US Asian Post June 17, 2016

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Vol. 5 No. 37

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Duterte to deal terrorists: Panelo

By Lilian C. Mellejor

DAVAO CITY, June 14 (PNA) – The incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte will deal with all lawless elements including the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu Province but will clearly uphold a “no ransom policy” of the government on kidnapping.

This was emphasized by incoming Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in an interview with the media at the Marco Polo Hotel on Tuesday when sought for the stand of Duterte with regard to the ASG. ”President-elect Duterte will solve problem on criminality and illegality - that is his commitment, to suppress all these,” Panelo said, adding that he is sure Duterte will solve that kind of problem.

“He will solve the problem and other problems of equal magnitude and I don’t see any problem knowing him.. marami siyang style hindi natin alam (he has many style we do not know) but very effective,” he told reporters.

“I am not sure how he will deal with but I am sure he will deal with it and he will be effective in dealing with it,” he added.

But Panelo said the beheading of Robert Hall, the second Canadian killed by the ASG reportedly to taunt Duterte, must be addressed to the current administration of President Benigno Aquino because Duterte is not yet president.

“If they do that during the administration of Duterte, then that could be a challenge to him but not now,” he said.

Panelo said he has not discussed with Duterte his stand on Hall’s beheading and if the incoming president is willing to help to save See TERRORIST, page 12

This photo posted on Sunday by Kalayaan Atin Ito (Kalayaan This Is Ours) shows Filipino activists posing for photo at the bow of their vessel next to a Philippine flag at Scarborough Shoal. The Filipino protesters said on Monday that China’s coast guard blocked and sprayed water as they sailed to the shoal to mark Philippine Independence Day.(MNS photo)

Catholic prelates pray for victims of Orlando mass shooting

MANILA, June 13 (PNA) – Catholic prelates have offered prayers for the victims of the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida that killed 50 people on Sunday.

At the same time, Bishop Rupert Santos, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMIP), said they are praying for peace and conversion of the hearts of those who support evil doings.

“We pray for the victims and we pray for peace and conversion of the hearts of those who plot evil,” he said.

The Bataan prelate urged the people not to take violent action in their hands.

“In the face of such darkness we must continue to rail against violence, fight for peace, respect life and work for a society that is free of terrorism,” he said.

Santos added, “The killing of almost 50 people in a club in FlorSee ORLANDO, page 12

Aquino on poverty reduction: It’s easier said than done

MANILA, June 14 (Mabuhay) – Outgoing President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday said alleviating poverty is easier said than done, criticizing the candidates in the 2016 pools who ran with a campaign promise of helping the poor but did little through their term in public office.

“Alam niyo katatapos lang po ng eleksyon, marami ang nagsabing may malasakit sila at tutulong silang masolusyonan ang kahirapan.

Totoo po ‘yun, madaling sabihin iyon,” Aquino said in a speech at an event organized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“Pero maitanong lang din natin, ano na nga ba ang nagawa nila o balak nilang gawin? Ang lahat ng mahalaga ay kailangan paghirapan, kailangan pagsikapan. Trabaho ng gobyernong isagad lahat ng oportunidad para sa ating mga boss.”

Aquino noted his six-year administration has created many employment opportunities for Filipinos.

Aside from TESDA scholarships, he said efforts to reduce poverty were achieved through education reforms, additional benefits for PhilHealth members, and cash grants given to the poorest of the poor See POVERTY REDUCTION, page 12

No Filipino hurt in Florida shooting: DFA MANILA, June 13 (PNA) – No Filipino has so far been reported injured in the shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida that killed 50 people and injured dozens, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday.

The gunman, Omar Mateen, See NO FILIPINO, page 12

Senate shouldn’t pass death penalty law to please Duterte: Lacson MANILA, June 13 (Mabuhay) – Senator-elect Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has thumbed down the proposed restoration of the death penalty only during the six-year term of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

“I don’t agree. The Senate is a self-respecting institution and should not legislate to please the incumbent President of the Philippines which obviously is what will be projected to our people if we include a sunset provision limiting the effectivity of the proposed legislation on the restoration of the death penalty,” Lacson said over the weekend.

See DEATH PENALTY, page 12

High school students assemble at the Commonwealth National High School in Quezon City for the first day of classes Monday. Around 1.5 million students are expected to enroll for Grade 11 as part of the Senior High School Program implemented by the Department of Education.(MNS photo)

2016 school opening best so far

MANILA, June 13 (Mabuhay) – This year’s school opening is the best so far for Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Armin Luistro, even with the rollout of the senior high school program of the K to 12.

“This year is the best school opening thus far. If there are any other reported problems, agad

namin yung naso-solusyunan,” Luistro said on Monday during his visit at the Commonwealth High School in Quezon City with incoming DepEd secretary Leonor Briones.

Based on his monitoring of media reports, Luistro said most of the complaints aired were very See SCHOOL OPENING, page 12

ING Bank Manila economist sees 6.5 % GDP growth this year

By Joann Santiago

MANILA, June 14 (PNA) – The Philippine government’s bid to ensure a sustained growth of the domestic economy through higher public spending made an economist of ING Bank Manila to further raise his 2016-17 growth forecast for the country.

In a research note, ING Bank Manila senior economist Joey Cuyegkeng said he was optimistic

for above six percent growth of the economy until 2017.

He said that higher deficit spending by the government was not detrimental to the economy’s over-all fiscal health given the state’s big leeway on this front.

