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Vol. 5 No. 38

LOS ANGELES

A BALITA MEDIA PUBLICATION

Friday - Thursday, July 22 - 28, 2016

Emergency powers to solve traffic mulled

MANILA, July 18 (PNA) – A lawmaker has filed a bill granting President Rodrigo R. Duterte emergency powers to address the traffic and transport problems in Metro Manila.

Rep. Arthur C. Yap (3rd District, Bohol) filed House Bill No. 38 or the “Metro Manila Traffic and Transport Crisis Act of 2016” which also recommends urgent related measures and policies to rectify the traffic situation.

“No one is spared from this crisis. The public suffers from the

pains of commuting in the grungy Metro Rail systems and public utility vehicles. Problems of this proportion call for drastic solutions because these have already resulted in higher operating cost, lost income opportunities and productivity, higher foreign exSee EMERGENCY, page 12

Duterte to raise grievances to China over illegal drugs

President Rodrigo R. Duterte delivers a speech before the San Beda Law Alumni Association during the Testimonial Dinner Reception at the Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino in San Juan City on July 14. (MNS photo)

MANILA, July 18 (Mabuhay) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday night said he will raise his grievances to China, in due time, over the involvement of Chinese nationals in the illegal drug trade in the country.

“When I come face to face with them, makinig kayo, sabihin ko talaga ang sama ng loob ko lahat sa kanila,” Duterte said during a fellowship with his batch mates from

San Beda Law in Malacañang.

Duterte said he would exercise restraint in the meantime, but would confront China once “bigger” issues are settled.

“They were directing the traffic sa loob. Mayroon akong alam pero ‘wag muna. Tatapusin ko muna ‘to.

Nasa presyuhan na sila. They’re cooking shabu, on-board sa ships.

Tapos Chinese registry. At the See GRIEVANCES, page 12

No security threats on Duterte’s first SONA

By Priam F. Nepomuceno

MANILA, July 18 (PNA) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is still to detect any security threats for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s first-ever State-Ofthe-Nation Address (SONA) this coming July 25.

This was disclosed by Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) acting commander Col. Vic Tomas Monday.

“Fortunately there is no monitored (security threats) yet and we are praying that this status will continue but we will continue to be very vigilant (and we will) harden areas that are considered soft. Last Saturday and last week, we had an early coordination (meeting) with security stakeholders (on possible security preparations) and we in

JTF-NCR, we also had meetings on Friday and Saturday (to our preparations),” he added.

Tomas declined to give the exact number of troops to be deployed for the occasion but they have already coordinating with the House of Representatives and Presidential Security Group on the matter.

“The guidance is to tone down (security), that is the guidance of President Duterte, he wants it to be normal and simple as possible,” he added.

Tomas defined tone down as not to tight and yet still relevant to secure the President and other VIPs. “Tone down (means) it should not inconvenience the public, the commuters, etc, less inconvenience as the President seen in See FIRST SONA, page 12

Pia wants to be tourism ambassador for PHL MANILAm July 18, (MABUHAY) – Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach paid a courtesy call on the Department of Tourism on Monday ahead of her meeting at Malacañang with President Rodrigo Duterte.

During her brief visit to the department, Wurtzbach said it has always been her dream to become an ambassador for the Philippines and promote tourism.

“I still continue on pursuing that Miss Universe Pia Alonzo-Wurtzbach goal of being a great ambassador receives a token of appreciation as I go throughout my reign, as I from Department of Tourism (DOT) visit different countries around the Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo. world as Miss Universe. I will continue on doing that,” she said.

The reigning Miss Universe has been consistent in supporting the DOT in its efforts to host the international pageant in the country.

See PIA WANTS, page 12

Thousands of Filipinos in Turkey ‘safe’ after coup try: envoy MANILA, July 16 (Mabuhay) – There were no immediate reports of Filipinos hurt in the coup attempt in Turkey on Saturday, a Philippine official said. All 3,500 Filipinos there are “indoors and safe,” Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena Sanchez said, adding security procedures were being reviewed. “We are not going to go out today and we are going to wait for the situation to further normalize,” she said. Sanchez advised Filipinos in Turkey to get in touch with Filipino officials in Istanbul and Ankara. (MNS)

Del Rosario: PHL must begin ‘good faith discussions’ with China MANILA, July 18, (MABUHAY) – Philippines must now begin ‘good faith discussions’ with China for a peaceful resolution to the maritime row, said former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.

Del Rosario said the verdict from the Permanent Court of Arbitration is clear, and Manila must now “try to begin the process of looking for a lasting solution here.”

“I suggest, very humbly—I don’t want to preempt the planning of the new administration we have great respect for—I think what we ought to be doing is begin good faith discussions,” he said.

See GOOD FAITH, page 12

Five of the six female members of the Senate pose for a souvenir photo in their colorful attire before the opening of the 3rd and last Regular Session of the 16th Congress at the Senate Building in Pasay City on held on July 27, 2015. They are (from left) Senators Pia Cayetano, Loren Legarda, Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe and Maria Lourdes Binay. Not in photo is Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. (MNS photo)

Duterte’s first SONA won’t be a fashion show MANILA, July 18, (Mabuhay) – Incoming Finance Department spokesperson Paola Alvarez on Monday said the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte will no longer be a collision of politics and Filipino fashion in an attempt to “step away from the norm.”

Alvarez, daughter of incoming House Speaker Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez who also served as the spokesperson of PDP-Laban during the campaign period and currently helping with the SONA preps, said that the event on July 25 will center on the message of the President that guests, especially the ladies, will be

asked to tone down their sartorial picks.

“We will downplay the event.

It will not be a fashion show. We want to center on the what the President’s message is to our people especially it’s his first State of the Nation Address. So it will be a different take because our guests will be requested not to wear their gowns as what we have previously been seeing in the past SONAs,” she said.

Guests will be asked to wear business attire. Female guests have the option to wear a Filipiniana but only if it is knee-length.

She said that this will be SONA’s See FASHION SHOW, page 12

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DOT chief apologizes for NAIA runway closure; won’t blame past admin

By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, July 19 (PNA) – Transportation Secretary Arthur ‘Art’ Tugade on Tuesday apologized for the emergency runway closure implemented at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) runway on Monday, stressing that he will not be blaming the previous administration for their mistakes.

In a radio report, Tugade extended his sincerest apologies to passengers affected by cancelled and diverted flights noting that passenger safety and security was the department’s primary concern.

He said that the department decided that the crack in runway 06-24 should be given immediate attention already being 5 inches deep, 1 meter wide and 9 meters long.

The Manila International

Airport Authority (MIAA) earlier said that the small asphalt crack on Monday morning got considerably bigger due to continued landing and take off.

Airlines were also forced to cancel and divert flights to Clark International Airport in Pampanga which inconvenienced passengers.

Passengers affected by cancelled flights were assured that they can rebook or refund their flights without additional costs while passengers with diverted flights were provided with meals and free transfers.

The runway reopened at 10:45 p.m., the same day after earlier being closed for repair. Airport authorities are currently investigating if the runway was built using substandard asphalt.

Studies are also currently being done to decongest the country’s premier airport.

Recto wants gov’t offices retrofitted with solar energy system

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, July 18 (PNA) – Senator Ralph Recto has filed a bill that would mandate the government to build and retrofit the government building and offices with solar energy system that could save PHP1 billion a month for electricity. Under his Senate Bill No. 268 or the “Solar Energy in National Government Offices Act”, Recto proposed that the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH), together with the Department of Energy, will be required government agencies to spearhead the use of renewable energy by installing solar panels in public buildings. ”For a sun-drenched country like the Philippines, solar energy is the most abundant and fastto-install power source,” Recto stressed.

“Clean and cheap,” Recto said, adding that solar power can also bring down the bureaucracy’s energy bill.

Last year, government offices were projected to spend PHP12.9 billion on electricity use, or a monthly bill of more than PHP1 billion. Recto said building up solar power to account for 10 percent of this would result in annual savings of PHP1.2 billion for the government, “an amount the Duterte administration can rechannel to social services such as schools and hospitals.”

“To cut red tape and corruption, the administration is letting the sunshine into government offices. It can also tap sunlight to cut utility costs in these offices,” Recto said.

2016 Inter-District CDM tilt: As part of 2016 Inter-district CDM Competition held Saturday at Quirino Grandstand, in Luneta, Manila, cops from Civil Disturbance Management composed of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Manila Police District (MPD), Southern Police District (SPD), Northern Police District (NPD) and Eastern Police District (EPD), show off their skills in maintaining maximum tolerance against protesters who may stage protest during the 1st State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on July 25. (PNA photos by Avito C. Dalan)

Duterte: No demolition without relocation MANILA, July 18, (MABUHAY) – President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated his earlier promise that houses of informal settlers would not be demolished until a relocation site is provided for them.

Duterte said he is not indifferent to the plight of the poor, which is why he is going to apply on a national scale his longstanding policy as Davao City mayor not to demolish the homes of infor-

mal settlers until there is a relocation site.

“During my time, there will be no demolition pag walang relocation, ‘di ako papayag,” Duterte said in a speech in Malacañang on Sunday during the fellowship dinner of San Beda College of Law alumni batches 1971 and 1972.

“Kasi kung walang mapuntahan, sirain mo ang bahay... Ano, parang aso?

Eh saan pupunta yung mga

tao?”

Duterte said he has instructed Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Caesar Dulay to be strict in collecting taxes so that the government would have more funds for its poverty alleviation programs.

He also vowed to go after businessmen who do not pay the correct taxes and businesses destroying the environment.

Duterte won the election

on a platform of ending criminality and corruption in government.

His simple platform resonated best among the country’s poor, who have felt left out as the country’s economy boomed.

However, the president’s war on drugs has attracted criticism, with some observers saying the country’s poor is the sector hardest hit in the bloody crackdown.

(MNS)

Poe proposes creation of nat’l transportation safety board

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, July 18 (PNA) – Senator Grace Poe has filed a bill seeking to heighten the protection and safety of commuters and passengers across the country.

Under her Senate Bill No. 162, Poe proposes the creation of a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that will pay strategic and sufficient attention to the nation’s transportation woes by creating a dedicated panel that will oversee and coordinate efforts among the various agencies involved in transportation management.

