III in support of his agenda of inclusive growth wherein no one will be left behind, especially the poorest sectors of society. In the past years, critics have tagged 4Ps as a dole-out program that makes its beneficiaries lazy, even calling it “limos” (alms) in some instances.

The parent-leaders said that some legislator have also questioned its sustainability and effectiveness in reducing poverty in the country.

However, in the months leading up to the May 2016 elections, candidates both in the national and local level—including some who previously criticized it – have publicly declared their support for 4Ps and promised to add innovations to the program. It can be recalled that sometime in March, a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey noted that four out of five Filipinos would vote for a candidate who will sustain this conditional cash transfer program.

4

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Wrong choice of leaders this May election may impact on the economy, says Palace MANILA, April 23 (PNA) – The Filipino public must make the right choice this coming May polls to sustain the economic gains by the administration and avoid reverting back to uncertainty, a Palace official said.

Standard & Poor Ratings Services affirmed the the country’s ‘BBB’ long-term and ‘A-2’ short-term sovereign credit ratings of the Philippines citing the country’s strong external position, its big foreign reserve and low external debt.

But Standard & Poor’s warned that the country’s ratings could drop if there is a slow down in the government reform agenda or reverse the current economic gains.

The Philippines has obviously improved its credit standing and this reflects in the domestic loans that became favorable to consumers, Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) said in a radio interview Saturday.

“At kung sinasabi na investment grade ang Pilipinas. Ibig sabihin ‘nun may tiwala din ang merkado sa lahat ng mga Pilipino at dahil bahagi tayo ng pambansang ekonomiya,” he told dzRB Radyo Ng Bayan.

Standard & Poor’s is right in its cautioning note because the country strived hard to attain such high credit rating, Quezon said.

“Ito ay naidulot dahil nagkaroon tayo ng fiscal prudence, maayos ang paggastos, pag-handle ng salapi ng sambayanan at responsable ang mga patakaran ng gobyerno,” he said.

As the new administration takes office in the middle of this year, Quezon said it is free to alter, reverse or amend the existing economic government policies.

The country’s high ratings isn’t infinite and they must be nurtured and protected because they are based on a track record. And if these ratings are taken for granted, there will be consequences, he said.

“So, it’s a timely reminder to all of us to vote on the basis of a responsible frame of mind,” Quezon said. (PNA)

Farmers: ‘We were promised P20K livelihood aid, rice’

By Edwin O. Fernandez

KORONADAL CITY, April 23 (PNA) – More than 200 of the farmers who trooped here on Thursday night were duped by organizers they will receive one sack of rice from the local government, officials said Saturday.

Roberto Bagong, municipal disaster risk reduction and management council (MDRRMC) officer of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, said the farmers from his town were not informed about the protest action at the SOCCSKSARGEN regional center where about 2,000 farmers from other parts of Region 12 converged to demand for rice from the Department of Agriculture (DA-12) here.

“They were told that if they want to receive one sack of rice from the government and a Php 20,000 livelihood assistance, they should board the hauler truck from Lake Sebu town to nearby Surallah where the distribution will take place,” Bagong said in Filipino.

“Upon reaching Surallah town, they were told not to disembark from the truck and wait for further instruction,” he added. “Later in the afternoon of Thursday, they were told that rice distribution will take place in Koronadal City, so they agreed to go here and stayed overnight along the national highway,” Bagong said.

On Friday morning, they were hauled again to the regional center located in Barangay Carpenter Hills where tents were put up and told to wait for rice distribution.

“After we were told, the local government ‘rescued’ them, all those from Lake Sebu, and brought back to town where rice distribution will take place Monday,” Bagong said, adding that the only authorized to distribute rice for drought victims is the Philippine National Red Cross as provided for under Omnibus Election Code.

South Cotabato has been placed under state of calamity due to long dry spell.

Bagong said the farmers belonging to the Indigenous Peoples sector were from the villages of Tasiman, Lamfugon and Ned, in Lake Sebu.

After they were given breakfast by the Lake Sebu MDRRMC, they were sent back home.

“Akala namin may bigas at livelihood assistance, pagdating namin dito rally pala, ayaw namin ganito mabuti kinuha kami ng LGU namin,” said Jerome Blasan, one of the farmers from Barangay Tasiman, Lake Sebu.

“We were told by organizers whom we do not know personally, to bring extra clothes because the distribution of livelihood assistance my take some time,” he added.

Another farmer from Saranggani province, Sonia Bastida, 45, said the organizers told them to join the rally so they can receive Php 20,000 livelihood assistance and one sack of rice.

“That is why we boarded the truck to join the protest because life back home was really hard (due to drought),” Bastida, a corn farmers, told reporters. Supt. Barney Condes, Koronadal City police chief, said the local police were exercising maximum tolerance to prevent violence.

“So far the protest action is peaceful and no untoward incident have occurred,” Condes said. “We remained on alert following reports of possible communist infiltration.”

Rally organizers said they would only leave the regional center if South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Fuentes would come and talk to them.

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OPINION

In debate, Roxas outshines rivals, provides concrete answers to issues

By Cielito M. Reganit

DAGUPAN CITY, April 25 (PNA) – Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas on Sunday provided the most concrete platform on how to solve the most pressing issues facing the country while his rivals mostly made promises and issued general plans during the third and last presidential debate held at the Phinma University of Pangasinan here.

All the presidential candidates were present in the town hall style debate with Roxas being joined by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Grace Poe. The administration bet came out as the most prepared among the candidates as he tackled issues on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) territorial dispute, contractualization and job security, traffic and issues plaguing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

On the WPS issue, Roxas said that he would simultaneously address the personal problems being faced by affected fisherfolk while addressing the issue in the diplomatic front.

“We would enrol all affected fishermen into the government’s cash for work program, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Philhealth and ensure that their children would all have fee education. This is to ensure that they would not be helpless while the issue has not been resolved,” he said.

At the same time, the administration bet said that his government would pursue the arbitration case the Philippines had filed in the United Nations (UN) as the country cannot deal with powerful China alone.

In contrast, Binay said he would talk with China and ask the superpower to let Filipino fishermen fish in the disputed waters while the issue is being heard in the UN. Santiago said that she would tackle the issue diplomatically while Duterte said that while he would not go to war, he would jetski and plant the Philippine flag in the disputed reefs no matter what the Chinese would do to him.

Meanwhile, Poe said that she would ask help from other countries while ensuring that we do not surrender Philippine sovereignty in the process.

On the traffic issue, Roxas’ rivals mostly vowed to build new railway systems and expand both the present Light Rail Transit and Mass Rail Transit system.

Roxas retorted that while what they said were mostly plans, the present administration had already laid the groundwork to such expansions and vowed to see them to conclusion at the designated completion date should he be elected.

“More coaches are already being added to the MRT at the rate of 12 coaches per month – or 144 new coaches in the end o a year. Meanwwhile, we have already broken ground for MRT-7 and LRT-2. The

extension of LRT-1 to Bacoor has already being bid out while plans for its Phase 2 extending it to Calamba, Laguna is already finished,” he said.

