US Asian Post June 10, 2016

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Vol. 5 No. 36

LOS ANGELES

A BALITA MEDIA PUBLICATION

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DUTERTE TO SHUN MEDIA DAVAO CITY, June 6 (Mabuhay) – President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is rejecting interviews for now in response to a call to boycott his press conferences until he apologizes for his statement on media killings, his spokesman said Monday.

Filipino-American media practitioners led who belong to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines USA Chapter with a strong message to Presidentelect Rodrigo Duterte, who earlier said that corrupt journalists deserved to die in the Philippines.” Photo: Benny Uy

“Unang-una, yun naman yung hiningi ng media,” Salvador Panelo said.

He added that Duterte’s statements were not coming out “as accurately as they should” in media reports.

Panelo could not say how long Duterte would shun media interviews but said the President-elect would still be “transparent” about

his activities through his spokesman and other appointees.

“Sa ngayon yan ang kanyang patakaran,” he said. “But then again, even assuming that to be, kahit na patagalan, wala pa rin namang kurtina na nakatakip o bintanang sinarado. Open pa rin e.”

Duterte was irked when asked in an interview last week about an international watchdog group’s

call for Filipino journalists to boycott his press conferences.

The Paris-based Reporters Sans Frontiers (RSF) wants Duterte to apologize for saying that many of the journalists killed in the Philippines were paid hacks and were corrupt.

“Just because you’re a journalist, you are not exempted from

MANILA, June 6 (Mabuhay) – The president of the National Press Club (NPC) said that the choice of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to course his statements through the government television network PTV-4 following his decision to suspend his nightly press conferences would have negative repercussions on the country’s free press.

NPC President Paul Gutierrez described Duterte’s decision to use only state-run media for his statements as a “subtle way” of undermining a free press.

“I believe that this is a follow-up doon sa sinabi niya na kung ayaw siyang i-boycott ng media, eh siya

na lang ang magbo-boycott sa media. In a sense, this is a subtle way o simpleng pamamaraan ng bagong administrasyon na limitahan ang ating kalayaan sa malayang pamamahayag,” Gutierrez said Monday.

(I believe that this is a follow-up to what he said that if the media won’t boycott him, he would boycott the media. In a sense, this is a subtle way of the new administration to limit the free press.)

Duterte, 71, drew flak for justifying the murders of journalists, saying that those who have been killed were corrupt. He also catcalled a female television reporter in one of

See DUTERTE, page 7

Fil-Ams celebrate Independence Lacson: Duterte Using only state-run media a ‘subtle’ Day, have message for Duterte should not urge public way to stifle free press: NPC head

By Nimfa U. Rueda

LOS ANGELES – Hundreds of Filipino-Americans paraded through Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles on June 4 to celebrate the 118th Philippine Independence Day. Cheering crowds watched a marching band, local beauty queens on floats, community leaders in a convoy of cars, Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders in formation and dozens of participants who marched while waving Philippine flags.

A group of youths, dressed in Igorot costumes, danced in the streets.

“We want to show everyone that Filipino-Americans are united and have a great deal to contribute to the community, this city and the nation,” said Bernie Ganon, assistant executive director of the nonprofit Filipino-American Service Group, Inc. (FASGI), one of the event organizers.

More than 30 organizations participated, including the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, USA Chapter, whose members paraded a banner with a message for President Elect Rodrigo Duterte: “Stop Media Killings.”

“It’s not just about celebrating

to arrest, kill suspected drug lords

MANILA, June 6 (Mabuhay) – Incoming Senator Panfilo Lacson said Monday that the call for the public to arrest and kill suspected drug lords should not come from President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

Even as citizen’s arrest is allowed under the Revised Penal Code and killing on self-defense may be accepted, the President should not encourage the public to take it upon themselves to kill accused drug personalities.

“Sa palagay ko ay hindi dapat

See MESSAGE, page 7

See LACSON, page 7

See MEDIA SUBTLE, page 7

PNP probing involvement of generals Amid Duterte criticisms, CBCP president says: in corruption, illegal drugs MANILA, June 6 (Mabuhay) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is looking into information about the involvement of some police generals in corruption and illegal drugs but its chief said the PNP has yet to find evidence to support the claims of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

Outgoing PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez revealed that he has sent a team of anti-illegal drugs policemen in Visayas to probe details linking generals to corrupt activities and illegal drug trade.

“We have not found any evidence

yet that will support the information about the involvement of active general (in corruption and drugs),” Marquez told reporters at Camp Crame after the flag-raising ceremony on Monday.

“But we have raw information before so as a matter of fact we deployed special teams ng (of) AIDG (Anti-Illegal Drugs Group) in Visayas but until now, the work is in progress,” he added.

Marquez, who will soon be replaced by Duterte’s pick Chief Supt.

Ronald Dela Rosa, said the PNP’s Intelligence Group has been inves-

There is virtue in silence

MANILA, June 6 (Mabuhay) – Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, on Sunday said, “there is virtue in silence,” an apparent reply to President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s attacks on the church.

“There is virtue in silence. There is virtue in speech. Wisdom is knowing when it is time for silence and when is the timing for speech,” Villegas said in a statement entitled “Understanding Silence.”

Villegas went on to say, “Mine See SILENCE, page 7

See GENERALS, page 7

Incoming SolGen ‘very hopeful’ PHL will win arbitration case vs China DAVAO CITY, June 4 (Mabuhay) – Incoming Solicitor General Jose Calida on Saturday said he is “very hopeful” that the Philippines will win its arbitration case against China on the disputed West Philippine Sea. “We are very hopeful that we will win this case,” Calida told reporters at Royal Mandaya Hotel.

The former Justice undersecretary said he recently met with incumbent Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, who briefed him and incoming foreign affairs secretary

Jun Yasay on the case.

“During that meeting we only discussed the West Philippine Sea dispute with China, he said.

“It’s really a complicated issue but according to the solicitor general now, around 70 to 80 percent we will win this case,” Calida said.

Asked what will happen if the country wins the case with the international tribunal, Calida said, “Well we will cross the bridge when we get there. We will wait for the decision then we will make our move.”

The Philippine government earlier asked the international tribunal in The Hague to rule on the validity of China’s controversial 9-dash line claim.

He said another issue he wants to address is the overwhelming number of cases that each solicitor handles.

“Did you know that they handle 1,500 cases? Each solicitor,” he said.

“We have around 250 solicitors and we are still recruiting. I want See SOLGEN, page 7

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile thanks his colleagues in his valedictory speech on Monday (June 6, 2016) at the Senate Building in Pasay City. Enrile is retiring from government service after having served the country’s Executive Department for 20 years where he served as Justice and Defense secretary, and 27 years in the Legislative Department with four terms in the Senate and three years in the House of Representatives. Also in photo are Senators Grace Poe and Aquilino Pimentel III. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

Enrile, PHL’s oldest lawmaker, bids goodbye to half century of public service

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, June 6 (PNA) – Senate minority leader Juan Ponce Enrile, the country’s oldest lawmaker, on Monday took the podium, not to debate, but to bid goodbye to the chamber which he served for 27 years, capping his more than 50 years of public service. ”My esteemed colleagues, this will be my last day to visit this chamber because when we adjourned at midnight today, I shall have closed my public service to the nation for more than half a century beginning in January 1966,” the 92-year-old Enrile said in his valedictory speech during the sine die adjournment of the 16th Congress.

Enrile, one of the brilliant minds in the Philippine Senate, served See ENRILE GOODBYE, page 7

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PHL, US navies start war games

SULU SEA (June 4, 2016) U.S. Sailors, embarked aboard the forward-deployed Whidbey Island Class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), conduct Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure training with service members of the Philippine Navy in support of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training.The service members are scheduled to participate in a number of classes and exercises with the Marines and Sailors aboard the Ashland. CARAT is a series of annual, bilateral maritime exercises between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations to include Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Timor-Leste. The Ashland is assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet.(U.S. Navy photo by Lance Cpl. Carl King Jr/Released)

NAIA on heightened alert, all set for back to school rush

By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, June 7 (PNA) – The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will implement a heightened alert status until June 20 as passengers using public transportation are expected to increase in time for the opening of classes.

This is part of the Manila International Airport Authority’s (MIAA) Oplan Ligtas Biyahe: Balik Eskwela 2016 where security measures will be in place.

MIAA General Manager Jose Angel Honrado also assured that the airport is very much ready to accommodate students and teachers as they fly and return to their schools.

“While June may not be the busiest month for flying, management assures passengers that the same

level of security will be implemented at the airport as that of the peak season,” Honrado said.

In June 2015, passengers totaled to 2.95-million which is an increase by more than a hundred thousand passengers compared to June 2014 when passenger volume was recorded at 2.80-million.

Government agencies operating at the airport including the Office for Transportation Security, and the Bureaus of Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine have been directed to deploy sufficient personnel at their stations to ensure smooth passenger flow.

Likewise, the Airport Police Department (APD), the Aviation Security Group (ASG) of the Philippine National Police, the Metropolitan Manila Development

Authority (MMDA), and the local government units of Parañaque City and Pasay City will be in charge of security and traffic.

There will also be police, public assistance, and medical teams of the MIAA will be deployed at terminal Help Desks to assist passengers with any concern during their travel.

An Operations Center will also be set-up to monitor all operations at the airport aside from a maximum deployment of security personnel, an Passengers with concerns are advised to get in touch with MIAA via its hotline 0917-“TEXNAIA” or 09178396242 or with the Department of Transportation and Communications Action Center through (02) 7890.

(PNA)

MANILA, June 7 (PNA) – Units from the Philippine and US Navies formally started on Monday the bilateral exercise of this year’s Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT).

CARAT 2016 aims to conduct combined naval operations in order to enhance inter-operability between the various PN and USN. It also seeks to strengthen both navies’ combined capabilities in surface and modern naval warfare, amphibious operations, and special operations; enhance situational awareness and information sharing; and will promote partnership and goodwill.

“CARAT strengthens the strong and enduring relationships between the US and Philippine navies,” Philippine Fleet commander Rear Adm. Ronald Joseph Mercado said.

“We’re looking forward to working along-side our US Navy partners during CARAT 2016,” he added.

The exercise will involve at-sea and in-port events designed for subject matter exchange, individual and unit training, and engagement with the local community.

The Philippine and US navies will exchange best practices and share information during multiple professional exchanges and

seminars ashore.

