US Asian Post December 2, 2015

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PEMBERTON GUILTY OF HOMICIDE US Marine to sentenced 6-12 years imprisonment OLONGAPO CITY, Zambales, Dec 1 (Mabuhay) – The Olongapo City court on Tuesday found US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton guilty of homicide for the October 2014 death of Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude.

US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton was sentenced to 6-12 years imprisonment and ordered to pay the Laude family at least P4.5 million for various damages. The court also ordered his “temporary” detention at the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City. Graphics by Gabriela USA

Pemberton was sentenced to 6-12 years imprisonment and ordered to pay the Laude family at least P4.5 million for various damages. The court also ordered his temporary detention at the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City.

“All circumstances form a chain that leads to reasonable conclusion that Pemberton is responsible for the killing of Laude,” Judge Roline Jinez Jabalde of the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 74 said in her decision as read by Clerk of Court Gerry Gruspe.

The prosecution has sought for a murder conviction of Pemberton.

The decision, which was read for over three hours with two short breaks, marked the culmination of nearly nine months of marathon trial that started in March 2015.

Under the Visiting Forces Agreement between the

Philippines and the US, the local courts have one year to complete judicial proceedings against a US soldier accused of a crime in the Philippines. After that period, he/she shall be relieved of any obligation.

Laude was found dead, with his head inside a toilet bowl, in the bathroom of a Celzone Lodge room in Olongapo City on October 11, 2014.

The victim was last seen with Pemberton entering the room with another person after drinking at a nearby bar where they met. The other person, Laude’s friend Mark Clarence “Barbie” Gelviro, later left the two alone.

During the trial, Pemberton admitted choking and dragging Laude, who offered him sex for a fee, to the bathroom during a fight, but said the victim was still breathing when he left the room. He said he did not know at first that Laude was not biologically female.

See PEMBERTON, page 12

Mar not affected by allies leaving LP for Duterte MANILA, Nov 30 (Mabuhay) – Presidential candidate Mar Roxas on Monday said Liberal Party (LP) members are free to choose who they will support in the May 2016 elections.

“Malaya naman ang bawat mamamayan na piliin kung sino at kanino sila papanig so okay naman ang lahat,” Roxas told reporters after the inauguration of the Bistekville 1 Multi-Purpose Hall in Payatas, Quezon City.

The former Interior secretary made the statement amid reports that some LP members have

“jumped ship” to support the presidential bid of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Roxas also said that there was no need to conduct a loyalty check among members of the LP, adding that they have loyal leaders, particularly in Mindanao.

“Hindi naman ito personalitycult e. Hindi naman ito para kay Mar Roxas, kay Leni Robredo. Ako panatag ang kalooban ko na ang mga nagtitiwala sa daang matuwid, nagtitiwala sa ating prinsipyo na kayo ang boss, prinsipyo na kung walang corrupt, walang

mahirap, prinsipyo na inclusive, consultative na pamunuan ay patuloy silang kabahagi ng daang matuwid movement,” he said.

He reiterated that their members and the public are free to choose their candidate.

“Yung iba naman ay kung iba ang kanilang gustong pagkalooban ng tiwala okay naman, yun ang demokrasya natin,” Roxas said.

At the inauguration, Roxas announced that he will create a P100-billion “Walang Iwanan Fund” if he becomes the country’s See MAR NOT AFFECTED, page 12

Car experts invited to Pinoys join global march join probe on ‘defective’ toMANILA, demand ‘climate justice’ Nov. 28 (Mabuhay) ties, religious groups, youth, labor – In the lead-up to the historic climate summit next week in Paris, thousands turned up on the streets of Metro Manila on Saturday as part of a weekend of action across the globe to demand results from the meeting in France.

A statement from “Climate Justice Pilipinas” on Saturday said some 15,000 advocates representing climate-impacted communi-

unions, anti-coal and renewable energy campaigners, and other concerned citizens stage marches on Metro Manila’s streets to join the global climate march.

The marchers called for “climate justice in behalf of vulnerable nations like the Philippines, and to demand a strong, fair and ambitious global climate agreement

Eduard Del Mundo of Caballo Negro Industriya, Alan Mendoza of System Nomics, Gulderen Baglacer, MKEK Export Manager, Hasan Sahan, MKEK Director of Marketing, and Unnamed officials of the BOCSubic Bay. The case stemmed from the procurement, supply, and delivery of

MANILA, Nov 27 (Mabuhay) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has sought the help of several car experts in its probe on alleged faulty Mitsubishi Montero sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

DTI Undersecretary Vic Dimagiba said Friday DTI invited five to six experts to their hearing on December 2 to probe supposed incidents of the car model’s sudden unintended acceleration (SUA).

“Hanggang ngayon, wala po kaming narinig na nagsabing isang senso o isang switch ang kailangan mong palitan ang dahil maaaring doon nanggagaling ang SUA. Iyun po ang ating tutuntunin,” Dimagiba said.

Also set to give their expert opinion are officials from the Product Design Center of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Representatives of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation

See SMUGGLING, page 12

See MONTERO, page 12

See CLIMATE JUSTICE, page 12

Retired general files smuggling complaint vs AFP, BOC officials MANILA, Nov. 28 (Mabuhay) – Retired General Romulo Maninding has accused several officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) of smuggling firearms.

Maninding filed a violation of Republic Act 10581 and RA 3019 complaint against the following: Gen. Herbando Iriberri, Brig. Gen. Job Yucoco, Police Chief Supt. Elmo Francis Sarona,

Montero SUVs

DISQUALIFIED: Students from the Batangas State University welcome presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe in Lipa City on Friday before she was “disqualified” by the Commission on Elections Second Division early this week which said that Sen. Poe didn’t meet the 10-year residency needed to run for president. The senator hopes that the Comelec en banc will rule in her favor. A foundling, Sen. Poe was also a United States citizen before “reacquiring” her Filipino citizenship to run for public office.

Aquino authorizes P44-B multiyear defense contract MANILA, Nov. 28 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III has signed a proposal for the Department of National Defense to enter into a P44-billion multi-year contract for seven more military purchases starting this year, a defense official announced Saturday.

Fernando Manalo, the Department of National Defense’s (DND) undersecretary for modernization, said Aquino signed the proposal on Friday, November 27.

“In-approve na ni President iyong authority ni SND (Secretary of National Defense) to enter into a multi-year contract for seven projects,” Manalo told reporters at the welcoming ceremony of two new South Korean-made FA-50 fighters jets at Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

He said that the projects in-

clude the acquisitions of two frigates, anti-submarine helicopters and an amphivious assault vehicle for the Philippine Navy; long range patrol aircraft, close air support aircraft, munitions for FA-50s and an air surveillance radar for the Philippine Air Force.

Manalo said the payment for the seven projects will start from 2015 to 2017 or 2018.

The two new FA-50s is part of the P18.9 million contract entered into by the government with the Korea Aerospace Industries for a total of 12 fighter jets. All 12 fighter jets are expected to be completely delivered by 2017.

The DND has said that it will house the new fighter jets at Subic, a former US naval facility, near the disputed territories in the South China Sea.

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Palace: No ISIS presence in PHL

Members of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) render a water cannon salute on the arrival of the two FA-50PH aircraft from South Korea at Clark Air Base in Pampanga on Saturday. The two fighter aircraft is part of the modernization program of the Department of National Defense.(MNS photo)

MANILA, Nov. 28 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Saturday asked the public to remain calm amid reports that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and its supporters have reached Philippine shores.

“Marami pong nababalita at mga ulat hinggil dyan sa mga banta na binabanggit ang pangalan ng ISIS. Pero batay sa pagsusuri ng AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) at PNP (Philippine National Police), wala naman pong batayan para kumpirmahin ang mga hakahaka o spekulasyon na iyan,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in an interview.

The Marines earlier killed 8 suspected terrorists in Sultan Kudarat including an Indonesian linked to the 2002 Bali bombings. The slain terrorists were allegedly sympathizers of ISIS.

AFP spokesperson Restituto Padilla has said that other than the ISIS flag found in the camp of Ansurul Khilafah Philippines (AKP) in Barangay Butril, there is insufficient evidence to tie them with ISIS. “We just treat them as criminals and bandits at the moment. Their claim to becoming extremist terrorists are primarily motivated by trying to get sources of funds and extort money from the general business in the area,” Padilla said.

Quoting the AFP statement, Coloma said: “No credible and verified terrorist presence has been established in our country and this is the reason we need not unduly raise our alert levels. We call on our people to remain vigilant and alert and to cooperate with authorities. Our constant call is for a collective and participative security awareness and preparedness among our people.” (MNS)

Broadcaster files petition vs.

Duterte’s presidential bid MANILA, Nov. 28 (Mabuhay) – A broadcaster has filed the first petition against Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s bid for the presidency under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipinas-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

Ruben Castor filed his petition on Friday before the Comelec.

In a statement made through Atty. Oliver Lozano, Castor said the Comelec should not allow a “travesty of justice and the law, distortion of the truth” by letting Duterte file his candidacy.

He said that Duterte was not qualified as a substitute for former PDP-Laban standard bearer Martin Diño, who withdrew his presidential bid after being questioned for his ability to run a national campaign.

According to Castor, Diño can only withdraw his candidacy for mayor of Pasay City because that was the post he aspired for in his certificate of candidacy. But Diño earlier claimed that the mayoral post was a mistake

as he intended to run for the presidential race.