MRT-7 is to be completed by 2018 while LRT-2 on 2017.

“Pina-plano pa lng nila, tayo, ginagawa na natin [They are still planning it but we have either done it or doing it],” Roxas said.

The Team Daang Matuwid standard bearer also came out on top on the issues of contractualization and support for OFWs..

While each of his rivals vowed to end contractualization, with Duterte even saying to stop the unfair labor practice the moment he wins, only Roxas provided a concrete time frame to end it.

“I will end the practice within three months into my term, the time it would take for Congress to enact a law that will plug the loopholes in the Labor Code.

Babanggain natin ang mga malalaking interest kung kinakailangan tulad ng pag-bangga natin sa mga malalaking interest noong isinusulong natin ang Cheaper Medicine Act,” he said.

“But more importantly, my administration would act to generate more jobs. We will bring in more investments that provide permanent jobs. More permanent jobs would mean that OFWs would not return abroad anymore because they would have permanent employment here in their own country,” Roxas said.

However, the LP bet said that despite the various accomplishments of the administration in stamping out corruption and ushering in a period of unhampered economic growth, Roxas twitted his rivals for using the frustrations of the people on these issues to make them forget that true change could not just be attained through insults and sound bites.

“True change could be attained because we act on it. And this is what the elections have come down to - the talkers versus the doers. Those that bring out the worst in us versus those that bring out the best in us; those ‘yung mga susunugin lahat ng pinaghirapan natin, kontra doon sa mga magdidilig at magbabantay sa mga itinanim natin,” he said.

He said that turning the country from the Sick Man of Asia to Asia’s Bright Star is just the beginning.

“This is just the foundation; the best is yet to come,” he said.

“Another six years of honest, decent, hardworking governance at mararating na natin ang ating pinapangarap - isang Pilipinas na maunlad at disente, puno ng pagkakataon, malaya sa takot, at malayang mangarap. Ito ang maunlad at disenteng Pilipinas, may dangal, may takot sa Diyos, maipagmamalaki mo. Ito ang Pilipinas na ipinaglalaban natin. Dakila ang ating lahi. Dakila ang ating bansa. This is a fight worth fighting. This is a fight for our country,” Roxas said. (PNA)

UP exec picks Poe winner of presidential debate

By Johanne Margarette R. Macob

DAGUPAN CITY, April 25 (PNA) – Political analyst and University of the Philippines (UP) vice president for public affairs, Dr. Prospero “Popoy” de Vera, believes Senator Grace Poe was the best in terms of consistency in the three presidential debates.

De Vera, who was at the last presidential debate held at Phinma University of Pangasinan in Dagupan City on Sunday said, “Because this is the third in a series of debates, Grace Poe was the best in terms of consistency- grasp of issues, clarity of solutions, ability to explain position on issues- from the 1st to 3rd debates.”

“The format (town hall) and issues (health, education, employment and those that affect families) in the debate also helped her emphasize her being a mother that cares for the family,” he added.

The town hall format allowed ordinary Filipinosrepresenting different sectors in the society- to ask questions to the five presidential bets.

De Vera also noted that Poe’s closing statement, particularly her reference to the parent and child in the audience, “was powerful and brought tears to people in the audience and possibly those watching on television.” Poe, in her closing statement, remarked, “Jhessa, ikaw ang dahilan kung bakit ako naririto.

Dahil ako ay may anak na katulad mo rin. Bilang isang babae, bilang isang nanay: matitiis mo ba na malaman na milyon milyong bata ang hindi makakain sa ating bansa?”

The aspiring president also vowed that a woman

can perform the responsibilities of a president, the way she performs her responsibilities as a mother.

“Ang mga babae ay mapagtimpi, ang mga babae pasensyosa, ang mga babae ay mapagmahal pero pag nilagay mo sa alanganin ang mga mahal nila sa buhay, ang mga babae ay hindi sumusuko,” she said.

Meanwhile, De Vera noted that Vice President Jejomar Binay “performed better than expected given that he did not do well in the second debate.”

The debate format gave him enough time to explain details of what he wants to do for families, he added.

On the other hand, administration bet Mar Roxas, in an interview after the debate, hit Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for his answer in regard the Philippines’ claim over the South China Sea. Roxas said Duterte’s answer was not realistic and would only endanger the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Duterte, during the debate, said he would talk to China and if the China insists on its claim, he would go to the nearest Philippine-China boundary.

He said he would ride on jetski and bring with him a Philippine flag in the area to mark the country’s sovereignty.

“Then I would say this is ours and do what you to do with me,” said Duterte.

“Sabi niya pupunta siya ro’n, alam ba niya na the AFP are supposed to protect him e kung maraming mamatay?’ Yan ba ay responsableng kilos ng isang pangulo, dahil lamang sa pa-drama, pa-hero?.” said Roxas.

Petition to deport Poe’s husband baseless: spokesman

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, April 23 (PNA) – A spokesman of Senator Grace Poe on Saturday described as baseless a petition by lawyer Manuelito Luna to file deportation case against presidential aspirant Senator Grace Poe’s husband Niel Llamanzares. ”Mr. Llamanzares is a natural born Filipino citizen, born to Filipino parents. The allegations of Mr. Luna are baseless lies concocted by a troubled mind,” Poe’s spokesman Mayor Rex Gatchalian said in a press statement.

Luna is the lawyer of former Senator Francisco Tatad who filed a petition in the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to cancel the candidacy of Poe. The disqualification was eventually junked by the Supreme Court. ”It is so sad that his political obsession has now reached a point where non-candidates are being harassed. Since he did not get what he wanted when he attacked Senator Poe, he is now on a rampage and unfairly harassing the family of Senator Poe,” Gatchalian, a reelectionist mayor of Valenzuela City, said. ”This political oppression has to stop immedi-

ately. We are calling on Mr. Luna to spare private individuals and to focus the electoral discourse on important issues facing our country like poverty and unemployment,” he added.

Poe’s running mate Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero said Luna’s move was a politically-motivated attempt to harass Poe, one of the leading presidential candidates. ”Mr. Neil Llamanzares is natural-born Filipino, having born of Filipino parents, and can stay as such or as a dual citizen under Republic Act 9225, or the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003,” Escudero explained.

Escudero, a lawyer by profession, said Luna’s petition was bound to fail “because such petition has no basis at all. ”It will not prosper. Anyone who attempts to petition the deportation of Mr. Llamanzares is ignorant of the law,” Escudero said.

After their incessant attacks on Sen. Grace Poe, her detractors are now training their sights on Mr. Llamanzares, and we would not be surprised if their next targets are their three children. These, too, will not succeed,” he added.

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5

ENTERT

INMENT

Kiray’s red-hot right now

KC Concepcion’s birthday wish: To meet ‘The One’

Former “Goin’ Bulilit” mainstay, Kiray Celis describes her career as sizzling. “Yes, like the weather. Ang init init na ‘di mo mawari.

“And I’m just so grateful to Mother Lily (Monteverde) and her daughter, Ate Roselle,” Kiray beamed.

Kiray has just inked a five-picture contract with the Monteverde’s Regal.

