US Asian Post August 5, 2016

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INMENT

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Vol. 5 No. 40

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Duterte warns big businesses on temp workers His message: No more ‘contractual’ employees or face closure

MANILA, Aug. 1 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday warned large businesses to refrain from the practice of contractualization just to cut cost or they will face closure.

PRRD said they will lose their permits to operate if caught abusing labor laws. He said the labor department will be sending people in the field to check if companies are following regulations even if the government does not have much resources to do such review.

“Alam mo wala akong pera, na ninyo ‘yan, bayaran ninyo ang wala akong tao to really inspect all tao sa tamang suweldo; stop conof the, you know, doing away with tractualization. It will not do good contractualization. My message to to our country,” he added. them is very simple: Do not wait for The practice is unfair to the peous to inspect,” the President said. ple as well as to the government, “I would like to assume that he said. For instance, the Technical everybody who falls under that Education and Skills Development category will honor what we are Authority (TESDA) trains people asking for the people. Huwag na to become plumbers, electricians ninyo akong hintayin na mahuli ko and carpenters only to find jobs kayo because I will be unforgiving. good only for six months.

You will not only lose your money, Companies adopting contractuyou will lose your plants, ” he said. alization does not help the people PRRD reiterated his zero tol- with the security of tenure, the erance for big businesses abus- President noted. He also particing labor laws, noting it was his ularly mentioned that security See CONTRACTUAL, page 12 promise to the people. “Hintuan

DENR all set for Mindanao environment summit MANILA, July 31 (PNA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will hold a two-day summit in Davao City this August to discuss with stakeholders possible solutions to the most pressing environmental problems facing Mindanao today.

The DENR has partnered with the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) for the environmental summit to be held at the campus

on Aug. 4. Some 4,000 participants, particularly from the academe, civil society and other stakeholders from across Mindanao’s six regions are expected to attend the event.

The second day (Aug. 5) will see the DENR work with selected CSO representatives in a strategic planning workshop at the Davao Convention Center.

DENR Secretary Gina Lopez See SUMMIT, page 12

Police: Arrest of Vhon Tanto proves not all suspects are killed MANILA, July 30 (Mabuhay) – Amid a spate of killings of suspected criminals under the Duterte administration, police authorities assured that not all criminals are gunned down by the police if they peacefully surrender.

Senior Supt. Joel Coronel, director of the Manila Police District, issued the statement on Saturday after Quiapo road rage suspect Vhon Tanto was turned over to

police authorities. “’Di naman lahat ng suspek, napapatay. ‘Pag sumuko naman ng maayos, magiging maayos naman ang kahihinatnan (Not all suspects are killed. If they surrender peacefully, they will be treated fairly),” Coronel said in a televised press briefing.

He, however, said police would be allowed to use force if their lives

Four-year-old Allih Hachaso, son of Police Officer 3 Eric Hachaso, gives President Duterte a snappy salute as the latter talks to members of the Philippine National Police at the Southern Luzon Command Headquarters in Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City on Thursday.(MNS photo)

Estrada mulls installing bike lanes in parts of Manila MANILA, July 30 (Mabuhay) – Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada is considering putting up bikes lanes in some streets in the city following a road rage incident that killed a cyclist.

Estrada said he would discuss his plans with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and various groups of cycling enthusiasts.

“There may be areas here where we could install bike lanes. We’ll look into it,” he said in a statement on Saturday.

Estrada cited that many streets in Manila are narrow, owing to its Spanish-era design See ESTRADA, page 12

Villanueva seeks expansion, improvement in technical House leader seeks PHP15,000 education to curb high across-the-board hike in teachers’ salary unemployment rate

MANILA, July 31 (PNA) – A House leader is seeking a PHP15,000 across-the-board increase in the salaries of public school teachers and the provision of other benefits for them as incentives to attract highly qualified teachers into the public school system.

Deputy Speaker Romero Quimbo said despite the teachers’ important responsibility of molding children to become productive Filipino citizens, teachers are getting a measly salary as compensation for their noble work.

See VHON TANTO, page 12

“The responsibility of molding a child to become a productive Filipino citizen lies heavily in the hands of a teacher. This is the delicate duty that teachers have committed in their line of work being intimately connected with building the nation’s future. Despite this, however, existing laws are still unresponsive to their plight of enduring a measly salary as compensation for their work,” said Quimbo.

Quimbo, representative of the second district of Marikina

MANILA, July 31 (PNA) – Senator Joel Villanueva, who was recently given the chairmanship of the Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, has expressed concern over the high unemployment rate in the country.

According to the World Bank, the Philippines’ unemployment rate is highest at 7.1 percent from 2010 to 2015. It is during the same period when the country was considered as one of the fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia

See PHP 15,000, page 12

See EXPANSION, page 12

CPP declares own unilateral ceasefire an hour after Duterte lifts truce

By Lilian C. Mellejor

DAVAO CITY, July 31 (PNA) – After President Rodrigo Duterte called off the July 25 government’s unilateral ceasefire, the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) declared its own ceasefire on Saturday.

This was announced in a press statement on Sunday by Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza, who said, “The leadership of the CPP-NPA-NDF announced through the media its belated but still strategic and awaited decision to also declare its own unilateral ceasefire.”

Dureza welcomed this development as it affirms the value of the President’s firm actions for peace.

“This is what we have been waiting for,” he said.

Dureza was positive the Presi-

dent will still walk the extra mile for peace at any given opportunity.

Given this, Dureza assured that he would make his corresponding recommendations to the President and the whole cabinet in the cabinet meeting.

It may be recalled that at 5:30 p.m on Saturday, the President has ordered the immediate lifting of the unilateral ceasefire declared last July 25 against the communist rebels.

The President also ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to also withdraw the operational guidelines they issued in pursuance to that ceasefire declaration.

“I am ordering all security forces to be on high alert and continue to discharge their normal functions See CEASEFIRE, page 12

Obama calls Republican nominee Trump ‘unfit’ to be president WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 (PNA/Xinhua) – US President Barack Obama on Tuesday called Donald Trump “unfit” to be US president amid bipartisan outcry following the Republican presidential nominee’s feud with the family of a fallen US Muslim soldier.

“I think the Republican nominee is unfit to serve as president,” said Obama here at a press conference. “I said so last week and he keeps on proving it. “The notion that he would attack a Gold Star family that has made such extraordinary sacrifices on behalf of our country, the fact that he doesn’t appear to have basic knowledge around critical issues in Europe, in the Middle East, in Asia, means that he’s woefully unprepared to do this job,” said Obama.

Trump provoked bipartisan blame over the weekend after he derisively answered criticism from Khizr Khan, the father of a Muslim American solider killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq.

Khan, during last week’s Democratic National Convention, blasted Trump for his divisive remarks and proposal to temporary ban Muslims entering the country and divisive tone.

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Pacquiao gets committee as Senate split games, amusement and sports panel

By Jelly F. Musico

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin M. Andanar (second to the left), Police Director General Ronald M. Dela Rosa (center), and other Philippine National Police (PNP) generals during the launching of “PO1 Bato”, a mascot depict-ing the PNP chief, on Monday (August 1, 2016), coinciding the 24th Police Communi-ty Relations Group Founding Anniversary at National Headquarter Philippine Na-tional Police (NHQ, PNP), Camp Crame in Quezon City. (MNS photo)

Bayan: Not one political prisoner released, what now?

MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) -- Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) on Monday questioned the Philippine government’s (GPH) sincerity regarding the peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) as it has yet to release political prisoners.

“It’s already August 1 and not a single political prisoner has been released in line with the peace talks,” Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said in a statement released days after President Rodrigo Duterte lifted his unilateral ceasefire order.

“The formal talks are supposed to resume on August 20. That’s not a deadline or ultimatum set by the NDFP, (National Democratic Front of the Philippines) by the way.

The release is a matter of commitment by the GPH,”

Reyes said.

The NDFP is the political arm of the CPP, which has been waging the longest-running communist insurgency in Asia.

Reyes said it was the government that asked for the postponement of the talks to it could release political prisoners.

“The GPH panel should explain how it plans to fulfill this commitment as part of upholding previous agreements that include JASIG (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees) and the CARHRIHL (Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law),” he said. Militant groups like Bayan have long decried the arrest of fellow activists or NDFP consultants through alleged trumped up charges.

Reyes said many are

arrested without warrant and “have evidence planted against them.”

“The PH government is duty-bound to rectify these serious rights violations,” he said. Duterte has had a good relationship with the Left even before he assumed the presidency.

However, the negotiations seemingly hit a snag after an encounter resulted in the death of a soldier.

He gave an ultimatum to CPP to reciprocate the ceasefire and lifted it when the CPP failed to respond on time.

The CPP, on the other hand, said they had informed the Philippine government that it can only issue a ceasefire a couple of hours after the prescribed deadline. Officials from both sides said the formal peace negotiations should still push through this month. (MNS)

MANILA, Aug. 1 (PNA) – Neophyte Senator Manny Pacquiao took a committee chairmanship after the Senate adopted Senate Resolution No. 68 that separated the Senate committee on games, amusement and sports into two new standing committees.

As the result, Pacquiao has been awarded with the chairmanship of the now Senate committee on sports while Senator Panfilo Lacson got the Senate committee on games and amusement.

Pacquiao has now two

committees, including the committee on public works approved last week the Senate constituted the first 21 standing Senate committees.

On Monday, the Senate announced the chairmanship and members of the 12 more committees.

These are the committees on government owned and controlled corporations given to Senator Richard Gordon; climate change to Senator Loren Legarda; banks, financial institutions and currencies to Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero; youth to Senator Joel Villanueva;

and, economic affairs to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

Senator Leila de Lima got the committee on electoral reforms and people’s participation; Senator Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino IV with the committee on science and technology; Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri with the cooperatives; Senator Sonny Angara with local government and Senator Grace Poe with the Senate committee on public information and mass media.

The Senate will continue constituting the remaining standing Senate committees on Tuesday.

Duterte wants to talk again with CPP-NPA-NDF MANILA, Aug. 1 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte admitted on Monday that the road to peace is always a rocky road but still hoping his administration could talk again with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). ”There is no negotiation that comes easy to us especially given the turmoil of our country. We are hoping that we could just talk, maybe we did not understand each other,” the President said during the mass oath-taking of his appointees in Malacanang.