“The high incidence of transportation-related accidents, amid the low quality and inefficiency of trans-

port services, necessitates a scientific and effective approach to ease the sufferings of our commuting public and improve our system for the long haul,” Poe stressed.

Under Poe’s bill, the NTSB shall be an independent and non-regulatory agency mandated to determine the probable cause of transportation-related accidents on land, sea and air. Its functions shall include conducting independent accident investigations; supporting safety programs based on continuing reviews of causes of unfortunate incidents; and assessing the operating practices and regulations of transportation-oriented government agencies.

“We need to carefully study the context of our road safety problems by looking into the overall transportation system of the country towards having efficient, safe, affordable and accessible public transport services which have been long overdue,” Poe reiterated.

The senator cited in her bill’s explanatory note that the list of transportation-related injuries and casualties grows longer day by day.

According to the World Health Organization’s “World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention,” the human suffering for victims of road traffic-related incidents is incalculable, with endless repercussions to Filipino families and the

economy, Poe cited.

Recently, four college students were hit by a truck that went wayward near the corner of Concepcion Aguila St. in Quiapo, Manila.

Trillanes: Convert ‘Hacienda Binay’ to drug rehab facility BATANGAS, July 18, (MABUHAY) – Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Sunday urged the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte to sequester the so-called Hacienda Binay in Batangas and convert it to a drug treatment and rehabilitation facility.

“There are thousands of self-confessed drug dependents who have surrendered to the authorities, but, aside from monitoring, the government has yet to implement a concrete program to ensure that these drug users will not return to their old ways.

We do not have a concrete plan, as well as facilities, to rehabilitate them.” Trillanes said.

Former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado accused then-Vice President Jejomar Binay as the “true owner” of a 350-hectare property in Rosario, Batangas using businessman Antonio Tiu as his dummy.

Mercado was one of the witnesses presented by Trillanes in the Senate Blue Ribbon sub-committee hearings on the alleged corruption of the Makati City Hall Building II that expanded to other city projects of the Binays.

Meanwhile, Trillanes proposed to use the illegally-acquired estate for the benefit of the drug users and pushers who will be put to rehabilitation.

“During the hearings conducted by the Senate on the anomalies involving then VP Binay, it was raised that the 350-hectare farm, allegedly owned by VP Binay, was illegally acquired and violated the agrarian reform law. The current administration must immediately act to sequester this land and put it into good use by converting it into a treatment and rehabilitation facility,” he said.

Trillanes added the vast property and its serene envi-

ronment is an ideal place for drug suspects to turn away from illegal drugs in compliance with the anti-narcotics campaign of the Duterte administration.

“Any serious anti-illegal drug drive should include a rehabilitation program for drug users. We must treat and rehabilitate them, and prepare them for social reintegration.” Trillanes said.

In a statement, Binay’s spokesperson Joey Salgado said that the Department of Agrarian Reform had testified that the Batangas property was not owned by the former vice president.

“The senator has apparently forgotten or deliberately ignored the testimony of the former Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary that former VP Binay is not the owner of the Rosario property,” Salgado said.

He asked Trillanes to “please stop misleading the public with your lies.”

DOH to boost health services for evacuees during disaster times

By Leilani S. Junio MANILA, July 18 (PNA) – The Department of Health (DOH) assured efforts to strengthen the provision of “Standard Operating Procedures” for vulnerable sectors that will “housed” in evacuation centers during disasters.

According to DOH Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial, vulnerable sectors in evacuation centers will automatically undergo check-up to ensure that their health needs will be given proper attention.

“We will be doing that to ensure that right there, they can be given the rightful health attention that they need,” said Ubial who cited the enhancement of the procedures that they will implement in evacuation centers

as a lesson learned from the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

In addition, the DOH ensured the provision of Vitamin A ,Zinc and measles immunization to children below five years old to protect them from any possible disease outbreak in evacuation centers. She added that drinking water containers will also be immediately provided in evacuation centers to prevent the spread diarrhea and other water-borne diseases.

According to Ubial, such measure is essential due to leaks in water pumps in times of disaster may lead to contamination of water, making it unsafe to drink.

“As lessons learned from Yolanda we will ensure that all of these will be provided

without hesitation to ensure the health safety of evacuees,” she said as part of the preparations that DOH lined-up in the observance of Disaster Prepared Month this July.

She added that as an additional services, they included provision of hygiene as well as dignity kits for women. These include sanitary napkins, underwear and a ‘malong’ (a traditional “tube skirt” made of handwoven or machine-made multi-colored cotton cloth, bearing a variety of geometric designs) so that they can protect and cover themselves during their temporary stay in evacuation centers.

The DOH noted that reproductive healths services will also be provided to evacuees.

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Bato: Some relieved top cops got drug money CEBU CITY, July 18, (MABUHAY) – Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa confirmed Monday that some of the police directors recently relieved from their posts were involved in the narcotics trade.

At a command conference in Cebu City, Dela Rosa said some of the relieved senior officials were receiving drug money.

Dela Rosa ordered a reorganization of senior officials in the PNP during his first day in office last July 1.

The massive reshuffle covered the PNP Command Group.

Regional directors were

also reassigned to “other equally-important positions in different levels of command.”

President Rodrigo Duterte himself recently named five police officers, including two who are already retired, as drug coddlers.

Nine police officers also tested positive for drug use earlier this month. The PNP has yet to announce the results of a further confirmatory test to verify the presence of shabu and marijuana in their urine samples.

APOLOGY FOR MAYOR Dela Rosa also apologized to Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña for the inclusion of the city’s police director among the officials sacked

from their posts.

Osmeña earlier threatened to stop giving rewards to policemen who arrest or kill drug pushers after Cebu City Police Office Director Benjamin Santos Jr. was reassigned.

Dela Rosa said Osmeña’s initiative of granting incentives to policemen is a big help to the administration’s fight against illegal drugs.

But he also stressed that the PNP will do its duty even without the reward system.

Dela Rosa also signed a memorandum of agreement with retired judges, justices, and fiscals who offered free legal assistance to policemen who will face cases in line of their work. (MNS)

Palace condemns ambush attempt on media man in Surigao del Sur MANILA, July 16 (Mabuhay) – Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday condemned the ambush attempt on a radio broadcaster in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. “We condemn the recent ambush attempt on media man Apolinario Suan of Real FM, also an elected board member of Surigao del Sur,” Andanar said in a statement.

Suan, aboard a Toyota Land Cruiser with his security escorts, was heading home after hosting a radio

program when unidentified men fired at his vehicle along the national highway in Brgy. San Vicente, Bislig City on Thursday.

The radio broadcaster, reported to be in stable condition, sustained gunshot wounds in his right forearm and right leg. One of his escorts, Dodong Suan died.

“I sympathize with the family of the victim and urge local police to speed up its investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Andanar said.

“Media violence and kill-

ing must end. The President has already ordered the creation of a Task Force on Media Killings,” the Palace official noted.

He added that the Presidential Communications Office, together with the Office of the Executive Secretary, is currently drafting an administrative order to define the parameters of the Presidential Task Force.

“We hope to submit it to the desk of the President before his State of the Nation Address,” Andanar said.

(MNS)

Duterte orders creation of task force to look into media killings

MANILA, July 16 (Mabuhay) – The creation of a task force that would look into the killings of journalists in the country is now underway, Malacañang said on Saturday.

“The President has already ordered the creation of a task force on media killings,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement.

“The Presidential Communications Office, together with the Office of the Executive Secretary , is currently drafting an administrative order to define the parameters of the Presidential Task Force,” Andanar added.

The Palace official said they hope to submit the draft before President Rodrigo Duterte’s addresses a joint session of Congress on July 25.

“We hope to submit it to the desk of the President before his State of the Nation,” he said.

In an earlier interview with Inquirer, Andanar has said that the task force would include various law enforcement agencies and representatives from different media organizations.

He said the task force would determine the motives behind the attacks on journalists and host a regular media summit to discuss

their concerns.

“It will let us ascertain the reasons why reporters are being killed—if they’re crusaders or just extortionists,” he said.

He added that the task force would also be a medium in providing assistance to the families of slain journalists.

In June, Duterte boycotted the media after international press group Reporters Without Borders urged its Filipino counterparts to stop covering the President because of his remark that some journalists dare legitimate targets of assassination because they are corrupt.(MNS)

DOJ: It is up to Duterte to make public names of mayors, other gov’t officials linked in illegal drugs MANILA, July 18 (PNA) – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday said that it is up to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to make public the names of mayors and other government officials who are allegedly in the list of those who are involved in the operation of illegal drugs in the country.

In an ambush interview, DOJ Secretary Vitaliano N. Aguirre II said that al-

though he knew that there are many mayors and local government officials who are already in the list, the same has not yet reached his office and that it would be better that everybody should just wait for its disclosure to the public.

As of Monday, Aguirre said, the “ball” is now in the hands of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) and other investigative bodies to conduct their

respective investigations on the officials involved in drugs. Once there is already a formal complaint with the DOJ, Aguirre said, that would be the time that the DOJ could conduct its own investigation.

In the end, the DOJ Secretary made emphasis on the “marching orders” given to him by President Duterte about the government’s all-out war against illegal drugs.

Cebu-based businessman Peter Lim, whose name was among those mentioned by President Rodrigo R. Duterte as a drug lord operating in the country presents himself to the President at the PDEA Region XI office in Davao City on July 15. Lim agreed to submit himself to investigation by the NBI, to prove his claim that he is not the same ‘Peter Lim’ identified by the President. (MNS photo)

4,000 people named ‘Peter Lim’ in PHL: DOJ

MANILA, July 18 (PNA) – Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano N. Aguirre II on Monday said that there are 4,000 people with the name of Peter Lim in the Philippines.

Aguirre made the disclosure in connection with the revelation of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte about a certain Peter Lim who is being accused of being a drug lord in Visayas.

According to Aguirre, the Peter Lim who appeared

before President Duterte last Friday will surely be placed under appropriate investigation by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Aguirre noted that this was also in the face of different information being received by authorities about Peter Lim such that there is an information saying that he already died and there is also another one saying that he

is similar to Peter Co that although he is detained, he is allegedly continuously involved in the transaction of illegal drugs.