And her first assignment is “I Love You To Death,” with no less than Enchong Dee as her leading man. The Kapamilya star happens to be one of Kiray’s crushes.

Directing “I Love You To Death” is Miko Libelo.

Kiray was last seen in the Regal movie, “Love Is Blind,” which co-starred her with Derek Ramsey and Solenn Huessaff. (MNS)

Kiray Celis

Billy on Coleen: ‘Sexy siya, pero akin lang siya’

Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia

TV host Billy Crawford revealed that he has already asked for the blessing of Coleen Garcia’s father in case they decide to tie the knot soon.

The 33-year-old “It’s Showtime” host said he considers his girlfriend’s father as part of his “barkada.”

“We just really click. Sobrang nag-effort din ako na

makilala ang buong pamilya niya,” he said. “Alam ng daddy niya na siguro du’n talaga kami papunta, in due time.”

Crawford, however, refused to discuss other details of their conversation.

According to him, he still wants Garcia to take advantage of her youth by achieving her career goals.

“Well, for me, I would love to get married as soon as now, kung gugustuhin ko lang. But she’s only 23, turning 24 this September,” he said. “She has a lot of goals pa that she wants to achieve, so I’ll give her the time.”

Crawford also expressed how proud he is of Garcia, when she accepted the offer to wear a “barely there nude swimwear” for a fashion magazine.

“Of course, I am proud, pero akin lang siya,” he quipped. “Sexy siya, oo, agree ako sa lahat, pero akin lang siya.” (MNS)

Shaina on Bea-John Lloyd: ‘It’s none of my business’ Shaina Magdayao refused to comment when asked about reports romantically linking her best friend Bea Alonzo to her ex-boyfriend John Lloyd Cruz.

“Dapat pa ba akong mag-react? I don’t think kailangan kong mag-react.

That’s totally out of the environment kung saan ako gumagalaw ngayon and it’s actually none of my business,” Magdayao said at a press conference announcing the second season of the Cinema One series “Single/ Single.”

Magdayao also declined to comment when asked about the breakup of Cruz and Angelica Panganiban.

In a previous interview, Panganiban hinted that she might be the reason why Magdayao broke up with Cruz.

“Dapat wala din akong say doon because that’s totally out of my world. Until now hindi ko alam if it’s even confirmed. Hindi kasi ako nagsasalita sa mga things na hindi ko naman alam to begin with. Mahirap makisawsaw sa buhay ng ibang tao, the same way na I don’t want them to do that to me also. Magkaibang mundo kami ngayon. Magkaibang mundo ang ginagalawan namin so ayaw ko munang mag-comment,” she said.

Magdayao did say that she is now friends again with Cruz and have even worked

KC CONCEPCION’s one wish during her 31st birthday last April 7 was to finally meet her “love match.”

“Sana mahanap na ako ni ‘The One’. Hindi yung ako ang naghahanap. Hanapin niya ako! Sweep me off my feet,” said the actress.

She added that if there is someone worth mentioning, she will share it to the public but said she would still keep the relationship private.

“Kapag talagang super special na siya saka ko na lang iku-kwento. Ang dami ko nang pinagdaana sa love life ko. You know why? Kasi feeling ko ang dami nang nagyayari sa akin. It’s not just my love life,” she said.

“Hindi ba pwedeng bigyan niyo ako ng chance pag-usapan ang trabaho ko kasi nagwo-work naman ako? Ang ganda lang na, for once, hindi lang about lovelife ang sinasabi ko,” she added.

But she assures everyone that even though she is single now, she is very happy.

Meanwhile, Concepcion shared that she is hesitant to work opposite her mother, Megastar Sharon Concepcion.

KC Concepcion

The actress explained that she gets shy when acting in front of Cuneta and it’s enough already that their life is open to the public.

“Nahihiya ako kay Mama.

I’ll learn a lot from my mom (sa acting), I’m sure. Pero makiki-sit in na lang siguro ako sa kanya.”

As to working with ex-boyfriend Piolo Pascual,

the actress did not discount the possibility but said they should both approve the project.

“If there’s anything na may project we would have to talk about it and of course pareho kaming 100 percent.

Kasi ang hirap na hindi ka 100 percent, kasi unfair naman ‘yun sa mga manonood,” she ended.(MNS)

Jasmine admits relationship with new beau Jasmine Curtis-Smith did not shy away from questions regarding her rumored relationship with surfer Jeff Ortega.

In an interview, the 22-year-old Jasmine admitted that she and Ortega are already a couple.

“Oo,” she simply said.

Rumors about the two first swirled when Jasmine was spotted with Ortega in a photo uploaded by her sister, actress and “It’s Showtime” host Anne Curtis. Early April, Jasmine also celebrated her 22nd birthday with her rumored beau.

Anne, who was with Jasmine, said that she approves of Ortega.

“Masaya ako. Mabait talaga. Parang nakikilala ko na siya before pa. Tapos nakikita ko kung paano siya um-effort kay Daddy, kay Mommy ...cute,” she said.

Anne, who has admitted to being vocal about her thoughts on the guys her sister dates, was rumored to have been the reason behind

Jasmine Curtis-Smith

Curtis-Smith’s split with singer Sam Concepcion.

Her name has since been

cleared by Curtis-Smith, who said that her sister “had nothing to do with it.” (MNS)

Jolina talks about new morning show with Karla Estrada, Melai Cantiveros

Shaina Magdayao

together in last year’s fantasy series “Nathaniel.”

But asked if she’s friends with Panganiban, Magdayao said: “I guess I’m okay with everyone but we are not close to begin with. But you know life is short, madami ng namamatay ngayon. Bakit ka pa gagawa ng friction with any other individual?”

“You know, I’m just here sa showbiz, sa mundong ito, to work and that’s it. Nothing else. Lahat ng ginagawa ko it’s just work and my life, my personal life, is bigger than this world. Siguro ito lang ang exposed sa inyo but madami pang nangyayaring maganda sa buhay ko out-

side of show business.”

Magdayao also dismissed the idea that there is a chance that she and Cruz could get back together.

“Wala namang nangyayari talaga ngayon. It’s really far from my world. My world is really big but the industry is very small. At ano ba, four years na ang nakalabas. It’s not naman new that we bump into each other. Nagkatrabaho din naman kami sa ‘Nathaniel.’ I think mas importante na I’m okay with him, we are okay, we say hi to each other and I think ‘yun lang yon, nothing more, nothing less,” she said.

(MNS)

Singer-actress Jolina Magdanagal shared new details about her new morning show, “Magandang Buhay.”

Co-hosted with Karla Estrada and Melai Cantiveros, “Magandang Buhay” will air weekdays after “Umagang Kay Ganda.”

The new show will be a reunion of sorts for the Magdangal, Estrada and Cantiveros, who first costarred in reality singing competition, “Your Face Sounds Familiar.”

The television host asked Magdangal if it is pressure for the three to be on the timeslot previously occupied by “Queen of Talk” Kris Aquino, who went on a showbiz hiatus.