President Duterte has lifted the unilateral ceasefire he declared with the communist rebels after the CPP-NPA-NDF did not reciprocate before the 5 p.m. ultimatum last Saturday. ”The best way is really is to talk again and find out whether it is reachable or beyond our reach,” President Duterte said. ”I hope that we can proceed with the talks the Communist Party of the Philippines and I’ll be spending about 10 days after tomorrow,” he added.

The President said he will

also address the problem in Mindanao, particularly the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

President Duterte clarified that he will not talk with the bandit Abu Sayyaf Group. ”I will not deal with criminals. I will not deal with persons of extreme brutality. There is no redeeming factor or reason for me to sit down and talk with criminals. Pareho lang rin ýan sa droga. They’re out to just derail the life of a nation,” President Duterte said.

He said the Abu Sayyaf bandits have no ideology unlike the CPP-NPA-NDF and the MILF and MNLF. The President said he give everybody a safe conduct pass once the peace talks start with the communist and the Moro rebels. ”My desire is just to see my nation at peace and for everybody in this generation before I make my exit that we will leave in peace and leave a country that is prosperous for the next generation,” he added.

President Duterte refused to react on the criticisms

of communist leader Jose Maria Sison that the President was hasty to lift the ceasefire. ”Hindi ko papatulan iyan eh. I am not an ideological poltergeist. I am the President talking properly to you to have peace in this land. Bakit man ako – hindi naman ako insecure,” the President said.

The President said his administration will pursue the peace talks with the communist rebels set on August 20 to 27 in Oslo, Norway. ”I cannot stop talking about peace. I am a President who is supposed to bring peace to his land.

Whether it’s really Sison or not, whether I’d like to talk to Sison or not, it’s not important, it’s not relevant at all.

The issue is, the left, not only Sison, but that includes Sison, the left, the entire leftist community or bloc dito sa atin. We cannot agree on all of these things.

Merong right, left, center,” President said. ”Me, at this time, I just believe that I have to look for that peace for my land during my generation. If I fail, mahirap na, including Mindanao,” he added.

Negros Occidental supports bid of Negrense nurse in world’s toughest ultra-marathon BACOLOD CITY, Aug. 1 (PNA) – More than 200 runners joined the benefit fun run in support of Negrense ultra-marathoner Rolando “Junjun” Espina Jr. on Sunday here.

The fun run organized by the Negros Occidental High School Class of 1985 and the Rotary Club of Bacolod-Central.

Organizers aim to provide financial support to Espina’s bid as the first Filipino to qualify for the 247-kilometer race from Athens to Sparta on September 30 to October 1 in Greece.

Winners in the three-category fun run were mostly

running enthusiasts in the province, some of whom were lucky enough to receive running shoes donated by marathoners in Ireland that were raffled off after the race.

Espina thanked those who participated in the fun run and asked for their continued prayers and support for the Philippine Spartathlon Team.

He also thanked the provincial government and the city governments of Bacolod and Talisay, the medics, traffic enforcers as well as those who helped the event organizers.

Espina, a nurse based

in Ireland, has won major events, including the UK Eskraghman Ironman Distance Triathlon in Eskraghman, Dungannon, Northern Ireland in 2014 and 2015.

Spartathlon, which allows only a maximum of 390 runners around the world, is known to be the toughest ultra-marathon road race in the world.

The marathon covers 246.8 kilometers and should be finished under 36 hours, with extreme conditions and steep uphill-downhill course, with relentless pressure of making it in time in all 75 checkpoints from start to finish.

Duterte appoints new mines bureau chief MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) – President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed a new mines bureau director to oversee the implementation of mining projects in the country, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) said on Monday.

MGB said Duterte designated Mario Luis Jacinto as MGB director in his Presidential Directive No. 002. Jacinto to replace Leo Jasareno.

As MGB chief and Department of Environment and Natural Resources undersecretary, Jacinto will have the authority and supervision over the organization and operations of the Environmental Management Bureau.

Jacinto, a former chief of the regional and Davao City environment and natural resources office, will also assist Environment Secretary Gina Lopez in reviewing mining permits.

The President has taken

a tough stance on mining, saying all mining contracts would be reviewed. He said he will not ban mining as long as it followed environmental protection standards.

The President also backed

Lopez on the crackdown on unsafe mining practices.

Lopez earlier said the DENR has suspended four mining operations in Zambales and three more in Palawan due to unsafe practices. (MNS)

Tari “Bajidor Kahol” @ Indonesian Food Festival 2016: Indonesian ladies perform the traditional Indonesian dance Tari “Bajidor Kahol,” to highlight the cultural presentation during the Indonesian Food Festivals on Saturday (July 30, 2016) with the theme “simply delicious” at Event Center, L/G Megamall Mandaluyong City. (PNA photo by Oliver Marquez) RMA/fom

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Duterte admin optimistic in joining TPP: DTI chief

By Kris M. Crismundo

MANILA, Aug. 1 (PNA) – The Duterte administration is optimistic to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement and other free trade agreements (FTAs), Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez told the Philippines News Agency.

In a chance interview, Lopez said the administration is open in joining FTAs like the TPP as it will expand the market for Philippine products and services.

“We are studying our participation (in TPP),” he said.

“We can’t afford to be left behind because we won’t be able to benefit from those benefits of participating TPP,” he added.

The TPP Agreement is a trade deal among twelve countries in the Pacific Rim which aims to promote economic growth in the region.

The TPP is composed of including Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States, and Vietnam. Lopez also mentioned that the administration’s initiative to amend the Constitution shall consider easing some economic restrictions that will meet the requirement of joining FTAs such as the TPP. Earlier, Philippine Ambassador to United States Jose L. Cuisia noted that the move of the Duterte administration for a constitutional assembly is “a good opportunity” for the country to address its biggest challenge in joining TPP -- allowing higher foreign ownership in different sectors.

Cuisia added that the country should also continue bilateral consultations with TPP members.

Last year, the Department of Trade and Industry conducted technical consultations with six TPP members: Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, and US.

US President Barack Obama, in his visit in Manila in November 2015 for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting, has welcomed the Philippines’ interest in joining the trade deal and has directed its trade ministers to work with Philippine trade officials to assist the country in its bid to join the TPP. Moreover, Cuisia said that Philippine industries need to prepare and be more competitive as the country eyes for TPP membership.

“We should prepare ourselves,” the envoy stressed.

“If it (the TPP) is ratified (by US Congress), when they will open up to second batch of countries, we should be ready for that second batch,” he added.

Aside from the Philippines, other countries that expressed interest to join the TPP include South Korea, Taiwan, Laos, Columbia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and India.

Cuisia likewise noted that the TPP is also the only way for the Philippines to have trade agreement with US as the latter no longer prefer single-country agreements but favors multi-lateral pacts like the TPP. “I’m hopeful that the secretary of Trade and Industry Ramon Lopez and Undersecretary (Ceferino) Rodolfo, who are quite familiar with it, will pursue the Philippines’ membership in the TPP,” said Cuisia.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that US is the country’s second export destination for merchandise in January to May 2016 with revenue amounting to USD3.52 billion, sharing 16 percent of the total exports in the said period.

Even without an FTA, 70 percent of Philippine goods entering the US market enjoy zero duty because of the US Generalized System of Preferences.

U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg delivers his message during the observance of the 2016 World Day Against Human Trafficking: United States Ambassador Philip Goldberg (left) delivers his message during the observance of the 2016 World Day Against Human Trafficking with the theme “Ituloy and Laban Kontra Human Trafficking!” on Friday (July 29, 2016) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

The World Day Against Human Trafficking was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003 and adopted by the member states through a resolution declaring that it is necessary to raise awareness on the issue of trafficking and promote the rights of victims. (PNA photo

by Avito C. Dalan)

Partylist lawmakers: Not abolition, but reform

By Cielito M. Reganit

MANILA, Aug. 1 (PNA) -- Two partylist lawmakers on Monday called for a review of the party-list system law instead of its abolition, as they cited the numerous accomplishments of “true” partylist groups in previous Congresses.

Reacting to President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for the abolition of the partylist system under a proposed federal government, Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano and Akbayan Partylist Rep. Tom Villarin said it would be more prudent for a review or investigation on the party-list system law in order to institute needed reforms.

Although he does not support the abolition of the partlylist system, Alejano said “I agree that the party-list law should be amended to weed wealthy opportunists out of the system.” “The Supreme Court aptly stressed that the

party-list system is a tool for social justice. To abolish it completely without conducting a comprehensive study of its implementation is to deprive the marginalized, the underrepresented a voice in the highest lawmaking body of the Republic,” he said.

“It is a well known fact that there are many well-meaning party-list groups that have successfully and actively pursued the interests of the sector they represent in Congress,” Alejano said.

A comprehensive review of the implementation of the 21-year old law may help in preserving the “true” intention of RA 7941, he said.

“I propose studying the background of the different party-list groups that participated in the election, the personalities that represent these party-list organizations as well as their performance in the previous

congresses to ascertain that they have promoted the advocacies of their parties,” Alejano said.

Villarin said he fully supports calls for reform in the partlylist system and stressed that not all partylist groups are bad.

He said that as a partylist in Congress, Akbayan has been successful in passing landmark legislations such as the Reproductive Health Law, the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law, and the Philippine Competition Act. “We continue to push for our advocacies in public health, labor and citizen empowerment among many others. It would be better if the President pushes for the abolition of political dynasties and the banning of political turncoats instead,” Villarin said.

For his part, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said the “voice of the people”

must be respected in connection with the President’s call for the abolition of the partylist system.

“I think we should listen to the voice of the people because in the end it is the people who would decide whether or not they would agree to the proposal of President Duterte,” Alvarez said.

Last Friday, President Duterte expressed his dissatisfaction with the implementation of Republic Act No. 7941 or “The Party-List System Act,” stressing that the party-list system has been abused by the rich and the powerful.

According to the President, he would support its abolition in the proposed Constitutional reforms.

“I will insist: No party-list. Inabuso na lahat yan eh. Ang nananalo ay yung may pera, representing the what? Security guards,” Duterte had said.

Dial 8888, 911: Gov’t opens complaints, emergency hotlines MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang and the national police on Monday launched their respective hotlines for receiving public complaints and emergency calls.