Castor said there was “clearly no candidate for President who is withdrawing his candidacy for the same position of President; and there is none that respondent Duterte may substitute.” On the other hand, Castor added that Duterte was nominated by Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod for the position of Mayor of Davao, the office he originally filed a COC for, and not PDPLaban, thus disqualifying him as a possible substitute for Diño. Castor then said that Duterte should “follow the law” in filing his COC, and that the Comelec should exercise its power to enforce the election law.

“The Comelec has the implied power to declare a COC void in order to exercise its express power to enforce the election law so that the subject COC cannot be used, as it is being used in concert by the respondent, to contumaciously make a mockery of the Election Law and the

Comelec,” Castor said.

He also claimed that Duterte’s decision to run for president was in protest against the candidacy of Senator Grace Poe, who is facing disqualification cases over questions of citizenship.

“His protest is intended to accentuate his commendable resolution to uphold the Supremacy of the Constitution and Rule of Law,” Castor said.

Despite his points, Castor clarified that the petition was not intended to “pre-empt” Duterte’s candidacy but to promote it, as he believes the mayor was “worthy to run for President”.

“Precisely, this Petition is intended to avoid violation of the mandatory law and penalty of perpetual disqualification to hold office consistent with Mayor Duterte’s resolute advocacy for the rule of law,” Castor added.

Duterte’s COC for president was filed along with a certificate of nomination from PDP-Laban, his passport, and curriculum vitae.

City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Friday named Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as his running mate.

Duterte names Cayetano as running mate MANILA, Nov. 28 (Mabuhay) – Presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Friday named Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as his running mate.

In a press conference in Davao City, Duterte said he will support Cayetano as his vice president, even without the approval of his political party, PDP-Laban.

He also added that he is willing to withdraw his candidacy as a representative of the party if PDP-Laban

refuses to let him run with Cayetano.

Cayetano thanked Duterte for choosing him as his running mate, adding that he is also willing to make sacrifices.

“Masaya at hanga ako sa commitment ni mayor sa akin. Ako man ay handang magsakripisyo para sa kanya, mag-materialize lang ang Duterte presidency,” Cayetano said.

Duterte officially filed his candidacy for president

after he withdrew his COC for mayor in Davao City.

His representative, Atty.

Salvador Medialdea, filed Duterte’s COC on his behalf at the Law Department of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Manila shortly before noon Friday.

Duterte attached his certificate of nomination and acceptance from the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

(MNS)

Jejomar Binay: Duterte is my friend MANILA, Nov 30 (Mabuhay) – Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday said he and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte are friends.

“Wala, wala. Kaibigan ko naman ‘yan. Madalas din naman ako makapunta sa Davao at nagkakasama kami sa ilang social occasion,” Binay said at the sidelines of a forum on the insurance industry in Makati City.

Binay said he even wished Duterte “good luck” in his presidential bid in a chance encounter over the weekend.

“Nagkasabay kami sa eroplano nung weekend. At nag ‘hi, hello’ naman kami. At ang sabi ko din sa kanya ‘good luck,’” Binay said.

On Friday last week, Binay went to General Santos City and was greeted by Pacquiao.

In a press conference,

Pacquiao reiterated that his support remains with Binay despite Duterte’s filing of his certificate of candidacy (COC) for president in the 2016 elections.

Pacquiao is running for senator under Binay’s political party, the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

Pacquiao had also said that he and Duterte are close friends. “Talagang magkaibigan kami, close kami. Hindi iyan maapektuhan dahil dito [sa desisyon ko], politics lang ito,” Pacquiao said.

Duterte’s camp earlier stated that the mayor wanted Pacquiao to be part of his “dream team” should he decides to run for president.

Binay said that there was no animosity between him and Duterte despite’s Pacquiao’s choice.

Qualified presidential bet

Meanwhile, Binay said that unlike other “snob” candidates, Duterte always greets him during their encounters.

“Oo naman nagpapansinan talaga kami. May ibang kandidato na nang-iisnab ‘di ba?” Binay said, but refused to elaborate.

Binay also said that he has nothing but respect to Duterte’s qualifications as a presidential candidate.

“Basta ang masasabi ko, si Mayor Duterte is a qualified candidate for president,” Binay said.

Meanwhile, Binay said that he is prepared with the possibility of UNA members leaving the party to support Duterte. “Kapag nahaharap ka sa reality ng politika, hindi ka dapat masaktan.

Nangyayari talaga ‘yan,” Binay said. (MNS)

Binay praises Pacquiao for not leaving UNA amid pressure to abandon party MANILA, Nov 30 (Mabuhay) – Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday lauded Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao for stricking with him amid alleged pressures to change his allegiance to other presidential aspirants.

“Doon mo nakita na itong si Congressman Manny Pacquiao ay talagang tunay na tao,” Binay said at the sidelines of a forum in Makati.

“Talagang napaka makaDiyos at hindi siya nagpapressure.”

Binay was reacting to the statement of Pacquiao in General Santos City on Friday, in which the boxing icon stressed that his support remains with Binay despite the recent filing of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of his certificate of candidacy

(COC) for president in the 2016 elections.

Pacquiao is running for senator under Binay’s United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) party.

It was earlier rumored that Pacquiao was wooed by the administration’s Liberal Party to shift his allegiance and be part of its senatorial slate, but the boxer-turnedpolitician reportedly declined the offer.

During Binay’s visit at General Santos City on Friday, Pacquiao reiterated his support for the vice president. “May isang salita ako, kay VP talaga ako,” he said.

Pacquiao said he is confident that his friendship with fellow Mindanaoan Duterte will not be affected by his decision.

“Talagang magkaibigan kami, close kami. Hindi iyan maapektuhan dahil dito [sa desisyon ko], politics lang ito,” he said.

Duterte’s camp had earlier stated that the mayor wanted Pacquiao to be part of his team should he decides to run for president.

Binay, for his part, said he and Pacquiao shared a deeper connection as candidates.

“Alam mo kaming dalawa ay nagkakaisa bilang kandidato sapagkat kami, yung hirap ay nalaman talaga namin, simula nung kami ay bata pa. At pareho din kaming nalampasan ang kahirapan,” he said. (MNS)

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PHL economy picks up by 6 percent in Q3 MANILA, Nov 26 (Mabuhay) – The Philippine economic growth for the third quarter was registered at 6.0 percent on the back of a strong services sector, figures released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Thursday showed.

“This quarter growth was driven by the services sector which accelerated to 7.3 percent from 5.6 percent,” PSA National Statistician

Lisa Grace S. Bersales said.

The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) or the total value of finished goods and services produced for the three-month period is a step forward from the 5.5 percent economic expansion for the same quarter last year.

This is also an improvement from the revised 5.8 percent growth for this year’s second quarter.

The latest figures brought the country’s year-to-date economic growth to 5.6 percent, which may impede the government’s full-year target growth of 7 to 8 percent for 2015.

According to Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, the country must achieve a 6.9 percent GDP for the fourth quarter to achieve the fullyear target growth.(MNS)

Sin tax collections up 80 pct in October MANILA, Nov 30 (Mabuhay) – Sin tax collections grew by 80 percent to P14.5 billion in October, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said.

BIR said the significant growth came as cigarette manufacturers began frontloading their removals ahead of another increase in excise tax rates in 2016.

Tax collections from cigarettes amounted to P10.9 billion, up 126 percent, while alcohol products contributed P3.7 billion, also up 12 percent.

“The significant increase is largely attributed to the

front-loading of removals by cigarette manufacturers because of the impending increase in excise tax rates on January 1, 2016,” BIR Commissioner Kim Henares said.

“Healthy figures tell us that we increasingly have more means to invest in our people, especially on universal healthcare. But we can’t be too pleased with ourselves,” she added.

Henares noted that while government revenues continue to increase, the prevalence of adult smoking in the country also dropped to historic levels.

She said the tax agency continues to boost tax administration and enforcement to build and protect gains from tax reforms.

“We vow to consistently uphold the rule of law in ensuring sin products pay their fair share in building ourselves a healthier, more prosperous nation,” said Henares.

From January to October, sin tax collections increased 22 percent to P105.5 billion from the same period last year.

The 10-month figure is also 20 percent above target for the period. (MNS)

Sandiganbayan sets trial of Ronnie Ricketts’ graft case in February MANILA, Nov 26 (Mabuhay) – The Sandiganbayan will start hearing the graft case filed against Optical Media Board (OMB) chairman Ronnie Ricketts and his four co-accused in February next year.

At Thursday’s pretrial of the case before the Fourth Division, both the prosecution and the defense teams submitted their respective pretrial brief, or the list of witnesses and documentary evidence they intend to present during the trial proper.

Following the receipt of both camps’ pretrial brief, division chairman Associate Justice Jose Hernandez announced the start of the trial proper on February 15 and 16, 2016.

The graft case against Ricketts and four of his coaccused stemmed from the alleged mishandling of confiscated pirated DVDs and VCDs in 2010.

Named as Ricketts’ co-accused in the case were OMB executive director Cyrus Paul Valenzuela, OMB En-

House panel OKs bill guaranteeing payment of veterans’ benefits QUEZON CITY, Nov. 28 (Mabuhay) – The House of Representatives has inched closer in approving a bill that would guarantee payment of benefits for the country’s veterans.

The House Committee on Veterans Affairs recently approved a bill that would authorize government to allocate proceeds from development, lease or use of certain government properties in order that benefits for the veterans are assured.