The “relatively affordable financing cost for the private sector” along with strong consumer spending, backed by structural flows, See ING BANK, page 12

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Duterte mum on beheading of Canadian hostage

Newly crowned Miss Philippines Earth Imelda Schweighart (center) shares the stage with (from left) Miss Eco-tourism Melanie Mader, Miss PH Water Loren Mar Artajos, Miss PH Air Kiaragiel Gregorio, and Miss PH Fire Shannon Rebecca Bridgman during the Miss Philippines-Earth 2016 coronation night held in Quezon City, Saturday.(MNS photo)

Canada announces additional humanitarian assistance to conflict areas in Mindanao MANILA, June 13 (PNA) – The Government of Canada announced it is providing Cad$ 1.25 million (approx.

PhP 43 million) in humanitarian assistance to support those living in conflict areas in Mindanao.

This funding will be provided to Action Against Hunger (ACF) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and will contribute to improve food security, health, living conditions, livelihoods and emergency-preparedness in Zamboanga and Maguindanao.

The funding forms part of the Canadian government’s commitment of Cad$ 331.5 million in humanitarian support to the world’s most vulnerable, recently announced by Canada’s Minister of International Development Marie-Claude Bibeau at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Turkey.

“Canada’s support will help meet immediate life-saving needs and ad-

dress unprecedented humanitarian challenges, including those in the Philippines,” Canada’s Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder said. This new funding will help the most vulnerable in more than 32 countries, including the Philippines.

Support will be provided to 25 experienced humanitarian partners, including a variety of United Nations humanitarian agencies, the Red Cross and non-governmental organizations, as well as Canadian organizations, that are addressing complex humanitarian situations.

“Given the size of current humanitarian needs, Canada is committed to working with all partners — including those at the local level — to combine our strengths and maximize the impact we have on humanitarian crises. We are especially concerned with women and girls, who are often the most vulnerable in crises. That is why they are at the heart of

Canada’s humanitarian response,” Ambassador Reeder added.

Cad$ 500,000 will be provided to the ACF to improve food security for more than 3,000 people displaced by conflict in Zamboanga and Maguindanao. This will include the provision of unconditional cash grants to meet their basic needs, focusing on assisting pregnant and lactating women and households with children aged 6-23 months, and provision of quick impact livelihood support through cash transfers and the appropriate training. “This is another significant step in lifesaving and humanitarian assistance with the support of the Government of Canada especially to conflict-affected people in Zamboanga and Maguindanao. This makes Canada’s support very unique and strategic in such a critical situation,” ACF International country director Javad Amoozegar said.

DAVAO CITY, June 14 (Mabuhay) – President-elect Rodrigo Duterte was silent on the recent beheading of another Canadian hostage by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

“Sa kanya I think the concern about the Abu Sayyaf should be addressed to the present administration dahil hindi pa naman siya presidente,” incoming presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo told reporters at Marco Polo Hotel here.

(I think in this case, the concern should be addressed to the present administration because Duterte is not president yet.)

“Wala pa naman siyang sinabi sa akin, nag-usap kami kagabi. Hindi napag-usapan,” Panelo said.

(He hasn’t said anything yet, we talked last night. It was not discussed.)

The Abu Sayyaf on Monday announced that they had beheaded Canadian mining consultant Robert Hall as the deadline for the payment of a P600-million

ransom lapsed. A severed head was found in Jolo, Sulu hours after the announcement, which was transferred to Manila for DNA testing.

Asked about Duterte’s comprehensive plan to solve the ASG problem, Panelo said he supposed they would discuss it “when he (Duterte) assumes the presidency.”

“Basta ang alam ko (All I know is that) President-elect Duterte will not tolerate or condone ang illegality in this country. He will do everything in this power to stop all these… That’s his commitment, to stop all this criminality,” Panelo added.

Armed men seized Hall, Canadian John Ridsdel, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Filipino Maritess Flor from a marina in the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte province on Sept. 21 last year, and handed them over later to the ASG in Sulu.

The kidnappers beheaded Ridsdel on April 25 after failing to get a P300-million ransom.

Flor’s mother Flordelisa told Inquirer that they were leaving their daughter’s life in Duterte’s hands.

But Panelo said he was not aware of Duterte’s efforts to reach out to the Filipino’s family and save the remaining hostages.

“I’m not aware of the efforts but I will not be surprised kasi President Duterte always helps those who are in need. Hindi ko lang alam exactly (I just don’t know how exactly),” he said.

“We haven’t talked about it, ang alam ko lang ‘yung style niya nung mayor pa siya, pag merong (all I know is his style when he was still mayor, that when there’s a) kidnapping he has backdoor negotiations then suddenly nare-release ‘yung mga tao (the captives are released),” Panelo added.

Malacañang condemned Hall’s “brutal and senseless” execution, as it vowed to go after the Abu Sayyaf kidnappers and rescue the hostages without paying ransom.(MNS)

Intel efforts being intensified to locate ASG lairs, Samal hostages in Sulu

By Priam F. Nepomuceno

MANILA, June 14 (PNA) – The Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) on Tuesday announced that it has intensified efforts to track the exact locations of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits and the two remaining Samal Island hostages in Sulu.

This in wake of the bandit group’s brutal beheading of Canadian Robert Hall on Monday and subsequent discovery and recovery of the victim’s head in front of the Jolo Cathedral at 8:45 p.m. of the same day.