The President’s Hotline or 8888 is dedicated to complaints against fixers, scalawag officials and poor government services.

Callers will be asked to identify the government employee and agency tagged

in their complaint, date and details of the incident, their proposed solution and contact details.

The complaints will be forwarded to both the concerned agency and the Office of the President within five days.

Ariel Ronquillo of the Civil Service Commission said the hotline has received 76 calls from the public, as of past 6 a.m. Monday.

The Philippine National

Police (PNP), meanwhile, is now ready to receive emergency calls through hotline 911.

PNP chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said policemen will serve as the first batch of respondents to 911 calls.

Plans were still being ironed out to connect the hotline with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and calamity response agencies, Dela Rosa said.

He also urged the pub-

lic to refrain from making prank calls to the hotline.

“This will clog up the lines and prevent people with real emergencies to reach us.”

Hotline 911 received 2,475 recorded calls, between 12 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Monday.

Out of the total, only 75 calls were legitimate while the 1,119 were dropped and 1,356 were prank calls.

(MNS)

hay) – To allay fears that congressmen will take advantage of Charter change for their own benefit, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has proposed the creation of a 20-member panel that would help lawmakers introduce revisions to the Constitution.

In a radio interview, Alvarez said he will ask President Rodrigo Duterte to issue an executive order for the creation of a constitutional commission, to be composed by constitutional law experts and representatives from various sectors.

“Sila (constitutional commission) po yung aatasan na pag-aralan, i-review atsaka gumawa ng draft ng bagong Constitution, at ito naman ay isu-sumite doon sa constituent assembly kung saan doon po ay pag-uusapan ito ng mabuti,” he said.

Among the individuals

ment to the commission are constitutional law experts like former Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno, former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr., lawyer Reuben Canoy, and Dean of San Beda Law School Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, as well as representatives from non-governmental organizations, the academe, and other sectors of society.

He said he sees no legal impediment against the creation of such a commission through an executive order as it is still Congress, acting as constituent assembly (con-ass), which would discuss and approve the proposed amendments.

Con-ass and constitutional convention (con-con) are two out of three modes of changing the Constitution.

The third alternative is a “People’s Initiative.” Under a con-con, delegates elected

amendments to the Charter.

Last week, Alvarez said Duterte has changed his mind about pursuing Charter change to put in place a federal form of government through con-con because it will be more expensive than con-ass. By the estimates of House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, the budget of holding a con-con could be 10 times higher than the cost allotted for the national and local elections on the back of the salaries of the delegates, the hiring of personnel and rental of the convention venue.

The con-ass proposal, however, has drawn criticism on social media because of fears that Congress would railroad the process and introduce amendments that will benefit only a select few.

Reacting to negative comments on con-ass, Alvarez said the people cannot be

Congress.

“Sabagay hindi ko masisisi yung taumbayan dahil nga sa mga nakaraan. E sabi ko nga ang sabi naman ng ating Pangulo ay Pilipino naman tayo lahat , di siguro sabi nya doon sa Kongreso, e mga Pilipino din kayo gumawa rin kayo ng para sa taumbayan,” he said.

As an added assurance to the public, Alvarez said any proposed amendments to the Constitution will not become final until it is approved by the people in a plebiscite.

“At pagkatapos nun (conass) hindi pa ho tapos yun.

Kailangan ho ay papayag yung taumbayan doon sa laman nung Constitution na yun. Kaya ho safe ho lahat yan dahil ang taumbayan ang magsasabi kung payag sila o hindi doon sa magiging proposal na yung proposed Constitution natin,” he said.

(MNS)

Tornado hits university library building, Constitutional commission eyed to help Congress in Cha-cha nearby houses in Batac City MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabu- eyed by Alvarez for appoint- by the people will propose blamed for their distrust in BATAC CITY, Aug 1 (PNA) – The main library building of the state-run Mariano Marcos State University was hit by a tornado on Sunday afternoon, destroying some books, computers and other learning materials while it tore roofs off houses nearby, and overturned a motorcycle.

No one was hurt, said Arvin Lumang of the Batac City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC).

As public storm warning signal number 2 remain hoisted over Ilocos Norte, Gov. Imee Marcos has earlier announced classes in primary schools on Monday are

automatically suspended.

Private schools such as the Northwestern University in Laoag City has also issued an advisory suspending classes both in primary and secondary schools.

In Carasi town, a man was rescued from drowning through the quick response of the Piddig Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) rescue team and Carasi town mayor Rene Gaspar at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

According to Senior Fire Officer 4 Edison Reyes of the Piddig BFP, the man was stranded in Barbaquezo river while crossing the river due to a sudden rise of floodwater.

House bill pushes for creation, integration of bicycle lanes

MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) – Bikers will now have their own lanes if a bill filed by Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte is enacted into law.

House Bill 263 calls for the establishment and integration of bicycle lanes in the country’s transport system.

In his proposal, Villafuerte specified that bicycle lanes are for the “exclusive use of bicycle riders. Motor vehicles are prohibited from being driven or parked on any bike lane.”

As contained in the proposed bill, bicycle lanes shall be separated by a physical barrier and shall be clearly identified with markings.

In case a physical barrier is not feasible, bicycle lanes shall be marked with reflectorized yellow painted lines, the bill said. Villafuerte believes promoting the use of bicycles will help ease traffic congestion and lessen air pollution. The proposal also states that the country shall join in the observance of National Car-Free Day every second Sunday of April.

The bill also requires all public places such as malls, hospitals, schools and government offices to install bike racks. Employees who regularly bike to and from work shall be given an annual tax deduction of P2,500.00 from his or her gross income.

Violators shall be fined P1,00.00. If the violator is a government official, employee or agency, the fine shall be from P10,000 to P30,000.

Congress, not President, has say on changing Charter: Drilon MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) – Congress has the sole authority to decide on the mode of amending the Constitution, Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin Drilon said on Monday.

“The mode of amending the Constitution, whether

by Constitutional Assembly (Con-Ass) or Constitutional Convention (Con-Con), is the sole prerogative of Congress,” Drilon said in a statement.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez earlier said that President Rodrigo Duterte now prefers Con-Ass over Con-Con as the mode of amending the 1987 Constitution.

But Drilon explained that unlike ordinary bills, a resolution calling for a review of the Constitution is not subject to the approval of the President.

“A resolution calling for a Con-Con or Con-Ass does not need the approval of, and cannot be vetoed by, the President,” he said, adding that the Filipino people would ultimately decide whether or not they would ratify the amendments to the Constitution.

“The amendments to the Constitution itself are not approved, and cannot be vetoed, by the President, but are submitted directly to the people for approval

or rejection in a plebiscite,” the senator stressed.

Drilon said Congress should debate on the best mode to amend the Constitution, taking into consideration the views of all stakeholders, the President, and Constitutional and legal experts. The senator is the author of Resolution of Both Houses No. 1 at the Senate calling for a Constitutional Convention to review the 1987 Constitution.

He also chairs the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes and laws that will hear all measures calling for the amendment of the Constitution.

As the committee chair, Drilon vowed to give the resolution to amend the Constitution “the highest the priority.”

He said the committee would take it up as soon as the organization of the Senate was finalized and completed.(MNS) LOOKING FOR A ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD?

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Dureza on CPP-NPA’s ceasefire: We’ll consult military, all sectors MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) – The government will consult all sectors and military regarding the planned ceasefire of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said Monday.

Dureza also said all options will be studied with regard to the government’s ceasefire.

The pronouncement, made by exiled CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison, came three hours after President Rodrigo Duterte lifted the unilateral ceasefire on Saturday, when the group failed to meet the 5 p.m. deadline for a reciprocal declaration.

“Tingnan ho natin. Sabi ko nga, ‘wag nating pangunahan ang Pangulo. We will study all options, as you know,” Dureza said.

He added: “Ngayon, sa Gabinete, these will all be studied very well. The whole Cabinet. We will also consult all sectors—the military, the civil society. And of course, the President will make the final decision on how to deal with this development.”

Dureza noted the government’s surprise when the CPP-NPA did not immediately reciprocate Duterte’s declaration of a unilateral ceasefire during his first State of the Nation Address last week. “’Di ba sa mga dati nu’n, may unilateral ceasefire sa Pasko, during certain holidays sa bansa, immediate kaagad ‘yung kanilang response. Dito nagtaka kami, bakit masyadong very fast ‘yung pace namin to sana re-engage with CPP-NPA-NDF at nag-aasa kami na sana merong unilateral ceasefire na galing rin sa kanila,” he said.

He added: “Nag-antay nang matagal ang Pangulo. Then merong incidents on the ground, nag-antay pa rin. Marami ng statements ang lumalabas na parang ‘di naman kasaya-saya sa lahat ng gesture of the President, kaya he also issued an order lifting ‘yung kaniyang suspension or unilateral ceasefire.”

Dureza said he has not spoken to Duterte since Saturday’s incident, when Sison called out the President for issuing an ultimatum on the matter. “’Wag na lang natin sigurong bigyang pansin ‘yung mga maaanghang na salita, ‘di ba? Sasagutin rin natin ng sobra pang maaanghang [na salita] kung ‘yun ang gagawin natin,” he said.

He added: “Tingnan mo naman ang Pangulo natin. He was really very presidential in all his statements. Nagulat nga kami na may mga maaanghang na salita galing sa ibang sectors. Alam mo naman ang Pangulo, his main concern is really how to bring about sustainable peace sa bansa. We will address this at the most strategic [way].”

Despite this, Dureza noted that peace talks between the government and the CPP-NPA in Oslo, Norway will go as scheduled on August 20.

“Walang kaibahan ‘yun. Hindi ‘yun nagbabago. August 20 is the resumption of the peace talks. Unless, of course, something happens along the way,” he said.

He added: “We are prepared to go to Oslo already for the official talks.”

In a statement, the CPP on Sunday said it is willing to issue a unilateral ceasefire declaration “separately but simultaneously with the Duterte government on August 20.”

It added the declaration is “to further support peace negotiations.”

President Rodrigo Duterte lifted the government’s unilateral ceasefire on Saturday after the CPP-NPA failed to meet his deadline for their own declaration.

“Let me now announce that I am hereby ordering for the immediate lifting of the unilateral ceasefire that I ordered last July 25 against the communist rebels,” Duterte said in a statement released to the media after the 5 p.m. deadline on Saturday lapsed.