Aguirre stressed that if it would be proven that the Peter Lim who showed himself up to President Duterte, is the one identified as a wanted for illegal drugs, the case will be filed with the DOJ and the department will then conduct a preliminary investigation.

Duterte threatens to kill suspected Cebu drug lord

MANILA, July 16 (Mabuhay) -- President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday threatened to kill Cebuano-Chinese businessman Peter Lim if authorities prove that he is one of the country’s top three drug lords.

In a seemingly cordial meeting on Friday held in Cebu City, a video of which was posted on the Facebook account of state-run RTVM, Duterte said he would finish Lim off if investigations point to him as a drug lord.

“Nagbanta gyud ko nimo na ipapatay ta ka. Sa tinood lang ipapatay ta gayud ka.

Basta masilip nako [nga apil ka] tiwasan ta gyud ka. (I warned you that I will have you killed. I will really have you killed. If I’m able to prove [you’re a drug lord], I will finish you off),” Duterte told Lim straight in the eye.

Lim, in response, said his name was just linked during a congressional investigation.

But Duterte retorted, “nganong moaso man. kung naay aso naay [kayo] (if there’s smoke, there’s fire).

Why does your name keep coming out in the investigations?” “I would advise you to submit yourself to investigation under my administration,” Duterte added. A video of Duterte’s meeting with Lim was based on a report by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Region XI. Malacañang revealed the names of three persons, including Lim, who are al-

legedly running the illegal drug trade in the country.

The Palace said retired Police Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo is the alleged protector of the three suspected drug lords.

Garbo is one of the five retired and active police officials tagged by Duterte in the illegal drug trade.

Duterte asked Lim, “Kahibaw kang gisuspetsahan kang drug lord?” (Do you know that you are suspected to be a drug lord?).” Lim said, “Yes” in Cebuano.

The President then asked Lim: “Giimbestigahan ka sa Congress? (Were you investigated by Congress?)”

Lim said, “[In] 1997...

2001, I’m not so sure about the years.”

Duterte said he does remember an investigation into Lim’s case when he was a congressman.

Duterte then cited reports that Lim has been in and out of the country.

“Regular commuter ka?”

Lim said the trips were mostly with his family.

“Holy Week, usually Holy Week kuyog ko sa akong pamilya.”

Submit self to probe However, Duterte said Lim’s name has been coming out in the illegal drugs investigations.

“We want to help you... help us clear you,” the President told Lim. Duterte told the businessman to go to an investigating agency to prove that he is not the Peter Lim named as a member of the

drug triad in the country.

“I could clear up everything because my family is really in deep problem now in Cebu,” Lim said.

The businessman also pledged support for the Duterte administration’s fight against drugs.

“In any way, I will help, in all the ways I can,” Lim said.

Duterte won the presidency on a campaign platform anchored on a promise to fight drugs, crime, and corruption within three to six months upon assuming office.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday reported that 65,000 drug users and pushers have surrendered to authorities as part of the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar, in a statement on Friday, said Duterte is resolute in his campaign against drugs.

Amid the reported increase in the number of drug-related killings, Andanar emphasized, “Government is against any form of extra judicial killings. We do not condone these acts.”

“Government is here to save our people from the drug menace and punish the offenders, including the bigtime ones. The PNP continues to investigate situations involving vigilante killings and operational aspects where deaths are reported,” he said.(MNS)

Surrender of 44 rebels in Pampanga highlights Duterte healing process: AFP

A member of the Volunteers against Crime and Corruption holds a protest as complaints of reck-less imprudence resulting to multiple homicide were filed against former President Aquino, dis-missed PNP chief Alan Purisima, and sacked Special Action Force (SAF) Commander Getulio Napeñas by SAF44 relatives before the Office of the Ombudsman, Friday.(MNS photo)

MANILA, July 18 (PNA) – The voluntary surrender of the 44 rebels in Sta. Ana, Pampanga on Monday highlights the healing process being pursued by the Duterte administration.

“The surrender is timely and relevant as we venture into the realm of the administration of President Duterte who is focusing on the path of healing, “ AFP Civil Relations Service head Brig. Gen. Rhoderick Parayno said.

“This is a time for us to embrace the path to peace so that progress and development can finally creep in to our shores and the countryside up to the far flung

communities,” he added.

The surrendered rebels came from two factions, 25 from the New People’s Army and 19 from Rebolusyunaryong Hukbong Bayan.

The group formally surrendered to Sta. Ana Mayor Norberto Gamboa with the help of the 1st and 2nd Civil Relations Group (CRG), 48th Infantry Battalion and Pampanga Provincial Police Office.

The ex-rebels also surrendered six high-powered firearms and later formally presented to Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda at the Pampanga Provincial Capital in San Fernando.

Pineda expressed happi-

ness with the surrender of her 44 “Kabalen” and to the AFP efforts towards peace especially in her province and promised to give full support to the surrenderees in terms of livelihood as they embrace a life of peace.

Major Ericson Bulosan, 2nd CRG who is part of the negotiating team said more members of armed groups are expected to lay down their arms due to the success of the surrender of the 44 former rebels.

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Duterte on government executives: Be on your toes

By Joann Santiago

MANILA, July 18 (PNA) – President Rodrigo R. Duterte stressed anew the importance of delivering quality public service as he warned heads of agencies of possible dismissal for negligence.

In his speech during the reunion and fellowship with San Beda Law School batch ’71 and ’72 Sunday night at Malacanang, the President said government offices like the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) must have at least four receptionists who are ready to answer a visitor’s query on requirements. ”Give him a list, a shopping list, yung requirements. ‘Ito ho’. Huwag ninyong dagdagan, huwag ninyong kunan. Pag na-comply ‘yan, i-submit niya. (Give him a list, a shopping list of the requirements. ‘Here is the list.’ Don’t add or remove (any requirements). If they’re able to comply, they will submit it),” he said.

The President also suggested that submission of the requirements be recorded, with signature of both the one who submitted it and the person who received it, for proper monitoring and accountability.

He said this process is important so that agency officials would be able to determine processing time of its services.

A 24-hour nationwide complaints hotline is set to be launched in August. The President said once a compliant against any official was received he will be summoned to Malacanang. ”Pag nagreklamo ‘yan, ipatawag kita sa Malacañan mismo. (If the person who submitted the requirements made a complaint I will summon you to Malacanang),” he said. ”…I will go for your dismissal from government. You must be there,” he said.

The President also stressed the “No Lunch Break” policy on all government offices. ”Lahat ‘yang mga government, after lunch break, wala na ‘yan. Pasyal pasyal na ‘yan sa mall. Well, kahapon ‘yon, panahon ni Magellan. Wala na ‘yun. Panahon ng Juan dela Cruz ngayon. (There will be no lunch break in all government offices, malling during lunch break. Well, that was yesterday during the time of Magellan. That ends now. It’s already Juan dela Cruz’ time),” he added.

Duterte to gov’t employees: No more ‘pasyal-pasyal’ MANILA, July 16 (Mabuhay) – President Rodrigo Duterte vows to dismiss from service government officials and employees who go on extended lunch breaks and cut short their work hours to stroll in malls.

In a video posted by RTVM on Saturday, Duterte reminded employees both in national and local government offices that they are paid by the Filipino people to work eight hours a day.

“Bayad tayo. So pag inindian mo ang tao, wala sa opisina mo...after lunch break nasa mga mall, nagpapasyal-pasyal, pag nangyari yan uli, dismissed ka,” Duterte said.

The President went on to say that employees who do this actually commit “estafa” and “swindling.”

“Technically, kayong mga taga-gobyerno, when you are not there to serve the people, you’re committing estafa. It’s not clearly defined but the act is actually swindling. It’s under Article 8 of the Revised Penal Code,” he said.

“You’re swindling the people. Bayad ka ng otso oras tapos andyan ka na lang dalawa, tatlong oras, pasyal-pasyal,” he added. “Magtrabaho kayo.”

Duterte also reiterated his marching order to government offices to cut red tape.

Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Alicia Dela Rosa Bala earlier said that she has already ordered government offices to review their Citizen’s Charter and ensure that transaction times are reduced and redundant requirements removed.

“Give him/her a shopping list, yung requirements i-produce mo, ganun, tax, medical certificate o birth certificate. Huwag pagkatapos pagbigay mo sa tao, huwag mo na dagdagan,” said Duterte.

“Pabalik-balik, lalo na yung mahihirap. Ang Pilipino sige bayad sa kalokohan. Ngayon, pagka natapos niya yan, na-produce niya lahat yan, tanggapin na ninyo, ilabas na ninyo ang permit.”

Duterte, meanwhile, also reminded government officials and employees to live simple lives. He said they should not avail of first-class seats on flights and should be barred from entering casinos.

“Hanggang economy lang tayo. Sabihin niyong magdagdag kayo ng pero, ganun din, kalahati ng binayad ninyo pera ng tao,” the President said.

“You do not have the right to spend people’s money nang ganun.”

He called on the public to report their complaints through the hotline 8888, which will be launched next month.

“I will take action immediately,” vowed Duterte. (MNS)

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OPINION

Duterte and his anti-illegal drugs, anti-corruption programs

By Joann Santiago

MANILA, July 18 (PNA) – Drugs, criminality and corruption. The three primary menaces that President Rodrigo R. Duterte wants to eradicate to give Filipinos a decent life.

The tough-talking former Davao City mayor has repeatedly vowed his strong stance against these social issues.

In his speech during Monday’s send-off ceremony at Malacanang for the Philippine athletes who will represent the country in the Rio Olympics on Aug. 5-21, 2016, the President said the problem on illegal drugs, for one, flourished because the past governments had allowed it. ”I would not blame any particular administration but this problem was allowed to flourish and it has now evolved into something that’s scary for all of us,” he said Citing Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) data, the Chief Executive said there were about three million drug addicts in the country three years ago.

He said the numbers had leaped and the problem had become widespread because “people in government itself were into it also.”

A few weeks back, the President released the names of five active and retired police officials who, he claims, are coddlers of illegal drug personalities.

They are active police generals Bernando Diaz, Joel Pagdilao, and Eduardo Tinio and retired generals Vicente Loot and Marcelo Garbo.

The President even disclosed that Garbo is a protector of level 5 drug pushers in the country, or those who are able to sell 100 kilograms or more of illegal drugs per transaction.