“What we are strengthening right now is the intelligence collection to detrmine once and for all, where they are hiding and the location of their hostag-

es,” WESMINCOM spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said when asked on what counter-actions the military is planning against the ASG. He added that heavy vegetation, difficulties in making undetected approaches, and the bandits’ mastery of the Sulu terrain, ability to blend with the civilian population due to kinship, and refusal of the ASG to fight, are the reasons why the military, despite the deployment of around 10 battalions in the province, is having a difficult time in tracking the brigands.

Aside from Samal Island captives Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingtad and Filipina Marites Flor, Hall’s girlfriend, another five hos-

tages are in the hands of the ASG in Sulu.

These include Dutch birdwatcher Ewold Horn and four Filipinos.

Hall was beheaded after both the Philippine and Canadian governments ignored the 3:00 p.m., June 13 deadline of the ASG which stipulated that they will execute one of the hostages if the Php600 million was not paid.

Hall, Sekkingtad and Flor and Canadian John Ridsel were snatched by the ASG at a posh resort in Samal Island last Sept. 21.

The ASG beheaded Ridsel last April 25 after the Philippine and Canadian governments refused to pay his PHP300 million ransom. (PNA)

Next DTI head vows to aid ‘poor, micro, small sectors’ MANILA, June 14 (Mabuhay) – Incoming Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Tuesday committed to continue pursuing initiatives aimed at helping the “poor, micro and small sectors” as he takes on this new role over the next six years.

According to Lopez, his appointment was “not expected because we are ready and have been helping from private sector side through Go Negosyo for past 11 years.”

“But (I) couldn’t say no also when (President-elect Rodrigo Duterte) mentioned his sincere wish to help the poor and micro and small sectors para sa bayan (for the country) and (to)

also level up the existing businesses to be more innovative especially those in the sectors where we have comparative advantage, where Philippines will be known for,” Lopez said.

“I’m just an instrument to help them but I am sure all of you would like to do something for the underprivileged groups. Use me,” he further added.

According to the Go Negosyo website, Lopez has been the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship-Go Negosyo’s executive director for the past 11 years.

Together with Go Negosyo’s Founder Joey Concepcion, he has led the strong entrepreneurship advocacy promoting the enterprising

culture among Filipinos.

For 22 years, he has served the business sector as a top executive of RFM Corporation and has handled strategic planning and business development, mergers and acquisitions and equity investors group.

Lopez topped his Master in Development Economics at Williams College in Massachusetts, USA and finished his AB Economics degree at the University of the Philippines, Diliman.

He formerly worked with National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and has experience in trade and industry development planning.(MNS)

San Miguel to build power plant in ARMM MANILA, June 13 (PNA) – San Miguel Corp. will build a power plant in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which will supply electricity to 573,446 households.

According to a statement from the conglomerate, it will build the project in the next two years—as only 30 percent of household in ARMM have electricity. The Ang-led firm noted brownouts are frequent in the area, especially during the summer months.

San Miguel Corp. president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang and ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman signed a memorandum of understanding for the project, which will help curb Mindanao’s power crisis.

Ang pointed out the region is one of most un-

der-penetrated markets in the Philippines, but is ripe for investment offering huge potential growth.

“San Miguel’s investment in ARMM is in line with its strategy to locate facilities and production centers outside urban centers, creating strong “second-tier cities,” generating jobs and re-balancing the national economy by income and growth dispersal,” the firm said.

The San Miguel president also noted the region made investors wary due to instability, lack of infrastructure and lack of stable power supply. He also expressed optimism that the “vote of confidence in the wartorn province would create much-needed jobs, entrepreneur opportunities, provide a major economic boost to ARMM and ease worries

over perceived investment risks”. “San Miguel has shown great vision by choosing to invest in ARMM. Over the next few years, we’re going to see what can be achieved when the private and the public sector work together with the best interests of the local communities at heart,” Governor Hataman stressed. The conglomerate also eyes to invest in industries, such as ports and bulk water facilities.

The Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao is composed of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Last month, San Miguel Corp. president Ramon Ang said the company will build three units with a capacity of 300 megawatts each in industrial sites in Mindanao.

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‘Political suicide’ if Bongbong accepts Cabinet post: poll lawyer

MANILA, June 13 (Mabuhay) – Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will sabotage his chances of winning the electoral protest that he plans to file against Vice President-elect Leni Robredo if he accepts a Cabinet post under the Duterte administration, her lawyer said Monday.

Atty. Romulo Macalintal said Marcos’ openness to become a Cabinet Secretary after the one-year ban on the appointments of defeated candidates is an admission he lost to Robredo.

“The ‘one-year ban’ applies only to election losers.

Thus, for Marcos to wait for it is an acknowledgment of having lost in the 2016 election for vice president,” Macalintal said in a statement.

Marcos said over the weekend that he was open to taking a Cabinet post after the one-year ban lapses but clarified that he was not offered any position by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte during their meeting in Davao City on June 10.

The senator lost by 263,473 votes to Robredo in the vice presidential race.

He said he will file a poll protest against the Vice President-elect before the end of the month.

Duterte had said that he was “non-committal” on giving Robredo a Cabinet post because he did not want to hurt Marcos.

Instead of considering a Cabinet position under the Duterte administration, Macalintal advised Marcos to focus his attention solely on his election protest, especially if he believes he was cheated in the vice presidential contest.

The lawyer said it would be a “political suicide” for Marcos to accept a Cabinet position while his election protest is pending because it will weaken his chances of winning the case.

“He (Marcos) would spend close to P100 million for his protest, which will eventually be dismissed since the consequence of accepting said Cabinet post is abandonment and withdrawal of his election protest for VP post,” he said.