“Iba syempre. Iba syempre ‘yung kay Ate Kris kasi s’ya ‘yun eh. Kumbaga, ‘yung sa amin, hind rin kami nagpapaka parang alam namin lahat. Kaya parang sinasabi namin na

Jolina Magdanagal

pare-pareho tayong matututo dito,” Magdangal said.

Siguro, ‘yung sa amin, kunga no ‘yung gustong

makita ng mga tao. Iba ‘yung kay Ate Kris, iba rin ‘yung sa amin.,” the actress added. (MNS)

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UTREACH Charter carries ABS-CBN International’s Lifestyle Network into TFC package

By Abner Galino

THE ABS-CBN International’s Lifestyle Network has been launched recently on Charter’s Spectrum TV, a leading provider of in-language television programming in the US. Held at Out of Asia, a Filipino-owned antique furniture shop in Los Angeles, the modest launch was hosted by three-time Emmy nominated Filipino-American producer-turned-host Marc Anthony Nicolas and Keesa Ocampo, ABS-CBN International’s corporate affairs officer.

Nicolas also runs his own talk show titled “On your Marc!” for the Lifestyle Network.

According to the duo, the Lifestyle Network will be a blend of programming from the Philippines, the U.S. and other countries.

It will strive to cover concerts and local festivals, a

mix of entertainment, food, travel, culture and lifestyle programs in both English and Tagalog.

Lifestyle Network is the first network to target first and second generation Filipino-Americans.

In a brief speech, Jun del Rosario, head of Carriage and Marketing for ABSCBN Global, said that aside from bringing in shows to the US, the Lifestyle Network would also export shows to the Philippines.

Among the shows that will be included in the channel are the food show called “Chef’s Table,” a lifestyle magazine program called “Us Girls,” the news program “The World Tonight” and Nicolas’ talk show called “On your Marc.”

Charter’s Spectrum TV is offering TFC and Lifestyle Network as part of the Filipino View Package for $19.99 per month, featuring

a total of six channels.

TFC is a 24-hour general entertainment channel featuring daily news, soap operas or dramas, game and reality shows, and children’s programs in Tagalog.

“With over 20 years of experience, TFC has become and continues to be the global brand of excellence in Filipino content. Together, TFC and Lifestyle Network create a strong and compelling package that appeals to the fast-growing Filipino-American community.

We are grateful to Charter for including both networks as part of their Filipino View Package,” Del Rosario said in a statement.

Interestingly, the 43,000-square-foot Out of Asia owned by Edna Luer fits right into the mold of stories that the Lifestyle Network would be covering to showcase arts and trades involving Filipino-Ameri-

Keesa Ocampo, ABS-CBN International’s Corporate Affairs Officer, and host Marc Nicolas guide guests into the contents and features of Lifestyle Network. Photo: Joe Cobilla

cans and other expatriates.

Out of Asia has a wide range of product collections that originated from the Philippines, Indonesia, India, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. The antique collections were mostly from

China, Korea, Japan, Spain, Netherland, France and Great Britain.

Many of the furniture items there were made from indigenous materials such as bamboo, rattan, raffia and hemp. Others were

made from teak, mahogany, molave, ebony, shell, stainless steel, aluminum and copper.

Out of Asia is also an event venue for filming, fashion shows, seminars and private events.

Affordable housing, local jobs ballot initiative on path to qualify for November ballot Los Angeles, CA – Volunteers with the Build Better LA Coalition on Monday spoke to thousands of voters living in the City of Los Angeles about the Build Better LA ballot measure, a housing affordability and high-quality jobs initiative expected to go before Los Angeles voters. The Build Better LA initiative, which was launched in February 2016, would incentivize

developers to create more housing residents can afford near transit, and it will ensure that a percentage of residential units are set aside for low-income residents in Los Angeles on rental and for-sale projects that receive discretionary approvals like zone changes or General Plan amendments. The initiative also includes a local hire provision that ensures a living

wage with good job standards.

Residents, housing advocates, housing developers, and construction trades workers from throughout the City converged at Casa del Mexicano in Boyle Heights and at Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE) in South Los Angeles. They walked door-todoor in Los Angeles neighborhoods to bring a shared

vision of healthy, accessible housing and good jobs to the homes of City residents.

The Build Better LA Coalition, a partnership between labor and affordable housing advocates, has grown into a large multi-sector coalition and includes wide support and endorsements by dozens of community organizations, including groups advocating for immigrant rights, environmental sustainability, low-wage worker rights, and educational justice.

Many residents expressed concern about the rising cost of housing, stagnant wages, and the lack of good quality jobs for local residents. They see the

proposed measure as a catalyst for the development of housing that low- and middle-income families can afford.

“The Build Better LA measure will help more families stay in Los Angeles. It will also help those in most need of work get access to a good paying job in housing construction,” said Laura Raymond, Campaign Director for Alliance for Community Transit-Los Angeles and member of the Build Better LA Coalition.

Nearly all new private, residential development getting built in Los Angeles is luxury and highpriced housing, with only two percent of non-subsi-

dized units built in 2014 being affordable for median income earners. “Current development in Los Angeles is displacing thousands of working families across the City and changing the character of Los Angeles.

We need to ensure that more housing is affordable for the heart and soul of Los Angeles: working people,” said Rusty Hicks, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and convener of Build Better LA. “Build Better LA will ensure Angelenos of present-day LA are not being siloed by the rising cost of homes and the inability to find a good, local job.”

L.A. County Registrar of Voters partners with L.A. media outlets to get out the vote LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) Dean C. Logan is proud to announce a large-scale, innovative partnership to encourage voter registration and participation for the June 7, 2016 Presidential Primary Election. The RR/CC is collaborating with local media outlets to engage and inform voters through television, radio, online and social media.

The media partnership campaign will encourage

every voter to “Make Your Mark” at the polls on June 7.

Media partners for the campaign include both English and ethnic language outlets, including CBS Radio Los Angeles, iHeart Media (KIIS-FM, The Real 92.3), Entravision Communications (Super Estrella 107.1 and Jose 97.5/103.1), LA 18 (Asian language programming), Facebook and AM 870.

“Our goal is to ensure we are always engaging and informing voters in

new and creative ways,” said RR/CC Dean Logan.

“This partnership is a way for us to promote a strong message to the County’s diverse electorate and encourage them to participate in the democratic process.”

The mission of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk is to serve Los Angeles County by providing essential records management and election services in a fair, accessible and transparent manner.

For more information, visit www.lavote.net.

Travelling exhibit for victimized women opens in LA

By Abner Galino

A MULTI-RACIAL feminist organization has opened a travelling art exhibition over the weekend in a gallery in Chinatown, Los Angeles to honor women who were victimized in the society in different ways.

Titled Recuerdo / Alaala / Remembrance: Earrings of Shadow and Light, would be the “first traveling art exhibition of its kind,”according to the officials of the feminist group AF3IRM. The artworks were created by local and international artists, jewelry makers, musicians and community folks. All the creative imaginations were focused on the creation of art around earrings. But each of the participants was asked to create only one earring instead of a pair.

In a commemorative booklet, the organizers explained that the reason for

that was: “Across borders, earrings are ornaments that have been worn from pre-colonial times to the present with various purposes and significance, and in Recuerdo / Alaala / Remembrance, they hold deep meaning.