Bataan Rep. Herminia Roman, committee chairperson, said House Bill 518 addresses the funding problem for the payment of benefits of military veterans in the country.

Authored by Reps. Rufus Rodriguez (Independent, Cagayan de Oro City) and Maximo Rodriguez (Abante Mindanao Party-list), HB 518 provides that the proceeds from the development, lease or use of certain government properties shall be used for payment of pensions and other benefits of veterans. But Acedillo, head of the technical working group (TWG) that drafted the substitute bill, moved to amend the bill so that the generated money shall be used primarily for benefits of the veterans.

The substitute bill provides the declared policy of the State to provide immediate and adequate care and benefits to war veterans by allotting the necessary funds to pay for the arrears in the payment of benefits of the veterans or their dependents.

It mandates the use of the proceeds from the lease, development, or use of the following government properties for such payment: former site of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) at Arroceros Street, Ermita, manila; Taguig Industrial Estate, otherwise known as the Veterans Center provided under Presidential decree No. 192; properties given by the Japanese government to the Philippine government under the Reparations Agreement, including the Roponggi, Nampeidai and Fujimi properties in Tokyo, and the Noniwacho and Obanoyama properties in Kobe; and other properties that may be identified by the Office of the President.

Under the bill proceeds from the lease, development or use of the mentioned properties shall be concentrated on paying the benefits of veterans whether in arrears or due for payment by the national government, the bill provides.

Further, the measure provides that any shortfall in payment of benefits to veterans shall be settled by the national government from other sources.

Rodriguez said the bill also authorizes the PVAO Administrator to direct, supervise and coordinate private sector participation in the lease, development or use of the aforesaid properties.

The DND Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Finance, shall formulate the rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of the Act within 90 days after its approval.

forcement and Inspection Division (EID) head Manuel Mangubat, EID investigation agent Joseph Arnaldo, and EID computer operator Glenn Perez.

Based on the complaint filed by the Office of the Ombudsman before the Sandiganbayan in June, a team from the OMB confiscated from Sky High Marketing Corporation building in Quezon City tons of pirated DVDs and VCDs on May 27, 2010.

However, in the afternoon of the same day, the confiscated items were “released and reloaded into the corporation’s vehicle” instead of filing the appropriate charges against the company.

Ricketts and his co-accused had earlier pleaded “not guilty” to the case.

Among the witnesses the prosecution aims to present against the accused were the investigators from the Ombudsman Field Investigation Office (FIO) who conducted a probe on the incident, as well as officers from the OMBEID, OMB Legal Division and OMB Administrative and Finance Division.

The prosecution would also present two security guards at the OMB building who were on duty when the release of the confiscated DVDs and VCDs allegedly took place, as well as some documents from the Sky High Marketing Corporation.

Meanwhile, among the witnesses the defense aims to present are Ricketts himself, together with five other officials from the OMB and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to prove that the seized items were destroyed.

Among the documentary evidence that the defense also aims to present are Ricketts’ phone bill from April 28 to May 28, 2010 to prove that he did not call Perez and gave the go-signal for the release of the seized items contrary to the claim of the Ombudsman.

The prosecution also intends to present certifications from the PNP and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) attesting that the DVDs and VCDs confiscated from Sky High were among those destroyed at a ceremonial destruction held at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame during IPOPHL’s anniversary in June 2010.

President Aquino has snacks with sisters Viel and Ballsy, and brother-in-law Eldon Cruz at a fast food restaurant in Sucat, Paranaque after attending the celebration marking the 83rd birthday of his father, Benigno S. Aquino Jr. at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City on Friday.(MNS photo)

Solon wants gov’t internship program for youth institutionalized MANILA, Nov 30 (Mabuhay) – A lawmaker has filed a measure seeking to institutionalize the implementation of the government internship program (GIP) aimed at exposing the youth to public service by way of their participation in government programs and projects.

House Bill 6225 filed by Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas will formally set the guidelines of the internship, as well as outline the terms of recruiting, screening and compensating the interns.

Under the measure, a GIP intern must be a Filipino aged 18 to 25 years old at the time of the application period. Government institutions must provide consideration to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Indigenous Peoples (IP), and other applicants who belong to minorities and the marginalized.

The measure sets the internship period from at least three months to a maximum of six months. The program must be implemented on a year-round basis.

Government agencies are required to designate an employee who will serve as GIP Desk Officer to oversee the internal implementation of program.

Upon entry to the GIP, the intern shall be provided with a stipend amounting to 75 percent of the existing rate of step 1, Salary Grade 1 of the government salary standardization law and shall be non-taxable.

The bill states that the GIP shall not be considered as employment and that interns are hired for official purposes only.

However, since the GIP also serves as a recruitment mechanism for potential public employee, the pro-

posed GIP Act mandates all beneficiaries to take the Civil Service Eligibility examinations.

The Civil Service Commission is designated as the overall program manager and executing institution of the GIP. In seeking the bill’s passage, Vargas noted that the GIP has not only helped in exposing the youth to public service but also addressed the financial needs of the interns. He said the program, which is a major component of Executive Order No. 139, otherwise known as the Kabataan 2000 Program, also makes the youth’s prospects of employability more attractive.

“The GIP not only contributes to the employability of the students but it also prepares the participants to compete in the labor market,” the lawmaker said.

DepEd gets biggest chunk of 2016 budget in preparation for K to 12 MANILA, Nov. 28 (Mabuhay) – The Senate allocated the biggest chunk of the 2016 national budget to the Department of Education (DepEd) due to a constitutional mandate that education must have the highest budget priority as well as in preparation for the implementation the K to 12 program next year.

The P411.58-billion budget for DepEd is embedded in the P3.002-trillion national budget for 2016 that was passed on third and final reading Thursday night.

Malacañang lauded the passage of the 2016 budget, with Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. saying it is a big step toward ensuring that government projects and programs will be delivered on time.

“The DepEd’s budget increased by 28 percent because the implementation of the senior high school curriculum under the K to 12 program begins next year,” Sen. Loren Legarda, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said. She

shepherded the passage of national budget on the Senate floor this week.

With the budget’s approval in the Senate, lawmakers from both houses of Congress would devote their time next week for the bicameral conference committee meetings on the 2016 budget, Senate President Franklin M. Drion said.

Drilon expressed confidence the budget would be signed by President Aquino before the year ends.

“We expect to submit the budget to the President by December 14. That’s our target date so that the President will have a week to 10 days to review the budget and see whether he will exercise his line-item veto as he would traditionally,” he added.

47,553 CLASSROOMS Legarda said the DepEd budget includes allocation for hiring of additional teachers and school feeding programs. It has also allocated P82.3 billion “for the construction of 47,553 classrooms and technical-

vocational laboratories.”

For the higher education sector, Legarda said that the Senate version for the proposed 2016 budget of the 113 schools, universities and colleges (SUCs) across the country increased by P4.27 billion. The funds will be used for construction of structures, acquisition of equipment, scholarship grants, among others.

On the infrastructure sector, Legarda said the government’s total 2016 allocation for infrastructure projects such as irrigation, road and transport networks and housing, increased to P766.3 billion.

“This hits the benchmark five percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” she pointed out.

Based on President Aquino’s speech on the proposed 2016 budget, P268.4 billion of the infrastructure budget would go to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the pavement of national roads and construction of access roads to airports, seaports, and tourist destinations.

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PHL tells tribunal: China violated international maritime laws MANILA, Nov 27 (Mabuhay) –The Philippines’ legal team on Thursday presented before a The Hague-based tribunal several international maritime law violations of China, which include massive destruction of marine ecosystem, harassment of Filipino fishermen and the intentional ramming of Philippine vessels that caused near-collision with Chinese ships.

On the third day of the hearing on Manila’s case by a five-man tribunal panel of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Philippines showed to the court the extent of damage China has done to the marine ecosystem in the South China Sea. Professor Alan Boyle, who is part of Manila’s international law team, told the tribunal that, “if unchecked, China’s activities will continue to pose a significant threat to the marine environment of the South China Sea and of all the states which border the sea.”

Boyle argued that China has violated its obligation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to protect and preserve the marine environment, citing instances of harmful fishing practices such as blast fishing, cyanide fishing, harvesting of giant clams, catching of turtles, and other endangered species.

Boyle also stressed that Chinese fishermen and vessels carried on with their illegal fishing activities under China’s watch.

Supporting Boyle’s presentation, Professor Kent Carpenter of the Department of Biological Sciences at the Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, an expert witness tapped by the Philippines, also cited as damaging to the marine environment China’s massive island-building on formerly submerged reefs.

Carpenter said China’s actions, which has stirred concerns from several countries, including the United States, “have caused grave harm to the environment in the South China Sea...and that the damage to the complex coral reef ecosystem is close to catastrophic.”

Boyle returned to the floor to detail the series of near-collisions that occurred in April and May 2012 in Scarborough Shoal involving Chinese Marine Service vessels and Philippine vessels.

In those incidents, Philippine officials accused China of intentionally ramming its bigger vessels against smaller Philippine government ships.

These incidents, according to Boyle, displayed China’s “deliberate disregard for international law” on the safety of maritime vessels.

Professor Bernard Oxman, also a part of the Philippine legal team, presented other violations by China which aggravated and extended the dispute, even while the arbitration process is ongoing.

Oxman cited instances where the Philippines was blocked by China from entering Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, for a resupply mission.

China’s denial of access, Oxman noted, forms part of “a deliberate policy to physically expel the Philippines and its nationals” from the disputed features and its surrounding waters.