If Marcos accepts a Cabinet post, Macalintal said his electoral protest could suffer the same fate as the case filed by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago against former President Fidel Ramos after the 1992 national elections.

The Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) dismissed

the case because Santiago ran and assumed office as senator in 1995 while her protest was pending.

In its decision, the PET held that Santiago’s election protest “has been rendered moot and academic by its abandonment or withdrawal by (Santiago) as a consequence of her election and assumption of office as Senator and her discharge of the duties and functions thereof.”

Macalintal, who is a lawyer of Robredo, clarified that he is issuing the statement not as a lawyer of the incoming vice-president, but as an election lawyer.

Sought for comment, Marcos’ election lawyer George Garcia dismissed Macalintal’s statements as “presumptions.”

“We should not be engaged in presumptions, much less fear that which exist only in the mind,” Garcia said in a text message.

Pressed to clarify, he said Santiago’s case was different from Marcos’ because the former was elected as a senator.

He added that Marcos has not yet actually decided if he will accept a Cabinet position in the Duterte administration. (MNS)

Duterte studying proposal to raise rookie cops’ pay to P50K MANILA, June 13 (Mabuhay) – President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is now studying a proposal to increase the salaries of police and military personnel up to a minimum of P50,000 a month.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said that this is in fulfillment of Duterte’s campaign promise and he hopes it will be implemented before Christmas with the support of Congress.

Cayetano was Duterte’s

running mate in the 2016 presidential polls. He lost to Liberal Party’s Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo.

The senator said if the country’s economy will continue to grow, the salaries of other government employees will possibly be increased within a year and a half of the Duterte administration.

An additional P70 billion—P50 billion for active personnel and P20 billion for retired officers—will be need

if the new salary scheme will be implemented.

According to Cayetano, a copy of the proposal has been submitted to Duterte and incoming Philippine National Police chief Chief Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa. It will also be submitted to the incoming budget secretary. At present, policemen ranked Police Officer 1 receive P14,000 basic salary and P24,329 gross pay. (MNS)

Drilon: Gov’t body can stop SMC-PLDT-Globe telecom deal

MANILA, June 14 (Mabuhay) – The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) can stop the joint acquisition of the San Miguel Corp (SMC) telecommunications assets by two industry giants if the deal, after a review, would encourage or result in a monopoly, Senate President Franklin Drilon said on Tuesday.

Drilon pointed out that under the Philippine Competition Act, the commission can review “whether a particular agreement or a particular practice would have monopolistic tendencies,” which he said would be prejudicial to public interest and to the expansion of the economy and business.

He cited as an example the recent agreement between the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and Globe Telecom to buy out the SMC’s Vega Telecom Inc. and two other telco companies with reported links to SMC. “This is now subject to the review of the Philippine Competition Commission to see whether there is a monopoly or duopoly which prevent the coming-in of other players that therefore, kill competition,” Drilon said.

Asked if there was a need to get the PCC’s nod before the deal was done, the Senate leader said: “No, but they have a right to review

and they have the right to declare that these agreements stifle competition and therefore can stop it, theoretically.”

Asked again if there was a need for the PCC to go to the Supreme Court to stop the deal, Drilon said he could not recall if it was provided for in the law.

“But on their own, they can say that the agreement encourages or results in a monopoly and therefore this cannot be implemented – either portions, or the whole agreement,” he said.

PLDT and Globe earlier insisted that the Commission had no power to undo their joint acquisition last month. (MNS)

SAF men to take over Bilibid in war vs drugs MANILA, June 14 (Mabuhay) – Elite personnel of the police Special Action Force (SAF) will be deployed temporarily to replace jail guards of the New Bilibid Prisons in a bid to eliminate alleged drug rings there, the incoming justice chief said.

Incoming Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said Tuesday that alleged irregularities like gun running and illegal drug trade remain rampant inside the NBP because of corrupt prison guards from the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

“Sa mga nakaraang administrasyon diyan, alam naman nating hindi ma-correct-correct ang mga aspect ng corruption, drugs sa loob.

Kahit paulit-ulit ang raid d’yan, galugad, ganoon pa rin,” Aguirre said.

“Tingin namin diyan ay tainted na talaga ng drugs itong iba’t ibang empleyado ng BuCor,” he added.

Aguirre said he has secured the help of incoming Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa who promised to detail 1,000 SAF troopers at the NBP. SAF commandos will man security at the NBP while jail guards undergo months of re-training and re-education. “Bibigyan natin sila ng re-training, parang re-education. Baka sa ganoon, sila’y magbago rin,” he said.

Aguirre added that they are also studying what should be done to BuCor personnel who are already deeply mired in the drug trade and cannot be reformed through mere re-training.

“May ilan diyan, 10 taon na ata hindi gumagalaw, hindi napo-promote. Titingnan natin kung anong pinakamagandang gawin sa kanila,” he said.

The incoming justice chief also plans to procure P10 million worth of signal jam-

mers from Israel to ensure that NBP inmates cannot use electronic gadgets in holding drug transactions.

But since the procurement process could take months, Aguirre said the government will accept donations for the signal jammers. “Ako po ay nanawagan, kung mayroong gustong mag-donate ng P10 milyon worth ng jammer, yung hindi nakapag-donate sa eleksyon ni President Duterte, ngayon nila gawin,” he said. President-elect Rodrigo Duterte earlier lambasted the inefficiency of NBP personnel as contraband items continue to be confiscated inside the country’s largest prison facility.