A chart released by the Palace to the media during a briefing showed that the drug triad in the country are composed of one Wu Tuan , alias Peter Go, who is now detained at the NBP Building 14 and is known to be the leader of Bilibid 19. He is reportedly the head of the Luzon group.

The Visayas triad is reportedly headed by a Chinese national known as Peter Lim, alias Jaguar, and who is said to be the one being protected by Garbo.

Malacanang clarified that this particular “Jaguar” is a different personality from the one killed in a police operation in Las Pinas and was buried in Cebu.

Garbo is the former Police Regional Office (PRO) Director and Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRDO) of the National Police (PNP) office in Region 7 and member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1981.

Another alleged big time drug lord was identified as Herbert Colangco, alias Ampang, who is now detained at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP). He is said to be involved in kidnap-for-ransom activities and bank robberies and is connected with the Parojinog Drug

Syndicate and the Kuratong Baleleng group.

Duterte said he cannot fathom the fact these officials, some of whom were graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), were financed by the state for their education. ”Then, when they are there, they become generals, they can afford to commit treason against the country.

It’s a wartime crime, but among us, it’s treason,” he said.

The drive against illegal drugs has been intensified to also save people from its damaging effect .

Citing experts’ findings, the President earlier said effects of use of shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride to the brain was beyond rehabilitation. ”Remember, all of you, that I’m putting my stake at stake, my life, my honor, and even losing the presidency. Hindi ako aatras diyan ( I will not back out from this),” he stressed.

The President said no one could stop him from pursuing his goal of eradicating the drug menace. ”Not by the human rights, not by the religious, not by anybody - - except my conscience and because I have to save my country,” he said.

The government’s no let-up drive against illegal drug has resulted in the voluntary surrender of more than 70,000 drug users and pushers nationwide to date. Duterte said the fight against illegal drugs came along with anti-corruption programs because the state needed funding on the rehabilitation of the users, among others.

He vowed for more stringent programs to collect taxes such as those from previously exempted from paying certain taxes.

In his speech during the reunion and fellowship with San Beda Law School batch ’71 and ’72 Sunday night at Malacanang, the President said the government had to address the economic situation of Filipinos. ”Drugs, criminality, and corruption — period talaga ‘yan. Corruption will stop and I will take away the privilege of mga tax exemptions na malalaki. (Drugs, criminality and corruption. Period. Corruption will stop and I will take away the privilege of having big tax exemptions),” he said.

The government’s anti-drug campaign has also resulted in the death of drug users and pushers, whom the police claim were killed after exchanging gun fires with authorities.

Duterte directed the policemen to work towards the goal of addressing the illegal drug problem but warned them against fabricating evidence.

He said the Constitution gives the President the right or power to give pardon, either conditional or absolute, or grant amnesty “with the concurrent of Congress.” ”Gamitin ko yan. Maniwala kayo (I will use that.

Believe me),” he added.

French PM says ‘terrorism now part of everyday lives for long period of time’ PARIS, July 18 (PNA/Xinhua) – French Prime Minister Manuel Valls has cautioned French citizens that they have moved to a different age, saying that “terrorism is now part of our everyday lives for a long period of time.”

At least 84 people were killed, and around 300 more injured on Thursday night when a truck crashed into a crowd in the southern city of Nice during France’s national day celebrations.

In an interview with the French newspaper Journal Du Dimanche (JDD) published on Sunday, Valls said,”Some irresponsible politicians say that this attack could be avoided. But there is no such thing with zero risk.”

“I have always told the truth about terrorism: we are facing a war, there will be further attacks. It is hard to say, but more lives will be lost. It will take a long time,” stressed Valls.

Concerning the questions on the planning and the organization of the Bastille Day firework display in Nice, Valls said, “the investigation will get to the

bottom of this. But I do not want unnecessary controversies. The government offices and the city of Nice both planned the Bastille Day celebration, as they did with the Nice Carnival and the UEFA Euro 2016.

Three meetings were organized for its preparation.”

“64 national police and 42 municipal police officers were deployed for this event, in addition to the normal activities on the rest of the city. If former mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi had the slightest doubt, he could have had the event cancelled. He did not do so,” pointed out Valls.

He added: “The Bastille Day terrorist attack is the embodiment of these new operating methods.”

“Let me clarify this aspect: right now, it is not possible to tell from the terrorist’s background if he was a jihadist. But at the same time, his operating method corresponds point-by-point to the instructions of the Islamic State group: to target a symbolic period (Bastille Day celebration), to cause the largest number of victims, to use any means available (a knife, a car, a truck) to kill innocent people.”

10-point economic agenda among the topics of Duterte’s first SONA

By Joann Santiago

MANILA, July 18 (PNA) – Content rather than fashion.

This will be the focus of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s no frills State of the Nation Address (SONA) in the next six years, the first one of which is set on July 25, 2016, where he will expound on his 10-point economic agenda.

Lawyer Paola Alvarez, who is the Department of Finance (DOF) spokesperson, said the President will discuss, among others, his administration’s comprehensive tax package. ”He will be mentioning on how DOF will be giving the proposals and how the Congress will address this as a whole,” she said in a briefing at Malacanang Monday. Among the goals of the Duterte administration is the implementation of more infrastructure projects, both small and big, to ensure the sustained and more inclusive growth of the domestic economy.

These projects will be funded both by improved tax collection and borrowings.

Aside from the economic agenda, the President is also expected to discuss plans on how the current administration will proceed on its bid for a Federal type of government to be able to inform the public on their participation on this, Alvarez said.

On the planned implementation of the death penalty, Alvarez explained that this is allowed under the Philippine Constitution “but some people are not fully informed on what the death penalty will be.” ”So what he (the President) wants is for heinous

crimes,” she said, clarifying also issues raised by some lawmakers on the timing of this plan.

Alvarez said the death penalty and lowering down of age of criminality are two separate issues “because children should never be under the death row.” ”That’s for sure because the law does not allow that.

Now for the death penalty it will only be for heinous crimes. What are heinous crimes? These are going to be addressed by the Congress,” she said.

Asked whether the President will mention things he questions from the past administration, Alvarez said no specific details have been discussed yet. ”As of the moment we have no confirmation on what the President’s speech is about. I think based on his personality we don’t see him doing that. He is one who takes charge and he is accountable for his actions. All through naman di ba (He has been like that all throughout). I think it will be the same… there will be no blaming game,” she said.

The SONA will be directed by award-winning Filipino Director Brillante Mendoza, who, Alvarez said, will be doing the service pro bono or for free.

Alvarez said Mendoza’s service should not be questioned since past SONA’s had its directors for matters like pacing of topics and others.

And the administration’s goal of putting more importance on the President’s speech rather than on dresses of SONA attendees will be supported by Mendoza’s request that women wear knee-lengthed Filipiniana dresses and for men to wear business suit or barong.

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ENTERT

INMENT

Danita joins Jericho, Arci in new series

Danita Paner is excited for her role in ABS-CBN’s upcoming primetime drama series “Never Ever Say Goodbye” where she plays the third wheel in the love story of the main characters played by Jericho Rosales and Arci Munoz.

Paner expressed her excitement to work with other Kapamilya stars since she is still new in the network.

“Hanggang ngayon hindi

pa siya nag si-sink in na part ako ng show dahil napakaganda po ng story and the cast. First time kong makakatrabaho halos lahat, except for Arci,” she said.

The 27-year-old sexy actress also commended veteran TV director FM Reyes, whose recent projects include “Maging Sino Ka Man,” “Lovers in Paris,” and “E-Boy.” “First time kong makatrabaho ng ganong

Danita Paner

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klaseng direktor. Talagang siya ‘yung perfect definition ng totoong set sa taping. Mafi-feel mo agad ‘yung tamang emotion and ‘yung tamang move for the scene,” she said.

Some scenes of the soap were shot in the beautiful beaches of Caramoan.

Apart from Paner, Muñoz, and Rosales, “Never Ever Say Goodbye” also features John Estrada and Gelli de Belen.(MNS)

Are Sofia Andres, Diego Loyzaga a couple?

Rommel Padilla enjoys second chance in showbiz

Marvin Agustin

Marvin Agustin asked: How rich are you?

“Pwede bang masaya na lang?” This was the statement of actor and restaurateur Marvin Agustin when asked about his wealth in a television interview.

Agustin instead said that his life has improved a lot, noting that he started with nothing.

“Iyong yaman naman relative. Siguro galing talaga ako sa wala, zero,” he said.

Agustin co-owns several restaurants in the country including SumoSam, John and Yoko, Akira, Alqueria and Wolfgang Steakhouse.

The actor, who was previously known as the love team partner of Jolina Magdangal, said he is currently part of restaurant operations.

Chito Miranda

Parokya ni Edgar to release new album soon

Here’s good news for Parokya ni Edgar fans: the band will be releasing a new album soon.

The band’s lead singer, Chito Miranda, said in an Instagram post that they are excited to share their newest songs with their fans after a two-week delay.

“Two weeks ago, we decided to delay the release of our new album because I felt na gusto ko pa dagdagan ‘yung mga kanta... Anyway, natapos ko na ‘yung balak ko na idagdag na track, and excited na talaga kami na iparinig sa inyo ‘yung mga bagong kanta,” he wrote.

“Gusto lang kasi talaga naming gawing sulit ‘yung album. Sana talaga magustuhan ninyo,” he added.

In 2013, Miranda and the rest of Parokya ni Edgar celebrated their 20th year in show business with the launch of their anniversary album, “Bente.”

The band is known for songs such as “Halaga,” “Harana,” “This Guy’s In Love with You, Pare,” “Mr. Suave” and “Mang Jose,” among others. (MNS)

Actor Rommel Padilla is grateful to be given a second chance in showbiz.

During the press conference for the upcoming TV series “The Greatest Love,” Padilla said he is happy to be busy with a lot of acting projects.

“Napakalaking bagay talaga na nakikita ka sa industriya na professional ka. Dati kasi nagkaroon ako ng titulo na medyo pagdating sa trabaho ay nagkakaroon ng problema.

Siguro in time, naipakita ko na kaya kong maging professional at nai-share ko naman kung ano ‘yung kakayanan ko sa pag-arte.