Earrings are typically worn in pairs; however, participants were asked to create just one earring as a tribute to a particular woman or issue. The single earring not only honors women’s histories and experiences, but sheds light onto those whose stories have gone unheard, whose lives have been taken, and whose voices have been erased.”

“The exhibition seeks to remember women – not only with the visual story told through the earring displayed, but also through the void present within the incomplete pair. As transnational/women of color, we are all too familiar with the

absence and disappearance of the lives and stories of women. The works on display seek to tell the stories and honor the women that history, the mainstream media, and so many within our society refuse to acknowledge. We bear witness to all of our sisters through this illumination of the earring displayed and the loss portrayed in its shadow.”

Ivy Quidro, AF3IRM international organizing director, said around 20 artists participated and 40 pieces of artworks were created for the exhibit. She said that the art exhibition will attempt to highlight the fate of millions of girls and women who went missing, murdered and/or trafficked around the world.

Quidro still could not say how long the exhibition would stay in its current gallery at Chung King Road in Chinatown, Los Angeles.

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, Apr. 29 - May 5, 2016

Child’s Dream Is Mother’s Quest My daughter is a stage performer and a classical singer. As a mother, I take pride and joy in all her accomplishments.

I share her anxiety whenever she prepares for an audition. I feel the excitement when she gets ready for a performance. I guide her to aspire for her best talent and make her dreams a reality.

Does this make me a stage mom? I think not.

I am a supportive mother. I take care of my child’s physical and emotional well-being, giving her an endless supply of unconditional love. I have to admit that it’s not easy. It’s manageable. I just have to prioritize her needs over mine, and I happily oblige.

My daughter Becca with me

Am I the only one who feels this way?

Then I thought of a celebrity mother who parallels my experience. Both our daughters are artists whose passion is performing in the world of entertainment.

They recently advanced from their teenage years, turning 20. The activities that surround our daughters’ chosen careers become our tasks. We manage the path to their fulfillment.

However, there is a remarkable difference between us.

Her daughter is the multi-awarded actress,

Kathryn Bernardo, Teen Queen of Philippine showbiz. Admired by millions of fans all over the world, Kathryn’s biggest supporter is her mother, Min Bernardo.

“She wanted to be an actress at a very young age,” said Min when I asked her how Kathryn got into showbusiness. “Kathryn was inspired to work,” she explained. Min saw Kathryn’s passion and determination to get that break into the business. The long rides from Cabanatuan City to Metro Manila and then lining-up for hours to audition was tedious but worth it.

Eventually, she got a role that marked her star in the entertainment industry.

That’s when Min and Kathryn moved to Manila. “My husband and I made that decision to support Kath’s budding career, ” she recalled, “We used to go home to the province once a week.

But when her career took off that all changed.”

How do you manage that?

What if your child finds huge success early in life?

Constant guidance and tireless support keeps her relationship with her daughter close. “Kathryn knows that she can come to me for anything,” she explained. “I am not judgemental. I encourage her to open up. I trust her and she knows her limitations. She is not spoiled,” and with a big smile on her face she continued, “She’s not a celebrity at home.”

That’s the impression that I got when I met Kathryn. She’s sweet, kind, respectful, and very charming.

Stardom has not affected her ability to stay grounded.

To raise a talented daughter in the dog-eat-dog world of creative media is a challenge. The world is not

Visit www.usasianpost.com forgiving. Min’s daughter is a constant spectacle to the public, loved and hated by many.

This can be disheartening. Every little thing that she does is examined, criticized or praised by people who don’t know her. “Kath is not comfortable being the center of attention,” Min said. “She’s timid and very conscious not like me,” and with a playful tone she continued, “I am verbally expressive and speak my mind.”

When is a mother’s quest a mission or advocacy?

Min is an advocate, not just a shield or a dreamer.

She promotes her daughter but she does not live through her. That’s a very fine distinction when millions of fans want their say in her daughter’s daily life. Most of all, being an advocate as a mom means dealing with the daily grind.

“I’m with her all the time,” she says with a laughter in her voice, “but seriously, it’s important for me to be by her side all the time, especially when she is working.”

Min endured the long hours of taping, traveling on location, seeing after her needs, and dealing with the endless details that make the daily life on the set possible.

It takes more than patience. Is this an expression of a mother’s love?

A mother’s labor of love is not like a bank or an investment where you make a deposit and expect a return.

It is more like cultivating a delicate flower. You care for it, nurture it.You pour your hopes and dreams into it, and at some point, sooner or later, it blossoms.

When this blossoming of love happens, it gives us joy unlike any other. It is both selfless and without any measurement. I see this joy around me. We have a special place in our hearts

7

Kathryn and her mother Min Bernardo

al flow happens, it’s a sensational feeling. To know that the child has mastered so much talent, has such an exulted place for the mother. It doesn’t take any special talent for mothers and children to love each other. What’s important is how that exceptional mother’s love can be so high over other emotions.

Min and I hanging out / fooling around the set I remember for the love that our children one day on the have for us. set when I was chatting At birth, there is pure mo- with Min, someone came tivation of love of the mother up to her and told her that to her child. That purity of Kathryn needed help with love never diminishes, it be- her outfit. Min’s eyes brightcomes stronger in time. That ened. When she got up to bond is never more apparent deal with her daughter, it when you watch your loving struck me how little it matchild at a distance up on tered if the support that we, stage or on the big screen. as mothers, can offer is great It is a crucible, where only or simple. What matters is those who can reach out that we’re there for our chilwith their emotions can dren, always and forever. draw the audience into a And that’s the joy that singular experience with Min Bernardo and I both them. When that emotion- share.

8

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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.

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Survival of the hugest: Chinese consumers seek safety in SUVs Chinese drivers are rushing to buy sport-utility vehicles in an “arms race” for safety on the country’s hair-raising roads, analysts say, as SUV sales hit the gas despite a slowing economy.

SUV purchases in the world’s number one car market surged more than 50 percent in the first quarter of 2016 from a year earlier, while sedan sales fell 9.3 percent, according to industry data.

“The primary reason is a fairly primitive one,” says Robin Zhu, auto analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein in Hong Kong. “It’s about survival.

“It’s about people’s desire to feel safe on the roads.

Because [SUVs] are bigger, and in low-speed collisions, from a consumer psychology point of view, you’d rather be the one in the SUV.” Another 50 models new to the Chinese market will go into production in the country this year, according to consultancy IHS Automotive, many of them to be showcased at the Beijing Auto Show opening Monday. China’s roads have a reputation for danger, with footage of horrific traffic accidents from the country’s ubiquitous surveillance cameras broadcast daily on television.

The World Health Organization estimates that more than a quarter of a

million people are killed on the country’s roads every year – over four times official government statistics.

Death rates remain comparatively high because of inadequate rescue systems and poor treatment, according to a study by Chinese researchers published last year in medical journal The Lancet.

A businessman in an SUV in Beijing, who asked not to be named, told AFP he chose it “because it makes me feel safe when I drive”.