“I am ordering all security forces to be on high alert and continue to discharge their normal functions and mandate to neutralize all threats to national security, protect the citizenry, enforce the laws and maintain peace in the land,” he added.

Exiled CPP-NPA leader Jose Maria Sison, however, on Saturday said they were going to declare their own ceasefire at 8 p.m. that day, three hours after Duterte’s deadline.

“May announcement na gagawin ng 8 p.m. today pero ang magpapasya na (on implementation) yung mga rebolusyonaryong nasa Pilipinas. Sila na ang magpapasya kung ilalabas nila,” Sison said in a television interview. (MNS)

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OPINION

Senators support Duterte’s revocation of ceasefire with Reds

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, July 31 (PNA) – President Rodrigo R. Duterte found allies in the Senate in his decision to revoke the government unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebels after the ultimatum lapsed without reciprocation.

In his first State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) last July 25, President Duterte declared unilateral ceasefire and expected the National Democratic Front (NDF) “to respond accordingly.”

While waiting for the communist rebels to reciprocate to the truce offered by the Duterte government, a firefight took place on July 27 between the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) civilian auxiliary, killing a militiaman and wounding three others.

Despite the ambush of the government militiamen, President Duterte still gave the Communist Party of the Philippines (CCP) and the NPA time to explain and to respond to the government ceasefire until 5 p.m. of July 30.

The ultimatum, however, lapsed without any word from the CPP-NPA-NDF, prompting President Duterte to lift the ceasefire last Saturday night.

Several minutes after the lifting of the ceasefire, CPP founder Jose Maria Sison was interviewed from The Netherlands by cable ANC television where he claimed they are planning to declare their own ceasefire at 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said the CPP-NPA-NDF’s announcement through media that they will also declare their own ceasefire is “still strategic and awaited decision.”

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito agreed with the President’s decision, saying “he has every reason to call off the truce.” ”It was President Duterte who offered a handshake for peace and reconciliation. It was the Reds who rejected and in the process violated the truce offered by the government,” he added.

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said President Duterte made the right decision when the popular leader did not extend the ultimatum. ”It would show that the President and this administration mean business. We are extending our hand of peace and friendship, yet we get nothing in return.

I support the President’s decision,” Sotto said.

Senate minority member Antonio Trillanes IV also supported the President’s decision.

”I support President Duterte’s lifting of the ceasefire with the communists,” he said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said the President made the right decision since the ultimatum was made six days after he declared the ceasefire and the NPA rebels even ambushed the government militiamen. ”The President already gave his word to set an ultimatum at 5 p.m. Because of the ambush, he said that if they (rebels) will not reciprocate, he will revoke the ceasefire. Siguro taliwas sa kanyang character na pag nagbitaw ng salita na pag sinabi niya, talagang alam nating gagawin niya,” Lacson said.

Lacson criticized the CPP-NPA-NDF for announcing in the media that they are supposed to declare ceasefire only three hours after the 5 p.m. ultimatum expired. ”The President declared the ceasefire 25 (of July) but they did not reciprocate. Now that it was lifted after the ultimatum lapsed, they said they would call a ceasefire at 8 p.m. Stupid is just a common phrase.

It’s not literal (that they would declare ceasefire),” Lacson said.

Lacson said the CPP-NPA-NDF should declare its own ceasefire as a show of their goodwill and good faith.

Neophyte Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed optimism that the peace agreement between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF will be achieved expeditiously “with President Digong’s showing of goodwill.” ”The NDF should also move expeditiously to achieve peace. President Digong is their only chance to achieve peace. He is the only President that sympathizers with their cause and movement,” Gatchalian said.

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said President Duterte had little choice when he set the ultimatum after the attack of the government militiamen, “especially as the President has been making a tour of military camps.” ”Hopefully both sides can engage in confidence building measures in the run up to the peace talks,” Angara said.

Dureza has said President Duterte will continue to walk the extra mile to achieve peace with the communist rebels.

He added that he will make his corresponding recommendations to President Duterte during the scheduled Cabinet meeting on Monday.

Lacson to Duterte: Don’t criticize, order probe MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) – Instead of criticizing media that carried the photo of a slain drug suspect, President Rodrigo Duterte should have ordered the police to investigate the killing, Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Monday.

Lacson noted that not all the reported deaths of alleged drug suspects under the Duterte administration were killed in police operations, saying a number of them were killed by supposed vigilante groups.

“Para maipakita ng PNP (Philippine National Police) na hindi nila tino-tolerate yung mga vigilante killings, dapat i-solve nila, hanapin nila kung sino yung mga killer,” he said.

The senator cited the case of Michael Siaron, a pedicab driver and alleged drug pusher, who was shot dead by motorcycle-riding men in Pasay City last July 23.

A photo of Siaron’s wife cradling his body went viral and was published in the front page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Duterte, in his first state of the nation address on July 25, described the photo’s publication as too dramatic.

The criticism did not sit well with Lacson, who headed the PNP during the time of former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

“Yung pagka-announce sa Sona ni Pangulong Duterte, parang binigyang-sisi o na-criticized pa nya ang isang broadsheet samantalang ang dapat, ang mas angkop na mensahe nya dun e panawagan sa ating mga kapulisan na i-solve yung murder na nangyari kay Michael Siaron sa halip na parang sinasabi nya na yung diyaryo e kasama sa pagda-drama,” the senator said.

“Siguro kung nalaman nya lamang na hindi sa police operation namatay si Siaron, baka naging iba ang kanyang pahayag,” he added.

While he does not agree that the Senate should investigate the reported killings of drug suspects, Lacson said he would participate in the investigation of the committee on justice headed by Senator Leila de Lima.

But Lacson said the Senate probe should be confined only to the alleged summary executions done by the police.

“Ayaw kong malagay sa alanganin ang ating mga kapulisan na parang nasa-subject sa fishing expedition o kaya mapapahiya dun sa Senado at saka magsisiraan sila ng loob at masira yung momentum ng ating kapulisan sa pakikipaglaban sa illegal drugs,” he said.(MNS)

44 pct of Pinoys oppose Cha-cha now: Pulse MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) – A big plurality of Filipinos are opposed to moves to amend the Constitution now, with 44% rejecting the proposal while 37% support it, a Pulse Asia survey revealed Monday.

The survey, conducted last July 2 to 8 with 1,200 respondents, also showed that 39% of Filipinos support the proposal to shift to a federal form of government, compared to 33% who are against it.

The Philippines is paving the way to shift to a federal form of government by 2022, after President Rodrigo Duterte agreed with the leaders of Congress to set up a body to amend the constitution.

Duterte, who swept to power in May on a wave of public anti-establishment frustration over crime and poverty, wants to switch from a centralized government to devolve power to long-neglected poor provinces and spread wealth more evenly.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez earlier said granting more, and specific, powers to the state governments would mean a reduction in bureaucratic red tape.

The aim is for a plebiscite on the constitutional changes to be held along with mid-term elections in 2019, Alvarez said, followed by a transition period until the expiry of Duterte’s six-year term in 2022.

The proposal will create 11 to 12 states, lumped together from rich and poor provinces, with greater autonomy.

The Pulse Asia survey revealed that about four in 10 Filipinos (41%) said they have heard, read of watched something about the proposals to change the Constitution over the past few months.

The survey also showed that 73% of Filipinos have little or no knowledge at all about the country’s Constitution - with 45% knowing only a little while 28% have almost or completely no knowledge at all.

It showed that even among those aware of the pro-

posals to amend the Charter, about 56% have little or no knowledge at all about the 1987 Constitution.

Pulse Asia said the plurality sentiment among Filipinos (44%) is one of opposition to Charter change at the moment - a view shared by virtually the same percentages of those aware of Charter change proposals and those with a great deal/sufficient knowledge about the Constitution (both at 42%).

Last November 2014, nearly half of Filipinos (49%) said the Philippine Constitution should not be amended at that time.

Meanwhile, more Filipinos support Charter change now (37%) than express indecision on the matter (19%).

The survey also showed that Filipinos are split on the proposal to change the country’s form of government from a presidential to a parliamentary form: 37% of Filipinos are against it, 33% are in favor and 30% cannot say whether or not they support such a change.

The survey showed 43% of Luzon respondents oppose the proposal, which is similar to the 42% of Visayans who also reject it.

Thirty-one percent of Visayans are ambivalent on the matter of shifting to a parliamentary system of government.

On the other hand, the proposal to shift to a federal form of government was backed by 39% of Filipinos compared to 33% who oppose it and 28% who are undecided.

Forty-seven percent of the respondents who say they know a great deal or have sufficient knowledge about the Constitution backed the proposal to shift to a federal form of government.

The survey has a ± 3% error margin at the 95% confidence level. (MNS)

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INMENT

Eric Quizon shocked by Zsa Zsa-Conrad breakup Actor-director Eric Quizon, the son of the late comedy king Dolphy, said he was not aware of the problems that led to the breakup of his father’s former partner, singer Zsa Zsa Padilla, and architect-boyfriend Conrad Onglao.

“Of course I got shocked the first time I found out kasi alam ko ikakasal na sila, eh. Iniimbita na nga niya ako, eh, ‘Oh, you’re

Eric Quizon

Jason’s best man Ryan Bang shocked by the separation “It’s Showtime” host Ryan Bang admitted that he was shocked and saddened that his friends, Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco, have separated after almost three years of marriage.

Bang was Francisco’s best man – along with Paul Jake Castillo – at the couple’s wedding on December 9, 2013 at the Holy Cross Parish in General Santos City.

Francisco confirmed the split on Tuesday in a series of posts on the Instagram account of their only child Amelia “Mela” Lucille, who turned two last April.

Francisco revealed that their misunderstanding started when Cantiveros accepted the series “We Will Survive,” which aired its finale last July 15.

“Siyempre sobrang malungkot na balita. Sana hindi totoo, sana hindi tuloy,” Bang said. “Sana mag-usap sila ng mabuti para [magkabalikan]. Kasi hindi biro ‘yung kasal at saka may anak.”

“At saka happy naman sila sa isa’t isa. Nagulat ta-

Ryan Bang

laga ako nung nalaman ko ang balita kasi matagal ko na ding ‘di nakakausap si Jason. Ang alam ko happy naman sila,” he added.