Nabigyan naman po ako ng pagkakataon ulit,” he said.

The father of young star

Daniel Padilla added: “Iyong second chances sa ating buhay ay hindi talaga natin alam kung kailan darating.”

“The Greatest Love,” which stars Sylvia Sanchez, will debut on July 18, replacing the superhero series “My Super D.” Aside from “The Greatest Love,” Padilla is also part of the hit primetime series “Dolce Amore” starring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil. (MNS)

Sofia Andres

Rommel Padilla

Actor Diego Loyzaga posted a photo of rumored girlfriend Sofia Andres on his Instagram account with a caption that had fans clamoring for the two to finally admit their couple status.

“Ang dyosa ng buhay ko,” Loyzaga wrote as the caption to the photo of Andres. His post immediately drew thousands of likes and hundreds of comments, with one fan exclaiming: “Napakasaya ko para sa iyo. I can’t contain my happiness.”

For her part, Andres helped fan the flames by posting a bouquet of red roses. She also shared a quote that had fans intrigued, which read: “I have found a person who brings out the deepest parts of myself. It scares me because there are things inside me that I’ve never seen.”

In one of her interviews with last year, Andres said at the time that she and Loyzaga are just “friends” who are still “getting to know each other.”

Since then, the two appeared to have grown closer, with Andres expressing her support for Loyzaga after the actor was tagged in a bar brawl back in March.

They were also seen on a vacation in Bataan. (MNS)

6

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DOH to curb ‘shortness’ of Filipino children TACLOBAN CITY, July 18 (PNA) – The Department of Health (DOH) wants to see increasing number of taller Filipino children in the next five years by stepping up intervention during the first 1,000 days of life.

About 33 percent of 14 million Filipino children are suffering growth failure when they reach five years old due to poor nutritional intervention, said DOH Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial during his visit to this city on Saturday.

“It takes time to address the problem of stunting. Our target is to bring down the percentage to less than 30 percent in five years,” Ubial said.

“Our call to all mothers is to breastfeed their child during the first six months and practice proper supplemental feeding from six months to two years.”

The first 1,000 days, according to the health chief, is very critical considering that achieving proper height can be done from conception

until a child reaches two years old.

“We can’t improve the stunting after 1,000 days unlike underweight, which can be addressed through 120 days of feeding,” she added.

The critical period are 270 days from conception until birth, 180 days from birth to sixth month, and 550 days before the child’s second birthday. Proper nourishment in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life is the emphasis of this year’s Nutrition Month, which aims

to promote collaboration among various stakeholders for programs serving families with pregnant mothers and children less than two years old. Early this month, the DOH-National Nutrition Council Early Childhood Care and Development Intervention Package for the First 1000 Days Program.

The package includes services on nutrition, health, early learning and social services for pregnant women and children below two years old.

US probes ‘unique’ Zika case apparently not linked to travel, sex WASHINGTON, July 19 (PNA/Xinhua) –- US health authorities confirmed on Monday a new case of Zika in Utah and have launched an investigation to determine how the person became infected.

The new case is a “family contact” who helped care for the elderly Utah resident who become the first person in the continental US to die after being infected with Zika in late June, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

However, the new patient has not recently traveled to an area with Zika and has not had sex with someone who is infected with Zika or

who has traveled to an area with Zika, the Utah Department of Health said.

In addition, there is no evidence at this time that mosquitoes that commonly spread Zika virus are in Utah. “The new case in Utah is a surprise, showing that we still have more to learn about Zika,” Erin Staples, CDC’s Medical Epidemiologist who was on the ground in Utah to assist in the investigation, said in a statement.

“Fortunately, the patient recovered quickly, and from what we have seen with more than 1,300 travel-associated cases of Zika in the continental United States and Hawaii, non-sexual

spread from one person to another does not appear to be common.”

The investigation is focused on determining how the new case became infected after having contact with the deceased patient who had a “uniquely high amount” of virus -- more than 100,000 times higher than seen in other samples of infected people -- in the blood.

The investigation includes additional interviews with and laboratory testing of family members and health care workers who may have had contact with the deceased patient and trapping mosquitoes and assessing the risk of local

spread by mosquitoes, the CDC said.

“Our knowledge of this virus continues to evolve and our investigation is expected to help us better understand how this individual became infected,” Angela Dunn, deputy state epidemiologist at the Utah Department of Health, said in a statement.

As of July 13, 1,306 cases of Zika have been reported in the continental United States and Hawaii, and none of these have been the result of local spread by mosquitoes, according to the CDC. These cases include 14 believed to be the result of sexual transmission and one that was the result of a laboratory exposure, it said.

UNICEF calls for more efforts to prevent adolescents from AIDS infection UNITED NATIONS, July 19 (PNA/Xinhua) – The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said Monday that much work remains to be done to protect children and adolescents from HIV/AIDS infection.

Adolescents are dying of AIDS at alarming rates despite global remarkable progress in tackling the disease over the past 15

years, UNICEF said as the 21st International AIDS Conference gets underway in Durban, South Africa, this week.

AIDS is still the No. 2 cause of death for those aged 10-19 globally, and No. 1 in Africa, according to UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. UNICEF said prevalence has brought the HIV/ AIDS transmission rate

down by roughly 70 percent worldwide since 2000 thanks to concerted action to prevent mother-to-child transmission in countries with high HIV/AIDS, including in sub-Saharan Africa.

Over the last 15 years, concerted action to prevent mother-to-child transmission programs have prevented some 1.6 million new HIV infections in children,

globally, while the provision of anti-retroviral treatment has saved 8.8 million lives (people of all ages).

However, the numbers of AIDS-related deaths among adolescents 15-19 years have more than doubled since 2000. Globally in 2015, there were on average 29 new infections an hour among those in this age group, UNICEF said.

Vice President Leni Robredo opens NDPR Week exhibits: A beaming Vice President Leni Robredo (right) hugs Jaye Marie Manlulu, a girl with autism, during the opening of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week celebration exhibits with the theme “See What I Can Do” on Monday (July 18, 2016) at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Also in photo are SM Super Mall President Annie Garcia (center) and UNICEF Deputy Representative Julia Rees (left). (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

Robredo, SM, UNICEF, show support for children with disabilities MANILA, July 18 (PNA) – SM and UNICEF boost the promotion and upholding of the rights and welfare of children and persons with disabilities as they joined in the commemoration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week through a photo exhibit and a stage play on children with disabilities.

The photo exhibit, dubbed as “See What I Can Do,” was developed in collaboration with the Camera Club of the Philippines and was formally launched at SM Mall of Asia and graced by Vice President Leni Robredo.

In her keynote message, Robredo said that children had the right and need for health, education and empowerment as tools that they could use for a brighter future.

Robredo added that while children nowadays without disabilities were allowed to speak for their right, there was no reason for children

with disabilities to have their voice not be heard.

“Be assured that we will include the differently abled in our plans,” the Vice President added.

The exhibit will be displayed in SM Mall of Asia until July 23.

It will also be shown in SM City Clark from July 18 to 28, SM City Cebu from August 13 to 19 and SM City Davao from August 22 to 29.

The play “Sandosenang Sapatos” will be staged by Tanghalang Pilipino at 3:30 p.m. on July 18, 2016 at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia.

It will run again at SM MOA on July 23 and at SM City Clark on July 24.

Dr. Willibald Zeck, Chief of Health and Nutrition at UNICEF, says that children with disabilities are among the most disadvantaged in Philippine society.

“Many children with disabilities lack access to basic social services, such as health and education.

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Duterte increases allowance of Pinoy talents win top award in “Olympics of performing arts” Olympics-bound athletes to $3,000 Poor boys from Philippine slums save team

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, July 18 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday increased the allowances of the 12 athletes bound for 2016 Rio Olympic Games from USD 1,000 to USD 3,000.

President Duterte made the announcement during the courtesy call in Malacanang of the Philippine Team to the world’s most prestigious sports event slated Aug. 5 to 21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Butch Ramirez and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) handed President Duterte with the official red jacket of the Philippine team to Rio Olympics.

After wearing the jacket, Duterte proceeded to the podium and delivered an spontaneous speech where he announced the increased incentives that drew loud cheers from the members of the Philippine delegation. ”I will increase your allowances, sa mga athletes USD 3,000 (from USD 1,000)..USD 5,000 for the officials (from USD 2,000),” President Duterte said.

President Duterte promised to address the cashstrapped Philippines sports by using the money he vowed to collect from the ‘oligarchs who continue to wallow the filth of wealth.’ The President said the country loses at least Php300 million every day due to unpaid taxes. ”If I can just collect it, one month, two months, ibigay ko sa inyo. Tapos na ang problem ko sa at least yung ating athletes or for the poor,” President Duterte said. President Duterte acknowledged that the lack of funds hamper the development of the Philippines sports.

”I assure you during my time, I will get the money from the pockets of those who are not paying and give it to you to train,” Duterte said. President also called on the athletes to take advantage of the opportunity to be part of the few who represent the Philippines in the international arena. ”Of the 100 million Filipinos plus, few are given the opportunity to be party of a team or to be working in government and it’s not given to everybody. That honor is very distinct,” the President said.

Among the Olympics-bound athletes include: Eric Shawn Cray in the 400-meter hurdles event; boxers Charly Suarez (lightweight) and Rogen Ladon (light flyweight); taekwondo jin Kirstie Elain Alora (women’s +67kg); Ian Lariba in women’s singles (table tennis); weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz (women’s 53kg); Mary Joy Tabal in women’s marathon; weightlifter Nestor Colonia (men’s 56kg); long jumper Marestella Torres-Sunang; golfer Miguel Tabuena; and, swimmers Jasmine Alkhaldi and Jessie Khing Lacuna.

The Philippines has yet to win its first Olympic gold since it joined the most famous sports event in 1928.

The country’s highest achievements were two silvers courtesy of boxers Anthony Villanueva in 1964 Tokyo meet and Mansueto ‘Onyok’ Velasco in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

A whooping Php10 million cash incentive awaits the first Filipino Olympic gold medalist after former President Benigno Aquino III signed Republic Act No. 10699 that raised the amount of incentives for national athletes.