Bill Russo, automotive chief of advisory Gao Feng in Shanghai, said the appeal of an SUV comes from a feeling of “command” and the perception “you can deal with anything the road throws at you”.

Rising road rage on China’s congested streets has also made SUVs more popular, said Zhu. Traffic police handled more than 17 million cases of driver aggression last year, according to public security ministry statistics.

“There’s a bit of an arms race going on,” he explained.

‘Sedans on stilts’ Analysts say that while consumers in the US and other countries may be drawn by the image of SUVs going off-road in rough conditions, in China most of them are based on ordinary cars.

“The so-called SUVs to-

day are sedans on stilts,” said Zhu. More Chinese buyers have turned to SUVs as their fuel economy has improved and a drop in oil prices have made the vehicles more affordable to run.

The most popular models are “small, car-based crossover types”, said Russo, noting that “the vast majority” have engines smaller than 2.0 litres.

“They’re economical SUVs, they’re not big, gas-consuming environmentally unfriendly vehicles,” he said.

Chinese buyers are content with small engines in large bodies, said Michael Dunne, CEO and strategist at Dunne Automotive in Hong Kong.

Ten years ago educated urbanites preferred sedans because larger vehicles were associated with rural people and construction workers, he said. But in the last two years, SUVs have become “fashionable”.

“They’re not that interested in acceleration, passing, speed. They’re more interested in the look,” said Dunne.

But the boom may not last, executives warn.

“Even if now the SUV is popular, in the future there will probably be a change,” said Toyota China head Hiroji Onishi, suggesting that minivans could see their appeal widen.

Visitors look at the Haval SUV exhibition at the Beijing Auto Show in Beijing on April 25, 2016. Global carmakers gathered in Beijing on April 25 to show off their wares as competition intensifies and growth slows in the world’s biggest auto market, with the key SUV and new energy vehicle sectors the focus of attention.© WANG ZHAO / AFP

China could electrify global rechargeable car market Electric cars have their highest-profile prophet in US-based entrepreneur Elon Musk and their widest adoption in Norway, but China’s vast auto market will decide their worldwide future, experts say.

Top global brands will be fighting it out to electrify buyers at China’s premier car show opening Monday in Beijing.

The country is already the world’s largest auto market and took the number one spot for electric models last year, with some 247,000 “zero emission” cars sold – quadruple the number in 2014 – according to the China Association of Au-

tomobile Manufacturers.

So far only around one percent of cars owned in China are electric, but authorities are pushing them as a potential solution to the country’s crippling air pollution health crisis.

The central government gives buyers subsidies of up to 55,000 yuan ($8,500) for each car and electric vehicles are exempt from traffic restrictions in China’s congested major cities.

While electric cars are becoming more popular worldwide, particularly high-end brands like Tesla, their hefty price tags and restricted driving range mean they are still only a niche market.

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Their evolution has been mainly state-subsidised, as in Norway, which has the world’s highest penetration at 17 percent of new sales in 2015.

But experts say winning even a small chunk of Chinese sales – which totalled 24.6 million last year – could be a game-changer for electric cars.

Given the size of the market, it would be a powerful driver” at a global level, Flavien Neuvy, auto expert at Observatoire Cetelem, told AFP. Jean-Francois Belorgey, an expert with consultancy EY, predicted that by 2020, up to 750,000 electric cars will be sold in China every year.

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, Apr. 29 - May 5, 2016

Garin admits PhilHealth standby fund low LEGAZPI CITY, April 23 (PNA) – Health Secretary Janette Garin has admitted that the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) reserve fund has depleted due to fraudulent claims and huge amounts of collectibles pending with the Department of Budget and Management.

Garin, however, said the problem was being addressed and corrective financial measures had been instituted.

In an interview Thursday, she said the social health insurance provider was checking it closely and apprehending and filing cases against persons and hospitals with questionable or fraudulent claims which, according to her, indeed affect the reserve fund of PhilHealth.

When asked if the DBM should also be blamed for the delay in replenishing the billions of funds paid to hospitals’ claims for millions of seniors citizens, she said the agency was overhauling the master list of bonafide members—including the names of senior citizens enrolled with PhilHealth.

PhilHealth records indicate that there are 6 million senior citizens across the country that are enrolled as lifetime insurance beneficiaries.

“It is partially true that there was a delay in the replenishment of funds by the DBM, but the problem was the agency could not present to the DBM as a requirement the list of names of senior citizens that benefited to program,” Garin said.

She said the data base problem have been the situation six months ago.

“This was the problem when I assumed office,” she added.

Earlier, Dr. Eddie Dorotan, PhilHealth Board member, said the agency reserve fund this year would only be good for ten months due to billions spent to cover claims for millions of senior citizens and the delay by the DBM to replenish billions of funds used to pay hospital claims.

Dorotan said it lost Php1 billion last year after it spent Php97 billion for payment claims while it only received Php96 billion in contributions.

To prevent the financial strain in its reserve, the PhilHealth has to maintain a two-year reserve funds of at least Php100 billion which when used should be immediately reimbursed by the DBM. The deficit was attributed to the Php10 billion spent to cover claims for millions of senior citizens, he said.

In Bicol, PhilHealth has spent Php3.5 billions for claims while it only earned Php980 million in collection.

As this developed, Garin turned over hundreds of medical equipment under the Department of Health (DOH) “TseKap” program to various Rural Health Units-Barangay Health Stations (RHU/BHS) in the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Masbate and Catanduanes.

In Albay, Garin was assisted by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda and City Mayor Noel Rosal in turning over Php3.8 million worth of medical equipment to 207 RHU/BHS in a ceremony at the Divine Word College Gymnasium on Thursday.

The medical equipment is composed of two non-contact thermometers, stethoscope, digital BP apparatus, glucometer set, two nebulizers and wound dressing set.

DOH data reveal that the agency is spending some Php700 million for the purchase of TseKap medical equipment for distribution nationwide.

On the dengue vaccination program, Garin said, it has covered 200,000 grade 4 elementary public school pupils in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon.

DOH clarifies death of 11-year-old boy in Bataan not due to anti-dengue vaccine

By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, April 25 (PNA) – The Department of Health (DOH) clarified on Monday that the reported death of an 11-year-old boy in Bataan last April 11 “was not related to the administration of the free anti-dengue vaccine but because of underlying illness.”

In a press briefing held at the DOH Media Relations Unit in Tayuman, Sta. Cruz, Manila, DOH Secretary Janette L. Garin said that based on the findings and as verified from the guardian of the boy, he was suffering and diagnosed with a congenital heart disease since childhood.

The boy, a grade 4 pupil in a public elementary school in Bagac, Bataan, died last April 11 due to cardiac arrest worsened by complications such as pulmonary edema, acute gastroenteritis and moderate dehydration.

The child received the Dengvaxia vaccine last March 31.

“The 11-year-old child died because of congestive heart failure. Ito po ay bata na may sakit sa puso. Unfortunately, nagkaroon siya ng amoebiasis and this led to other complications dahil wala siyang maintenance na iniinom na gamot,” said Secretary Garin.