In the meantime, Bang said he will be praying for the couple’s reconciliation.

“Magpi-pray ako para magbatian at maayos.

Sana maging maayos sila,” he said.

Just two weeks ago, Cantiveros vowed to stick it out with Francisco despite some problems in their relationships, saying it is just normal for couples to have arguments. (MNS)

going to my wedding.’ Sabi ko, of course count me in, sabi ko sa kanya,” Quizon said. He continued: “I never suspected anything.

She seemed very happy and kapag nagkikita ko naman sila parang masaya naman yung relationship nila. So, I never thought that something like this will happen.” Quizon also shared that Padilla did not reach out to him for advice, adding he reached out to

Iñigo Pascual

we’ll see where this goes. ...I’m happy with what we have right now.”

As a newcomer to local showbiz, Day said Iñigo inspires her. “He’s done a really good job in making his own name considering his father,” she said. “I’m super proud of him. I kind of just started as well and he’s giving me a lot of advice.”

Day also shared that she already met Piolo. “I was really embarrassed because it was at the sports fest,” she narrated. “And I don’t think his dad knew that we were talking and stuff.”

“So at the sports fest, he was playing badminton and I was giving him his water and his towel.

And then his dad started looking at me and I said, ‘Iñigo, I’m scared,’” she said. (MNS)

the cause of the breakup, but the popular architect released a statement claiming that the relationship was the “best thing that ever happened” to him.

“I love and respect her a lot and whatever issues we have are between us and hopefully we can work it out and who knows maybe get back again,” Onglao said. “She’s the best thing that ever happened to me, ever! (MNS)

Jessy reaches out to Pia after her joke went viral Jessy Mendiola finally broke her silence after drawing flak for joking that she beat Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach for the title of “Sexiest Woman in the Country.”

Mendiola said she just laughed off the criticism because she knows that her comment was just taken out of context.

“Nung nabalitaan ko nga, natawa na lang ako na parang, ‘really?’ Ganoon niyo nakita iyon at narinig iyon? Wala naman akong sinabing sobrang sama para magalit yung taumbayan sa akin,” she said. “Para sa akin kasi, at that moment, nag-joke ako na ‘Shucks, talo ko pa si Pia sa trato sa akin ngayon.’

What I meant was ‘yung context na grabe ‘yung overwhelming feeling. Grabe ‘yung trato niyo sa akin bilang parang queen na din,” she added.

Mendiola said she appreciates that Wurtzbach came to her defense because it was never really her intention to belittle the reigning Miss Universe.

“I asked some of my friends na friends din niya to extend my gratitude.

Ang sweet nga niya to tweet that. Kung siya nga nakita niya as a joke ‘yun, bakit parang other people won’t see that as a joke?” she said.

Mendiola also responded to comments alleging that fame immediately got into her head.

“Sa pagkakaalam ko, hindi ako

nagmayabang. Pangalawa, wala naman akong nilait na tao o kaya minaltrato.

Siguro for me, why do people hate others who are just confident with themselves?

Sa panahon ngayon, instead of us women helping each other to stand up and be strong, tayo pa ‘yung [nagsisiraan]. Kapag nakita natin ‘yung flaw niya, ididiin pa natin,” she said.

Last week, Wurtzbach took to Twitter to congratulate Mendiola over the “sexiest woman” tag amid the criticism being thrown at the actress.

“What I saw was a girl who was just really ecstatic to be given that recognition.

Nothing wrong with that.

Congratulations, Jessy!” she said. Mendiola and Wurtzbach are both artists of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic. (MNS) Jessy Mendiola

Rosanna Roces to marry lesbian partner Rosanna Roces and her lesbian partner, Blessy Arias, are set to get married in Canada next month.

They will also have a ceremony in the Philippines in December.

The couple shared the story behind their relationship, which started in their teens.

Roces and Arias revealed that they have long known each other. Roces was only 15 years old, while Arias was 19 when they first met.

According to Roces, they first met through Arias’s sister, who was also her friend.

Iñigo Pascual admits to dating Fil-British beauty Teen actor Iñigo Pascual, the son of Kapamilya star Piolo Pascual, has admitted to dating Filipino-British Kelley Day, one of the members of the “It’s Showtime” girl group GirlTrends.

“She’s beautiful, everyone can see that,” Iñigo, 18, said when asked if they are already a couple. “For now, we’re just good friends. We don’t want to rush things.

We’re just getting to know each other.”

Pascual met Day, also 18, in an acting workshop more than three months ago. The young actor said he considers Day to be his “closest friend,” adding: “We have the same interest and everything.”

“I consider her to be one of my most trusted friends,” Iñigo continued. “I find her to be really beautiful and really charming so

the former “The Story of Us” actress after the failed engagement. “I texted her when it happened. I said, we’re just here for you.”

Padilla first went public with her relationship with Onglao in April 2014, during a concert of veteran performer Gary Valenciano. Their split was confirmed by Padilla’s daughter, Karylle, last May. Both Padilla and Onglao have remained mum about

Rosanna Roces

Arias was among those who supported Roces through the different stages of her life, including her pregnancy with her first child.

The two lost contact when Roces became an actress, and married husband, Tito Molina.

But after several years, Roces and Arias eventually went back in each others’ arms.

Earlier this year, Roces has already admitted her relationship with Arias in an interview in “Tonight With Boy Abunda” early this year. (MNS)

Coco Martin hopes to do remake of ‘Utol’ with Montano Actor Coco Martin wants to do a remake of the 1996 action movie “Utol,” which starred Cesar Montano and Victor Neri.

The “Ang Probinsyano” star told reporters that he hopes to do a movie with his idol, Montano, who recently joined the cast of the hit primetime series.

“Sabi ko (sa kanya), ‘Kuya Boy, sana hindi lang ito ‘yung mapagsamahan natin, sana makagawa din tayo ng pelikula.’ Sabi ko, ‘Alam mo Kuya Buy gustong-gusto ko ‘yung pelikula niyo dati ni Victor Neri na ‘Utol.’ ‘Eh di gawin natin,’ sabi niya,” Martin shared.

Martin actually is looking more than just that one film since he hopes to revive the action genre in general.

“Sana itong positive na nangyayari sa ‘Ang Probinsyano,’ I’m sure magtutulong-tulong ‘yan para mul-

ing mabuhay (ang action films) at para mas marami po tayong madadagdag na trabaho,” Martin said.

The actor also thanked Montano for agreeing to do “Ang Probinsyano.” “’Yung unang eksena namin, honestly nanginginig ako kasi sobra ko po talaga siyang hinahangaan as an actor. Sa pagta-trabaho namin ngayon doon ko na-realize na ang layolayo ko pa pala. kumbaga ang dami ko pang matututunan,” he admitted.

“Ang Probinsyano” airs weeknights after TV Patrol. (MNS)

Coco Martin

Jolo Revilla and Jodi Sta. Maria

Jolo, Jodi together again?

After admitting last month they are no longer a couple, Jolo Revilla and Jodi Sta. Maria are hanging out again. Jolo recently posted on Instagram a photo of them together, writing as caption, “Just because something isn’t happening for us right now does not mean it will never happen.”

In another photo he posted, they are seen together in a gym. The actor-turned-politician captioned the photo with a smiley emoticon.

Jolo is mum on the matter, maintaining simply he

is friends with Jodi. His mom, Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado, doesn’t want to delve deep into the issue either. In a separate interview, she said, “Love will find the way. ‘Yun lang ang masasabi ko. Kung talagang sila para sa isa’t isa, magiging sila pa rin naman eh.” She added, “Sino ba ako para humadlang if they are really meant for each other? Kung sila ang nagkakatulungan, nagkakasundo at nagmamahalan, sino ba naman ako para humadlang du’n?”

(MNS)

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Canadian doctors use novel Chinese heart valve to save patients

VANCOUVER, July 31 (PNA/Xinhua) – Johanna Eisenhuth, an 88-year-old lady who suffered from leaky aortic valve, was cured thanks to a novel Chinese heart valve that saved her from an openheart surgery too risky to operate at her age.

Vancouver Sun reported Saturday that doctors at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver had been prepared to perform a revolutionary procedure that would fix her heart using the J-valve, a new device from China.

Her operation was performed under the guidance of cardiac surgeon Dr. Jian Ye and cardiologist Dr. John Webb from St. Paul’s Centre for Heart Valve Innovation.

Only four implantations of the J-valve have been performed outside of China -- all of them at St. Paul’s over the past six months, according to the report.

People with a leaky valve suffer from blood flowing backward into their lungs, which can cause shortness

of breath and lead to congestive heart failure.

Ye said most prosthetic valves currently available are designed for calcified valves, but the J-valve is unlike traditional prosthetic valves in that it has “claspers” to clip it onto the leaky native valve.

Traditional replacement valves are anchored in place by calcification -- but if there isn’t enough present they can be pushed into the heart or arteries, which can cause health complications or death, Ye said.

According to the report, J-valve implantation is a minimally invasive procedure that takes only a few minutes and the whole operation can be done in less than an hour. The patient is put asleep for the procedure but their heart is not stopped.

The report said Eisenhuth’s operation was the first in the world to use an easier-to-implant, second-generation J-valve.

Just five days after the operation, Eisenhuth went back home, safe and sound.

To the delight of her family, she is doing very well now, the report said.

Doctor Ji Zhang, inventor of the miraculous J-valve, told Xinhua in a recent interview in Vancouver that J-valve has made a successful debut here since February and more operations using J-Valve to treat patients in other countries are expected in the future, such as Italy.

Zhang said J-valve was invented while he was working in Suzhou city in east China’s Jiangsu province in 2009 and he got a patent in China.

He also mentioned that J-valve has completed more than 100 experimental operations in China and is now waiting for approval from relevant authorities in China. When the approval is done, tens of thousands of patients will get their lives saved due to the efficient and comparatively cheap J-valve, which is a contribution not only to the Chinese society but also to the world, Zhang said.

3,000-year-old tree found in NE China CHANGCHUN, July 31 (PNA/Xinhua) – A rare Chinese yew tree, believed to be about 3,000 years old, was discovered in northeast China’s Jilin Province, local authorities said Sunday.