By Abner Galino

(City of Long Beach) THE Philippine team lived up to its billing as a powerhouse team in the “Olympics of the performing arts,” -- - officially known as the World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) -- held here in the city of Long Beach in California, USA. The Philippine team won the competition’s senior division highest award dubbed as the “Grand Champion Performers of the World.”

A young vocalist from the US, Alexander Pantoja, bagged the WCOPA junior division’s Grand Champion Performer of the World award.

A 12-man dance group called Jr. New System (JNS) bagged the top award for the Philippines with its humorous yet spine- chilling hip-hop dance routine.

Gerry Mercado, WCOPA-Philippines national director, expressed his adoration for the dance crew and to the entire pool of Filipino talents.

“During the semi-finals, kinakabahan na kami. You know we really wanted to take back our crown.

We have not won these top award for the last two years,” Mercado recalled.

The key for the JNS’s win, Mercado said, was the difficulty and ingenuity their choreography.

“I think they were able to show that they were just more than dancers. Hiphop group or dance group is common. But 11 boys in high heels, stillettos -- - dancing and doing acrobatics is difficult. I think that’s what make them stand out tonight,” Mercado said.

JNS manager and artistic director Marcial T. Visda also praised his wards for not succumbing to the

pressure and physical exhaustion that they all went through during the competition.

“Salamat at hindi binigo ‘yung mga kababayan natin na sinamahan kami dito, at ang aming national director (Mercado). Kinabahan din kami dahil sa unti-unting tinabas nang tinabas ang ating delegation mula noong elimination hanggang semi-finals. Kaya sabi nila JNS na lang pag-asa ng team. At hindi naman sila nabigo,” Visda said.

Aside from the honor that the dance crew brought to the country, Mercado said the victory would also bring future financial rewards to each of the dancers.

“These boys are poor.

They came from the slums.

They are making money from performing and that way that are able to support their families. Now, with this new recognition, they would have more opportunities to perform and earn to help their families more,” Mercado said.

In a related development, popular singer Jed Maddela, aformer WCOPA Grand Champion Performer of the World awardee, congratulated the Philippine team.

“I am so happy for the Filipino-American community support. We owe a lot from them -- - hindi naman kami kinulang sa suporta.

Doon pa sa mga nagpadala ng financial support, nagpadala ng mga pagkain or even those who give simple words of encouragement sa lahat ng mga contestant. We appreciate them,” Maddela said.

Jed Madela was the first Filipino to win the Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World in 2005 was also inducted in WCOPA’s Hall of Fame in 2013.

The members of the Jr. New System (JNS) celebrate on a street of Long Beach shortly after bagging the top WCOPA award.

Madela has since been accompanying the Philippine contingent, providing moral and technical support to the hopefuls.

The singer has also become a regular performer at WCOPA programs.

Among the Fil-Ams who painstakingly help the team in theirpursuit for glory here -- - providing food, transportations and other needs -- were events producer Rose Sarreal and former entertainment editor Lou Sabas, Fiesta Catering owned by Jose and Minda Valdecantos Chin.

Six Filipino individual talents made it to the finals of different talent categories of the competition. They were Marco Unabia (Junior-Dance Solo), Patricia Pomalay ((Junior-ModelsFemale), Ira Sisa Aparra (Senior-Dance- Solo), David Priego Walker (Senior-Models- Male), Veneen Nair (Senior-Vocal) and Jeremy Layug (Senior-Vocal).

In 2014, Xtreme Dancers and Lloyd Montebon won the Senior and Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World awards, respectively.

In 2013, Beverly Caimen and Aldeza dela Torre duplicated the feat for the Philippines.

The country also holds the record for the most number of Grand Championship Performer of the World Awards at 10 titles since 2005.

The Filipino talents battled against about 7,000 other hopefuls from about 50 countries.

The competition opened last week at the Long Beac Performing Arts Center through a parade where participants donned their traditional costumes and displayed their national flags and colors.

In its website, WCOPA said the constants vied for medals and a “total of $380,000 in scholarships: $30,000 from the Millennium Dance Complex, $150,000 from the New York Film Academy, and $200,000 from the New York Conservatory for Film and Television.”

Before the opening ceremonies and the competition, contestants participated in a boot camp where they were given “unmatched full-day of the most comprehensive performing arts seminars and workshops given by top industry experts.”

Selections for contestants have been held in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and South Africa.

8

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UTREACH

Panoorin sa Pechanga ang sikat na ‘Funtastik 4’ live sa Agosto 20

Sa isang natatanging pagtatanghal na kikiliti at magbibigay saya sa mg amanonood, inihahandog ng Pechanga Resort & Casinosa Agosto 20, 2016 alas-7 ng gabi, ang pinagsanib na pwersa sa larangan ng entertainment at komedya na sina K. Brosas, Chokoleit, Pooh at ang beteranang si Pokwang ‘Funtastik 4’ at ang panauhin nilang si Rayver Cruz.

Ang Pechanga Resort & Casino sa Temecula, California ay kilala s apagtangkilik ng magagaling at mahuhusay na mga Pilipinong artista at mang-aawit kagaya ng international singer na si Gary Valenciano, Mega Star na si Sharon Cuneta, ang singer/aktres at Tony Award winner Lea Salonga, pupolar na komedyante at aktor, Vice Ganda, winner ng ‘Star Power Search 2011’ Angeline Quintos, international actress at top endorser Anne Curtis, at Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo – nabigay todo ng umaaliw sa kagalakan ng mgamanonood.

Bukod sa maayos na mga kainan, pahingahan at kasayahan, nais ng Pechanga Resort & Casinona mag-alay ng natatanging kaganapan lalo na sa Pilipinong mga patron. Kung kaya’tang ‘Funtastik 4’, nakilala at tagumpay sa larangan ng komedya at entertainment ay mag-aaliw sa mga Pilipi-

nong patron at tagasubaybay ng naturang casino.

Ang ‘Funtastik 4’ ay nakilalasaserye ng mgapagtatanghal sa ibat-ibang lugar sa Pilipinas na naging sikat sa pinaghalong komedya at pagkanta na siyang umaaliw sa mga manonood. Pinangungunahan ni K. Brosas, Maria Carmela Brosas sa tunay na buhay, ay kilala bilang aktres, comedian, singer at TV host na dual Filipino-American citizenship.

Si Brosas ay dating kabilang sa banda ng Glady’s and The Boxers kung saan siya’y lead singer nang mag show ang mga ito bilang K and The Boxers. Sa kalagitnaan ng taong 2010, si Brosas ay naging co-host ng game show na Pilpinas Win na Win. Si Jonathan Aguilar Garcia, kilalabilang ‘Chokoleit’ ay sikat na komedyante, aktor at TV host. Siya’y tampok sa pagganap bilang Dugong sa lokal na Philippine TV series ‘Marina.’

Pumaimbulog ang kasikatan ni Chokoleit ng matuklasa nito mula sa mga standup comedies sa mga lugar naaliwan sa kilalang pook sa Manila. Tiyak na inyong ikatutuwa na matunghayan muli si Chokoleit sa pagtitipong itosa Pechanga Resort & Casino.

Kilala sa pangalang ‘Pooh,’ si Reynold Garcia

na tubong Northern Samar ay is ang aktor, comedian, impersonator, singer at host.

Sumikat si Pooh sa pagbibida sa comedy gag show na Banana Split. Gayang-gaya niya ang katauhan ni Senador at boxer Manny Pacquiao.

Si Pooh ay Aliw Awardee bilang best male stand-up comedian taong 2006 at 2007. Gayundi’y na nomina sa naturang category taong 2008.

Kikiligin kayo kay Rayver Cruz, na Raymond Oliver Cruz Ilustre sa tunay na buhay. Si Rayver ay isang aktor, dancer at singer na tiyak na aaliw sa mga manonood at taga-subaybay ng casino.

Si Rayver ay miyembro ng pamilya Cruz, pinagpipitagang pamilya sa entertainment industry sa Pilipinas.

Kapatid niya sina Rodjun at Omar na naggagandahang lalaki sa movie industry.

Si Rayver ay kasalukuyang makikita sa noontime variety show na ASAP XV.Nagsimula si Rayver bilang child actor sa GMA show na Kiss Muna ngunit lumipat ito saka-kompetensyang ABSCBN. Ang kanyang unang seryesa TV ay Spirits bilang Red kasama ang aktres na si Maja Salvador. Si Rayver ay pinsang buo ni Sheryl, Sunshine, Geneva at Donna Cruz.

Hindi pahuhuli ang sikat na si Pokwang – isang kom-

edyante, host ng television, singer. Tunay na kilala bilang Marietta Subong, siya’y isang sikat na aktres na nagwagi ng Clown in a Million contest sa ABS-CBN comedy-gang show program.

Yes, Yes Show! (2004). Si Pokwang ang ika-siyam sa labindalawang magkakapatid.

Gayundin ay nasahanay ng mga komedyante, si Pokwang ay aktres, TV host, impersonator, singer at may-ari ng salon. Nagtamo din ito ng mga award sa pagiging sikat na komedyante.

Si K. Brosas, Chokoleit, Pooh, Pokwang at ang panauhin nila na si Rayver Cruz – ang perpektong kombinasyon upang kiligin kayo sa Agosto inihahatid ng ipinagmamalaki sa Temecula, California – Pechanga Resort & Casino. Bumilina ng tikets (mula $98, $78, $68 hanggang $58) sa Pechanga Box Office 877-711-2946 o online sa www.Pechanga. com.

Patungkol sa Pechanga Resort & Casino Inaalok ng Pechanga Resort & Casino ang isa sa mga pinakamalaki at malaganap na kasiyahan na pang resort/casino kahit saan sa United States. Ibinotong numero unong casino ng mga mambababasa ng USA Today at hinirang na “Four Diamond property” ng AAA mula pa noong

2002, ang Pechanga Resort & Casino ay nagbibigay ng walang katumbas naparaan para sa isang araw o pang-matagalang marangyang bakasyon. Naghahandog ng mahigit sa 3,400 sa pinakamainit na slot machines, table games at world-class entertainment, 517 mga kwarto sa hotel, kainan, spa at championship golf sa Journey sa Pechanga, ang Pechanga Resort

& Casino ay tampok na destinasyon na tumutugon at humihigit sa kagustuhan ng mga panauhin nito at ng komunidad.