They will also conduct civic action projects, community service events and joint band concerts to allow our forces to interact with the local community.

In-port activities will take place in different areas of Olongapo City and Zambales while at sea events will be in the waters and airspace of the Sulu and Luzon Sea. It will last until June 10.

“CARAT enables us to develop strong relationships with our Philippine Navy and Marine partners,” Task Force 73 commander Rear Adm. Charles Williams said.

(PNA)

Belmonte hopes Duterte will confront West PHL issues with wisdom and resolve MANILA, June 7 (PNA) -- House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. expressed hope on Tuesday that the incoming administration of President Rodrigo Duterte will confront with resolve and wisdom the challenges facing the country today, mainly the integration of the economies of the Southeast Asian region and the dispute in the West Philippine Sea. “Our country must be primed to take a leading role in the integration of the economies of the Southeast Asian region. The dispute on the West Philippine Sea will test the mettle of the next administration in diplomacy. We hope that the incoming administration will confront these challenges with wisdom and resolve,” Belmonte said.

The Speaker wished the Duterte administration well during his speech at the sine die adjournment of the Third Regular Session of the 16th Congress.

Belmonte noted that the incoming administration had already declared war on drugs, poverty and all forms of corruption. Moreover, it has vowed to prioritize education and health care for

the people.

Belmonte exhorted his colleagues who would be part of the 17th Congress to help the Duterte administration by passing the necessary laws for the country’s development and progress while exercising its oversight powers.

“Let us strengthen our resolve to help the incoming administration by crafting and formulating laws required to move our country forward even as we exercise our powers of oversight,” said the Speaker.

“We welcome the incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte with high hopes and unwavering faith in our collective love for the Filipino nation. Whatever changes or reforms the incoming administration may pursue, we hope that it will further strengthen and continue the reforms initiated by the Aquino administration,” Belmonte added.

He said President Aquino’s single-minded dedication to his duties and responsibilities and his unblemished integrity has gained the admiration and high regard of other countries in the country’s eco-

nomic and geopolitical endeavors.

“The campaign against corruption has been the hallmark of his administration. The accomplishments of the outgoing administration are remarkable, so let me take this chance to say, congratulations and thank you, Mr. President PNoy, Sir. Thank you for your trust, confidence and support,” said Belmonte.

He also urged his colleagues to continue to serve the country responsibly and in fulfillment of their constitutional duties as they have done in the 15th and 16th Congresses.

“My dear colleagues, the 15th and 16th Congresses have done their level best.

We are proud of what we have accomplished. We have performed our constitutional duties, without fear or favor. Let us all continue to serve our country with honor and dignity,” said Belmonte.

According to him, the Aquino administration and the 15th and 16th Congresses have put in place a sound and viable economic foundation for the country, as well as the policies and the infrastructure needed.

Chamber of Mines support Duterte’s call ‘to stop irresponsible mining’ in PHL

By Lilybeth G. Ison

MANILA, June 6 (PNA) – The Chamber of Mines in the Philippines (COMP) expressed full support on Monday to President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s call to stop illegal and irresponsible mining in the country which poses threat to the community and the environment.

“This has always been COMP’s position as we continue to find ways to strengthen our programs in social development and management to include indigenous peoples (IPs) and environmental enhancement,” the Chamber said in a statement. “We commit to work hand in hand with the incoming administration to help address concerns in our industry so that we may promote true inclusive growth around the country,” it added.

Incoming President Duterte, during his thanksgiving party on Saturday in Davao City, warned mining com-

panies to “shape up” as he signaled he would prefer ownership of mining assets to be left to local investors.

“I have a big problem with mining companies.

They are destroying the soil of our country,” he stressed.

“The mining people must shape up. It has to stop.

The spoiling of the land, the destroying of Mindanao,” he added.

Duterte also said the incoming government may rewrite rules to limit environmental degradation in the sector. “I want it (mining assets) to be a cooperative of all Filipinos. We will support them and give them instructions how not to end up spoiling the land,” he said.

Meanwhile, reelected Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat agrees with the stand of the incoming President, saying mining “has caused mountains to be flattened, rivers to be polluted and communities to be displaced.” “It is also the reason why many Lumads

who oppose the destruction of their ancestral lands are being killed,” he added.

Baguilat, who belongs to the Liberal Party (LP), is chair of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Indigenous Peoples in the outgoing 16th Congress.

The Ifugao solon agrees that under the current mining regime, ecosystems are being destroyed, indigenous peoples are being driven away from their homes, mountains of ore are being shipped overseas with little regulation and taxation and the victim has been Mindanao, as well as other mining areas such as parts of the Cordillera Administrative Region. Given this reality and the fact that Duterte is the first president to come from Mindanao, Baguilat hopes that they will be able to work together to pass in the 17th Congress a new mining law—the Minerals Management Law—which seeks to better regulate the mining industry.

these originate from the Municipal Trial Court (MTRs) which frequently involved ordinary citizens. Likewise, Reyes is also pursuing the translation of the laws in Filipino so that it will be close to them and will be fully understood by the public.

In particular, he said these include laws on drugs, illegal recruitment and protection of women.

According to Reyes, it is now necessary to do remove the mentality that Filipino

is an inferior language and being proficient in such language means being weak in English language.

In fact, Reyes said, there is such a necessity although their decisions in the SC are written in English. Reyes narrated that during his time, the Filipino language was being used in their deliberations. He also boasted that President Benigno S. Aquino III used the Filipino language in almost all of his speeches.

Ex-SC justice stresses importance of Filipino language in judiciary

By Perfecto T. Raymundo

MANILA, June 6 (PNA) – Retired Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Ruben Reyes on Monday stressed the importance of the use of the Filipino language in the judiciary.

In the second Norberto Romualdez Lecture of the Commission on Filipino Language (CFL) held at the Court of Appeals (CA) auditorium, Reyes said it is better to use the Filipino language in cases since

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Duterte asks 3 PNP generals to resign before he assumes presidency

By Lilian C. Mellejor

DAVAO CITY, June 6 (PNA) – President-elect Rodrigo Duterte urged three generals of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to resign before he assumes office on June 30.

“Do not wait for me to name you in public because I will really humiliate you,” he said before an estimated 500,000 crowd during the “One Love One Nation Thanksgiving Party #DU30” at Crocodile Park here.

In his speech, he said the three generals should not wait until they are named and humiliated. Duterte continues to strongly criticize corruption and illegal drugs among the police ranks.

The fight against corruption, illegal drugs and crime are the centerpiece of his presidential campaign that he vowed to curb in three to six months.

He also vowed to review the cases of police officials dismissed from service cit-

ing the practice of those involved in cases to just disappear after charges are filed against them.

“Kasi ang (Because their) style nila (their) they disappear from the horizon tago tago lang (just hide). Pag matagal na, pupunta na sa abogado dahil wala ng witness patay na o matanda na o hindi na interesado dahil after 2 or 3 years walang nangyayari dahil at large man sila. (If {the case} is already long-drawn-out, they go to lawyers because there is no more witness or the witness is dead or too old or not interested because after two or three years nothing happened because they were at large). After two years they appear post bail,” said Duterte.

Duterte said if the people facing criminal cases cannot post bail, they will insist on a speedy trial because under the Philippine Constitution “there must be a speedy trial. If the case is dismissed and is always with jeopardy

it cannot be filed again.”

Duterte said the judges can also dismiss cases based from a statement from those who serve the summons that witnesses or complainants cannot be located anymore.

“So yun gagawin nila (they will do that),” he said.

He said these kind of officials will then go the National Police Commission or Camp Crame asking for their reinstatement to service with a fee of PHP300,000.

“Hindi ako papayag niyan (I will not allow that),” he said. He said he would kill all police officers facing drug charges and reiterated his warning for those involved in illegal drugs to stop or face the consequences.

He said some policemen are into illegal drugs for two reasons: extreme need and extreme greed. He assured to shoulder the reason of extreme need such as hospitalization of family member by providing a little amount of financial help just to let them stop their illegal ac-

Ambassador KIM Jae-Shin (left)paid a courtesy call to President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday (June 2, 2016)in Davao City. The Ambassador conveyed the congratulatory message of Republic of Korea President PARK Geun-Hye to Duterte. Ambassador KIM said that the Korean government hopes to further improve the bilateral ties between the two countries and to continue the cooperation in various fields under Duterte’s administration.(PNA photo courtesy of Korean Embassy)

tivity.

He advised those who are hooked on drugs to stop because as the medical experts say, rehabilitation is not already an option. “It shrinks the person faster than ever,”

he stressed.

He also urged the people to invoke their right to arrest a criminal. You tell them “inaaresto kita bilang (I am arresting you as) criminal and I am invoking the

criminal law of the land,” Duterte said. He further said that if the criminals resist arrest and attempts to harm the arresters, “barilin mo (You shoot)” I’ll give you a medal,” he said.(PNA)

10,000 new recruits to join PNP

Veiled Muslim female views from afar the Bolkiah Grand Masjid, the largest mosque in the Philippines funded

by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam himself at a staggering cost of USD48-million. Built in 2008 on a five-hectare lot at Baranagay Kalanganan, Cotobato City, the mosque compound could accommodate 15,000 worshippers in time for the month-long Ramadan fasting season of Islam believers to start either June 6 or 7 depending on the sighting of the new moon. (PNA photo by Noel Punzalan-Cotabato Bureau)

AFP halts operations in Butig with expected start of Ramadan MANILA, June 4 (Mabuhay) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines has temporarily halted its operations against a local terror group in Butig, Lanao del Sur to give way to the month-long Ramadan.

Col. Roseller Murillo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 103rd Infantry Bridade, said that the troops will be on standby and ready to respond to any possible terror activities of the Butigbased Maute Group.

“Kung may gagawin masama man ang mga local terrorists, habang ni-respe-

to natin ang pagdiriwang Ramadan, ipatupad talaga ang law enforcement,” he said.

The start of Ramadan would depend on the sighting of the moon, which is expected on Sunday or Monday.

Murillo said that the military will focus on rehabilitation efforts in Butig after the Ramadan to allow its residents to return to their homes.

Government forces began clearing the Butig of members of the Maute Group last May 24.

The military had claimed that more than 30 members of the group have been confirmed killed in the operations.

Murillo said the Maute Group and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Commander Janatie Mimbantas occupied the camp from February 20 until it was retaken by the military on March 1.