The DOH made the clarification to allay fears of some people or groups that may spread wrong information that the Dengvaxia vaccine can cause death. Based on clinical records, the child was referred to a medical specialist last September 2015, but due to some intervening circumstances, the guardian of the child was not able to pursue the necessary treatment.

During the immunization day last March 31, the patient was screened by the rural health physician inside the school and the guardian, who gave the consent for the conduct of the vaccination,

had assured that the child had no fever or illness and was not taking maintenance medications.

Based on the temperature taken, the child also did not manifest any fever during that time. The rural health physician and those who conducted the immunization had also checked if the boy and other children who were vaccinated on the same date had taken the meals prior to vaccination.

On April 3, the patient was brought to Bagac Community Medicare Hospital due to diarrhea, fever and dizziness.

“The impression during that time was gastroenteritis with no dehydration and he was considered as outpatient then. The next day, it was seen in the laboratory that the stool sample of the patient turned positive with amoebiasis,” Garin said.

The patient then was allowed to be sent home because amoebiasis could be manageable at home.

However, on April 9, the patient was brought back to the hospital after suffering from face puffiness and “facial and pedal edema.”

The patient was admitted at the Isaac Catalina Medical Center after suffering from difficulty of breathing and the diagnosis was severe pneumonia, congestive heart failure and electrolyte imbalance.

On April 10, the patient was transferred to the Bataan General Hospital, but died the next day due to cardiac arrest, pulmonary edema and other underlying causes such as congenital heart disease, gastroenteritis, with moderate dehydration.

Health authorities say pulmonary edema happens if there are excess fluids that cannot be pumped out and stagnated in different organs or parts of the body of the patient. Since the lungs are

connected with the heart, there is greater pressure on the part of the heart to pump more heavily and this can lead to cardiac arrest.

The case of the patient was presented to the National Adverse Event Following Immunization Committee (NAEFIC) last April 21 to asses the hospital findings.

Secretary Garin said the assessments of the NAEFIC were consistent with the findings of the hospital.

They further said that the death of the boy was coincidental.

Meanwhile, according to Secretary Garin, the presence of ulcer condition of the patient also aggravated his situation or condition as indicated by low blood count.

She clarified that congenital heart disease is not contra-indicated with vaccination. “In fact, we can see other patients, pag nagkakasakit sila sa panahon na di sila symptomatic, lalo na yung mga baby, binibigyan sila ng bakuna because the need to protect them is more—kasi mas prone silang mahawa ng sakit dahil mas iba ang resistensya nila as compared sa normal na mga bata,” she explained.

The DOH further said that what is important is that the children who will be vaccinated as well as their guardians will really be honest in filling up the form and in answering the health-related questions prior to vaccination.

Health officials said they are recording any events related with the patients vaccinated with Dengvaxia as part of the transparency commitment of the Sanofi Pasteur, manufacturer of the vaccine, wherein details like any side effects that are felt and even other adverse events not related to the vaccine are being put on record and made open to the public.

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Early to bed, early to rise could be better for heart health US researchers have found yet another reason to get sufficient shut-eye, with those that favor an early to bed, early to rise routine showing more heart-healthy behavior than night owls.

A team of researchers from the University of Delaware, the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and the University of Arizona College of Medicine looked at the duration and approximate timing of sleep to see if there was a pattern between this and three major cardiovascular risk factors—smoking, poor diet and sedentary habits – which together contribute to around 40 percent of cardiovascular deaths in the US and the UK. By using data from the UK’s Biobank Resource project, which aims to improve the prevention and treatment of a range of life-threatening illnesses including cardiovascular disease, the team were able to look at a large sample of 439,933 adults aged of 40-69 for a four-year period between 2006-10.

During the study participants were asked about their sleep habits, with short sleep defined as less than six hours, adequate sleep as seven to eight hours, and long sleep as nine hours or more.

Participants also defined themselves as a morning person, a more morning than evening person, more evening than morning, or an evening person.

To find out more about

US reseachers have found yet another reason to get sufficient shuteye, with the those that favor an early to bed, early to rise routine showing more heart-healthy behavior than night owls.© Lars Zahner / shutterstock.com

how heart-healthy their daily behavior was they were also asked about their levels of physical activity, time spent using a computer or watching TV, fruits and veg intake, and smoking habits.

Results showed that getting the right amount of sleep, and at the right times, reduced the unhealthy lifestyle behaviors associated with poor heart health, with those whose sleep was either too long or too short, and those who went to bed later, more likely to smoke, remain sedentary and eat fewer fruits and vegetables than those who got an adequate amount of sleep and went to bed earlier.

Commenting on the results, Freda Patterson, one of the study’s co-authors said, “These data suggest that it’s not just sleep deprivation that relates to cardiovascular risk behaviors, but too much sleep can relate as well.

“If we can modify sleep as a central risk factor, we might be in much better position to leverage or modify some of our most stubborn cardiovascular risk behaviors such as tobacco use.”

However Patterson did also acknowledge that the study had limitations. Despite a huge number of participants the sample lacked diversity, and as a large part of the data was based on self-report, it was also subject to errors. The team now recommend further study in the area.

The study was published online in the journal Annals of Behavioral Medicine.

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Kagitingan at Mt. Samat, Bataan which will be the depository of the complete history of World War II in the Philippines. Step by step, slowly but surely, this dream is now becoming a reality,” said Usec. Carolina in his welcome message.

The digitization project was proposed by a former historical researcher, Marie Vallejo. Along with her team, they began the undertaking last 2015.

Speaking about what led her to doing the project, Ms. Vallejo said: “Nine years ago, I embarked on a personal quest to find out what my father did during World War II…Continuing my search in the US, the US National Archives in Maryland yielded a gold mine of Philippine WWII records called the Philippine Collection composed of 1,665 boxes of primary source records of our World War II history.”

“This is just the begin-

phase. There are more boxes of our history waiting to be digitized and brought back.

Help us bring them home,” Vallejo added.

Orientation on how to search the digitized files in the Philippines Archives Collection portal was also conducted by PVAO Management Information Division. Said portal is intended to be made part of PVAO website and will be installed in libraries and museums nationwide. PVAO, in coordination with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, also plans to make the file available at the Center for World War II Studies once it is established in Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan. The digitized collection includes memoirs of freedom fighters, officers, soldiers, and civilians. The digitized files were indexed and categorized into military units, regions, prominent leaders, personalities, anec-

dotes, historical chronology, timelines, among others.

The project output was collectively presented as the “Bgen. Francisco H. Licuanan, Jr. Collection,” in honor of the memory of the late BGen. Francisco H. Licuanan, Jr., the father of the project sponsor, Mr. Francisco H. Licuanan III. In his message, Mr. Licuanan III said: “Hopefully, the results of this project will serve as a base for historians and historical writers to fill in some blanks in our nation’s history.” He also talked about his recollections of his father: “Our father never talked that much about his exploits. It is only after Marie chanced upon these records that we found out that he was actually the head of his unit. I say this not to glorify what my father did but to say that there are so many vignettes of Filipino history that individual Filipinos can access and find out what their parents or grandparents did,” he added. (PNA)

TATAD WILL ASK From page 1

obsession has now reached a point where non-candidates are being harassed. Since he did not get what he wanted when he attacked Sen. Poe, he is now on a rampage and unfairly harassing the family of Sen. Poe,” said Poe’s campaign spokesman Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian.