Ang Pechanga Resort & Casino ay pag-aari at palakad ng Pechanga Band ng mga Luiseño Indians. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, tumawag ng tollfree sa 1-877-711-2946 o pumunta sa www.Pechanga. com.

Renowned Filipino Designer Rocky Gathercole Visits ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Bata HOLLYWOOD, CA, July 19, 2016 – A heartwarming lovefest ensued upon the recent visit of Rocky Gathercole, famed Filipino designer to the biggest music stars, to the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya (Family Service) Foundation, Inc. or ALKFI. The designer to celebrities like Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez and Carrie Underwood dropped by to express his commitment to helping one of ALKFI’s core programs called, Bantay Bata (Child Watch), Asia’s model for child care services.

Gathercole was warmly welcomed by ALKFI Chief Finance Officer Noemi B. Samson, ALKFI Donor Management Head Josine Reyes and concurrent ABS-CBN Integrated Public Service Head and ABS-CBN Foundation International Managing Director Jerry Bennett during his visit.

Come July 28, at the landmark Avalon Hollywood, Gathercole will unveil a collection for the show, “Rock The Runway”, proceeds of which will benefit Bantay Bata. The fashion fundraiser is presented by ABS-CBN’s Lifestyle Network in partnership with the Los Angeles-based For The Stars Fashion House.

What is drawing a lot of attention to “Rock The Runway” is that this is the first fundraiser show of the internationally famous Gathercole that is dedicated to the children of Bantay Bata. The reason?

“I see myself in the children being cared for by Bantay Bata,” Gathercole said. “I was a battered child. So, given the chance, I want to help the

youth. I was very fortunate that God and truly good people took me out of the dark when I lived in the streets after running away from home. I’ve been very, very blessed. It’s time to give back. ‘Rock The Runway’ is my dream fashion show.

Helping the kids through my work – that is where my heart lies, that is what my life is about now.”

ABS-CBN Foundation International, through Bennett, released this statement in grateful salute to Gathercole and supporters of “Rock The Runway”: We are deeply grateful to Rocky Gathercole, Lifestyle Network, TFC and For The Stars Fashion House for supporting ABS-CBN Foundation International, specifically BANTAY BATA (Child Watch).

Our abused and disadvantaged children will most definitely get to smile and laugh again.

Kids always see everything with fresh eyes, expecting something new and exciting and different every time they look. Sadly, it is not so with destitute children. They are deprived, even of excitement and imagination. Poverty is more than just material and physical deprivation for them.

It is a loss of hope and dignity. Rocky Gathercole knows this only too well. And just as Rocky was able to get up and out of hopelessness through the compassion of people he met along the way, now he wants to give even more of himself for them. And so we have faith that a bright future is in store for these kids because of his kindness, goodness, and generosity of heart.

(Leftmost) Celebrity designer Rocky Gathercole will feature a collection for the exciting “Rock the Runway” on July 28 at the landmark Avalon Hollywood. (Center) From left, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. (ALKFI) Chief Finance Officer Noemi B. Samson, Rocky Gathercole, ALKFI Donor Management Head Josine Reyes and ABS-CBN Integrated Public Service Head and ABS-CBN Foundation International Managing Director Jerry Bennett during the visit of Gathercole to the Foundation office in Manila. Gathercole chose one of the Foundation’s core programs – Bantay Bata (Child Watch) – as the beneficiary of “Rock the Runway”.

(Photo by Marianne De Vera/ABS-CBN Global Corporate Affairs & PR).

(Right) Couture and Compassion meet via “Rock The Runway”, a benefit event featuring the designs of Rocky Gathercole

From left to right: Representing ABS-CBN Global Group during the formal MOA signing was ABS-CBN Asia Pacific Managing Director Ailene Averion while representing Western Union was Senior Vice President for Southeast Asia and Oceania was Patricia Riingen; Also present during the signing was ABS-CBN Global Regional Officer for Asia Pacific Lawrence Reyes; Aside from the partnership, TFC and Western Union also launched the campaign’s TV commercial component; ABS-CBN News Channel’s and Mornings@ANC’s Gretchen Ho hosted the event; and The Next Big Diva Morissette capped the formal ceremonies with her song medley. Second row: The signing was graced by members of ABS-CBN’s Executive Committee, ABS-CBN Global teams and members of the press; Averion, Riingen and Reyes formally entered into the agreement at the Restaurant 9501 of ABS-CBN’s headquarters in Eugenio Lopez Jr. Communications Center in Quezon City; and formally closing the MOA signing was Riingen’s presentation of Western Union’s commemorative 25th anniversary stamp to Averion.

Western Union to offer 30-day TFC.tv Lite Package in new promotion Manila, Philippines – May 24, 2016 -- The Western Union Company, a leader in global payments services, today announced that it has signed a promotion agreement with ABS-CBN Global Group to offer Western Union consumers key markets access to TFC.tv Lite Package .

The promotion is open to all consumers in participating countries who send money to the Philippines through Western Union ® or Vigo (Canada only) Agent retail locations or wu.com from May 15 to August 15, 2016. Each transfer paid out in the Philippines within five (5) days from the transaction date qualifies the sender to one (1) redemption of TFC.tv Lite Package valid for thirty (30) days. A maximum of three (3) redemptions is allowed for each sender during the promotion period.

The promotion also offers access to a seven (7)-day archive of programs on the TFC. tv Lite Package 1 and ten (10) selected movies featuring John Lloyd Cruz, currently Western Union’s celebrity endorser.

The promotion will be available in the US, Canada, Middle East, Oceania, Central and South America, as well as selected countries in Europe, Asia and Africa.

“I am very excited about this collaboration with ABSCBN Global Group. Their flagship product, TFC, is the leading content provider for overseas Filipinos worldwide and is accessible on a variety of platforms; cable, satellite, video-on- demand, IPTV, mobile and online. Offering access to the rich content that TFC provides to consumers who send money to the Philippines is our way of giving back and helping them to stay connected to their heritage,” says Patricia Riingen, Senior Vice President, South East Asia and Oceania, Western Union.

“Western Union is a leading global money transfer company with services available in over 200 countries and territories 2 . Our collaboration with Western Union will give more consumers who send money back home to the Philippines an opportunity to remain updated with news and entertainment programs from our homeland through our TFC programs, specifically via TFC.tv,” says Raffy Lopez, ABS-CBN Global COO. Last year, Western Union celebrated 25 years of moving money for better in the Philippines. Western Union recognizes that the act of transferring money is a bridge that not only sends remit-

tances to friends and families but also acts as a conduit for building better lives in the communities it serves.

This latest promotion to offer TFC demonstrates Western Union’s continued commitment to moving money for better. For more information about the guidelines of this promotion, please visit www. tfc.tv/wu About Western Union The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta, Pago Facil and Western Union Business Solutions branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers and businesses with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, to send payments and to purchase money orders. As of March 31, 2016, the Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded services were offered through a combined network of over 500,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories and over 100,000 ATMs and kiosks, and included the capability to send money to over a billion accounts. In 2015, The Western Union Company completed 262 million consumer-to- consumer transactions worldwide, moving $82

billion of principal between consumers, and 508 million business payments. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.

About ABS-CBN Global Group The ABS-CBN Global Group, which has operating companies in the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, exists to be of service to Filipinos worldwide. It has been the largest and most successful Filipino-owned and operated media group outside of the Philippines since the launch of its flagship product, The Filipino Channel (TFC), which can be seen worldwide on various platforms. Today, the ABS-CBN Global Group offers top news and entertainment content via cable, satellite, online audio and video streaming, IPTV and On Demand, plus retail, theatricals, money remittance and cargo services along with philanthropic support for Filipinos and the overseas communities they now call home.

ABS-CBN Global Hungary Kft is a wholly owned subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corporation, the largest news and entertainment media company in the Philippines.

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

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MOTORING

Driver safety: New tips for road trips

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Winner kayo dito!â&#x20AC;?

* Remember that distractions go beyond your phone.

While much of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in-vehicle technology is designed to help mitigate vehicle collisions, you have to know its limitations. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget that the very technology helping keep you safe in your vehicle can also be a distraction: At any given moment, approximately 660,000 people are manipulating electronic devices or using cell phones while driving. Test technology features you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t typically use before you go, and learn how to best apply new vehicle technology at MyCarDoesWhat. org. * Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just rely on technology. Be aware of dramatic speed shifts that might alert you to changing driving conditions ahead (such as a small town, school zone or dangerous curves). This is even more important when driving in unfamiliar terrain. While navigation systems, adaptive headlights that can â&#x20AC;&#x153;seeâ&#x20AC;? around curves and the latest curve speed warning technology can all help, reviewing a map in advance and paying attention to road signage and conditions along the way can be a big help. * If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re drinking, know ridesharing options. A drunk driving-related accident occurs every two minutes. Besides friends, consider ridesharing options like Uber and Lyft, which are available throughout the U.S. and even in places where public transportation isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as popular.

Simply download the apps and schedule your ride beforehand. * Make an educated decision: Getting into a car accident while traveling can introduce another layer of complexity. Having to make a rushed decision about where to repair your car only adds to a stressful situation. Do your research ahead of time on www.GoldClass.com to find shops that have technicians who have received updated, model- and automaker-specific training and the knowledge to properly fix your vehicle. You can find a Gold Class shop in two ways: 1. Identify shops along your route ahead of time.

2. Gain easy access to the Gold Class Locator by putting a bookmark on www.

GoldClass.com -- but keep in mind that rural areas may not always have internet connectivity, so planning ahead is the safest way to travel.

Be Ready!

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t play around with your safety: Add these tips from Gold Class to your summer travel preparation checklist to be an educated consumer for your peace of mind. Remember that technology has its place while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re driving, and that if you are involved in a collision, no matter where you are (home or away) the same principles to find a trained collision repair shop apply, go to: www.GoldClass.com.

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

Visit www.usasianpost.com

11

KITCHENOMICS

FAMILY FEATURES

F

rom burgers to barbecued chicken, many of the best grilled foods are served with creamy condiments – often packing on calories and fat. Next time you’re ready to grill, experiment with new ways to create simple but robust flavors using fewer ingredients through simple swaps.