He also warned that there will be a massive reshuffle of security personnel at the country’s largest facility, as part of his crackdown on crimes and the narcotics trade. (MNS)

School service operators headed by the Alliance Of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO) hold a protest convoy going to the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) headquarters in Quezon City, Monday. The group questioned LTFRB’s phase-out order on 15-year-old school service vehicles.(MNS photo)

Leni defends huge campaign spending ORMOC CITY, Leyte, June 13 (PNA) – Vice President-elect Leni Robredo defended her campaign expenses worth Php 406 million, which is the biggest among the vice presidential contenders in the recently concluded elections. She also assured that the financial contributions have no strings attached.

“Looking closely, it would appear I was the most honest in declaring my campaign expenses. Before accepting donations, we were particular against them asking for favors,” she said.

Robredo, who was in this city on Saturday, also defended the Php 30.8 million donation of Kris Aquino to her campaign kitty, saying

it was the presidential sister’s personal position to support her for which she was within her right to do so, having earned the money herself.

“We accepted Kris’ contribution on the basis of her clear conscience and with the knowledge that that money was earned from legal means,” she explained.

Spokesperson Goergina Hernandez made a more detailed explanation in justifying the expense, saying most of the Php 406 million went to TV commercials, which Robredo needed considering she was the least known among the candidates for vice president.

“Being the only candidate for vice president without a

national exposure, Leni had to spend on TV commercials to introduce herself extensively and catch up with the competition,” she said.

Hernandez reiterated the stand of her boss not to use the office of the vice president for horse-trading.

“Returning favors won’t be a problem for Leni as her donors made a commitment not to ask anything in return,” she pointed out.

Hernandez also assured the public that Robredo will not break their trust.

“We appeal to the public not to find fault where there is none as Leni commits to concentrate on serving her constituents especially those who are most in need,” she concluded.(PNA)

LP submits campaign spending report week after deadline MANILA, June 14 (Mabuhay) – The Liberal Party on Tuesday submitted its statement of contributions and expenditures (SOCE) at the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) main office in Manila.

This submission came as the poll body’s en banc is set

to rule on the request of the party and its standard-bearer, Mar Roxas, for a 14-day extension.

The request was filed on the deadline of the submission of SOCE last June 8.

The LP’s documents were brought to the Comelec by the staff of the Sardillo Sar-

dillo Salom Law Office.

The documents, however, did not include that of Roxas, the lone presidential candidate who failed to file his SOCE. According to its SOCE, the party spent at least P241 million in the elections.

(MNS)

Drilon: No rancor in giving up seat to Koko MANILA, June 14 (Mabuhay) – Senate President Franklin Drilon said he is giving up his seat to Senator Aqulino “Koko” Pimentel III without “rancor.”

“Yes, I’m giving up my seat. I could have contested it but since the President-elect has the mandate, so we recognize that mandate. Koko Pimentel is the only PDP-Laban (Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan), senator. There’s no one else,” Drilon said.

Pimentel is president of PDP-Laban which is now being chaired by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

“Ah yes, no rancor, no rancor. I didn’t aspire for it,” Drilon said when asked why he was giving up, with open arms, the Senate leadership to Pimentel.

“All that I said was I have

to provide stability to the Senate by not contesting it anymore because I have a group of eight. I have six LP (Liberal Party) [senators] supporting me and two allied parties but I said let’s provide stability as early as possible so that on July 25 we hit the ground running because there are a lot of things to do and wrangling for the leadership of the Senate should be settled as early as we can and that’s what we exactly did,” he added.

Drilon, vice president of LP, said that a total of 16 senators — eight LP and allied parties and another eight from the group of Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III — have agreed to support Pimentel as the next Senate leader in the 17th Congress, which will open on July 25.

“In so far as the Senate presidency is concerned, I

have with me at least 14 signatures electing Koko Pimentel as Senate President and that can’t be changed unless those who signed will change their minds,” he said.

Asked why they decided to support Pimentel over Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Duterte’’s running mate in the May 9 elections, Drilon said: “Each would have his or her own reason but you know, we thought that by way of showing our cooperation, support for President-elect Digong, we elect a partymate.”

Cayetano has also expressed his desire to seek the Senate presidency. (MNS)

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Palace condemns ‘brutal, senseless’ murder of Canadian hostage

MANILA, June 14 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Tuesday said it condemns the “brutal and senseless” murder of Canadian hostage Robert Hall who was beheaded by Abu Sayyaf bandits, as it reiterated the government’s resolve to put an end to the terror group.

In a statement, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said: “We strongly condemn the brutal and senseless murder of Mr. Robert Hall, a Canadian national, after being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu for the past nine months.”

“We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to his bereaved family,” Coloma added.

The Palace official said law enforcement authorities have been conducting operations against the Abu Sayyaf for the past two months that “have degraded the capability of our enemies and limited their movements.”

“This latest heinous crime serves to strengthen our government’s resolve to put an end to this reign of terror and banditry,” Coloma said.

The military had earlier confirmed that Hall was beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf group.

According to the statement from the military’s Western Mindanao Command, civilians found a severed head near the Jolo Cathedral at around 8:45 p.m. on Monday.

Local security forces recovered the remains, which were brought to the Kuta Heneral Teodolfo Bautista military camp.

A few hours later, the “brutal beheading” of the hostage was confirmed.

Hall’s execution came after the 3 p.m. deadline imposed by the Abu Sayyaf Group for the payment of a P300-million ransom.