“This political oppression has to stop immediately.

We are calling on Mr. Luna to spare private individuals and to focus the electoral discourse on important is-

THE US ASIAN POST

sues facing our country like poverty and unemployment,” he

added.

Gatchalian also insisted that Llamanzares is a natural-born Filipino.

“Mr. Llamanzares is a natural born Filipino citizen, born to Filipino parents. The allegations of Mr. Luna are baseless lies concocted by a troubled mind,” Gatchalian said.

A former employee of diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Corp., Llamanzares is a dual citizen of the US and the Philippines.

Poe, however, had said her husband is already in the process of giving up his American citizenship just like what she did in 2010 when she took up the post of chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.

Sen. Francis Escudero, the running mate of Escudero, also insisted that Llamanzares is a natural-born Filipino “having born of Filipino parents, and can stay as such as a dual citizen under Republic Act 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003.”

ing and high explosive projectiles up to 23mm.

Their self-sealing fuel cells are protected by internal and external foam.

Manual systems back up their redundant hydraulic flight-control systems. This permits pilots to fly and land when hydraulic power is lost.

The A-10 has received many upgrades over the years. In 1978, the aircraft received the “Pave Penny” laser receiver pod, which sensed reflected laser radiation from a laser designator.

“Pave Penney” has now been discontinued in favor more capable advanced targeting pods.

The A-10 began receiving an inertial navigation system in 1980.

Later, the low-altitude safety and targeting enhancement (LASTE) upgrade provided computerized weapon-aiming equipment, an autopilot, and a ground-collision warning system. In 1999, aircraft

began to receive global positioning system navigation systems and a new multi-function display.

In 2005, the entire A-10 fleet began receiving the precision engagement upgrades that include an improved fire control system, electronic countermeasures, upgraded cockpit displays, the ability to deliver smart bombs, moving map display, hands on throttle and stick, digital stores management, “LITENING” and “Sniper” advanced targeting pod integration, situational awareness data link (SADL), variable message format (VMF) and global positioning system (GPS) guided weapons, and upgraded power systems.

The entire A-10 fleet has been modified through precision engagement and now carries the A-10C designation.

The Thunderbolt II can be serviced and operated from austere bases with limited facilities near battle areas.

to show his political will in trying to address Mindanao’s enduring problem on terrorism.

“On that Mindanao issue, (Mayor Duterte) showed conviction,” Heydarian said.

In an opinion article published on Sunday, Inquirer columnist Randy David also gave his analysis on why many Filipino voters continue to support Duterte’s presidential bid.

“Duterte’s rise has equally been made possible by the grievances of Mindanao’s non-Muslim majority…

Davao’s long-time mayor deftly articulates their sentiments by harping on the big disparity between Min-

danao’s contribution to the country’s gross national product and the pittance it receives in internal revenue allotments. In this regard, Duterte’s rise mirrors the revolt of the periphery,” David explained.

Despite the rise of countless politicians who portray themselves as men of the masses, none of them challenged the prevailing system the way the Davao mayor did.

“Duterte has made it a point to mock the system and its conventions, seeing in its openings nothing more than channels through which to undermine it,” David stressed. (PNA)

who was killed in a 1989 prison riot in Duterte’s own city.

His April 12 comments, in which he suggested that as mayor he should have been the first in line to rape the victim, drew widespread public condemnation, including from the ambassadors of key allies the United States and Australia.

The unrepentant candidate later told the envoys to “shut up” and steer clear of domestic politics, while also

grudgingly issuing an apology over the rape comments.

He has also vowed to hold direct talks with China to resolve overlapping claims in the South China Sea, in a reversal of Aquino’s policy of multilateral discussions with other claimants and international arbitration.

Prior to the Manila rally, Duterte met late Friday with Eduardo Manalo, chief minister of the conservative religious group Church of Christ to seek the support of the influential organisation, known by its initials INC. The group, which does not disclose its membership size, votes as one in line with what followers describe as biblical doctrines on unity.

Politicians routinely make a beeline for its support during elections.

“I laid out my program to fight crime, illegal drugs and corruption.... Should God will me to win, I will fight for the rights as well as the religious freedom of millions of INC members,” Duterte said in a statement.

INC spokesmen confirmed the meeting Saturday.

The Duterte meeting meant all four of the major presidential candidates have met with the INC leader.

(MNS)

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The aircraft can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate in low ceiling and visibility conditions.

The wide combat radius and short takeoff and landing capability permit operations in and out of locations near front lines.

Using night vision goggles, A-10 pilots can conduct their missions during darkness.

Thunderbolt IIs have night vision imaging systems (NVIS), goggle compatible single-seat cockpits forward of their wings and a large bubble canopy which provides pilots all-around vision. The pilots are protected by titanium armor that also protects parts of the flight-control system.

The redundant primary structural sections allow the aircraft to enjoy better survivability during close air support than the previous aircraft.

The A-10 can survive direct hits from armor-pierc-

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Speaking before ABSCBN’s “Huling Harapan,” Manila Bulletin’s Leandro Coronel stressed that of all the candidates who participated in the debate, Duterte proved to be the clear winner.

“Duterte was not mortally wounded contrary to what we expected because of the issues (that have been thrown against him). The clear winner (in the debate) was Duterte,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, in Rappler’s blow-by-blow coverage of the debate, De La Salle University assistant professor Richard Heydarian pointed out how the PDP-LABAN standard bearer was able

DUTERTE From page 1

chaotic, high-crime society with limited opportunities for a vast underclass working for a tiny elite.

This was despite having called Pope Francis a “son of a bitch” and making crass comments about the jailhouse rape of an Australian lay Christian missionary

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Plan B. She (Poe) is not Plan B of President Aquino,” Escudero, a friend of President Aquino, said.

Based on the previous surveys, Poe is running second while Roxas, who was endorsed by the President, is in fourth spot.

President Aquino endorsed the candidacy of Roxas but Escudero believed that the President’s endorsement has nothing to do with the poor showing of Roxas in the surveys. ”Maliwanag, lahat ng pumapabor kay Pangulong Aquino, hindi pumapabor kay Secretary Roxas na ininedorso niyang kandidato,” Escudero said.

Escudero served as campaign manager of Poe when the two ran and finished third and first in the 2013 senatorial elections. (PNA)

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proved ranking in the survey to her campaign sorties.

“Malapit na malapit na pero tingin ko naman, mabuti naman iyong naging resulta ng ilang buwan na pag-iikot,” she said.

“Iyong surveys kasi, napakahalaga din iyon kasi, iyon ang nag-ga-guide sa amin kung saan pa kami kailangang mag-ikot, kung saan kami mahina, saan kami malakas,” Robredo added.

Robredo is scheduled to attend an assembly of barangay leaders in Central Luzon on Monday with Roxas and President Benigno Aquino III. (MNS)