The military launched the “second wave” of operations after the Maute Group kidnapped and beheaded sawmill workers in April.

(MNS)

Sandiganbayan nixes Bong Revilla’s bid to attend final Senate session

MANILA, June 6 (Mabuhay) – Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. must not attend the final session day of the Senate, the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan ruled.

In a minute-resolution promulgated on June 3, a copy of which was released to the media on Monday, the Sandiganbayan First Division maintained that Revilla, as a detention prisoner, can no longer discharge functions in relation to his elective office.

“It is a matter of record that accused Revilla Jr. is a detention prisoner whose petition for bail had been denied. As such, he cannot discharge his office while in detention,” the First Division said in its ruling.

Revilla is facing plunder and graft charges before the First Division in connection with his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam. He has been detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City since June 2014.

In his motion filed with the court last week, Revilla asked that he be allowed to leave his detention for three days or on June 6, 7 and 8 all starting at 3 p.m. to attend the Senate’s final sessions before the 16th Congress formally closes on June 30.

Revilla said that as he is ending his term as a senator, he intends to perform his duty to the people for the last time by attending the final session days.

While Revilla asked for a three-day furlough, the leadership of both the Senate and the House of Representatives have earlier stated that the 16th Congress will already adjourn sine die in one last plenary session on Monday afternoon.

In denying his request, the First Division cited a previous Supreme Court (SC) ruling (People vs. Maceda) ruling that a prisoner no longer has a right to practice his profession, business, or duties as an elective or appointive official.

“The Honorable Supreme

Court stressed ‘that all prisoners whether under preventive detention or serving final sentence cannot practice their profession nor engage in any business or occupation, or hold office elective or appointive, while in detention,” the First Division’s ruling read.

The court said Revilla failed to present any compelling reason to deviate from the SC ruling as his request is not a matter of emergency or of necessity.

“Indeed, the Court cannot consider the accused-movant’s prayer as a special circumstance which could be treated as an exception to the general restrictions on his rights as a detention prisoner,” the ruling read.

Further, the court said that allowing Revilla to leave his detention for functions that he no longer has the right to exercise, would “not only elevate accused-appellant’s status to that of a special class, it also would be a mockery of the purposes of the correction system.”

MANILA, June 4 (Mabuhay) – A total of 10,000 new members will soon join the Philippine National Police, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said.

In a statement on Friday, DILG Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento said 10,000 new policemen and women will join the force in July.

“These new youngbloods went through rigorous screening including drug test, face to face interview, psychological and psychiatric examination, complete background investigation, and committee deliberation, among others,” said Sarmiento, concurrent chairman of the National Police Commission.

The 10,000 new recruits are part of the PO1 Regular Recruitment Program or the first cycle of the PO1 Recruitment Program.

Sarmiento explained that these recruits will strengthen the Police Regional Offices’ (PROs) campaign in insurgency-affected areas.

The otehr new recruits will join National Operational Support Units including the Special Action Force, Maritime Group and Aviation Security Group.

Meanwhile, Sarmiento said that the recruitment of 11,200 additional policemen will start this month, as part of the second cycle of the PO1 Attrition Recruitment Program. They are

expected to take their oaths

by November 15, 2016.

Recruits from this cycle will replace policemen who were “attrited for reasons of retirement, death, dropping from the rolls, separation, dismissal and resignation from the police service.”

Sarmiento encouraged aspiring cops to visit the nearest police stations in their areas or check the PNP website for details.

“I am calling out our brave Filipino fellowmen and women who aspire to join PNP: Now is the time for you to realize your dream of contributing to nation-building by keeping our communities and streets safe,” he encouraged.(MNS)

SC asked to require Comelec to probe ‘tampering’ during May polls MANILA, June 6 (Mabuhay) – A petition has been filed with the Supreme Court asking it to compel the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to prosecute Smartmatic officials who tampered with the automated election system used in the May 2016 elections.

In their petition, lawyer Eduardo Bringas, Bishop Reuben Abante and Moses Rivera also asked the SC to order the Comelec “to explain the apparent erratic upsurge and abrupt fall in the discrepancy between the votes for the president and vice-president from the May 9, 2016 elections at 7:25 pm; 7:45 pm; 8:05 pm; and 8:25 pm; specifically, where the votes came from and where they were later assigned.”

The petitioners said the Comelec should be required to conduct an “independent

and thorough” investigation and eventually prosecute Smartmatic officers and other personnel who allegedly tampered with the server.

The petitioners also prayed that the high court will order Comelec to allow the petitioners and the public to have access to the source codes and hash codes that were certified on January 26, 2016; and February 9, 2016 and February 11, 2016.

They wanted the SC to have the source and hash codes “examined by competent IT experts and to provide the petitioners copy of the final report of the Random Manual Audit from the 715 precincts that were audited pursuant to the Comelec rules.”

They accused Comelec chairman Andres Bautista

and some commissioners of showing bias by making conclusions on the issue, and asked that these poll officials inhibit themselves from the investigation.

The petitioners also asked the SC to require the Comelec to provide all the published updates of the election results and the raw data that were received from the transparency server. The petitioners pleaded “for Comelec to provide the complete data of the updates of the elections for the position of the president and vice president from the time the votes were transmitted on May 9, 2016 up to the time before the actual canvassing of Congress in the same sequential order of updates received by the network, indicating the places where the votes came per update result.”

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PHL now a major player on virtual currency usage: BSP exec

By Joann Santiago

MANILA, June 6 (PNA) – The Philippines, being a tech-savvy nation, is now estimated to be the third country in the world in terms of virtual currency (VC) usage.

Since its introduction in 2009, VCs like Bitcoin have been widely used around the globe despite the fact that no central bank has ever issued it, thus, it is unregulated and is not backed by any commodity such as gold and silver unlike existing legal tenders and coins.

VCs are being used through online transactions to purchase virtual goods like online gaming environment and social networks as well as real goods and services provided by retailers and restaurants, among others.

Online data say Bitcoin was introduced in 2009 as a peer-to-peer payments system. It is a digital currency said to have been developed by inventor Satoshi Nakamoto, who, on the other hand, has denied it.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr., in a briefing said, VC capitalization around the globe amounts to about USD 3.6 billion, to date. ”In the Philippines, bitcoin exchanges or estimated transactions passing through registered companies here range between USD 2-3 million per month. So it is not a small amount of transactions,” he said.

In March 2014, the BSP came out with an advisory warning the public that use of VCs remain unregulated, thus, consumers are not protected from financial losses.

Espenilla said they have issued advisories on VCs “to get the public, first of all, to think about the risks in using any particular financial products.”

“Our belief is that BSP cannot always be around to protect the public.

That public must, first and foremost, learn to protect itself,” he said.

The central bank executive, however, assured the public that the BSP is continuously studying VC usage intricacies “to formally regulate virtual currencies.”

“We are looking at it for two important reasons – aspects of money laundering and consumer protection concerns,” he said.

Espenilla said these factors are among the risks on the use of VCs citing that “Bitcoin prices may vary and customers might get the wrong idea and invest with it and think that is has the same value.”

He, on the other hand, said Philippine monetary officials have recognized a possible advantage of VC usage on remittance transactions to lower its rates.

Earlier, BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said they are assessing the possibility of VC usage as low-cost remittance solution.

“We are trying to better understand the intricacies of its use and implications on consumer protection. This innovation could possibly offer a low cost remittance solution, but we would need to have some level of confidence that the weaknesses could be addressed,” he said. (PNA)

US, China remain at odds over S. China Sea issue BEIJING, June 6 (PNA/Kyodo) – The United States and China remained at odds over the South China Sea dispute Monday as their leading diplomats exchanged views on the matter at the start of a twoday bilateral ministerial meeting in Beijing.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said at the event’s opening ceremony that the issue should be resolved not by unilateral action but through law, diplomacy and discussions. But Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi emphasized that the problem should be solved among the countries involved.

The two sides were expected to cover outstanding topics related to security and foreign policy as well as economy and trade during the eighth round of the US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue.

A major US concern is China’s reclamation activities in the South China Sea, a body of water rich in fish and potential gas and oil reserves that is disputed with parties such as the Philippines and Vietnam.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea. Its massive reclamation of islands in the waters and building of military facilities on them have generated concerns among not only the claimants but also other countries including Japan and the United States.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said at the dialogue’s opening ceremony that China and the United States must deal with “sensitive” issues and differences in their opinions in an appropriate manner, apparently referring to the South China Sea dispute.

Kerry, meanwhile, called on all parties to follow international law and rules in addressing the issue and expressed hope that China will resolve the matter peacefully.

The annual event, which began in 2009, is aimed at expanding cooperation and easing any tensions between the two countries through direct talks.

Xi noted that the two sides have been able to maintain mutual understanding and cooperation in addressing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and called for enhancing mutual understanding on issues related to the Asia-Pacific region where they share common interests.

Other key participants of the meeting include US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang. (PNA/Kyodo)

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OPINION China’s President Xi calls for ‘mutual trust’ with US amid maritime rivalry

MOSCOW, June 6 (PNA/Sputnik) – Speaking on US-China rivalry in the Asia-Pacific, Chinese President Xi Jinping said both countries had extensive mutual interests in the region and should learn to cooperate.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the United States to build mutual trust and refrain from adopting a confrontational stance on any divisive issues, at Monday’s opening of the annual US-China dialogue.

“We should enhance the mutual trust between our two countries,” Xi said in Beijing, as quoted by the South China Morning Post. “The key is not to adopt a confrontational attitude towards any differences.”

Speaking on US-China rivalry in the Asia-Pacific, the Chinese president said both countries had extensive mutual interests in the region and should learn to cooperate. “[We] should hold regular dialogues, cooperation, cope with various challenges and work hard to cultivate a mutual, instead of an exclusive, circle of friends between the two countries,” Xi said.

He emphasized that Beijing favored a “dual-track approach” to territorial rows in the South China Sea,

meaning nations that are involved in a dispute should talk directly to each other.

“Based on the principle of the dual-track approach, the South China Sea disputes can be properly resolved,” the Chinese leader noted.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said at the opening ceremony that disputes over South China Sea territories should be handled in line with international laws.

“We are looking for a peaceful resolution to the dispute in the South China Sea and oppose any country resolving claims through unilateral action,” he was quoted by the media as saying.