“The brutal murder and inhuman execution of the victim by these evil terrorists shows their true color,” the military’s WesMinCom said.

Meanwhile, Coloma also thanked the Canadian government and people “for their steadfast support and understanding.” “[It] has been extremely helpful in our determined efforts to end this decades-old problem,” he said.

“We truly regret that our people’s cherished tradition of extending gracious hospitality toward foreign nationals has been marred by a small band of criminals whose despicable actions have been abetted by the extortion of ransom from their previous victims,” Coloma added.(MNS)

Filipino senators appalled

by Orlando mass shooting

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, June 13 (PNA) – Some members of the Philippine Senate have expressed shock with the worst mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida that left 50 people dead and 53 others wounded last Sunday. ”The mass shooting at a club in Orlando is appalling and heartbreaking,” Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago commented in her Facebook account.

Santiago, an elected International Criminal Court (ICC) judge but later gave up the prestigious position due to health problem, said the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community should live peacefully and without discrimination. ”I long for the day when the LGBT community no longer has to live in fear of discrimination and hate crimes,” she said.

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito said he woke up with “terrible news” that shocked the world. ”My heart goes out to the victims of the worst mass shooting in history of the US,” Ejercito said in his twitter account.

Senator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara also reacted through his Twitter account: “Lost track of how many senseless killings there have been, too many wackos with guns.”

The 29-year-old gunman identified as Omar Mateen, according to his ex-wife Sitora Yusifiy, was reportedly “mentally unstable and mentally ill.”

Armed with assault rifle and a handgun, Mateen reportedly entered and opened fire in a gay pride celebration at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, killing 50 people and wounding 53 others in what was described as the deadliest mass shooting in the US history.

Mateen, a licensed security guard in the US, has reportedly pledged allegiance to the ISIS. He was shot and killed by the responding police special action force.

Before the Orlando mass shooting, the deadliest shootings in US history were at Tech in 2007 that left 32 people dead; Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012 where 27 people were killed; and the San Bernardino, California attack that killed 14 in December last year. (PNA)

THE US ASIAN POST

OPINION

Obama calls Florida shooting ‘homegrown extremism’ WASHINGTON, June 14 (PNA/ Xinhua) – US President Barack Obama on Monday called the Orlando shooting in Florida that claimed 50 lives, including the shooter, “homegrown extremism” that the US authorities had been worrying about.

“As far as we can tell right now, this is certainly an example of the kind of homegrown extremism that all of us have been so concerned about for a very long time,” said Obama at the White House.

According to Obama, so far there was no “clear evidence” that the gunman in Sunday’s massacre at a popular gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida had been directed externally.

“It does appear that at the last minute, he announced allegiance to ISIL,” said Obama, referring to an acronym of the extremist group the Islamic State (IS) based in Syria and Iraq. “But there’s no

evidence so far that he was, in fact, directed by ISIL.” At least 49 people were killed and 53 others wounded, including a police officer, early Sunday in the shooting at the Orlando nightclub.

It was the worst mass shooting in US history and the deadliest terror attack since the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001.

Speaking at a briefing in Orlando on Sunday, a local surgeon told reporters that many of those injured were “critically ill as a result of their injuries,” suggesting that the death toll could further rise.

The gunman, identified by authorities as Omar Mateen of Port St. Lucie, Florida, was found dead inside the nightclub after a shootout with the police.

Meanwhile, Director of Federal Bureau of Investigation James Comey said on Monday there were strong indications of radicalization by the shooter and of potential

inspiration by foreign terrorist organizations.

So far, it remained unknown if Mateen was motivated by the IS, though investigators said he called 911 during the shooting to swear allegiance to IS. “It is also not entirely clear at this point just what terrorist group he aspired to support,” said Comey here at a briefing.

According to Comey, the shooter made three 911 calls, in which he mentioned not just allegiance to IS, but also solidarity with two suspects of the Boston Marathon bombing and a Florida man who died as a suicide bomber in Syria for al-Nusra Front, a group actually in conflict with IS. “The bombers at the Boston Marathon and the suicide bomber from Florida were not inspired by ISIL, which adds a little bit to the confusion about his motives,” said Comey. (PNA/Xinhua)

Malacañang confident it will hurdle initial flaws in K-12 full implementation MANILA, June 14 (PNA) – Malacañang on Tuesday expressed optimism that the Department of Education (DepEd) will be able to hurdle all the problems initially encountered in the full implementation of the K-12 or 12-year basic education program in the country. ”Bagama’t batid din naman natin hindi naman flawless, marami pa ring mga dapat na plantsahing mga problema, malakas naman ang kumpiyansa ng ating pamahalaan sa pangunguna nila Brother Armin (Luistro) at DepEd na malalaktawan ang mga panimulang suliraning nararanasan sa kasakuyan,” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in Radyo ng Bayan interview.

Accompanied by incoming DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones, outgoing Secretary Luistro visited several public schools to monitor the Monday’s opening of the school year 2016-2017. ”Secretary Luistro said yesterday in a banner of one broadsheet that it was the best school opening,” Coloma said.

The DepEd has launched the Bridgada Eskuwela and Oplan Ligtas Eskuwela to ensure the orderly and smooth opening of the school year 2016-2017.

Earlier, Luistro reportedly said that although some 5,000 school buildings have been constructed for senior high school, another 66,463 remains under construction in preparation for Grade 12 in 2017-2018 school year.