Another expert witness, Clive Schofield, current Director of Research at the Australian Centre for Ocean Resource and Security at the University of Wollongong, meanwhile, disclosed his findings on 47 features earlier requested by the tribunal to be studied to determine whether they are “insular, low tide, or high tide elevations.”

Landsat images of the Scarborough Shoal at high tide and low tide were also presented by Schofield. The Philippine-claimed shoal fell under Chinese control after a maritime standoff in 2012.

Part of Manila’s case is to ask the court to define the areas, where China is asserting claims, whether it is a rock, reef an atoll, island or submerged feature, and subsequently determine from its baseline the allowed number of nautical miles or rights it is entitled to.

An island, for example, generates a 200-nautical mile maritime entitlement, while a rock or reef is limited to 12 nautical miles.

The Philippines’ claims are anchored on its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone provided for under the 1982 UNCLOS, which was signed by 163 UN member-states, including China.

China’s claims, on the other hand, is based on its unilateral ninedash-line theory that encompasses almost the entire South China Sea – an assertion that Manila says are illegal, excessive and a violation of international laws.

China continues to insist on bilateral negotiations with the Philippines and other individual claimants in the South China Sea, and has refused to participate in the arbitral tribunal proceedings.

The resource-rich waters is home to a chain of more than 100 islands, shoals, reefs and coral outcrops and straddles one of the world’s most vital sea lanes. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping sea claims.

Competing claims have sparked occasional violence and now regarded as a potential regional flashpoint for armed conflict. (MNS)

Wednesday - Tuesday, December 2 - 8, 2015

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OPINION

Aquino urges Filipinos to emulate Andres Bonifacio’s courage MANILA, Nov 30 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday urged Filipinos to emulate the courage shown by Andres Bonifacio and do their own share in helping the country progress.

In a statement released on Bonifacio’s 152nd birth anniversary, Aquino paid tribute to the hero’s “boldness in defending our motherland” and “his determination to edify himself in the ways of his time.”

Though more than a century has passed since Bonifacio led the revolution against Spain for Philippine independence, the President said the late revolutionary remains to be a source of inspiration for Filipinos.

“As we are reintroduced to this everyman who helped bequeath to us a future of freedom and dignity, may we also find in ourselves the courage to bolster our people’s progress and contribute to realizing a more equitable and harmonious tomorrow,” he said.

Aquino said events in recent history have shown that transformation can happen and corruption can be overcome when people are united.

“May our solidarity endure as we journey further along the Daang Matuwid, maximize the possibilities of our resurgence, sustain our Republic’s reform, and continue our pursuit of justice,” he said.

The President also expressed hope that the commemoration of Bonifacio Day would rouse the country as “we set forth grander aspirations.”

Aquino is currently in Paris, France for the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) where several countries are expected to forge a legally binding agreement that will pave the way for policies that will address global warming.

A total of 150 world leaders will take part in the historic conference. (MNS)

PHL calls for global unity, collective action to address climate change PARIS, France, Dec 1 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday called for global solidarity in addressing climate change saying every country must commit to reduce green house gas emissions and build resilient communities.

In his keynote address during the Climate Vulnerable Forum High-Level Event, President Aquino said current debates focus on the question on who among the countries should be doing what but now it must shift to the contributions of individual countries.

President Aquino attended on Monday the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) here in Paris.

“It is imperative that all countries do everything, and maximize what can be done to address climate change. Either we all strive and sacrifice, or we all lose to the cycle of destruction and reconstruction,” he said.

Vulnerable countries like the Philippines bear the brunt of destruction caused by devastating effects of changing weather conditions, he said.

For instance in 2012, when typhoon Bopha hit the Philippines, the government was compelled to find alternative livelihood for coconut farmers whose farms were destroyed by the typhoon.

The current thrust is building back better after devastating storms, moving entire communities away from hazardous areas, he said.

“But building back better has become less and less of a guarantee, given that the new normal might still be replaced by an even newer normal if we fail to act in concert,” he told the members of the forum.

“Positive national development trajectories, especially of emerging economies such as the Philippines’, can be broken due to the disruption caused by disaster.

After all, what if we could channel the resources used for building back better towards other development interventions?” But he said no amount of effort, however gargantuan, by a single nation can ever be enough to address climate change in its entirety and it must be concerted efforts by all countries.

In the Philippines, the government has been implementing the national greening program, and have cracked down heavily on illegal logging and other unsustainable environmental practices, according to the President.

It is also working to diversify the country’s energy resources, and has been tapping into renewables such as solar, wind, biomass, hydro, and geothermal power.

Government scientists have been conducting research towards more disaster-resilient crops, and the national administration has been continuously upgrading weather forecasting capabilities.

The government is also calling for communal action to lift up every Filipino during every storm that has made landfall within the country, he said.

Global warming: What if we do nothing?

Le Bourget, France | AFP | Monday 11/30/2015 – If mankind fails to curtail global warming, we will have to deal with fallout ranging from massive refugee crises and submerged cities to scorching heatwaves and drought, scientists say.

Starting Monday, 195 nations are huddled in Paris to negotiate a climate rescue pact to rein in the greenhouse gases that drive climate change.

Here is what could happen if they come up emptyhanded: Hotter temperatures Without additional action, Earth is on track to heat up by about four degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) by the end of the century, compared to pre-industrial levels. A mountain of scientific evidence tells us this would be a recipe for disaster.

Such as “business as usual” emissions scenario would “lead to a very high risk of severe, widespread and irreversible” impacts, according to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Rising seas By 2100, the world’s oceans would rise 26-82 centimeters (10-32 inches) over levels seen between 19862005, the IPCC found in its most recent assessment, which includes data up to 2012. More recent studies suggest the increases could be significantly higher.

Driving the rise are ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica shedding mass faster than ever, melting glaciers, and oceans that expand as they warm.

Even a 2 C rise as targeted by the UN would submerge land currently occupied by 280 million people,

according to Climate Central, a US-based research group. The change could take a few hundred years, or up to 2,000 years.

Extreme weather Superstorms, bone-chilling cold snaps and intense heat waves could become more common – and more extreme – due to global warming.

While the link between specific weather events and climate remains hard to nail down, recent research has teased out climate change as an aggravating factor for deadly floods, snowstorms, typhoons and heat waves.

Not all nasty hurricanes or heat waves, however, can be chalked up to climate change, scientists caution.

Water dilemma Global warming can lead to long-running droughts and devastating floods, which means some parts of the world will not have enough water and others too much.

Droughts in Syria and California have been tied to climate change. Heavy rains carry the risk of flooding that can send people fleeing for their lives, destroy homes and crops.

Humanitarian crises Global warming can spur disease, ravage crops and push more people into poverty. Conflict over water or smaller harvests could instigate war or mass migration.

People living on low-lying islands such as the Maldives, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, or the Philippines could become climate refugees, forced to flee their homes due to rising seas.

Amending ammo law difficult without Aquino’s support: solon MANILA, Nov 27 (Mabuhay) – A lawmaker on Friday said that the move to relax parts of the law penalizing individuals for bullet possession could face difficulties without the endorsement of President Benigno Aquino III. Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop said revisiting the implementation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, will take several stages and may not be finished before the 16th Congress ends, This comes amid allegations of bullet planting at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

“Ang lumabas po sa pag-aaral ng ating staff, because it is an express provision of the law, e talagang kailangan amiyendahan iyung provision ng Republic Act na iyun,” Acop said.

“Frankly speaking, mahihirapan dahil dadaan pa ulit sa committee level and then ia-approve sa second reading and then, third reading.

Acop said the Congress may fast-track the amendment of RA 10591 if it will be deemed urgent by the President.

The lawmaker also argued that the law should not serve as a “straight jacket” that mandates investiga-

tors to automatically file charges against those caught with only a single bullet at airports and without the intent for misdeed.

He reiterated that an investigator should have the wisdom to determine whether there is enough reason to file a case against a suspect, based on facts he gathered.

“Hindi naman kailangan iyung bang para kang naka-straight jacket sa interpretation ng batas. Nasa imbestigador po iyan. Kitang-kita naman for example na iyung bala ay nakabalot na pulang cloth, nakalagay pa sa loob ng pouch, sa bag ng tao. Kitang-kita naman na it’s not for any misdeed that the carrier will do, so huwag na po sanang file-an ng kaso iyun. Nasa discretion naman ng imbestigador iyun e,” Acop said.

“In the implementation and application of the law, kailangan din gamitin natin paminsan-minsan ang puso at common sense natin e,” he added.

Aquino earlier stressed that the supposed extortion scam is only being sensationalized, and that allegations of extortion at airports have yet to be proven.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has looked into the alleged scheme and is expected to release the findings this week. (MNS)

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Six tips to keep bronchiolitis at bay this winter Sleeping on right side can make you ‘grumpy’

Monday November 30 2015 (Relaxnews) – As always happens in the winter months, the RSV virus has returned and is spreading among babies and young children. To help avoid a trip to the emergency department of the nearest hospital, it’s better to take action to prevent severe developments like bronchiolitis now.

From a simple cold to a respiratory infection This acute respiratory infection, which generally comes from a virus, emerges every year between October and April, and is a frequent cause of hospital admissions of young children, especially

under age 1. It is particularly serious for babies under 6 months.

The infection generally begins as an ordinary cold with a fever, a runny nose and a dry cough, and then breathing difficulties can occur, mainly during meal times.