The 6th US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue started in Beijing on Monday amid rising tensions over the South China Sea. The United States criticizes China for building islands to claim vast areas of the sea, which are also contested by China’s neighbors.

The talks also tackled strategic security issues, such as maritime security and North Korea’s nuclear and missile program, according to the US Department of State. (PNA/Sputnik)

Fed chair cautiously optimistic about economy but evasive about rate hike timing

WASHINGTON, June 7 (PNA/Xinhua) – US Federal Reserve chairwoman Janet Yellen said on Monday that gradual interest rate hikes remain appropriate by giving a cautiously optimistic view about the US economic outlook, but avoided providing precise timing for the central bank’s next move.

“The positive economic forces have outweighed the negative, and despite the challenges that the economy continues to face, I continue to expect further progress toward our employment and inflation objectives,” Yellen said in a speech at the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia on Monday.

In her speech, she avoided giving hint about the timelines for further rate hikes, but said that she expected the federal funds rate will probably need to rise gradually over time to ensure price stability and maximum sustainable employment in the longer run.

The stance was in contrast to her remarks made on May 27, when she expected rate hikes in coming

months might be appropriate.

Some analysts hold that the reason for her current prudent remarks might be found in the recent disappointing job data. The total nonfarm payroll employment increased by only 38,000 in May, the weakest performance since September 2010.

However, Yellen said in her speech that one should never attach too much significance to any single monthly report, and other timely indicators from the labor market have been more positive.

In her speech, she pointed four areas of uncertainty the US economy is facing, including the weak business investment, overseas risks, low productivity growth in US, and low inflation.

US Fed has kept the benchmark short-term interest rates unchanged after it raised the rate last December. After the release of May’s job data last week, the market now sees an interest rate hike in June unlikely. (PNA/Xinhua)

Global threat from Islamic State remains high: UN chief UNITED NATIONS, June 7 (PNA/Xinhua) – “The global threat emanating from ISIL (the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) remains high and continues to diversity,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a report issued here on Monday.

The continued military pressure exerted in Iraq and Syria by international coalition forces has led to serious military setbacks for ISIL, Ban said in his 21-page report to the UN Security Council.

Not yet weakened “However, even though the territorial expansion of ISIL in both States has been halted and, in part reversed over recent months, many (UN) member states have noted that ISIL is not yet strategically and irreversibly weakened.”

“A worrying factor is that no member state has reported that ISIL is short on, or lacks, arms or ammunition,” he said in the report, compiled on the basis of information from all the 193 UN member states.

Over the past six months alone, “ISIL has carried out, inspired, or claimed responsibility for, terrorist attacks in Bangladesh, Belgium, Egypt, France, Germany, Indonesia, Lebanon, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, Turkey and the United States of America,” he said. “The attacks have killed more than 500 individuals and injured hundreds more.”

“The attacks in November 2015 and in Brussels in March 2016 demonstrate the ability of ISIL to mount complex, multi-wave attacks,” said the secretary-general.

National law enforcement agencies continue to investigate those attacks, but it is already clear that they were coordinated by foreign terrorist fighters who had returned to Europe from ISIL-held territory

in Syria, Ban noted.

“To some extent, these cells received directions from the ISIL leadership and were supported and facilitated by a range of individuals and groups with pre-existing records of involvement in criminality (including Al-Qaida-affiliated terrorist groups,” he said.

“This demonstrates the ability of ISIL returnees to quickly link up and draw on the support of established radical networks and supporters of Al-Qaida and thereby enhance their newly acquired terrorism skills with local knowledge and support,” he said.

“Continuing pressure on ISIL in Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic also increases the likelihood that the terrorist group may try to move funds to affiliates outside the immediate current conflict zone,” he said.

“Initial reports received from member states indicate that this may already be occurring.”

Foreign terrorist fighters Meanwhile, the secretary-general said, “Significant numbers of foreign terrorist fighters continue to travel from States around the world to join ISIL in Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic,” he said, citing a report from a member state saying that around 38,000 individuals may have attempted to travel to the region in the past few years.

“Most foreign terrorist fighters currently with ISIL travel from North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia,” Ban said. “Significant numbers have also travelled from Europe and South and Southeast Asia.” “Even though the increase in the number of new foreign terrorist fighters travelling from some regions has slowed, the travel and attempted travel of new foreign terrorist fighters from other regions has increased,” he said.

Benefits of technology, innovation must be shared with those in need: UN chief UNITED NATIONS, June 7 (PNA/Xinhua) – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday urged leaders to share their benefits from science, technology and innovation with “those who stand to gain most.”

Ban made the remarks, while addressing the first multi-stakeholder forum on science, technology and innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 development targets to be reached by all UN member states by 2030.

“Over the next 15 years, progress in science, technology and innovation will be key to delivering on all the SDGs - from poverty eradication to agriculture and food security, to energy, to water and sanitation, and climate change,” the secretary-general said in his speech to delegates, business leaders, and innovators at the event organized at UN Headquarters in New York.

“Linking science, technology and innovation with progress in sustainable development at the ground level is the greatest challenge. That is the gap this Forum is expected to close. You have a critical mission to accomplish,” he said.

Convened by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the two-day forum was intended “to ensure a life of dignity for all, with greater shared prosperity on a clean and healthy planet.”

“Innovation is embedded in the Sustainable De-

velopment Goals, together with advancing science and technology, as Goal 17,” Ban said. “But science, technology and innovation must not be limited to SDG 17. They cut across all the SDGs as an important element of implementation.”

Meanwhile, the secretary-general cautioned that science, technology and innovation cannot be confined to the use of new technologies or software, but rather, innovation is a mindset and an attitude: “It means questioning assumptions, rethinking established systems and procedures, and introducing new strategies.

New technologies are important, but as a means to an end,” he said.

Ban indicated that the multi-stakeholder Forum will take place each year until 2030, to pool ideas, and find ways to incentivize, scale up and adopt breakthrough solutions.

“I hope it will be a new way of doing things at the United Nations,” Ban said. “We will need ownership, participation and active involvement from all sectors of society, for sustainable development to become a global reality within the next 15 years.”

Adding that the defining pledge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is that no one will be left behind, he also informed member states that it is the chosen theme for this year’s first High-level Political Forum on the agenda, which will be held in New York from July 11-20. (PNA/Xinhua)

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Quick beauty tricks for a busy morning (Family Features) When you’re crunched for time, you may be tempted to ditch the pampering from your morning routine. No matter how quickly you have to dash out the door, you can always find shortcuts to your daily beauty regimen that let you look and feel your best.

These time-saving tips will let you give your body the TLC it deserves, even when you’re pressed for time.

Be a multi-tasker. You can do two things at once to save time, such as applying a face mask or wash before brushing your teeth or letting a deep-conditioning hair mask work while you shave your legs. Letting the face

wash sit on your skin while you brush allows you to get more of the skin care benefits without the added time, and pinning up your hair in the deep-conditioning mask while shaving then rinsing it out will help your hair feel softer and more hydrated.

Keep up with conditioner.

You may find it tedious, but hair care is no place to cut corners. Keeping your hair well-conditioned helps keep it healthier in the long run.

Healthy strands are easier to detangle and style, which ultimately saves time. Have an all-in-one shampoo and conditioner on hand for days when you simply can’t do both and save detangling time by using a wide-tooth

comb in the shower.

Use products that do double-duty in the shower.

Using a multi-benefit body wash can give your skin and senses needed nourishment in the shower. One example is the new line of Softsoap Luminous Oils Body Washes, which contain a touch of luxurious oil, essence of peony or iris and an alluring fragrance. The sheer, nongreasy formula will leave your skin feeling radiant and soft.

Master a few simple hair styles. Whether your hair is long or short, experiment with a few go-to styles you can rely on when time is short. Sleek ponies and messy buns can disguise a

hectic morning. For shorter cuts, look for a style that lets you air dry for a carefree tousled look.

Lighten up when it comes to cosmetics. You may be surprised by how pulled together you appear with a minimalist approach to makeup. Use a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen to even your skin tone, then use natural shades to enhance your best features.

Save complex eye makeup for a less rushed day and stick to the basics: mascara, a dusting of blush for color and a pretty nude gloss.

Speed up those busy mornings with these time-saving beauty tips. For more information, visit softsoap.com.

These time-saving tips will let you give your body the TLC it deserves, even when you’re pressed for time.

Save Fabella Hospital Movement to Duterte: Stop DOH plan to abolish Fabella

By Leilini S. Junio

MANILA, June 6 (PNA) – Health workers of the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Sta. Cruz, Manila appealed to incoming President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Monday to stop the Department of Health (DOH) plan to abolish the national maternity hospital.

“We urge him (President-elect Duterte) to make true his declaration that he will prioritize health care by scrapping the privatization of public health services,” Elvira Mendoza, spokesperson of the Save Fabella Hospital Movement, said in a statement.

Mendoza also said that they condemned the DOH

denial of the Fabella Hospital abolition and that they were disgusted by the attempts to hide the truth behind what was really being done and why.

“The people ought to know the truth,” she said.

It can be recalled that Health Secretary Janette L. Garin ordered the holding of a referendum last week among Fabella Hospital officials and workers for them to finally determine whether the majority were in favor of transferring the hospital to a more modern facility located at the nearby San Lazaro Hospital compound or stay in the old Bilibid Prison compound. The Health chief denied private involvement

in the proposed transfer of the hospital, saying it was decided after it was found that four of the existing buildings of the old hospital were structurally unsound and continued occupancy might result to damage to life and property in the event of a major earthquake.

Garin said the findings were discovered in January 2016 and relayed to the DOH last March.

“Who will now be answerable kung saka-sakaling may mangyari at di well-informed ang mga pasyente?” she asked. She also said that there is no available funding yet for retrofitting which is not seen also as feasible step for the building because it is

Drug found effective against bladder cancer NEW YORK, June 6 (PNA/PTI) -- A new drug that harnesses the immune system to attack tumors is highly effective against advanced bladder cancer, researchers, including one of Indian-origin, have found.

Injections of the experimental agent atezolizumab were found to shrink tumors by at least 30 percent and stall new tumor growth in 28 of 119 (24 per cent) of patients.

All patients had received the medication as their initial therapy for the disease.