Coloma said has been trying to make the successful launching of the Senor High School wherein the students can choose not only the traditional curriculum but science and technology track. ”Meron din iyong sa arts at iba pang mga option na puwedeng mas magiging matatag na batayan o pundasyon para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan,” he said.

Coloma said the Senior High School Program would make the students qualify for the high-quality and highly-enumerated jobs. ”Lalung-lalo na kung ang tinutukoy natin ay iyong magpapatala doon sa Tech-Voc o Vocational Technical Program, kahalintulad nung pagsasanay na binibigay ng TESDA sa kanilang iba’t-ibang programa,” he added. (PNA)

Home ownership at all time low and over 1/3 of households are now aged 55 and over Households age 55 or older form an important part of the home buying market. As it becomes more difficult to save up to afford a home and with lending guidelines continuing to tighten, home buying has totally changed its dynamics. A new American Community Survey data released by the US Census Bureau at the end of 2015 show that, in the US as a whole, 42% of all households are headed by someone age 55+.

The population for 65 and over has increased from 35 million in 2000 to 40 million in 2010 ( a 15% increase) and is projected to increase to 55 million in 2020. By 2030 the projection is that there will be about 72.1 million older persons, over twice their number in 2000.

Estimated that 19% grandparents in the survey aged 55+ or over maintained households in which grandchildren were present in 2010. In addition, about another 22% grandparents over 65 lived in parent – maintained households in which their grandchildren were present.

A fun fact for readers in the health care profession, a relatively small number and percentage ( 4.1%) of the 65+ population in 2009 lived in institutional settings such as nursing homes. However, the percentage increased dramatically with age, ranging from 1.1% for persons 65-74 years to 3.5% for persons 75-84 years and 13.2% for 85+.

With seniors staying in their homes longer and not making changes like moving or selling, that will lead us to continue to rely on homebuilders creating our housing inventory. With land value increasing and with home prices going higher, this is the main reason why homes prices are going higher and less affordable for our heirs. This then leads to the

fact that the homeownership rate in the United States dropped to a 20 year low to 64.5% in 2014.

The last time we had the 64.5% percent homeownership was in 1994. Among the 50 states, NY’s 2014 homeownership rate of 52.9% was the lowest in the nation. California was the second lowest with 54.2%.

Lets talk about millennials and their options of renting vs buying a home.

Just 36% of Americans under the age of 35 own a home, according to the Census Bureau. That’s down from 42% in 2007 and the lowest level since 1982, when the agency began tracking homeownership by age.

It’s not all their fault. Millennials want to buy homes -- 90% prefer owning over renting, according to a recent survey from Fannie Mae. But student loan debt, tight lending standards and stiff competition have made it next to impossible for many of these younger Americans to make the leap.

Many Millennials simply can’t come up with the hefty 20% down payments. Others don’t have good enough credit to qualify for loans.

Making it even more difficult are the heavy student loan burdens many college grads carry.

Even without the $50,000 in student loan debt they owe, affording a home in their town is difficult, Single-family homes there cost average $300,000 and up.

Lured by tax incentives, tech companies have been relocating to the area and creating many high-paying jobs. That has heated

up demand – and home prices.

Related: Buy vs. rent: What you’ll pay in 10 biggest cities With an average of $30,000 in student loan debt to pay and the high price of renting , it’s hard for millennials to save enough for a down payment. Tech and other high paying industries have had the same impact on home prices in many of the cities where young adults most prefer to live. Places like San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles are unaffordable to most residents seeking to buy a home, but even more so for those who have not hit their high earning years.

Why millennials love apartments Competition is so stiff in these markets that young buyers can’t compete with older, deep-pocketed buyers who are often able to pay for homes in all-cash.

Millennial buyers tend to want a house that is totally move in ready with all the bells and whistles that they are accustomed with.

Therefore, their choices are really limited.

With the recent news of a slower economic growth specially with jobs, the housing market might see more inventory to rise by the end of summer, Federal Reserve Board Janel Yellen will most likely keep rates low and this will keep the housing momentum flowing.

Homeownership is ultimately where everyone will end up to be, either you do it early in your life or later in life. But if you have the chance to do it earlier in life, that is probably a better way to go. Good luck and Happy House Hunting.

Thanks you for your inquiries and comments, please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group for your mortgage and real estate questions or needs. Call Ken Go at 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net. BRE 01021123

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ENTERT

5

INMENT

Kristine Hermosa to make TV comeback

Kristine Hermosa will be acting again.

While many people would easily assume she’d be back on ABS-CBN, her home for several years, Kristine will actually be seen on GMA-7 starring in the network’s upcoming sitcom “Hay, Bahay,” alongside husband Oyo Sotto.

Airing on June 19, the show also stars her fatherin-law Vic Sotto, comedy actress Ai-Ai delas Alas, Jose Manalo, and Wally Bayola.

Kristine and Oyo announced the show via video post on Instagram.

“Mga Kapuso, totoo ho talaga na may post namin sa Instagram na Room for Rent,” Kristine said, adding, “Lahat kayo imbitado sa aming housewarming.”

Kristine previously worked with Vic in several movie projects, including the “Enteng Kabisote” series and “My Little Bossings.”

Kristine Hermosa

Her last teleserye with ABS-CBN was “Noah,” which aired in 2014.

She started her career on “Gimik” in 1996, going on to make her mark on “Pangako Sa’yo” with ex-boyfriend Jericho Rosales in 2000.

In previous interviews, the mother of four said she is willing to return to acting only if offered a good project.