Symptoms of bronchiolitis include difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing fits and problems feeding.

The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted by sneezing, coughing and contact with the hands of a person with a cold or contaminated objects.

Key preventative steps Wash your hands regu-

larly with soap and water for at least 30 seconds.

Air your child’s room daily for at least 15 minutes and maintain the temperature at 19°C as well as slightly humidifying the room if they start to develop a cold or cough. Don’t swap feedingbottles, lollipops or pacifiers and toys that have not been washed between children.

Avoid contact with anyone with a cold and wear a mask if you have the flu.

Avoid taking your baby on public transport, to shopping malls or crowded public places in winter.

Don’t put your child in a smoky environment.

Dreading the dentist: Can cognitive behavioral therapy reduce anxiety?

Friday November 27 2015 (Relaxnews) – A new study published this week in the British Dental Journal, suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy could be effective in overcoming fear when it comes to visiting to the dentist.

Dental anxiety is a common problem, and although its level can vary, it is classed as a phobia when it starts to have a negative impact on general well-being.

A dental phobia can have far-reaching implications, with sufferers not only experiencing the unpleasant feelings of stress and fear associated with the dentist, but possibly avoiding the dentist altogether because of it.

This can lead to dental pain, poorer oral health, and

a reduction in overall quality of life.

To look at the effects that Cognitive behavioral therapy CBT might have in reducing dental anxiety, a team of researchers from the King’s College London Dental Institute looked at a group of 130 patients attending psychologist-led CBT sessions, who were all assessed as suffering from some level of dental anxiety or dental phobia.

CBT is described as ‘talking therapy’ by the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies, and aims to alter a patient’s thinking pattern and in turn their behavior.

It is usually a short term course of just 6-10 sessions, and has been shown to be effective in treating many

psychological problems including depression and other anxiety disorders.

Three-quarters of the group were assessed as suffering from extreme dental anxiety or phobia, with the rest suffering from a specific fear of some aspect of dentistry, with fear of dental injections and the drill most common.

Nearly every patient (94%) reported that their anxiety impacted on their everyday quality of life due to problems with their teeth, mouth, or gums, as a result of their fear of the dentist.

After attending on average a course of five CBT sessions, 79% of patients went on to have their dental treatment without sedation, and 6% had their dental treatment under sedation.

Thursday November 26 2015 (Relaxnews) – That’s the conclusion of a recent UK study. In other research, scientists and psychologists have carefully examined sleeping positions as a means of revealing personality traits and analyzing nonverbal communication.

It’s better to sleep on the left side of the bed if we want to get the day off to a good start, according to the findings of a survey published on November 23 by the bed manufacturing firm Sealy UK. The brand questioned 1,000 people across the country to find out what impact our sleeping habits in bed had on our mood, career, and outlook on life.

The study revealed that people who usually slept on the left side of the bed were 8% more likely to have friends and like their work, 4% more inclined to wake up in a good mood and 9.5% more likely to have a more positive outlook on life.

Conversely, those who slept on the right side of the bed were 9% more inclined to prefer their own company, 7% more likely to get up in bad mood, 5% more likely to be pessimistic and 3% more likely to dislike their job.

The study also highlighted Britons’ marked preference for sleeping alone, as 36% admitted to doing this, in many cases because of a snoring spouse (one in two complained about this), while 1 in 10 voluntarily sleeps with a child or an animal in their bed.

Sleeping habits give clues

Frequent studies are being carried out by psychologists and researchers to analyze the way we sleep to gain an insight into our personality.©baranq /shutterstock.com

to the state of our relationship Many researchers and psychologists have also sought to examine sleep habits as a means of revealing the state of a relationship.

One example is Richard Wiseman, a psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK who studied the way in which 1,000 people slept.

The researcher, who presented the conclusions of his study at Edinburgh Science Festival in Scotland in 2014, demonstrated a link between the quality of a couple’s relationship and physical contact.

Of those questioned, 86.5% who maintained a maximum distance of 2.5cm from their spouse were said to have a good relationship.

Personality traits revealed by how we sleep Chris Idzikowski, a British researcher, sleep specialist and author of the book “Learn to Sleep Well”, says that the 15% of the population who sleep vertically,

This could be my greatest honor yet.

Tony Taguba, AARP Member Retired US Army Major General

Dahil sa Life Reimagined program ng AARP, masayang nagagamit ni Tony ang karanasan niya sa buhay para magbigay lakas, at mapabuti ang buhay ng iba.

Si Retired Army Major General Tony Taguba ay nakatanggap ng iba’t-ibang karangalan recognizing his distinguished military achievements, tireless advocacy for veterans and continuous contribution to the community. Bilang isang masugid na miyembro ng AARP ng ilang taon, si Tony ay isang natural na mentor. Natuklasan niya na ang kanyang personal experience ay importante at makakatulong sa iba. Today, he finds great fulfillment bringing his skills and experience to people going through transition in their work, relationships or self-definition. Through AARP and the Life Reimagined program, ikaw, ako at si Tony ay makakahanap ng mga paraan para muling matuklasan ang ating layunin sa buhay, explore more possibilities, share learnings, and benefit through the experiences of others. To find out what AARP has to offer, visit aarp.org/aapi or call 1-866-805-1986 today.

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Caregiving • Health & Wellness • Fraud Prevention • Volunteer • Life Reimagined

with a straight back, in a so-called log position, have a rational, relaxed and uninhibited personality.

The 13% of the population who sleep in a so-called “yearner” position, back curved with arms out in front are thought to have a complex personality – friendly but cynical.

Those who sleep like a soldier, on their back, with arms pinned to the sides (8% of the population) are thought to be rather reserved with a tendency towards loyalty and honesty.

The researcher says that the 7% of people who sleep on their stomach, with their head turned to one side are big dreamers with an intense personality with rather sensitive and sometimes brash traits.

And the fetal position which is the most commonly adopted, by 41% of the population, mainly women, is thought to be synonymous with people who are sensitive, emotive, and fear being hurt.

6

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ENTERT Angel Locsin considering surgery for spine Actress Angel Locsin might undergo surgery to treat a disc bulge in her spine that forced her to pull out from the upcoming movie on Darna, her boyfriend Luis Manzano said on Tuesday.

“I think mayroon siyang two options na kino-consider.

May isa na medyo mas matimbang, so hopefully soon magawa na niya,” Manzano said.

But Manzano is optimistic that Locsin will be back on her feet in no time.

“Basta makapagpa-treatment kung sakaling magawa niya ‘yung nakaplanong whether ‘yung surgery, basta magawa ‘yon at maayos ‘yung therapy after, she can be 100% again,” he said.

“With technology now, sa science ngayon, parang ang bilis (maka-recover). ‘Yung last case na nakita after one or two weeks parang me-

Angel Locsin

dyo okay na. Pero of course she still have to undergo therapy. Hindi pwedeng afternoon eh lahat ay gagawin mo. Siyempre kailangan may kaunting ingat pa din before you’re 100%,” he added.

Manzano said he is touched that a lot of people are still hoping that Locsin will get to fly again as Darna.

“Nakita ko nga may mga Instagram pa na Darna will wait for Angel Locsin. Nakaka-touch kasi siyempre ibig sabihin there’s no one better for that role,” he said, noting that these aren’t just “hardcore fans” of his girlfriend.

“Kahit ‘yung regular na tao who follows showbiz talagang sinasabi nila na iba ‘yung naging tatak ni Angel as Darna. So thank you. I guess on behalf of Angel maraming salamat doon sa nagsasabing kung kayang antayin, antayin sana,” Manzano said.

Asked if there’s still a possibility for Locsin to still do the Darna movie, Manzano said: “Sana. Siguro not just dahil sa clamor ng tao but kahit ang management ay nakikita na ‘Oo nga ano baka naman kaya pa ngang hintayin si Angel.’ So sana.”

(MNS)

Sarah Geronimo restarts career with ‘From the Top’ Sarah Geronimo, Philippines’” Popstar Royalty”, aims to discover where her career as an artist is headed during and after her two-night concert at the Araneta Coliseum on Dec. 4 and 5.

Christened with different titles since her career’s onset, the 27-year old recording artist and concert performer, wants to rediscover herself as an artist. She doesn’t just want to live in the shadows of the titles given her.

Also after numerous concerts here and abroad, Sarah felt lost on what else to offer her audience in those two nights. Luckily, it was her show’s choreographer Georcelle Dapat-Sy that explained to her what she could be going through.

“Sabi ni Georcelle, alam mo Sarah sa tingin ko nasa transition stage ka kasi hinahanap mo pa rin ang sarili mo. So why don’t we take it from the top. Sabi ko wow ang

ganda ng title na yan, from the top,” shared Sarah.

Her shows then was deemed as a “restart of Sarah’s” career which for her was connected to her goal. Inspired by foreign artists or foreign concerts, Sarah said she wants to perform more her songs than do cover songs. “Sabi ko dream ko yan na kapag pumunta ako sa America at tour ko sa ibang bansa gusto ko musika ko ang binibigay ko sa stage,” Sarah stressed.

THE US ASIAN POST

INMENT Iza denies she will play Valentina in Darna movie While fans are abuzz on who will play Darna in the big screen next year, there are also speculations that Iza Calzado is eyeing the role of Valentina, the snake goddess who is the biggest enemy of the iconic Filipina superheroine.

The Kapamilya actress, however, was quick to deny the rumors.

“I don’t want to do something like that. I want to do straight drama if I’m going to do a teleserye. Not a komiks teleserye.