“Our new study results argue that atezolizumab represents a major advance in the treatment of bladder cancer,” said Arjun Balar from New York University in the US. “Atezolizumab is the first therapy to be approved in more three decades for this disease, and it is the new standard of care for patients whose initial therapy with platinum-based chemother-

apy drugs has failed,” said Balar.

“Indeed, it may be the only therapy some patients need,” he added.

The current “first-line” standard of care in bladder cancer, is cisplatin, a drug that kills tumor cells by preventing them from repairing damage to their DNA. In widespread use since the 1970s, cisplatin extends survival to slightly more than a year, but nearly half of bladder cancer patients, most of whom are elderly with other serious health issues, cannot take it because of its toxic side effects on nerve and kidney function, as well as hearing, researchers said.

Moreover, many patients’ cancers develop drug resistance to cisplatin and similar chemotherapy medications over time, they said.

According to Balar, atezolizumab was well tolerated by all patients in the

current study, which was conducted in medical centers across the US, Canada, and Europe.

Patients reported relatively mild instances of fatigue, itchy skin, and diarrhea, which represented far fewer and less-severe side effects than seen with cisplatin or its common alternative, carboplatin, Balar said.

Half the patients who responded to the new therapy did so within 15 weeks, with almost all (21 out of 28) remaining on therapy without any detectable signs of cancer growth (at a dose of 1,200 milligrams every three weeks).

Checkpoint inhibitors some already approved to treat other forms of cancer are designed to “retrain the immune system” to attack tumor cells by blocking the action of proteins believed to help cancer cells evade recognition by the immune system, said Balar.

Cancer victims hopeful of nationwide smoking ban MANILA, June 6 (PNA) – The country’s most active cancer survivor group advocating healthy lifestyle expressed hopes that the Duterte administration would immediately enforce nationwide ban smoking in public places.

“We are hoping that incoming President Rodrigo Duterte, an action man, will fast track imposing a nationwide smoking ban. We have a law banning smoking in public places but it is seldom implemented even after more than 10 years of enactment,” New Vois of the Philippines (NVAP) president and Global Cancer ambassador Emer Rojas said.

Rojas said a nationwide smoking ban, as pushed by Duterte since the campaign period as a personal concern for health when he starts work as president, would

oblige local authorities to uphold Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Control Act. “We are excited for him to replicate what he did in Davao to the rest of the country. Imagine being in a public space where you and your family are safe from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke such as cancer,” said Rojas, who ran as a nominee of CANCER partylist during the last national elections.

“There is no safe exposure from tobacco smoke. With all the toxic chemicals associated with it, inhaling tobacco smoke is like breathing in poison coming from another person,” Rojas added.

It is estimated that tobacco contains an estimated 7,000 chemicals including 70 cancer-causing ingredients.

Presidential Proclamation No. 183 signed in 1993 de-

clares the month of June as National No-Smoking Month to raise public awareness on the ill effects of smoking and encourage smokers to quit.

The event came right after the observance of World No Tobacco Day which is observed every May 31. Rojas said Duterte knows exactly what it meant to be sick from tobacco consumption as he had Buerger’s disease, a condition that causes the swelling of blood vessels and prevents the flow of blood leading to tissue damage.

In 2002 Duterte, as mayor of Davao, imposed an anti-smoking ordinance in the city including smoking in government-owned vehicles, accommodation and entertainment establishments particularly enclosed public spaces, public buildings, and public outdoor spaces.

very much different from construction and will be finished in a minimum of three years She added that in case funding is found by year 2018, therefore the completion date will be 2021 and not practical at all.

As a comparison, she mentioned the National Library building retrofitting which up to now is not yet finished.

“Ang retrofitting, di mo ‘yan pwedeng galawin ng sabay-sabay,” she said as she cited the difference between retrofitting and actual construction.

In addition, she said that retrofitting activities will cost as much as P300 million.

As part of the plan, while waiting for the completion of

the new building, the Fabella Hospital patients will be accommodated and served at the Philippine General Hospital, Lung Center of the Philippines, San Lazaro Hospital and the National Center for Geriatric Health.

The DOH earlier assured that hospital equipment and health workers that will take care of the patients will also be temporarily be housed at the said hospitals and be transferred to the new building of Fabella once the structures are fully operationalized.

The Save Fabella Hospital Movement also said in a statement that the Home Guaranty Corporation, a government agency under

the Office of the President, informed Fabella Medical Director Dr. Ruben Flores last September 2015 that they should vacate the hospital premises because, as mandated, it should implement an urban development project. Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital is the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Maternal Health for years and the one and only huge public maternity hospital dubbed as “Paanakang Bayan” which renders maternal and child health care to the marginalized sectors of society not only in Metro Manila but also in nearby provinces like Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and many others.

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INMENT

Why Andi Eigenmann almost quit showbiz Andi Eigenmann admitted she came to a point where she almost quit show business.

“Mahirap eh. Minsan parang you just don’t want to deal with it anymore. I don’t want to live in a world where all I can do is explain myself.

My past doesn’t define me. I know that I’m worth something more,” she said.

However, she was inspired to love her craft more following the victory of her

mother Jaclyn Jose at the 69th Cannes Film Festival.

“It helped me believe that yes, you fall down, but what you do is you get back up and you try and you try. In God’s time, things like this will come to you,” she said.

Jose won the best actress award at this year’s Cannes film festival for her role in “Ma’ Rosa.” Eigenmann is also part of the Brillante Mendoza film. “I’m just taking this as a chance to

begin again. This time, to be recognized and to be appreciated for what I can do, not just for what I’ve done, for how I look but for what I can do because I’m really so passionate about my craft,” she said.

Meanwhile, Eigenmann broke into tears when asked how she thinks her father, late actor Mark Gil, would have reacted to the inclusion of “Ma’ Rosa” at the prestigious film festival. “I feel

like my dad is just up there looking down at us, very happy. ‘Yun ‘yung isa sa mga sayang kasi wala na siya dito para ma-witness ‘yun with us. My dad has always been one of my biggest fans and to know that I made it, kahit na one week lang, even if isang maliit na bagay lang ang nagawa ko, na mapabilang sa isang pelikula na na-recognize abroad, alam ko na sobrang proud siya sa amin,” she said. (MNS)

Denise Laurel, fiancé move wedding day to 2017 Actress-TV host Denise Laurel and basketball player Sol Mercado now have more time to plan their wedding.

They were supposed to tie the knot this year but with both wanting the event to be extra special, they have moved it to 2017.

“I’m starting na to plan,” Denise said at the press conference of Lifestyle Network’s new show “Modern Girls.”

Several things prompted the postponement. “I think it’s always about timing. It’s no joke to have a wedding.

I guess na-overwhelm lang ako putting our schedules together.

“Then there’s the budget.

I have no idea na aabutin ng parang 4 million or something like that. Hindi naman kasi ako bongga na tao, so I want a simple wedding lang. I don’t even know that a simple wedding would cost 2.5 million.”

A practical and smart woman, especially since she already has a son, Denise is also thinking long-term goals.

“I’m thinking kasi not lang about the wedding, I’m thinking about life,” she said. “My son (Alejandro) is getting bigger and we (with Sol) want to have more kids one day. Gusto ko lang maging wais and I want to plan it properly. I’m getting there.”

Denise has been busy with teleseryes. She also joined the talent competition “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” where she won the grand prize.

Sol, on the other hand, is busy with PBA. “Madaming factors (na kino-consider like) schedule ng PBA, getting everybody there, people from the States to here,” she enumerated. “If we could just have a wedding and get everybody there together, we would do it in a heartbeat.

“I understand also that Sol would like to have a wonderful wedding and I want to have a wonderful wedding also. My son keeps on saying when are we getting married? I want to give them a really wonderful day, something awesome that

Denise Laurel

they will remember for a very long time…”

Asked what her ideal wedding is, Denise said, “Ngayon ko pa lang nafi-figure out kung ano ang gusto ko. I’m so excited. He’s excited also because he’s always wanted to have a big wedding. Ako, kahit ‘steady’ na wedding lang. I’m excited

but I need a lot of help.”

In the past few months, Denise was into producing her own album. She plans to release her own music video and single soon.

What’s keeping her busier nowadays is “Modern Girls” with Sam Oh and Gretchen Ho. The show premiered last May 28. (MNS)

Tom Rodriguez considers new film eye-opener on plight of OFWs Since his breakout role in GMA’s groundbreaking teleserye “My Husband’s Lover,” Tom Rodriguez has not only become a household name but also a sought-after talent who has proven that he is not merely an overnight sensation.

Last year, the 26-yearold Filipino-American actor acquitted himself well in memorable turns in the films “The Love Affair,” and “No Boyfriend since Birth.”

This June, Tom hopes to leave another lasting impression in the political thriller, “Magtanggol.” Directed by Sigfreid Barros Sanchez and conceptualized by investment banker Jojo Dispo, “Magtanggol” tackles the issue of abuses committed against overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by their employers.

Tom portrays a senator determined to champion the causes of abused OFWs but instead becomes a high-profile suspect in a series of killings involving the abusive

Tom Rodriguez

employers.

“This film has been an eye-opener for me. It has further strengthened how I view OFWs and the sacrifices they have to make,” Tom told InterAksyon and other media during the recent press conference to promote the film, which opens nationwide on June 8.

“I can relate to their plight in the sense that I know what it’s like to be away from from their families. The members of my family are in the States so I

live far from them.”

As hard enough as it is for an OFW to be separated from his or her loved ones, Tom said it’s even harder for them to experience both physical and emotional abuses from their employers.

“When you hear the real stories of abuses from the OFWs themselves like we did when doing this movie, it’s terrible.

It doesn’t just happen in the movies but very much in real life, too. We were able to give an example of that in the film with Yam Concepcion’s portrayal of an abused OFW,” Tom further shared.

Playing a senator who comes from a political dynasty has also allowed Tom to see things from the point of view of an elected official.

“The film also opened my eyes to the big responsibilities that rest on a politician’s shoulders. It’s not a position that anyone should belittle.

The essence of the words, public servant, is exactly just that, to serve the public.

If you’re going to go into this career, you really have to think about what’s good for the public,” he pointed out.

If Tom sounds like he has immersed himself into this role, it’s because Tom embraces every project as a learning experience.

“Every project that I done, I always find a challenging aspect about it. One of the best things about the projects I’ve done is that I’m blessed with being able to work with amazingly talented people. ‘Magtanggol’ is no exception.

It’s exciting just to merely watch my co-stars at work.