The living tree is located in Huanggou Forest. It is more than 40 meters tall and has a diameter of 1.68

meters, said Yang Yongsheng, head of the forest administration.

The tree was among more than 30 Chinese yew trees discovered earlier this week in the forest. It is the oldest and the best-preserved Chinese yew in Jilin, according to the provincial forestry department. Called

a “living fossil” of the plant world, the Chinese yew has existed for 2.5 million years.

Since many of the trees have been harvested to extract taxol, used to treat cancer, the species is now under first-grade national protection for endangered plants.

Vaccinating a newborn baby against Hepa B: Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Dr. Eric Tayag vaccinates a newborn baby against Hepatitis B as part of the campaign to increase awareness and compliance rate for the vaccination against Hepatitis B during the World Hepatitis Day observance held on Thursday (July 28, 2016) at East Avenue Medical Center Auditorium in Quezon City. The theme of this year’s observance is “Sa Unang 24 Oras, Bakunahan si Baby Kontra Hepa B” (vaccinate the baby within the first 24-hour period after birth to protect him/her against Hepatitis B). (PNA photo by Leilani S. Junio)

Zika infection caused by one virus serotype: study

WASHINGTON, July 31 (PNA/PTI) – Vaccination against a single strain of Zika virus is sufficient to protect against its genetically diverse strains, a new study has claimed.

Zika virus strains are grouped into two distinct genetic lineages: African and Asian. The Zika virus strain circulating in the current outbreak affecting Central and South America and the Caribbean is of the Asian lineage, said researchers from Washington University and Emory University in the U.S. When individuals are infected with Zika virus, their immune systems produce neutralizing antibodies to fight the infection.

These antibodies may offer immunity against future infections by strains of the same Zika virus lineage, they said.

Until now, it was unclear whether the anti-

bodies could also protect against infection with strains of the other Zika virus lineage. Results from laboratory experiments and tests in mice now show this may be possible.

Such protection indicates that, despite being genetically distinct, all strains of Zika virus have identical surface antigens and therefore are the same serotype, researchers said.

The closely-related dengue virus has four serotypes, which is why people can be infected with dengue as many as four times, once with each serotype.

For the study, scientists took serum samples from people infected by Zika virus strains circulating in South America and mixed them with multiple strains of the virus in the laboratory to see how well the serum antibodies neutralized the virus.

Results showed that

antibodies elicited after infection with Zika virus strains of the Asian lineage were able to potently inhibit both Asian lineage and African lineage strains.

Researchers conducted similar experiments using serum samples from mice and found that sera from mice infected with either Asian or African Zika virus strains were equally effective in neutralizing virus strains from either lineage.

The findings are important to the ongoing effort to rapidly develop a preventive Zika vaccine, researchers said.

Because there is only one Zika virus serotype, antibodies elicited by any Zika virus strain in a vaccine could conceivably confer protection against all Zika virus strains, they said.

The findings were published in the journal Cell Reports.

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Celebrating after the show with Rocky Gathercole are the Lifestyle Network, For The Stars Fashion House and ABS-CBN Foundation International teams.

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Designer Rocky Gathercole acknowledges the applause of the enthusiastic crowd at curtain call on stage.

The show – a live multimedia experience directed by award-winning John-D Lazatin – featured over 70 models.

The Triumph of ‘Rock The Runway’: Rocky Gathercole Showcases Stellar Designs To Raise Funds For Street Children HOLLYWOOD, CA, August 3, 2016 – Avalon, one of Hollywood’s best and most historic landmarks that hosted the first West Coast performance of The Beatles in 1964 and voted Best Dance Club by LA Weekly last year, pulsated with theatrical excitement, imagination, energy and magic as avant-garde Filipino designer Rocky Gathercole unveiled his electrifying collection before hundreds last Thursday at “Rock The Runway”, a fashion fundraiser for Bantay Bata (Child Watch), an ABS-CBN Foundation International program for abused children.

Presented by Lifestyle Network in cooperation with For The Stars Fash-

ion House, “Rock The Runway” drew enthusiastic support not only from Filipino Americans but from the larger Los Angeles community as well.

Hosted by award-winning actor Dante Basco and Emmy-winning writer-producer Keesa Ocampo and directed by award-winning concert, TV and film director John-D Lazatin, the show also delivered strong live musical performances from cellist Matthew John Ignacio, versatile performer Francesca Camus and two-man rock band The Dose with Indio Downey and Ralph Alexander.

The on-site multimedia experience and otherworldy designs of Gathercole drew oohs and ahhs

from the nattily dressed crowd. The soul of the show is the journey of Gathercole from an abused street kid to world-class designer now giving back to abused children in the Philippines.

Yong Chavez of TFC Balitang America’s “Showbiz Tonight” gave a full report entitled, “Former Street Kid Stages Show For Bantay Bata” - http://www. balitangamerica.tv/formerstreet-kid-stages-show-forbantay-bata/ The show was sponsored by CAO Cosmetics USA, Paul Mitchell School Pasadena, Seafood City, Endless Possibilities Campaign, Asian Journal, Weekend Balita, US Asian Post and Vegas Buffet.

Donors included Kabayan,

7

PPCE, Sabocor, Unistar Foods, Inc., Trinity Foliente, Evelyn Andamo, Mr & Mrs Joey Cruz, Dr. and Mrs. Manuel Baculi, Nataly Stuessy, Squid Printing, Ed Borral and Family, Perla Santos, Elena Lapid, Vic Perez and Cherry’s Salon. The show also acknowledged the Philippine Consulate General of Los Angeles, Myx TV, Beck Media, Croshal Entertainment Group, LLC, Ted Benito, Mildred Deang, Nelson Anderson and Lem Balagot of LA Rose Café.

Official photographers Sthanlee Mirador and Rex Vincent captured the happenings in exciting images below (with some photos from Nerissa Fernandez and Alyssa Castillo)

8

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UTREACH

Japan rating agency keeps investment grade rating on PHL

By Joann Santiago

MANILA, August 2 (PNA) – Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. (JCR) on Tuesday maintained its “BBB+” rating on the Philippines, given the economy’s sustained robust growth, with the 6.9 percent first quarter expansion second highest in Asia.

The Philippines’ Investment Relations Office (IRO) said IRC also maintained the “stable” outlook on the rating, with the latter being a notch away from the “A” rating. ”(The rating decision is based on) the country’s certain resilience to external shocks, relatively sound fiscal position and relatively sound economic growth potential underpinned by robust domestic demand,” it said, citing the JRC statement.

JRC forecasts a growth of over six percent for the Philippines this 2016, the lower end of the government’s six to seven percent

target.

This as it noted the Duterte administration’s bid to continue the Aquino administration’s economic programs, and even improve it, and to further increase infrastructure spending.

The credit rater said the Philippines’ sound fundamentals, strong current account surplus and foreign reserves will continue to support the domestic economy amid negative external developments.

This, as it noted the drop in the proportion of government debt burden to domestic output to 44.7 percent in end-2015 from 45.4 percent in the previous year.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) officer-in-charge Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the country had consistently posted fast growth rates in the region and “has proven that boom-and-bust cycles are a thing of the past.” ”We credit our economic gains to a solid foundation

that consists of decades of structural reforms, including pursuit of sound fundamentals,” he said. ”These fundamentals – including benign inflation, healthy external payments position, and stable banking system – will continue to help the Philippines build on its gains to become a more inclusive economy,” he added. Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez said the Japanese credit rater’s decision on Philippines’ credit rating “is a vote of confidence in the Duterte administration’s resolve to sustain and strengthen the macroeconomic fundamentals that have transformed the Philippines into Asia’s newest bright spot.” ”This serves as a strong impetus for the new government to pursue its 10-point socioeconomic agenda that is meant not only to keep the domestic economy on its upward trajectory but also to make it inclusive for all Filipinos,” he added.

Filipino-American community members asked questions to the guest panelists during the open forum of the Embassy’s Talakayan on the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program on 28 July 2016.

Fil-Am WWII Veterans’ rights and welfare highlighted in Embassy Talakayan WASHINGTON, DC – Filipino-American community members and veterans’ rights advocates gathered on 28 July 2016 at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy for a Talakayan on the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program.

In July 2015, the White House released the report “Modernizing and Streamlining Our Legal Immigration System for the 21st Century” that announced the parole policy, which is intended to enhance the ability of eligible individuals to provide support and care to their aging veteran family members who are US citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Since 08 June 2016, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has started to allow certain Filipino World War II veteran family members who are beneficiaries of approved family-based immigrant visa petitions an opportunity to receive a discretionary grant of parole on a caseby-case basis, so that they may come to the United States as they wait for their immigrant visa to become available.

“This is a victory for us and it matters for our veterans and for their families.

It matters for Filipinos and Filipino-Americans and it matters for Americans who know that their country is trying to do right in the face of historic injustice,” said

Atty. Marita Etcubañez, Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ), the largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

Additionally, Philippine Consul General Emilio Fernandez pointed out that “The parole program’s implementation this year coincides with our two countries’ 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. This certainly is an added milestone to our long established ties.”

Atty. Etcubañez and Consul General Fernandez were joined in the panel by USCIS officials Stephanie Kwan and Allison Kent, as well as immigration lawyer Januario Azarcon. The panel of speakers addressed issues related to the implementation of the program.

“We are always looking for ways to streamline this program and to make it more user-friendly and make the processes quickest as we can,” Ms. Kent stated.

In his remarks, Ravi Chaudhary, a member of President Obama’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, hailed the parole program as a fulfilment of America’s promise to Filipino World War II veterans.

“We have work to do, work to ensure that our

Filipino veterans get the recognition they deserve for the sacrifices that they made.

We are in it with you. We will remember you and we will not forget you. We are going to work and get this done, and that is a commitment that our President has made and will continue to do so,” Mr. Chaudhary stressed.

Mr. Sonny Busa, Regional Director of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP), closed the program by issuing a call to action to Metro DC residents to push their district Representatives to sign on to the bill that seeks to award a US Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the 260,000 Filipino veterans in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. The Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 was already passed by the US Senate and awaiting to receive the required number of signatures at the House of Representatives.

The proposed legislation will also recognize US commanders and servicemen who served in the Philippines during the war.

The Talakayan sa Embahada is a regular outreach program of the Philippine Embassy to engage the Filipino-American community. This Talakayan was organized with the support of FilVetRep.