I’d rather not ‘yung may mga costume. I’d rather do something that’s more character intensive,” Calzado said.

Calzado added that she is also not fond of snakes.

“I don’t like snakes. I think you have to have cer-

Iza Calzado

tain affinity to snakes to play Valentina. It could be a challenge to myself pero hindi.

There are so many other roles perhaps that I would be better off doing,” she said.

Among the actresses who have played Valentina in the past are Celia Rodriguez,

Cherie Gil, Alessandra De Rossi and Iwa Moto.

Meanwhile, Calzado revealed the two movies that are currently keeping her busy. “Yung ‘Haunted Mansion’ ay tapos na. Mabilis ko lang din naman nagawa ‘yun under Jun Lana and of course from Regal Films for MMFF. Now I’m doing ‘Buhay Habangbuhay’ for Cine Filipino,” she said.

After she finishes shooting, Calzado said she will be leaving with her boyfriend and brother to spend the holidays abroad.

“I’ll be away as usual. I’m not doing the float and the parade for MMFF. Normally, I go and spend holidays with the Wintles and my brother.

Sinasama ko ‘yung kapatid ko kasi kami na lang eh,” she said. (MNS)

Bea open to doing another ‘One More Chance’ sequel Kapamilya star Bea Alonzo is overwhelmed as her reunion movie with John Lloyd Cruz, “A Second Chance”, earned a whopping P100 million in just three days.

“I prayed na sana maraming makapanood, na sana maraming maka-appreciate at sana maraming matuwa sa fans ni Popoy at Basha.

Overwhelming ‘yung feeling namin. All overwhelmed sa reception ng tao, we did not expect na it would be this big,” she said.

“Ang sarap ng feeling, hindi ko ma-explain, nagbunga ‘yung hard work,” she added. “Ang sarap kasi napakalapit sa puso namin

Bea Alonzo

‘yung project, tapos ganon ‘yung effect sa mga tao so siguro ‘yung love na ibinigay namin sa trabaho namin, ibinalik nila, so iba ‘yung feeling.”

“A Second Chance” is the sequel of the highly popular 2007 movie “One More Chance”, which tells the

story of Popoy (Cruz) and Basha (Alonzo).

When asked if she is open to doing a third installment of the movie following the success of “A Second Chance”, Alonzo replied: “Yes!” “Na-excite ako. Actually, kahit hindi pa lumalabas ‘yung first day namin, naiisip ko na ‘yun eh noong napanood ko pa lang sa premiere night ‘yung ‘A Second Chance’. While doing it nahirapan kami pero naisip ko ‘yung ganito kagandang material, dapat magkaroon pa ng third eh.

“Parang marami pa siyang pwedeng puntahan.

Pero siguro after eight years ulit,” she ended. (MNS)

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MOTORING Honda Pilot gets a five-star safety rating Thursday November 26 2015 (Relaxnews) – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given Honda’s mid-sized SUV its highest overall vehicle score.

The award follows a similar five-star rating from NCAP in the US and an equally important Top Saftey Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), when the car is specified with optional crash prevention equipment.

“The 2016 Pilot has set

The Honda Pilot: The SUV has now earned three top safety ratings.©Honda

the new benchmark in the midsize SUV segment by achieving both class-leading fuel economy and the industry’s highest safety ratings,” said Jeff Conrad, Honda Division senior vice president and general manager.

“With the addition of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies available through Honda Sensing, no other midsize mainstream SUV on the market today can match the Pilot’s top IIHS and NHTSA safety scores.”

Hong Kong pollution in the spotlight at smart car show Thursday November 26 2015 (Hong Kong-AFP) – Asian countries are running out of time to combat air pollution, campaigners said Wednesday, as smart car firms converged in Hong Kong to promote clean energy vehicles.

The China International New Energy Vehicle (CINEV) show displays the latest products from major Chinese manufacturers and French firm Renault and takes place in a city where 3,000 people die of air pollution every year, according to a 2013 Hong Kong University report. In Hong Kong there is increasing concern over pollution levels, with the government’s monitoring

system frequently measuring the air as hazardous.

“In terms of air pollution in Hong Kong...this is really the biggest health crisis”, Hong Kong-based Clean Air Network chief executive officer, Kwong Sum-yin, told AFP. Government proposals to reduce emissions include a plan to replace more than 80,000 older commercial diesel vehicles between 2014 and 2019. Cities across China, India and Pakistan dominate global pollution rankings.

“All the Asian countries really need to act right now, otherwise we’ll really reach the point of no return,” Kwong said.

“It’s still the mentality to

develop first and then fix the problem later, but we don’t really have that timeline anymore.”n The smart car show takes place less than a week before a major climate summit in Paris, which 147 world leaders will attend.

“We need to have concrete cooperation from this conference,” former French prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, who opened the CINEV show Tuesday, told AFP. “We have to develop new initiatives the year after the conference and we have to act very quickly.”

The November 30-December 11 Paris conference is tasked with signing the firstever truly universal pact to curb global warming.

The opening of the China International New Energy Vehicle (CINEV) show in Hong Kong. ©AFP PHOTO / Philippe Lopez

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Tesla taking orders for $80,000 electric SUV Tuesday November 24 2015 (San Francisco-AFP) – Tesla on Tuesday began taking orders for its Model X electric sport utility vehicle with a starting price of $80,000.

The Model X price can quickly ramp with extras such as self-driving capabilities, more powerful batteries, or “ludicrous speed.”

Model X SUV come in three models and are not expected to ship before the middle of next year.

The Model X will be the second electric vehicle that will be

coming off the innovative car maker’s production lines. It is also two years behind schedule.

The X has a surprisingly rounded and tapered profile for an SUV compared to the more massive frames and rectangular lines of its competitors.

This car is full of gadgets.

The wing doors can be opened from a distance, with sensors adjusting the angle to avoid other cars parked close by, and there is a special “biodefense” air filtration button.

More than 20,000 reservations have reportedly been

Thursday November 26 2015 (Copenhagen-AFP) – French manufacturers topped the list of European cars and vans with the lowest carbon emissions, the European Environment Agency said in a report published on Thursday.

French vehicle brands Renault, Peugeot and Citroen – which ranked first, second and third – had an advantage in the study because average emissions data was evaluated without taking into account the number of cylinders in the engine or

the fuel.

France sells smaller engines in southern Europe, and the French market is also dominated by diesel engines, which generate less CO2 than petrol.

In 2014, Renault retained its first place ranking, with 108 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre (g/km), ahead of Peugeot (110 g/km), which had previously been third behind the Korean Hyundai and Citroen (111 g/km), which had previously been tied at fourth.

The emissions data were

Tesla taking orders for $80,000 electric SUV

based on tests performed in a laboratory setting using a standard European vehicle test cycle. The results might not reflect real-world driving performance, the report said.

Overall, vehicles sold in Europe in 2014 emitted 2.5 percent less CO2 than in 2013, a decrease that remained constant compared to previous years. But this figure excludes Volkswagen after the company admitted in early November that its emissions were 18 percent higher than previously reported.

Traffic View in Bing Maps. ©Microsoft Inc

Fusion and Mercury Milan and the potential problem revolves around the fuel tank. Some cars may have a canister purge valve issue meaning that pressure could potentially build up in the fuel tank without being able to dissipate. This could lead to a crack in the tank and a fuel leak.

This is the 12th recall

that the company has issued in 2015 for issues other than those related to the Takata airbag scandal and brings the number of affected cars beyond the 3 million mark in North America alone—six times the number of vehicles that the VW Group will have to recall due to its emissions testing defeat device.

California orders VW recalls over pollution scandal Thursday November 26 2015 (Los Angeles-AFP) – California regulators ordered Volkswagen Wednesday to recall some diesel vehicles equipped with emissions-cheating software in coming months as the German company’s pollution scandal widens.

The California Air Resources Board said it had notified Volkswagen Group of America to recall all VW, Audi and Porsche vehicles equipped with 3.0-liter diesel engines in the model years 2009-2015 that were sold in California.

The company has 45 business days to submit its plan to begin the process of recalling and repairing the illegal emissions software, said CARB, part of the California Environmental Protection Agency. The western state has some of the toughest environmental regulations in the United States.

“This action is the result of an admission by officials at Audi A.G., manufacturer of all the engines involved,

Tuesday November 24 2015 (New York-AFP) – Audi said Monday it will spend about 50 million euros upgrading software that regulators believe flouts US pollution limits in larger diesel cars in the US. The upscale brand of embattled German auto giant Volkswagen said the repairs will cover auxiliary emission control devices (AECD) for V6 diesel 3.0-liter cars that the Environmental Protection Agency has since early November alleged violate US emis-

Tuesday November 24 2015 (Relaxnews) – Car fans around the world voted four of Audi’s cars the best in class and the company’s automotive design the best in the world.

Collecting one of the five awards at Tuesday’s ceremony, Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG, said: “We are truly delighted at the readers’ decision, which con-

Ford recalls 450,000 cars over fuel tank valve problems Monday November 23 2015 (Relaxnews) – In what is shaping up to be the biggest year in history for automotive recalls, Ford has issued another safety recall in North America for a fuel tank issue affecting almost half a million cars in the US, Mexico and Canada.

The cars in question are the 2010 and 2011 Ford

Audi to spend 50 million euros to repair diesel cars in US sions laws.

Audi “estimates that the related expense will be in the mid-double-digit millions of euros,” the company said in a news release.