There are literally generations of talent in this film,” he noted.

Boasting of a stellar mix of young and seasoned performers, “Magtanggol” also stars Ejay Falcon, Denise Laurel, Kim Domingo, Albie Casino, Dina Bonnevie, Joonee Gamboa, William Martinez, Ricky Davao, Epy Quizon, Raul Morit and Giselle Sanchez. (MNS)

Brillante Mendoza seeks ‘alternative’ movie market in PHL

Award-winning director Brillante Mendoza laments the lack of a market for movies like his “Ma’ Rosa” in the Philippines, but hopes he can cultivate one.

“That’s what I’m trying to cultivate here in the Philippines because we don’t have a core market for alternative; sa abroad, meron sila.

Hindi naman malaki, no, kasi may mainstream din naman sila dun eh,” he said.

Mendoza said an alternative film like his does not compete with mainstream movies because filmmakers like him are aware that they are alternative movies.

They remain afloat, how-

ever, because no matter how little their core market abroad is, they faithfully watch out for alternative movies especially those that are critically acclaimed. But in the Philippines, he said, there is no market yet for movies as such.

“What we have here is pure awareness that there is an alternative film, may mga independent films; pero wala pa tayong market. Ang market, binubuo natin ‘yan,” he said. He hopes that international recognition his films are getting will someday translate to box office sales.

Meanwhile, he said un-

like the Cannes Film Fest where he sent his entry on his own, qualifying for the Academy Award goes through a different procedure altogether.

“We cannot send our films to the Academy. There is this body in the Philippines that chooses the film that we send to the Academy,” he said, referring to the Film Academy of the Philippines.

“Kahit na gumawa ako ng limang pelikula in one year, kung di nila pipiliin, hindi ako mapapadala dun sa Oscars,” he added.

The star of his “Ma’ Rosa” film, Jaclyn Jose, brought home the Cannes award

for best actress, but some critics thought the win was undeserved since her character appeared to be a supporting role. Veteran Hollywood actor Donald Sutherland was among the first to voice an objection to such critique, saying Jose’s was a “a big-time leading role.”

Mendoza, for his part, said Jose’s excellence is due to the fact that she was not even acting. “Magaling siya because in fact, she wasn’t even acting. Parang wala kasi siyang acting. The whole time, throughout the film, she was just being natural,” he said. (MNS)

Andi Eigenmann

Isabelle finds it hard to play ‘bad’ ISABELLE De Leon won several best child actress awards for her role as the paraplegic sister of Jiro Manio in the internationally-acclaimed movie, “Magnifico”, in 2003. She stayed with GMA7 for many years as a child star as one of Vic Sotto’s daughters in “Daddy Di Do Du.” As a teen star, she did a lot of shows with TV5.

But now, 13 years later, she’s back on GMA7 as the daughter of Gina Alajar who maltreats Louise delos Reyes in the new GMA Afternoon Prime soap, “Magkaibang Mundo” which airs after “Eat Bulaga”.

“It’s nice to be back as a Kapuso dahil dito naman talaga ako lumaki,” she says.

“I welcome playing my first contravida role.

Mahirap pala. Nasanay akong ako ang inaapi even as a child actress. Eh ngayon, akong nang-aapi kay Louise at hirap na hirap ako kapag kailangan ko siyang saktan, lalo na noong kailangan kong sabunutan siya at ingudngod ang mukha niya. Sorry ako nang sorry sa kanya before and after the take. Buti na lang very professional siya at okay lang na totohanin ko ang pananakit sa kanya para sa ikagaganda ng eksena.”

It’s good TV5 let go of her after she did several stories for their “Wattpad Presents” where she played lead roles. “Wala naman po akong contract with them and, lately, di ba Viva took over? Wala namang project for me so sumubok naman ako sa GMA and I’m so glad nabigyan ako ng show rito.”

Isabelle De Leon

Has she heard of what happened to Jiro, who was her kuya in “Magnifico”?

“Yes, nun pa lang makita siya wandering sa airport, may nag-tag na sa akin.

Nagulat ako and I asked my dad na puntahan namin siya agad sa NAIA. But nung papunta na kami, we learned nakuha na raw siya ng mga pinsan niya.

So hinayaan na lang namin kasi, siyempre, pamilya niya ‘yun. I felt so sad kasi halos sabay kaming lumaki. Kahit wala kaming masyadong komunikasyon, concerned pa rin ako. I was so thankful nang tulungan siya ni Tita Ai Ai (de las Alas.) Pinuntahan namin siya once sa bahay nila, pero wala roon at kina Tita Ai Ai nga raw.

Sana naman, maging okay na siya uli kasi magaling siyang actor, he deserves a second chance. Sana huwag siyang basta husgahan agad ng mga tao.” Isabelle has the looks of a lead actress.

She can also act and sing well. We hope she’ll be given better roles and projects now that she’s a Kapuso actress.

Rayver just waiting for the right girl It’s been years since Rayver Cruz was last in a relationship. His last showbiz girlfriend was Cristine Reyes, with whom he parted ways in 2013.

Since then, Cruz has not been romantically linked to anyone, while Reyes is now married to Ali Khatibi and has a one-year-old daughter.

Despite being single for years now, Cruz told entertainment site Push that he is just waiting for the right person Rayver Cruz to come.

“Wala eh. Ready naman ako, naghihintay lang ako kasi ayaw ko naman na hinahanap. Eventually, gusto ko ‘yung bigla na lang siyang darating,” he said, adding that he would prefer someone not from showbiz.

“Siguro kung maaari gusto ko non-showbiz naman pero kasi ang hirap naman sabihin and hindi naman ako mapiling tao. Basta tinamaan ako doon sa isang babae, ‘yun na ‘yun,” he said.

Cruz admitted that most of the girls he regularly works with, especially on “ASAP,” have already “brozoned” him.

“Kasi lumaki ako sa ‘ASAP’ na lahat ng tao tinatawag kong bro. Pagtagal ng panahon, pati ‘yung mga babae, ang tawag sa akin bro,” he said.

Prior to Reyes, Cruz was also romantically linked to Sarah Geronimo in the past. (MNS)

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, June 10 - 16, 2016

ENRILE GOODBYE From page 1

more than 20 years in the executive department, handling the financial and justice system and the security of the country under the regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos. ”And all those years, Mr. President, I tried my best to serve the people because I felt that my call to the service was something that I never intended in the first but I was impressed to the service of the people and as a consequence, I thought that it was a mission for me to

do,” Enrile said.

Enrile, fondly called by his friends and legislators ‘Manong Johnny’, won his first term as senator in 1987, a year after cutting ties with Marcos that eventually led to the ouster of the former strongman through a bloody people’s power revolution.

After serving as House representative of the first district of Cagayan from 1992-1995, Enrile served three more terms as senator: 1995-2001, 2004-2010, and 2010-2016.

SOLGEN From page 1

to recruit the best and the brightest,” Calida said He said he wants to bring up the number of solicitors to 300 or more — “as much as our budget can afford.”

Asked what his priority will be? He said it is to “win every case that we will handle.”

Calida currently heads J. Calida & Associates Law Firm and the Vigilant Investigative and Security Agency. He was Justice undersecretary from 2001 to 2004 and was executive director of Dangerous Drugs Board from Jan. 21 t Oct. 31, 2004. (MNS)

MEDIA SUBTLE From page 1

his press conferences.

When international press group Reporters Without Borders urged Philippine media to boycott Duterte, the incoming President was unapologetic, even challenging the media to boycott him.

Gutierrez said that one of the dangers of relying solely on state-run television network for government information is that journalists outside PTV-4 will have difficulty in verifying whether the details they received are accurate.

The NPC president hoped that incoming Communications Secretary Martin Andanar would talk sense into Duterte.

“I cannot help but to think of it that way kasi kung dati, may free market of ideas— na kanya-kanyang pagalingan ang mga mamamahayag

sa pagkuha ng balita biglang nagkaroon ng filter, particular na sa Palasyo ng Malacañan (because before, there was a free market of ideas— the journalists are showing their skills in getting news then suddenly, there is now a filter, particularly in Malacañan). Naniniwala naman tayo na (I believe that) they would somehow prevail on the President. It cannot go on this way,” he said.

Last Saturday, the media setup in Duterte’s thanksgiving party in Davao City was tweaked hours before the event started. The last-minute change barred media groups from setting up in a prepared area near the stage. Media organizations were then directed to use the live footage by PTV-4 and Radio Television Malacañang.

Visit www.usasianpost.com

SILENCE

LACSON

is the silence of Jesus before the arrogance of Pilate.”

Duterte has criticized bishops, warning them he will reveal their secrets and sins.

He also lamented that the separation of church is no longer being observed.

For instance, during the term of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, bishops allegedly asked the chief executive for vehicles, he said.

On Thursday, Duterte said there is hypocrisy in sectors of society, including the Catholic Church.

In his statement, Villegas said, “There is nobility in silence like the silence of the lambs brought to slaughter in the temple to atone for sins.”

The CBCP presidentadded, “You can understand my speech if you speak the language of silence.

manggaling pa sa isang halal na Pangulo ang pag-encourage sa publiko to take it upon themselves to arrest and kill suspected drug lords sa dahilang baka mawalan na ng control ang law enforcement agencies or officers sa pagsugpo ng ilegal na droga,” the comebacking senator said in a text message.

He said it is assumed that the public has no training in intelligence gathering or gathering validated intelligence with regards to drug

From page 1

GENERALS From page 1

tigating tips from concerned citizens.

“A big part of our campaign against drugs is the internal cleansing—one of the major deliverables of an organization,” he said.

This was after Duterte dared three corrupt generals, whom he did not name, to resign from their post or else he would name them in public. “Corruption must stop.

I would have to ask about three generals diyan sa (there at) (Camp) Crame to resign.

Do not wait for me to name you in public because I will only humiliate you,” Duterte said before thousands of his supporters during his victory party in Davao City last Saturday. However, Marquez explained that they cannot force the high-ranking officials to resign because the PNP has a process, which could be a dismissal, to follow in removing unscrupulous cops.

From page 1

7

lords unlike law enforcement officers.

He added that identifying the real drug lords undergoes a thorough study and discussions of different intelligence agencies in an “intelligence workshop.”

He said it is in an intelligence workshop where criminals and those involved in illegal drugs are listed in an “order of battle.”