DACA recipients Anthony Ng and Michelle Yoon (7th and 8th from left, respectively) pose with the panel members of the New America Media (NAM) roundtable forum in downtown Los Angeles last week. The meeting was attended by representatives from the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacifc Islanders(WHIAAPI), the USCIS-Los Angeles Field Office, Department of Labor, non-profit organizations and members of the media.

DACA remains valid as Asians urged to avail immigration relief

By Abner Galino

Contrary to popular impression, President Barack Obama’s executive actionin 2012 to shield from deportation undocumented persons who came to the US when they were children, otherwise known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA, remains in effect despite a recent unfavorable decision by the US Supreme Court on the extent of executive powers to grant immigration relief to millions of undocumented immigrants.

The 4-4 split US Supreme Court “one-sentence” decision simply upheld the preliminary injunction issued by a Texas District Court against the implementation of Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) and the expanded DACA programs would have provided temporary relief from deportation and work authorization for up to 5.2 million unauthorized immigrants in the US. This issue was clarified once again during a recent New America Media (NAM) roundtable forum with the White House Initiative on Asia Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI), the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), leaders of non-profit organizations and members of the media in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday (July 27).

WHIAAPI senior policy advisor Reva Gupta said that over 130,000 persons of Asian and Pacific Islander descent could be eligible to apply for DACA and some 16,000 of them live in Los Angeles county.

Broken down, the LA numbers involve around 6,000 Koreans, 3,000 Chinese, 3,000 Filipinos and 1,000 Indians.

Reacting to a question, Martha Flores, Chief of Staff of the Los Angeles Field Office, allayed the fears of would-be DACA recipients that a change in political administration may put them in harm’s way.

“As an administrative office, we do not share (DACA) information with ICE and other enforcement arms of the USCIS,” Flores explained.

Forum moderator Odette Keeley of NAM added later on that the more individuals apply and are admitted to the DACA program, the harder it is going to be for a hostile political administration to initiate harmful political actions against them.

In line with this issue, Shiu-Ming Cheer, a senior staff attorney of the National Immigration Center, said pro-immigration advocates would seek a re-hearing of the discontinuing of the DAPA and extended DACA programs when the US Supreme Court has installed its ninth member (its traditional number of justices).

Cheer said the planned split decision is widely viewed as a “non-decision” and does not reflect a substantive opinion of the high court on the issue of the extent of executive powers to provide immigration relief.

The possible effects of the results of approaching presidential elections to the future composition of the Supreme Court was not discussed in the forum but those who were there understood that a hostile political administration could adversely affect immigration cases that are pending or about to be filed with the High Court.

Meanwhile, the Asian American Advancing Jus-

tice-Los Angeles (AAAJLA), through its DACA legal advocate Tiffany Panlilio, said the organization continue to assist DACA applicants for free and also help them obtain loans for the a little over than $400 enrolment fee to the said government program.

Panlilio said these loans could be paid back by DACA applicants through a staggered scheme, involving small amount of payments.

She added that the cost of enrolling to the program is among the reasons why there has been a low turn out among possible DACA recipients. She added that seeking the help of non-profit organizations could prevent DACA applicants from falling into immigration scams.

DACA recipients Anthony Ng, a Filipino, and Michelle Yoon, a Korean, both shared their testimonies at the forum—highlighting the benefits of getting temporary reliefs from possible deportation and acquiring work authorizations.

Ng and Yoon both shared the upshots of DACA benefits on them. They said they no longer fear being separated from their families and have enjoyed their new found freedoms, among them the ability to travel around the United States, being able to use acquired education in seeking good employment and getting health care benefits.

“If you asked me eight years ago if I thought undocumented people could become lawyers and doctors, I would have told you no, because of the barriers that we face. But because of DACA we were able to pursue our lifelong dreams,” Ng, who is a graduate of University of California-Irvine, told the forum.

OC resident charge for impersonating as ICE agent SANTA ANA, California – An Orange County man who allegedly posed as an agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in an attempt to extort money from at least one female victim made his first federal court appearance this afternoon after being charged with impersonating a federal officer.

Luis A. Flores-Mendoza, 26, of Santa Ana, was arrested Monday by Special Agents with ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). He was charged in a criminal complaint that federal prosecutors filed last week.

Flores-Mendoza was initially arrested and charged in state court earlier this month after an investigation by the Placentia Police Department.

According to the federal

complaint, the female victim told Placentia police detectives that Flores-Mendoza arrived at her workplace last month clad in police tactical gear, including a vest, badge, and a firearm, which later proved to be a pellet gun.

After allegedly identifying himself as an ICE agent, the victim said Flores-Mendoza presented her with a letter, purportedly from ICE, stating there was an immigration case against her.

The defendant then allegedly instructed the victim to pay him $5,000 to prevent her and her child from being deported. At the time of his original arrest on the state charge earlier this month, Flores-Mendoza was driving a vehicle equipped with police-style strobe lights and a siren.

“Impersonating a federal

agent not only harms the victim who encounters the impersonator, but it can also undermine the public’s confidence in law enforcement officers,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker.

“In this case, the defendant allegedly posed as a federal agent in an effort to extort money from a vulnerable victim, who fortunately reported it to police.”

“We’re committed to safeguarding the public from scam artists and others who exploit people’s fears for no other reason than to enrich themselves,” said Joseph Macias, Special Agent in charge of HSI’s Los Angeles office.

“We’re concerned this defendant may have preyed on others, and we’re asking anyone who may have been victimized by this individual to come forward.”

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, Aug. 5 - 11, 2016

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MOTORING

Gadgets to make your commute more comfortable (NewsUSA) – Americans spend a lot of time on the road and getting to work, be it in a car, on a train or on a bus.

In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average commute for Americans is 25 minutes. However, other studies peg higher-profile cities such as Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Atlanta and San Francisco at almost 60 hours per year.

If you’re not one of the lucky few who work from home, but instead log considerable hours getting from point A to point B for your job, the following accessories may help make your commute more productive, if not downright enjoyable.

Portable Brewing Mug The coffee industry is being turned on its ear by

companies coming out with battery-powered portable brewing systems. One current system holds 14 ounces of java and is temperature controlled by pushing a button on the cup. Coffee is brewed in three minutes and the mug can also be charged in your car by USB. Handbag and Charger In order to sustain an allday charge without taking along a chunky block, portable battery packs are all the rage.

For women, there are now purses and handbags that come equipped with a place to store a small charger that will keep your phone, tablet or e-reader charged all the day long.

Screen Glasses According to a recent report by Kleiner Perkins analyst Mary Meeker, Amer-

icans spend 444 minutes each day staring at screens.

This means that 95 percent of Americans are at risk for digital eye strain that causes dryness, itchiness and fuzzy vision, according to a recent report released

by The Vision Council. To prevent further eye strain, commuters who use their laptop, smartphone or tablet in transit (or e-reader for that matter), might want to consider purchasing protective glasses that are engineered to block out the damaging high-energy, UV and artificial blue light that screens omit. These high-tech glasses can also be outfitted with your current prescription lens.

Smokeless Tobacco Accessories For smokeless tobacco users, one of the more

Make the most out of your daily commute.

inconvenient aspects to enjoying your product of choice is the unsightly spit cup or bottle that you must carry around. To that end, FLASR (OTCQB:

FLASR) has created a pocket-sized spittoon designed to allow users to open and shut it with just one hand, making it easy to use even while driving. The small

1. Due to vehicle aerodynamics, it can be more economical to run your air conditioner than to cruise with windows open.

2. When possible, maintain a constant speed to reduce strain on your vehicle’s systems. If it’s safe to do so and traffic is not too heavy, use the cruise control setting per your owner’s manual directions.

3. Do not let your vehicle idle for extended periods; restarting your engine uses less fuel than keeping your vehicle running.

4. Keep your tires properly inflated; under-inflated tires can lower fuel economy.

5. Use the recommended grade of gasoline specified by your vehicle manufacturer. Mid-grade or premium fuels are unnecessary unless they are recommended.

Nobody wants to be stranded in a broken-down vehicle on a hot, stuffy day. Avoid a “mayday” this season by taking all precautions and following these important summer vehicle maintenance tips.

Avoid a roadside mayday this summer (NewsUSA) – The temperatures are rising, and so are the numbers of vehicles on the road. Summer is right around the corner, bringing with it a number of road trips to the beach for many families.

Avoid putting a damper on your travel plans by following these summer vehicle maintenance tips from your loyal friends at Firestone Complete Auto Care. * Check your air conditioning system before the summer heat hits to make

sure that it seems to be cooling effectively. An annual full-vehicle inspection, including the air conditioning system, may help avoid costly repairs. * Check your vehicle’s fluid levels. Check the engine oil and coolant level when the engine is cold. Once your vehicle is warmed up, check your transmission fluid and power steering fluid. If any fluid is low, add only enough to bring the indicator to “full” -never overfill. Have your Firestone Complete Auto

Care automotive technician regularly check your vehicle’s brake fluid level and condition. * Do not overload your vehicle. Overloading creates excessive heat inside your tires and can cause tire failure, which could result in vehicle damage and serious injury. Remember that you and your passengers count toward the total recommended vehicle weight. * To get the best fuel economy while traveling, be aware of the following:

size of the FLASR portable tobacco flask allows users to dip unobtrusively in public.

It also fits in a cup holder.

For more information, please visit www.flasr.com.

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KITCHENOMICS

FAMILY FEATURES

At

your next gathering, indulge in Mexican-inspired dishes, dips and drinks. It’s simple to put a tangy twist on your festive favorites with a refreshing new flavor.

Watermelon is a versatile fruit with a flavor profile that pairs perfectly with many of the ingredients in traditional Mexican dishes. Sweet and juicy watermelon is a great way to cut the heat of spicier foods, and its texture lends an unexpected, satisfying crunch in dips such as chunky salsas.

Whether you’re hosting a Mexican themed party or simply looking forward to an inspired meal at home, get an early jump on summer and let watermelon be your star ingredient.

For more recipes featuring low-calorie, no-fat watermelon, visit www.watermelon.org.