EPA said Friday that Audi had told US regulators that three-liter diesel models since 2009 contain the AECD. The US agency alleges that the AECD permitted Audi to evade US emissions controls.

Audi maintains that the system was not devised to evade the emissions limits,

but to redirect gases in order to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide.

However, Audi has admitted that it did not disclose the AECDs as required under US law.

The models affected are the A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q7.

The problem affects about 85,000 Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen vehicles in the United States.

Allegations about the three-liter cars are connected to a larger scandal that has engulfed Volkswagen since September.

Audi scoops five ‘Auto Trophy’ awards

Now you really can keep an eye on traffic with Bing maps Tuesday November 24 2015 (Relaxnews) – Microsoft has added live traffic camera feeds to its mapping software to give an even clearer idea about how heavy traffic flows are.

The new feature is in addition to Bing’s existing congestion analytics that predict how busy a route will be based on historical as well as real-time data.

However, the cameras also bring the added benefit of being able to check out what a commute might look like in terms of scenery, points of interest or even how well lit the route is for those choosing to walk or take public transport.

Tesla loyalists, the list of which includes Google co-founder Sergey Brin, have been able to get their hands on more expensive limited edition Founders and Signature versions of the Model X, according to Tesla.

The electric car maker hopes to expand its customer base, and become profitable, by expanding its line-up.

Tesla has yet to turn a profit, despite having won over stock market investors and public opinion.

placed for Tesla’s SUV since it was unveiled in September at the company’s plant in the Northern California city of Fremont.

French carmakers top European list of low CO2 emitters

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that the vehicles contain three auxiliary emissions control devices,” CARB said in a statement on its website.

The recall will involve between 15,000 and 16,000 3.0-liter diesel vehicles, Dave Clegern, a CARB spokesman, told AFP. In its letter to Volkswagen, the agency noted that though the 3.0 liter engine was developed by Audi, it has been used by VW and Porsche in their Touareg and Porsche models since 2009.“Audi, Porsche and VW all independently certified their products and, therefore, individually responsible for their violations and future recall actions,” it said.

The so-called “defeat device” is software that turns on emissions controls when the vehicle is undergoing a government emissions test, then turns them off under normal operations, allowing illegal amounts of nitrogen oxide to spew into the air.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency,

which is probing the VW emissions scandal with CARB, said last Friday that Audi had told US regulators that three-liter diesel models since 2009 contain the auxiliary emissions control devices (AECD).

Volkswagen has been engulfed in scandal since September, when it admitted more than 11 million vehicles worldwide equipped with smaller 2.0-liter diesel engines had the pollutionspoofing software.

The scandal has widened, with the German automaker subsequently revealing that it had understated carbon dioxide emissions, including those for gasoline engines, for up to 800,000 vehicles.

The world’s number-two automaker faces regulatory and criminal investigations in several countries, including Germany and the United States, and potentially billions of dollars in fines.

Volkswagen Group of America was not immediately available to comment on the CARB order.

firms we are offering highly attractive automobiles with top design in every segment.

On that basis, we can also be confident about the continuing success of the Audi model initiative.”

Among its awards, voted on by readers of all carrelated publications and web portals owned by the Bauer Media Group, Audi scooped best compact car, best fullsize SUV and best supercar

for its R8, as well as the top design accolade.

Hosted by German motoring magazine, Auto Zeitung, Audi usually performs well at the awards ceremony, thanks to home advantage.

However, what made this year’s wins impressive was that it was the first time in the Auto Trophy’s 28year history that voting was opened up to car fans globally.

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PABA to push for the naming of school in honor Larry Itliong Los Angeles, CA – The Philippine American Bar Association (PABA) spearheads an effort to name a school facility within the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) in honor of Filipino American labor leader, Larry Itliong, a native of Pangasinan, Philippines. Itliong was the founder of the Filipino Farm Labor Union and leader of the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC), which was responsible for the Coachella Valley Strike and the Great Delano Grape Strike in 1965. In 1966, Cesar Chavez’s National Farm Workers’ Association (NFWA) joined Itliong’s AWOC, forming the United Farm Workers of America (UFW), one of the greatest unions in the history of the nation. Together, Itliong and Chavez led the historic march to Sacramento to fight for better working and living conditions, which eventually led to agreements for better wages and protections of farm workers in the 1970s.

On August 5, 2015, PABA leaders, Christine Gonong, Citadelle Priagula, Hildegarde Aguinaldo, and Ireneo

Reus III met with Dr. Felton Williams, President of the LBUSD Board of Education, and Robert Tagorda, Director of LBUSD’s Office of Equity, Access, and College & Career Readiness, to seek clarification on the naming process. On November 16, 2015, PABA formally sent to the LBUSD Board of Education its proposal to name an LBUSD school facility after Itliong.

PABA’s proposal came on the heels of Governor Jerry Brown’s signing on June 30, 2015 of AB 7, a bill establishing October 25 as Larry Itliong Day. Introduced by Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Oakland), AB 7 ensures that Mr. Itliong’s work and legacy of fighting for justice, opportunity, and equality will be properly honored for generations to come. “Larry Itliong was unquestionably one of the great leaders in our state’s history. He changed the course of history by standing up for farm workers’ rights,” Assemblymember Bonta stated.

Tagalog is the third most widely spoken foreign language in households across the United States, following

Spanish and Chinese. As of 2011, California is home to 45 percent of all Filipino immigrants to the United States. Although Filipinos are the largest Asian American group in California, there is only one school in this state that is named after Filipino American heroes, the Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School in Union City, California. Formerly known as Alvarado Middle School, the Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School was named after Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz, another labor movement leader from the Philippine town of Saoag, Ilocos Sur. PABA initiated the proposal to dedicate a school facility in Southern California to Itliong to recognize his contributions to the state, home to at least 1.5 million documented Filipino migrants and Filipino Americans. PABA chose to seek the aid of the LBUSD Board of Education, because West Long Beach has a high concentration of Filipinos.

Indeed, 1 out of 10 enrollees at Cabrillo High School is Filipino, and Filipinos make up the third largest group in the campus, next only

PABA meets with LBUSD Board of Education leaders (8-5-2015). From left to right: Dr. Felton Williams, LBUSD Board of Education President; Citadelle Priagula, PABA President-elect; Hildegarde Aguinaldo, PABA Chair of the Board; Robert Tagorda, Director of LBUSD’s Office of Equity, Access, and College & Career Readiness; Christine Gonong, PABA President; and Ireneo Reus III, PABA Governor.

to Hispanics and African Americans, respectively.

PABA President Christine Gonong stated, “PABA’s proposal will not only recognize the contributions of Filipino Americans, but will also be consistent with the text of AB 7, which encourages public schools to remember the life of Mr. Itliong, recognize his accomplishments, and educate the students about the contributions he made to this state.”

“I believe that this proposal will inspire students and highlight the rich diversity in Long Beach,” said PABA Governor Ireneo A. Reus

Fight for equity goes to DC Los Angeles, November 27, 2015 – ON TO THE US CONGRESS, LOBBY FOR HR 2766, the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2015.

The Justice For Filipino American Veterans(JFAV) announced today that it will go to the US Congress next year to lobby for HR 2766- the Filipino Veterans Fair Act of 2015 sponsored

by Rep. Jackie Speier of California.

JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia said, “ As of now, there are only 37 Representatives who have co-sponsored HR 2766. We need to move it up .

For the last 23 years, JFAV has been lobbying for different benefits and equity rights for the 250,000 Fili-

pino World War II Veterans who were disenfranchised by the unjust Rescission Act of 1946 passed by the 79th US Congress.”

Fundraising and Donations JFAV has launched several fund-raising campaigns from December 2015 to January 2016 to send veterans, widows and community with youth leaders to lobby in US Congress next year 2016.

To sent your donation please send checks, money order or any amount .please write in the check/money order or cash to: People’s CORE 1610 Beverly Blvd. Suite No.2 Los Angeles, CA 90026

Write in memo. Jfav donations Note; Amounts of 50 dollars or more are tax-deductible.

Target Lobby by 2016 Garcia added, “It was an uphill fight and like pulling teeth, each and every veterans benefits bill was like a baby step that the US Congress have granted since 1989.

But up to now, the military pensions and even the lump sum that the Filipino Veterans deserve has not been given by the US Congress and the DVA even if there are only 28,000 veterans still living and 68,000 survivors still waiting for their benefits.

Garcia also said, “Out

of the 46,000 veterans who claimed for lump sum, the DVA only gave out 18,000 claims. More than 25,000 claims were denied by the DVA. The GOP also has been blocking the Filipino Veterans bill ever since. In 2013, Rep. Jeffrey Miller of Florida , Veterans Committee Chair in the House, promised JFAV a hearing but reneged on his promise when he won his seat in the contested elections in his district.

For more information please call (213)241-0995 in Los Angeles and (206)8512276 in San Francisco for more information. Also check the jfav website atwww.jfavusa.org.

US tightens rules for visa-free visits after Paris attacks

By Dave Clark

Washington, United States | AFP | Monday 11/30/2015 – After extremist attacks in Europe, the United States will tighten security procedures for its visa waiver program for visitors from friendly countries, officials said Monday.

The United States already screens visa applicants from war zones carefully, but will now ask more questions of travelers from countries eligible for visa waivers.

Washington will also seek greater cooperation and intelligence sharing with allied countries to try to intercept “foreign fighters” returning from places like Syria.