“Ang OB (order of battle) ay isang classified na dokumento at may takdang panahon para i-declassify ito kaya

hindi maaaring basta na lang ipamahagi o i-disseminate sa mga walang intelligence clearance, lalo na sas mga pangkaraniwang mamamayan,” said Lacson.

On Saturday night during his thanksgiving party, Duterte said he will offer millions of pesos in rewards for the arrest and killing of drug lords and distributors.

“Ang bayad ko ngayon, pagka-drug lord P5 million ‘pag patay. Kung (buhay), P4 million 999 thousand lang,”

inclusive and not foster partisan politics and regionalism.”

One longtime parade-goer, 79-year-old Aurora de la Cruz Medina, came dressed in a colorful Filipiniana attire.

Cherish Freedom “I’ve been attending Independence Day parades and events here and in Carson for many years,” said Medina, a resident of Long Beach who hails from Hagonoy, Bulacan.

“These events are im-

portant to me. They remind us to cherish our freedom.

We have to be a good model for the next generation and show them that we continue to defend our freedom for their sake.”

Medina said she hoped the new Philippine leaders would steer the government in the right direction so the country could overcome its many challenges, including the exodus of talented and skilled Filipinos to other countries in search of greener pastures.

ings as what supposedly appeared in some reports.

Asked if Duterte should also speak more clearly next time, Panelo said journalists should instead be more “conscientious” in listening to him.

“Siya ang pinaka-klarong presidenteng narinig ko na e,” he said.

In a speech before tens of thousands of supporters at a thanksgiving party here last Saturday, Duterte lambasted the wrong Davao-based reporter for asking about his medical condition in a previous press conference.

He cited Philippine Dai-

ly Inquirer correspondent Karlos Manlupig. But in a Facebook post, Manlupig said the question was asked by another reporter.

Duterte said he found the question “very impertinent,” then ridiculed the reporter by saying: “‘How is the vagina of your wife? Is it smelly?

Or not smelly? Give me the report. Bastos eh.’”

Panelo downplayed Duterte’s outburst.

He said the President-elect was just citing a “parallel situation” and pointing out that the question on his health should not have been asked.(MNS)

MESSAGE From page 1

Philippine independence, it’s about freedom – and reminding Filipinos to fight for real freedom in the homeland,” said another organizer, Arturo Garcia, national coordinator of Justice for Filipino American Veterans.

“It’s a very significant time to celebrate Independence Day since we have new leadership back home,” said Ganon, who is also president of Fil-am International.

“I hope that the new leadership tries to become more

DUTERTE From page 1

assassination if you’re a son of a b****,” he told reporters last week.

The RSF lists the Philippines as the third most dangerous country in the world for journalists. Topping the list is war-torn Syria followed by Iraq.

Panelo criticized journalists covering Duterte here for “keeping silent” on the boycott demand.

“That means all media organizations are agreeing to that,” he said. “Kaya pinagbigyan kayo ni Mayor Duterte.”

Panelo said Duterte was not “justifying” media kill-

8

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THE US ASIAN POST

UTREACH

US loses status of world’s most competitive economy to Hong Kong

MOSCOW, May 31 (PNA/ Sputnik) – The United States has lost its world’s most competitive economy status to China Hong Kong and Switzerland, a report by the IMD World Competitiveness Center research group revealed.

According to the report, Sin-

gapore, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway and Canada followed China Hong Kong, Switzerland and the United States in the top ten of the world’s most competitive economies.

The US economy was ranked first by the researcher in three

past years in a row.

The IMD center has been publishing its rankings annually since 1989, assessing more than 340 criteria based on four main factors, namely economic performance, government and business efficiency, as well as infrastructure. (PNA/Sputnik)

Majority in US feel disconnected with major parties: poll WASHINGTON, May 31 (PNA/ Xinhua) – A majority of US voters felt disconnected with major political parties and were pessimistic about the presidential election, said a new poll on Monday.

Just 8 percent of all Americans considered the Republican Party to be very or extremely responsive to what ordinary voters think, with 62 percent saying the GOP is only slightly or not at all responsive,

according to the poll by the Associated Press/NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

The Democratic Party did just slightly better, with 14 percent saying the party is very or extremely responsive. Another 46 percent said that it’s only slightly or not at all responsive, said the poll. The poll came at a time when both parties were scrambling to boost voters’ confidence as the cha-

otic and divisive primary season was about to come to an end.

However, according to the poll, only 15 percent of Americans said they have a great deal of confidence in the Democratic Party, while just 8 percent saying the same of the GOP. In addition, the poll found that only 13 percent of respondents said they felt proud about the election while 37 percent said they were hopeful. (PNA/Xinhua)

US consumer spending in April rises Hillary Clinton has enough delegates to at fastest pace in almost 7 years WASHINGTON, June 1 (PNA/ Xinhua) – US consumer spending in April rose at the fastest pace in almost seven years, indicating that US economy will bounce back in the second quarter after a slow start to the year, the US Commerce Department reported Tuesday.

Personal spending surged 1 percent in April from the previous month, the largest monthly gain since August 2009, the Commerce Department said. When adjusted for inflation, personal spending edged up 0.6 percent last month, the biggest increase since February 2014.

Personal income increased 0.4 percent in April after rising by the same margin in the previous month, while personal savings rate declined to 5.4 percent from 5.9

percent in March, the Commerce Department said.

The price index for the personal consumption expenditure (PCE), a gauge for the inflation level preferred by the US Federal Reserve, increased 0.3 percent from a month earlier, the largest gain since May 2015. The core PCE price index, excluding volatile food and energy, increased 0.2 percent from the previous month and 1.6 percent from a year ago, still below the central bank’s target of 2 percent.

April’s improvement in personal income and spending boosts economists’ confidence that the US economy will bounce back in the second quarter after a disappointing start to the year, as consumer spending accounts for about two-thirds of economic output.

secure US Democratic nomination: media

WASHINGTON, June 7 (PNA/Xinhua) – US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Monday reached the number of 2,383 delegates needed to become the first-ever female nominee of a major political party in the United States, according to the latest AP delegate count.

The former first lady and secretary of state garnered 1,812 pledged delegates won in primaries and caucuses, plus the public support of 571 superdelegates, unpledged Democratic party leaders who are free to vote for any candidate at the national convention, the AP reported.

More SoCalGas low-income customers may be eligible for assistance LOS ANGELES, June 1, 2016 – Southern California Gas Co. More low-income customers may now be eligible to receive a rate discount and no-cost energy-saving home improvements from SoCalGas due to new income guidelines that went into effect June 1 for qualified customers who enroll in the state-sponsored California Alternate Rate for Energy (CARE) andEnergy Savings Assistance Program.

The higher income limit means a family can earn more and still be eligible for assistance programs like CARE, which gives income-qualified customers 20 percent off their monthly natural gas bill. The previous limit of $31,820 for a family of two expiredTuesday. The current limit is $32,040 a year. Each additional person adds $8,320.

For example, a household of four can earn up to $48,600 to be eligible.

“We are pleased to inform our community about the new guidelines and to encourage those who qualify and can benefit from our assistance programs to enroll,” said Lisa Alexander, vice president of Customer Solutions & Communications for SoCalGas. “The monthly rate discount and savings from no-cost energy-efficient home improvements can make a real difference, especially for struggling families.” Customer Anselma Hernandez says she appreciates the money she saves on her natural gas bill each month through her participation in CARE. “The program is very good and it is easy to apply,” said Hernandez, who lives in Santa Ana, Calif. “I like how I was treated and it has helped my family very much.”

Luis Barajas, also from Santa Ana, said he has been enrolled in CARE for a long time and always recommends it to his friends, family and neighbors. “I use the savings I receive to pay other bills,” he said.

Here is additional information about the programs: CARE: The CARE program provides a 20 percent rate discount on the monthly natural gas bill for eligible households and has already enrolled over 1.5 million customers throughout the SoCalGas service area. Those who qualify and are approvedwithin 90 days of starting new gas service will also receive a $15 discount on the Service Establishment Charge.

Energy Savings Assistance Program: This program provides nocost, energy-efficient home improvements to income-qualified renters and homeowners. Services may include: Door weather-stripping and caulking to keep unwanted drafts out of the home Attic insulation to help make homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter Low-flow showerheads that can save energy used to heat water Furnace replacement (owner occupied residences only) Other minor home repairs.

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

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

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MOTORING

US oil futures hit 11-month high amid worldwide supply disruptions WASHINGTON, June 7 (PNA/Sputnik) – US oil futures hit highs not seen in 11 months due to disruptions to the world oil supply, according to US media reports on Monday. The July outlook for West Texas Intermediate crude climbed by USD1.07, or 2.2 percent, to end at USD49.69 per barrel on the New York Mercantile

Exchange, its highest price since July 21, 2015, MarketWatch reported.

August Brent crude increased 91 cents, or 1.8 percent, to USD50.55 a barrel on the London futures exchange.

Oil futures are the contracts in which buyers agree to a set price for delivery of a specific quantity of oil on a

future date.

Last week, prices dropped about 1.4 percent after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) failed to cap member countries’ oil production.

In addition, Saudi Arabia cut oil prices for Europe as Iran continues to increase its exports following the lifting of international sanctions.

BOI to confirm approval of participating car makers in CARS Program MANILA, June 6 (PNA) – The Board of Investments (BOI) is expected to confirm its approval and announce the participating car makers under the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program.

The confirmation of approval of participating car makers is set during the BOI Board of Directors’ meeting on Wednesday. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corpo-

ration (MMPC) enrolled the manufacturing of hatchback and sedan Mirage for the CARS Program while Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP) enrolled the production of Vios for the program.

MMPC and TMP will file their registration for the CARS Program after the confirmation of BOI’s Board.

BOI has opened the enrolment for the CARS Program incentives on Jan. 15.

Last year, President Benigno S. Aquino III signed the Executive Order No. 182 which rolled out the CARS Program in order to boost local assembly of completely knocked down (CKD) units.

Under the CARS Program, a participating car maker is required to produce and sell at least 200,000 units of the enrolled fourwheeled motor vehicle model for a period of six years.

LTFRB to weed out discriminatory ‘slim only’ signs in public transport

By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, June 6 (PNA) – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) warned Monday operators and drivers of some public utility vehicles (PUVs) bearing stickers with the words ‘Slim Only’ on their front seats to remove them immediately or

pay a hefty fine.