Baja Fish Tacos with Watermelon Guacamole Servings: 12–16 tacos 2 medium avocados, peeled and chopped 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 teaspoons diced jalapeno pepper (or to taste) 1/3 cup chopped cilantro 2 medium garlic cloves, minced 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies, drained 2 1/2 cups diced watermelon, divided Salt, to taste Cooking spray 1 1/2 pounds cod Chili powder 12–16 corn tortillas 3–4 cups commercial coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots) 1/2–1 cup commercial salsa For guacamole, mash avocados to mix of smooth and chunky in medium bowl. Add lime, jalapeno, cilantro, garlic and chilies and mix thoroughly. Add 1 1/2 cups diced watermelon and salt (if desired) and toss. Cover and refrigerate to let flavors blend.

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray.

Place cod on sheet and sprinkle with chili powder and salt.

Bake for 12–20 minutes (depending on thickness of fish) or until cooked through. Remove from oven and cut into pieces.

Heat tortillas on grill or griddle. Top each with few pieces of fish, 1/4 cup coleslaw mix, heaping spoonful of guacamole, tablespoon of salsa and few pieces of remaining diced watermelon.

Watermelon Margarita

Southwest Salsa Bowl

Servings: 1 1 1/2 ounces tequila 3/4 ounce Triple Sec 3/4 ounce Midori 2 ounces sour mix 6 ounces cubed, seeded watermelon 8 ounces ice Blend all ingredients. Serve in 14-ounce glass. Garnish with lime and watermelon wedge.

Materials: 1 round, seedless watermelon Dry erase marker Utility knife or carving knife Ice cream scoop or other large spoon Fire and Ice Salsa Chips, jalapenos, cilantro and lime, for garnish 1. Choose round seedless watermelon.

2. Wash watermelon and pat dry.

3. Use dry erase marker to trace design around middle of watermelon.

4. Use utility knife to carve design (copy design in photo).

5. Split watermelon in half, and use scoop to carve out flesh.

6. Choose flat area of rind on other watermelon half to trace and carve out lizard design (copy from image in photo).

7. Fill bowl with salsa.

8. Garnish with lizard, chips, jalapenos, cilantro and lime.

Watermelon Cilantro Salsa Tropical Servings: 8–12 2 cups chopped seedless watermelon 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple 1 cup chopped fresh mango 4 limes (juice only) 1 cup trimmed and chopped scallions 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro Salt and pepper, to taste Toss all ingredients in mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper just before serving.

Fiesta-Worthy Facts

Fire and Ice Salsa

Impress guests at your next celebration with these mouthwatering morsels: Although about 200–300 varieties of watermelon are grown in the United States and Mexico, there are about 50 varieties that are most popular.

The five best-known types of watermelon include: seeded, seedless, mini, yellow and orange.

Watermelon is the most-consumed melon in the United States, followed by cantaloupe and honeydew.

Early explorers used watermelons as canteens.

Watermelon is 92 percent water, which makes it a good option for hydrating your body.

Servings: 3 cups 3 cups seeded and chopped watermelon 1/2 cup green peppers 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro 1 tablespoon green onion 1–2 tablespoons jalapeno peppers Combine ingredients; mix well and cover. Refrigerate 1 hour or more.

12

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EXPANSION From page 1

which registered the highest annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate at an average of 6.2 percent.

“We can maximize our country’s economic growth by attracting more investments that would create jobs,” the senator said.

Villanueva has also expressed his concern over the high unemployment rate among the youth. World Bank figures show that the unemployment rate among Filipino youth aged 15-24 is averaged at 16.5 percent in the same period of 2010 to 2015. The Philippines ranks second to Indonesia with an average of 22.1 percent in the same period.

However, Indonesia managed to reduce the proportion of unemployed youth to

ESTRADA From page 1

when the “kalesa” was the main mode of transportation before.

“This is why we have narrow roads, which is often the cause of traffic congestion, and in rare instances, road rage cases like the one that happened in Quiapo,” he said. He said the installation of bike lanes would be good not only for bikers, but for the environment as well.

“Biking is a healthy exercise and is environment-friendly; less use of motor vehicles, the lesser air pollution is,” he said.

CONTRACTUAL From page 1

agencies, mostly owned by military or policemen, tend to abuse security guards by requiring them to work more hours, which is illegal. The president warned them to follow the law or else he will cancel their permits.

“Kung ako ba naman kung ikakaligaya ng lahat

21.8 percent in 2015 from 25 percent in 2010.

Philippines, on the other hand, remained its youth unemployment rate above 16 percent during the same period.

“The unemployment rate among our youth is already troubling. That is why it is important to strengthen our technical education and the availability of alternative learning system that would hone the in-demand skills in the labor sector,” Senator Villanueva noted.

He added that more people must be able to access these opportunities.

“We have shown during our time in TESDA that technical education improves the employability of our workers. We need to strengthen it and make it more accessible.

CEASEFIRE From page 1

A dedicated bike lane would encourage others to try biking as an alternative urban transportation, he added.

The Manila Police District-Traffic Enforcement Unit (MPD-TEU) has also expressed support for Estrada’s plan.

Chief Supt. Olivia Sagaysay of the MPD-TEU said any measure aimed at decongesting Manila’s streets was welcome.

“One less car in the street is a huge reduction in the volume of traffic,” Sagaysay said. “We are with the mayor in this idea to install bike lanes in the city.”

and mandate to neutralize all threats to national security, protect the citizenry, enforce the laws and maintain peace in the land,” the President said in a statement issued through Dureza. The lifting came after the CPP-NPA-NDF failed to reciprocate the ceasefire declaration of the President for the Saturday’s 5:00 p.m deadline.

Although at 6:30 p.m, the NDF said it will reciprocate the unilateral ceasefire but has asked for more time to finish its investigation on the attack of the Army’s militiamen on Wednesday. GPH Peace panel chair Silvestre Bello on Saturday evening shared to the media a text message from NDF Spokesperson Fidel Agcaoili saying, “Please give us time to finish our investigation of the incident as reported by concerned NPA command.”

Agcaoili had said the CPP will reciprocate the President’s ceasefire declaration.

On Friday, Duterte gave the CPP-NPA-NDF an ultimatum to also declare a truce after a rebel attack on militiamen on Wednesday, two days following the Chief Executive’s pronouncement of a unilateral ceasefire.

He gave the ultimatum during his visit at the 60th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Doña Andrea, Asuncion to visit the wake of the militiaman slain in the ambush by NPA in Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

iyan and it would improve, enhance our economy, wala kayong problema sa akin.

But the human being, lalo nasecurity guard, pay all the benefits,” he told security agencies. And for the companies outsourcing workers, the President said they must assume as the employers and pay all the workers’ benefits required under the law. “If you are

nag-outsource, whatever, airlines, assume therefore as the real employer. So bayaran ninyo lahat. SSS at saka wala iyang paikot-ikot.

Huwag ninyong paikutin kasi ang totoo niyan ayaw talaga ninyong magbayad.”

If big companies do not take care of the workers, then his government cannot take care of them, the President said.

PHP 15,000 From page 1

City, further said the little amount is further reduced with the rising costs of living and inflation in the country.

“Even with the enactment of Republic Act No. 4670 or the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, the social and economic status, as well as the living and working conditions of teachers, have remained the same, if not worsened,” said Quimbo.

If genuine inclusive growth is to be realized, then certain investments must be made in order to improve the quality of education in the

VHON TANTO From page 1

were in danger.

Tanto was arrested in Masbate on Friday morning after a nationwide police manhunt was launched against him.

Coronel said the suspect attempted to flee but was cornered by the police and the military.

“To clarify things, the subject was arrested. He peacefully surrendered,” the police official said.

Tanto was presented to

SUMMIT From page 1

said that the summit and the workshop aim to engage the stakeholders and involve them in the implementation of programs and projects of the department, especially for Mindanao.

“Participants will know more about the DENR’s programs and understand them better. At the same time, it will be a chance for stakeholders to present ways for us to strengthen program implementation,” Lopez explained.

She added: “The most important thing is, everything will be interactive and will allow all stakeholders to

THE US ASIAN POST

country, through prioritization of those who are directly engaged in educating the nation’s youth according to Quimbo.

House Bill 195, which has been referred to the House Committee on Appropriations, declares it is the State policy to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and to take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all in connection to this mandate.

It is also the State policy to give the highest budgetary priority to education and ensure that teaching will attract and retain its rightful

share of the best available talents through adequate remuneration and other means of job satisfaction and fulfillment.

The bill provides for the upgrading of the salaries and other benefits for education workers with the objective of further improving the quality of education in the country through the provision of salary increase and other benefits for teachers.

The bill covers all teaching personnel in all public schools in the elementary and secondary levels, as well as those in technical and vocational schools and state universities and colleges.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa at the Manila Police Distric headquarters.

Aside from Dela Rosa, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) chief Persida Acosta and the victim’s family were also present.

Dela Rosa said guns should be “last resort for defense.” Tanto was the suspect who shot dead biker Mark Vincent Garalde after they engaged in a scuffle

following a traffic altercation on P. Casal Street in Quiapo, Manila on Monday.

An 18-year-old girl was in critical condition when she got hit by a stray bullet near the scene. Dela Rosa said he would teach Tanto how to throw a punch properly.

“Hahamon hamon ka sa suntukan, ‘di mo pala kaya.

Tuturuan kita sumuntok (You have the gall to engage someone in a fistfight, but you cannot punch. I am going to teach you how to punch),” Dela Rosa said.

foster a closer working relationship. This is also a step for the DENR in embarking towards being more than regulatory, but an activator of change.”

The summit will open with a segment called the “State of the Mindanao Environment Day” or SOMEDay. The forum, to be facilitated

by AdDU President Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ, will allow civil society organizations (CSO) to present their concerns and recommendations to the new DENR chief, who is expected to provide her initial feedback.

Simultaneously, a parallel dialogue between the community or other stakeholders and the AdDU stu-

dents will be held in “Laudato Si Classes” aimed to enrich the environmental consciousness and understanding of the participants.

The two dialogue-forums will be followed by the turnover of the Mindanao Environmental Agenda to Lopez, and the commissioning of all participants as ecological warriors or simply “eco-warriors.” On the second day, some 200 selected CSO representatives will be oriented on the major programs of the DENR. These would serve as the basis for the workshop’s breakout sessions, in preparing action plans to address issues, and coming up with relevant programs and policies.