This month’s deadly attacks in Paris are thought to have been the work of European Muslims trained and radicalized by the Islamic State group in its Syrian and Iraqi bases.

As French or Belgian citizens, they could have flown to the United States by registering with the ESTA visa waiver system and avoided the close scrutiny imposed on refugees.

But travelers will now be required to declare previous visits to any country the US Department of Homeland Security has deemed a “terrorist safe haven.”

Their registrations will also come under greater scrutiny from US agencies, which in turn will work in closer cooperation with allied police and intelligence outfits.

Speaking in Paris, White House Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes said the Department of Homeland Security had tightened some rules even before the Paris attacks and would now act quickly.

“We’ve always been concerned about the fact that there is a significant higher flow of foreign fighters into and out of Europe than the United States,” he said.

“We benefit in some respects from geography and in some respects from simply having a population that has not had the same desire to join the effort in Syria under ISIL. “So we see a much more significant threat of foreign

fighters coming into Europe than the numbers of foreign fighters coming into the United States.”

Foreign fighters US federal agents will also work with the authorities in countries whose citizens are eligible for visa-free travel to help them collect biometric data, officials said.

And US “foreign fighter surge teams” will deploy to areas where there is a concern that jihadists returning from war zones may seek onward travel to the United States.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson also urged Congress to fund greater pre-screening of flight passengers and tougher airport security controls.

“This means deploying our US Customs officials to foreign airports with direct flights to the United States,” he said, adding that 15 overseas airports already permit this.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest called on Congress to act quickly to pass funding measures to allow an expansion and deepening

of intelligence and screening programs.

“If there are steps that we can take that will improve information sharing, that would obviously be an important part of more carefully vetting individuals,” he said.

The visa waiver program applies to 38 countries, largely US allies and relatively stable developed democracies whose citizens have hitherto been seen as posing little threat.

Earnest said 20 million people a year visit the United States under the program and represent a boon to the US economy through tourist spending and building business ties.

But he complained that President Barack Obama’s Republican opponents in Congress have focused on halting the arrival of Syrian refugees rather than reforming the waiver program.

Shortly after the White House announcement, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy vowed to move quickly to promote the reforms that Homeland Security is seeking.

Life and Leisure News for Filipino-Americans www.usasianpost.com

III, who grew up in Long Beach and attended schools in the LBUSD. “Just as the LBUSD already named a school after Cesar Chavez to honor Mr. Chavez’s contributions and legacy, PABA believes that the LBUSD should also name a school after Mr. Itliong to honor his contributions to this great state and the labor movement,” Reus added.

Based in Southern California, PABA, the largest local association of FilipinoAmerican lawyers in the United States, is comprised of attorneys, judges, and law students. It was formed in

response to the legal issues confronting the FilipinoAmerican community and the professional concerns of Filipino-American lawyers and students seeking to enter our profession. PABA aims to strengthen, educate, and support our community through advocacy, legal clinics, pro bono legal services, continuing education seminars, mentoring programs, and scholarships.

To learn more about PABA, visit www.pabala. org, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter (@ PhilAmBarAssn) and Instagram (@philambarassn).

Five career-defining moments for Kobe Bryant Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Monday 11/30/2015 – Five key events in the career of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who announced Sunday he was retiring after this season, his 20th with the Los Angeles Lakers: 2000-2002: Bryant and center Shaquille O’Neal combine to spark the Los Angeles Lakers to three consecutive NBA titles. The Lakers win their first title since 1988 by defeating Indiana in the 2000 championship series, then downed Philadelphia in the 2001 final and swept New Jersey in 2002. Bryant became, at 23, the youngest player in NBA history to win three crowns.

2003-2004: Bryant was arrested after being accused of a sexual assault by a 19-year-old hotel employee in Colorado, where he was having a knee operation. Bryant admitted adultery but denied he forced the woman to have sex, the situation damaging his reputation. In 2004, the case was dropped by prosecutors after the accuser refused to testify. Bryant later apologized, saying he could see how there was miscommunication. A separate civil lawsuit between the two parties was settled but both sides refused to release details.

January 22, 2006: Bryant scored a career-high 81 points in a victory against the Toronto Raptors, a Lakers record and the second-highest game total in NBA history to the 100-point game of Wilt Chamberlain in 1962.

August 2008 and 2012: Bryant helped the US Olympic basketball team capture gold at Beijing and London after the Americans stumbled to bronze in 2004 at Athens.

Bryant and his star power was a major attraction in China and together with LeBron James he helped the “Redeem Team” restore US pride and then defend the crown at London.

2009-2010: Bryant wins his fourth and fifth NBA crowns, leading the Lakers past Orlando in 2009 and the Lakers in a dramatic seventh-game showdown in 2010.

Retiring Bryant receives high praise from peers

By Greg Heakes

Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Monday 11/30/2015 – The NBA fraternity reacted quickly to Kobe Bryant’s announcement Sunday that he would retire at the end of the season, with some calling it “sad” while other spoke of his incredible legacy.

Bryant, 37, one of the greatest US basketball players ever, will retire after spending his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver was one of the first to respond to Bryant’s announcement.

“With 17 NBA All-Star selections, an NBA MVP (2008), five NBA championships with the Lakers, two Olympic gold medals and a relentless work ethic, Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players in the history of our game,” Silver said.

“Whether competing in

the NBA finals or hoisting jump shots after midnight in an empty gym, Kobe has an unconditional love for the game. I join Kobe’s millions of fans around the world in congratulating him on an outstanding NBA career and thank him for so many thrilling memories.”

Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott spoke to reporters about Bryant’s decision before Sunday’s 107-103 loss to the Indiana Pacers.

“I thought he at least had another year in him,” Scott said. “It kind of shocked me when he told me. Sad more than anything. Somebody I care about, have a lot of respect for, it’s always hard when greatness like Kobe decides to hang it up.”

It’s a unique situation for a Lakers team that lost iconic center Shaquille O’Neal to a departure for Miami, and past legend Magic Johnson to his announcement that he had the HIV virus.

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KITCHENOMICS

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CLIMATE JUSTICE

MONTERO

ahead of the international UN climate talks that will start on Monday,” the statement said.

They blamed climate change for a spike in the number of destructive typhoons and extreme weather conditions that have devastated the country, it added.

Communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are holding a week of actions for climate justice from November 23 to 30, with 20,000 people expected to join, the statement said.

Also, it said that the Philippines has been identified as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change.

(MMPC) and drivers who have allegedly experienced SUA will also attend the investigation. The MMPC earlier told a House Committee on Trade and Industry hearing that there had been 97 reported SUA cases.

Six people have reportedly died because of the issue. Dimagiba said Mitsubishi Montero units, released from 2010 to 2015, may be recalled from the market if the reported defects have been proven. The agency’s investigation panel will be required within two weeks to submit a report and recommendation on the issuance of the appropriate order for its mandatory product recall, prohibition or seizure from public sale, or distribution of the vehicle.

From page 1

From page 1

MAR NOT AFFECTED From page 1

next president.

“May ilulunsad tayo na Walang Iwanan fund para walang maiiwanan sa pag-unlad.

P100 billion ang halaga nito,” Roxas said in his speech, adding that the fund will be replenished annually.

He added that the fund will be distributed to local government units and that its allocation would depend on the population of an area.

“Idadaan yan sa inyong mayor, konseho.

Ang magpapasya kung saan gagastusin ‘yan ay kayo dahil kayo ang boss,” he added.

No exodus Senate President Franklin Drilon, meanwhile, denied the supposed exodus of LP members throwing their support to Duterte.

“Kami po ay tumanggap ng liham mula sa aming mga kasamahan doon sa Mindanao, hindi daw totoo na naglilipatan. Of course, may ilang mga naka-commit noon, pero iyan naman ay hindi naman parang ang impression ay trak-trak ang naglilipatan, hindi po totoo iyan,” he said in a radio interview.

He added that it is but normal for people from Mindanao to support Duterte.

PEMBERTON From page 1

Pemberton later admitted to his superiors and colleagues that he may have killed a “he-she.”

In her decision, Jabalde said Pemberton’s admission is admissible as evidence.

Forensic expert Raquel Fortun, in her testimony during the trial, said Laude died from strangulation and not from drowning as what was reflected in the autopsy report.

Following the incident, Pemberton was detained first on the US Navy ship where

he was assigned as a participant in regular US-Philippine military exercises. He was then moved to a US facility inside Camp Aguinaldo.

The Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office, in a resolution dated December 15, 2014, found probable cause to charge him with murder.

However, court proceedings were suspended for two months, after Pemberton asked the Department of Justice to dismiss the murder charge.

SMUGGLING From page 1

4,500 rounds of CTG 105 MM HE with fuse ammunition to the Philippine Army, and 1,000 rounds CTG 105 MM Howitzer HE to the Philippine Navy.

Maninding is the president of ROFERMA Enterprises, which was the appointed local counterpart of the Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation of the Republic of Turkey (MKEK), the ammunition supplier.

Through ROFERMA, MKEK won various contracts for the AFP ammunition supply.

Maninding claimed that MKEK cancelled

ties and ceased to communicate with his company.

He later found out that MKEK proceeded to supply the AFP with ammunition. The complaint mentioned that 1,000 rounds of ammunition were released by the BOC in Subic Bay despite the absence of supporting authority to import and Bill of Lading.

Aside from investigating the said officials for violation of grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty, Maninding is also asking the Ombudsman for their suspension.(MNS)