LTFRB made the warning following a number of passenger complaints on these stickers particular found in UV Express vans which were deemed discriminatory. “It might seem funny for some passengers, but these stickers are discriminatory.

There is no place for discrim-

ination in public transport,” LTFRB board member Atty.

Ariel Inton said. Operators will be fined with PHP5,000 for the first time a vehicle is caught bearing the sticker, Php 10,000 for the second time and PHP15,000 for the third. The operator may also lose his certificate of public convenience (CPC).

However, the reports noted, militant attacks in Nigeria have affected the oil supply in that country, causing production to decline to about 1.6 million barrels per day.

Moreover, oil production in Canada’s Alberta province is down about 40 percent due to wildfires last month. (PNA/Sputnik)

Two boys enjoy watching water spouting from a busted fire hydrant along Bacoor Blvd. in Bacoor City, Cavite on Wednesday (June 1, 2016). The fire hydrant was damaged after it was hit by a wayward van which later flipped on its side on the same boulevard. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

None of 4 Mitsubishi minicar models hit by Attacks on oil facilities to worsen scandal sold in May TOKYO, June 6 (PNA/Kyodo) – None of the four Mitsubishi Motors Corp. minicar models affected by the automaker’s fuel economy data manipulations was sold in May, data released by an industry body showed Monday, the result of production and sales suspensions put in place by the automaker.

Another major minicar manufacturer Suzuki Motor Corp., which revealed in mid-May that it had not used proper fuel economy testing methods since around 2010, had two minicar models in the top 10 ranking for best-selling vehicles in May, but both marked year-on-year drops in sales.

Mitsubishi Motors has suspended production of its eK Wagon and eK Space as well as the Dayz and Dayz Roox that were supplied to Nissan Motor Co. since it admitted in late April to having inflated their fuel economy data. (PNA/Kyodo)

energy crisis in Nigeria: official

LAGOS, June 7 (PNA/ Xinhua) – The bombings of major oil installations by the Niger Delta Avengers, a militant group could worsen the operations of oil companies in Nigeria, a top official with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said Monday.

The development would negatively affect the efforts of the government to increase power generation in the country, Azubuike Okafor, a regional chairman of the association told reporter in southern city of Awka. He said that though manufacturers were pleased with efforts being made by the government to tackle the country’s electricity challenges, such efforts were being hindered by the militants.

According to him, the

actions of the militants has caused the closure of many industries because of the non-availability of diesel to power industries.

He told reporters that the militants were disrupting efforts being made by government to improve and sustain electricity generation and increase oil production.

Okafor advised the government to dialogue with the militants and persuade them to support its effort.

Niger Delta Avengers, a new militant group, has been claiming responsibility for a string of attacks on oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta.

The group has launched several attacks on oil and gas infrastructure since February 2016, demanding a sovereign nation of the Niger Delta people.

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KITCHENOMICS

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

FAMILY FEATURES

A

mericans love barbequing. There’s something great about inviting friends and family over, firing up the grill, sitting back and eating a juicy burger with veggies in the backyard.

In fact, nearly six out of 10 Americans plan to grill more than 15 times this summer, according to a survey conducted by Bank of America. A large majority — 90 percent — equate barbequing with entertaining.

This summer, celebrity chef Michael Symon from the Food Network and ABC’s “The Chew,” is partnering with Bank of America to share tips for hosting a stress-free barbeque.

Party prepping According to Symon, kitchen prep is the secret to a successful barbeque. A Bank of America survey found that seven out of 10 Americans will invite five to 15 guests to their summer gatherings so it’s easy to get bogged down in hosting duties and miss out on the fun.

“Hosting a barbeque is about being outside with your friends and shouldn’t be stressful, that’s why it’s important to do as much food and party prep in advance as possible. The more you can prepare before your guests arrive, the more you can enjoy your party.”

For instance, Symon advises that hosts pre-mix a batch of their favorite cocktail so guests can serve themselves throughout the day and hosts can focus on getting food on the grill.

Symon also encourages hosts to plan ahead to find ways to make their budgets go further on groceries, such as using a rewards card to get cash back.

“To get rewarded for the purchases you make the most, consider using a credit card like the BankAmericard Cash Rewards Credit Card. Customers earn 2 percent back on grocery store purchases for barbeques,” said Symon.

What’s for dinner?

Hamburgers are the most popular barbeque entree for Americans (45 percent), followed by steaks (26 percent). If you’re looking to get more creative with these common entrees or want to branch out and try something new, check out the website SeriousEats.com that will send you in the right culinary direction. With a web community of more than 100 online contributors, SeriousEats caters to every level of foodie.

For instance, the site has an impressive catalog of recipes to spice up your grilling to create the ultimate Sriracha burger, master barbequed meatballs or try your hand at watermelon on the grill.

Once your guests are wowed, but before the plate is bare, show off your culinary masterpieces to Symon on SeriousEats by using the hashtag #123BBQ on your social media posts.

Get inspired by viewing what other Americans have already cooked and visit http://www.SeriousEats.com/123BBQ.

Be a good guest Every good guest knows to bring something to the party, whether it’s a bottle of wine or dessert. However one out of 10 guests admits they are very likely to bring

Celebrity Chef Michael Symon

a store-bought dish to a barbeque and claim it’s homemade. Instead of fibbing, find a simple recipe online or help out with refreshments instead.

Mastering the budget Half of Americans think that the hardest part of planning a barbeque is staying within budget. That’s why planning and prioritizing play an important role in keeping costs down.

Consider the following ways some people are trimming costs, without sacrificing quality and flavor: Buy in bulk (cited by 53 percent of respondents) Use coupons (cited by 45 percent of respondents) Ask guests to bring items (39 percent of respondents) Buying generic or sale brands (29 percent of respondents) Other ways to manage costs include writing a grocery list before going to the store to avoid overbuying and creating your own rubs and sauces.

An insider’s tip known to chefs and regular cooks is to befriend your butcher.

This is the most effective way to learn about different cuts of meat and make savings as your butcher will let you know when your favorite cuts will be on sale.

Saving with the right rewards credit card Half of those surveyed expect to spend $10 to $20 per guest. One of the easiest ways to help offset costs can be using a card that gives you cash back on your purchases. More than four out of 10 people surveyed say they use a reward credit card when paying for groceries.

Since the average family of four spends $12,400 a year on groceries, using a card like the BankAmericard Cash Rewards, which gives you 2 percent cash back on grocery story purchases, can have a considerable impact towards the budget for regular summer hosts. Plus you get 3 percent cash back on gas purchases and 1 percent on all other purchases. Grocery store and gas bonus rewards apply to the first $1,500 in combined purchases in these categories each quarter.

For more information, visit www.bankofamerica.com/creditcard.

To see Michael Symon in action, watch his summer BBQ videos at www.youtube.com/user/SeriousEats.

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DOT to make first Tourism Enterprise Zone in Palawan attractive to investors

By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, June 6 (PNA) – The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday said that it has finished formulating a master plan for

the first Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ) that will rise in San Vicente, Palawan to make it more attractive to investors.

In consultation with the municipal gov-

ernment and property owners, DOT has come up with an Integrated Tourism Master Plan (ITMP) to study the variety of tourism products in the area putting into consideration the property ownership and zonal values.

At present, the department is also in the process of crafting an Investment Promotions Program (IPP) which according to Jasmin, will help draw in more investments in the public-private partnership.

The San Vincente TEZ is the first In consultation with the municipal government and property TEZ under the initiative of the DOT owners, DOT has come up with an Integrated Tourism Master and its attached agency, the Tourism Plan (ITMP) to study the variety of tourism products in the Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone area putting into consideration the property ownership and zonal values.

Authority (TIEZA) to seek out sites fits from its location at the convergence of with viable tourism potential, have them masterplanned and develop them into transport networks.

He said that the completion of Itabiak sustainable tourism destinations.

It falls under the department’s Philip- Road, which leads to the Long Beach area, pine National Tourism Development Plan makes it easier to reach the Tourism En(NTDP) which is meant to improve mar- terprise Zone by land from other towns in keting competitiveness of the Philippine Palawan.

Currently, the pier at Barangay Poblacion tourism product.

A TEZ is an area with at least five hect- is being upgraded, but Guiller said that ares meant for tourism-related development. another docking area would be constructed The area must have historical and cultural at the TEZ. Among the components of the TEZ is significance, environmental beauty, or existing or potential integrated leisure facilities. the San Vicente Airport which will be the TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Guiller main entry point for most tourists once Asido said that San Vicente was identified as operational. “(It) will make San Vicente a good weekthe first flagship TEZ for its forests, islands, coves, and most specially its 14.7-kilometer end destination for Manila residents since shoreline, which is said to be the longest in the flight is only one and a half hours from Manila,” Guiller said. the world.

Guiller said that he expected the TIEZA Guiller further said that the TEZ beneField office in San Vicente to be completed before the projected operation of the San Vicente airport by December 2016.

Palawan Governor Jose Chavez Alvarez meanwhile expressed confidence that the TEZ, as soon as completed, will launch San Vicente as a major tourist destination and create thousands of additional jobs for the local communities.

Last week, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) deputy director general Rodante Joya said that the San Vicente airport could cater to charter flights in the third quarter this year.

He said that it will initially be open to propeller-driven aircraft but when it improves scheduled flights and air navigation equipment may also be added. (PNA)

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Dapitan City beefs up tourism potential ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 6 (PNA) – Dapitan City is levelling up with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Tourism (DOT) in their strong bid to position the country as the next diving destination for the world to visit.

This, as Dapitan City has noted that the two agencies have allocated big chunks of their budget participating in worldwide expositions for aquatic and diving destinations “but only promote those resorts in Luzon and Visayas which are already popular in the diving community.”

“It is a sad fact that we discovered during our participation in Diving and Resort Travel Show Hongkong 2015. But despite that, we didn’t let such discouragement kill our spirits to market Dapitan (City),” Apple Marie Agolong, Dapitan City tourism officer said Monday.

Agolong said their concerted efforts during the travel show yielded good result as more than 100 international divers started to arrive in Dapitan City since January.

“Indeed, we are hoping that Dapitan City will attract some more and maintain momentum, hoping that both Departments (DFA and DOT) will take notice to include us in their promotions,” she added.

On April 25, the Philippines was referred to as the “apex of the South East Asian Coral triangle.”