Rice vinegars offer a healthy alternative to condiments like mayonnaise or a creamy dressing when grilling. Keeping meals simple is easy with naturally gluten-free Nakano Rice Vinegar, which includes six or less simple ingredients with no artificial preservatives, flavors or ingredients, and no high-fructose corn syrup or MSG. The brand recently announced a clean-labeling initiative for all of its products, which now have easy-to-read labels with recognizable ingredients.

Dawn Jackson Blatner, star of ABC’s “My Diet Is Better Than Yours,” author of “Superfood Swap” and a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for the Chicago Cubs, has created healthy dishes to heat up the grill this season.

This fall, look for organic Nakano Rice Vinegars debuting at retailers nationwide, and find more recipes at Mizkan.com.

Grilled Veggie and Ranch Bowl Servings: 2 8 ounces skinless chicken breast 2 ears corn, shucked 6 asparagus spears, trimmed 1 organic bell pepper, seeded and cut into 4 large pieces 1 zucchini, cut in half lengthwise 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil sea salt, to taste pepper, to taste 4 tablespoons Cashew Ranch Dressing (recipe below) Heat grill to medium.

Season chicken breast, corn, asparagus, bell pepper and zucchini with olive oil, sea salt and pepper.

Grill chicken 6-7 minutes per side, internal temperature reaches 165 F. Grill corn 10-15 minutes, rotating after every pop, until corn is golden. Grill asparagus, bell pepper and zucchini 3-5 minutes per side, until tender.

Separate chicken, corn, asparagus, bell pepper and zucchini evenly into two bowls. Drizzle bowls with Cashew Ranch Dressing.

Note: Bowl leftovers can be refrigerated for up to four days.

Nutritional information per serving: 450 calories; 21 g total fat; 4.5 g saturated fat; 870 mg sodium; 31 g carbs; 6 g fiber; 10 g sugar; 38 g protein.

Cashew Ranch Dressing Makes: 1 cup 1 cup raw, unsalted cashews 3/4 cup almost-boiling water 3 tablespoons Nakano Rice Vinegar – Natural or Nakano Organic Rice Vinegar – Natural 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon dried dill 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives In food processor, puree cashews, water, rice vinegar, garlic, dill, oregano, salt and pepper 3-4 minutes, until creamy. For best results, drizzle water in gradually as food processor is running. Stir in chives.

Note: Leftover dressing can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to seven days.

Nutritional information per tablespoon: 50 calories; 4 g total fat; 0.5 g saturated fat; 110 mg sodium; 3 g carbs; 1 g sugar; 2 g protein.

Grilled Meatballs and Zoodles Servings: 4 Meatballs 1 pound organic ground turkey or grass-fed ground beef 1 cup organic kale, finely chopped 1/2 cup crushed brown rice crackers 1 egg 1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon sea salt non-stick cooking spray Salad 4 medium zucchini 2 cups organic cherry tomatoes, chopped 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup Nakano Rice Vinegar – Natural or Nakano Organic Rice Vinegar – Natural 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil sea salt, to taste black pepper, to taste Heat grill to medium.

In large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, kale, crackers, egg, chili pepper flakes and salt. Use hands to form mixture into 12 balls. Refrigerate 30-60 minutes to help meatballs set.

Mist meatballs with non-stick cooking spray and place them on grill. Grill each side 3-4 minutes, using tongs to flip to sides that haven’t been browned yet.

Meatballs should reach internal temperature of 165 F. Using vegetable spiralizer, create zucchini noodles.

Toss zucchini with tomatoes, Parmesan, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper.

Serve each zoodle plate with three meatballs.

Nutritional information per serving: 350 calories; 20 g total fat; 6 g saturated fat; 240 mg sodium; 14 g carbs; 3 g fiber; 6 g sugar; 32 g protein.

Tuna Stuffed Avocado Servings: 2 1 ripe avocado 1 can (5 ounces) tuna packed in water, drained 1/2 cup finely diced celery 1/2 cup grated carrot 1/4 cup finely diced red onion 2 tablespoons Nakano Rice Vinegar – Natural or Nakano Organic Rice Vinegar – Natural 1/2 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1/8 teaspoon sea salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 16 brown rice crackers Cut avocado in half, remove pit and scoop out flesh leaving thin wall of avocado. Dice avocado flesh and set shell aside for serving.

In small bowl, combine tuna, celery, carrot, onion, vinegar, oil, mustard, salt and pepper. Mix well.

Gently stir in diced avocado.

Scoop mixture into avocado shells and serve with brown rice crackers.

Nutritional information per serving: 360 calories; 19 g total fat; 3 g saturated fat; 530 mg sodium; 26 g carbs; 9 g fiber; 3 g sugar; 22 g protein.

12

Friday - Thursday, July 22 - 28, 2016

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Chula Vista lass wins 2016 Miss Philippines USA

GOOD FAITH From page 1

These discussions could be followed by negotiations “with the hope that we can come up with a lasting solution that’s in accordance with the ruling,” he added.

He said he believes this is already being implemented by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“We should actually be rallying behind the President to make sure that there is a peaceful solution to this case,” he said.

These discussions, however, would come hand-inhand with the support from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the “responsible community

of nations.”

“They have supported us and we should be grateful for that, but we should continue to ask them to support us.

Because the rule of law is something that they may try to promote for us. Following the rulings that have been handed down, the world needs to hear this,” he said.

One starting point for discussion with China is crafting regulations on Scarborough Shoal “because the only declaration that was made by the arbitral tribunal is that everyone is allowed to fish there,” said Del Rosario.

REED BANK Though he believes the nullification of China’s economic claims over the dis-

FASHION SHOW The 2016 Miss Philippines USA (MPUSA) beauty pageant coronation was held last July 17, Sunday, at the Alex Theatre in Glendale California, with the former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz gracing the event. The pageant was organized by Ms. Lou Razon, founder and executive producer of the beauty pageant. In photo (from left) are the winners: Ms. Kalea Lorren Pitel, 2016 Miss Philippines USA, Ms. Louise An, Miss Philippines Ambassador, Miss Popularity and Best in Gown competition, Ms. Danica Camacho, 1st Runner-up, Best in Swimsuit competition, Best in Talent competition, Ms. Clarissa Ilagan, 2nd Runner-up, Most Fabulous Dermaskin awardee and Ms. Alana Alonzo, 3rd Runner-up. The show was hosted by news anchor Cher Calvin of KTLA TV Channel 5 and broadcast personality Tony Cabrera. Photo: JUN CAMACHO

PIA WANTS From page 1

“It’s my personal dream and the dream of a lot of Filipinos that someday we’ll see the Miss Universe pageant to be held here. We are keeping our fingers crossed,” she said.

While an official announcement on where Miss Universe will be held has yet to be made, Wurtzbach said she will continue to promote the Philippines wherever she goes.

“As I go through my reign, this year and for the years to come—it doesn’t end when

FIRST SONA From page 1

the past (SONA) too many road blocks and rerouting,” he stressed.

The acting JTF-NCR chief said final security deployment will be out on July 30 and stated that troops will

I pass on my crown—I will still proudly wear the Philippines wherever I go,” she said.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo earlier said that if the international beauty contest would be held in the country, she wants to have it moved to May instead of January.

Teo cited other big events scheduled at the start of the year such as the Chinese New Year celebration and the Sinulog festival.

Teo said that she will begin talking with possible sponsors once it is confirmed

that the Philippines is the next host country.

The DOT chief said that the government will need to raise a budget of $12 million (around P560 million) for the event.

The Philippines last hosted the Miss Universe pageant in 1994.

For this year’s pageant, the country will be fielding Maxine Medina, a 25-yearold interior designer who has been modelling since 2008. She will attempt to succeed Wurtzbach, the first Filipina to win the title in over four decades. (MNS)

be deployed in areas they will not affect traffic.

Tomas also took this opportunity to ask leftist groups, participating the traditional protest rallies, not be violent and unruly and stay in their designated areas.

“They need to express(their sentiments), that is their right but of course it has to be again within the bounds of law, they (should) control their crowd and prevent the latter from going violent like in the past years,” he disclosed.

GRIEVANCES From page 1

proper time, ‘wag muna ngayon because let’s just say— bigger issue about…

But magpakita ako ng restraint muna ngayon,” he said, without elaborating.

An alleged floating shabu

EMERGENCY From page 1

change outflow for fuel and redundant transportation equipment,” Yap said.

The bill empowers President Duterte to reorganize the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and their attached or related agencies.

The President shall also have the power to restruc-

puted territories was the “largest victory,” del Rosario said it is just as important to enhance the Reed Bank, which has been declared to be within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Del Rosario recalled that the Reed Bank was “real point of vulnerability” when they filed the case because of the 0.5-square kilometer Itu Aba or the Taiping Island, which was viewed by many as an island.

If it were an island, it would project another 200 nautical miles of EEZ for Taiwan which would intersect with the Philippines’ EEZ where the Reed Bank is located.

norm that has become and we want to bring back the real essence of the State of the Nation,” Alvarez explained.

In keeping with their goal to focus on Duterte’s message, she also said that they

also planned to minimize the number of people who will greet the President when he arrives at the Batasan Pambasa. Only the House Speaker and the Senate President will be there to greet him and the majority leaders of both Houses will escort him inside the plenary hall.

laboratory was captured last Monday night by the police in waters off Subic, where four Hong Kong nationals were arrested. Duterte did not say if the “bigger issue” he was referring to was the recent ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration on

the Philippines case against China. In his first week as president, Duterte tagged three big-time Chinese-Filipino drug lords in the country. He had also tagged five active and retired police officials alleged involved in the illegal drug trade. — (MNS)

ture institutions that impact traffic management, including but not limited to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and Philippine National Railways (PNR).

Yap said President Dute-

rte may also abolish or create offices, institute drastic cost-cutting measures and take such other related actions necessary to implement the objectives of the Act. Officials or employees of the said agencies who may be phased out by reason of the reorganization shall have benefits resolved by the Office of the President together with the Commission on Audit (COA) and Civil Service Commission (CSC).

From page 1

new dress code under the Duterte administration.

“During the previous SONAs, most people see that this is an occasion where people tend to flaunt their gowns, their dresses. We want to step away from this

THE US ASIAN POST