Other new GMA shows are “A1 Ko Sa’yo,” which has already started airing; “Conan My Beautician,” airing June 26; and “Sa Piling Ni Nanay,” which airs June 27. (MNS)

Is Angel Locsin still playing ‘Darna?’

Angel Locsin still won’t say whether she will reprise the role of “Darna” in the remake project slated to be produced

by Star Cinema.

“As long as naniniwala ka,” was the actress’ response to one follower on Instagram when she was asked if she will still play the iconic Filipino

character created by Mars Ravelo.

Locsin added that it is only ABS-CBN that could give updates regarding the project. To recall, the actress announced that she could not accept the role because of health reasons. She flew to Singapore recently to seek

Angel Locsin

medical care.

Meanwhile, Locsin reminded everyone that she has what it takes to reprise the role of “Darna” by uploading a sexy photo of her in her underwear.

The shot was taken for a Rogue photo shoot in 2008 but the photo could be mistaken as a recent snap. (MNS)

Ryza Cenon opens up about attempted suicide due to depression ” Season 2 Ultimate Female Survivor Ryza Cenon admitted to having suicidal tendency when she experienced depression last year.

The 27-year-old Kapuso actress said that her depression was caused by mounting problems at the time.

“Almost one year din kasi akong walang work. Mag-isa lang din ako na binubuhay yung sarili ko. Sobrang na-depress ako. May time na iniisip ko talagang mag-suicide.”

While she never really got hospitalized to due a suicide attempt, Ryza related that there were times when she would hurt herself because of her overwhelming depression.

“May times na sinasaktan

Ryza Cenon

ko yung sarili ko, pero hindi yung sinusugatan talaga.

Like, kung anong mahawakan ko. Before pa [nangyari], may dumbbell tapos ipupukpok ko sa ulo ko.”

“May times din na ballpen naman…”

Pope Francis’s visit in the Philippines last year proved to be a turning point for Ryza.

She realized that she had to get her act together and find an outlet to her negative thoughts. “May [suicide] attempt lang ako, pero hindi ko siya kaya gawin. Takot pa rin ako kay God kasi alam kong mali siya.”

With the help of a fan, Ryza took up painting as a therapeutic tool to release her depression over her lack of TV projects and failed romantic relationship.

“Actually sabay-sabay kasi siya [cause of depression] kaya iba-iba yung emotion na na-feel ko. Sa second batch [of paintings], sobrang negative niya talaga. Ang mga title Delusion... Isa lang ang positive—yung Endless Joy.” Painting proved to be an effective therapy for

Ryza who admittedly has a hard time seeking help from experts or even her friends.

“Hindi talaga ako palakuwento. Ayoko ng mga party.

Hindi ako social na tao.

Hangga’t kaya kong itago at kaya ko i-solve nang ako lang, isu-solve ko nang hindi ko sinasabi [sa iba] dahil ayokong pabigat.”

Among her few friends from showbiz, only Chynna Ortaleza knew about her depression.

“Kasi (same) kami ng personality. Siya yung mas nakakaintindi sa akin. Nagsi-share din siya ng mga ganun din niyang moment.”

“Sinasabi niya, ‘Kaya mo ‘yan. Challenge lang ‘yan.

Pinapa-strong ka lang ni God.’” (MNS)

Toni, Paul mark first wedding anniversary

Ellen Adarna

Ellen Adarna: No romance, just friends with Baste Duterte Actress Ellen Adarna dismissed rumors linking her to Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, the youngest son of incoming president Rodrigo Duterte.

For days now, netizens are guessing whether romance is in the air for the Kapamilya actress and Baste, as the two were photographed several times together and were seen hanging out with non-showbiz friends while vacationing in Siargao. But Adarna, in an Instagram post, clarified that she’s just friends with Baste. “Sa mga fans ni Baste

ug sa mga ‘assuming,’ naa cyay uyab. Pero dili ako, migo rami. So ayaw na pag imbento dinha (To the fans of Baste and those who are assuming, he has a girlfriend. But it’s not me, we’re just friends. So please don’t invent stories),” she wrote.

While Adarna is very much single, Baste, a father of two, is reportedly in a relationship with the mother of his second child.

He gained popularity among netizens for his simple and laid back look during his father’s presidential campaign. (MNS)

Toni Gonzaga and Paul Soriano celebrated their first anniversary as a married couple Sunday.

Gonzaga made sure to greet her husband on the ABS-CBN variety program “ASAP” a happy anniversary.

She likewise took to Instagram to express her love for Soriano by reposting one of their pre-nuptial photos.

In the caption, Gonzaga wrote: “I’d marry you all over again. Happy anniversary.”

Soriano, for his part, shared on Instagram one of their first photos as a married couple. Tagging Gonzaga in the photo, Soriano captioned it with the date of their wedding.

Currently, Gonzaga is into the second trimester of her pregnancy. In an interview, she shared that her pregnancy has become more manageable.

“Ngayon it’s much better, it’s bearable, ‘yung mga ibang bagay that comes with it. It’s getting more and more exciting kasi I’m closing in with my second trimester, so

Toni Gonzaga

kaunti na lang. Nagbibilang na lang ako ng buwan,” she said. Gonzaga said she is blessed to have her husband always by her side throughout her pregnancy.

“Very supportive [siya] and parang these are the times that you would really appreciate having a husband or a partner with you along the journey because they make the transition of everything else, from emotional, to physical, bearable,” she said.

The TV host is expected to give birth later this year.

(MNS)

Sunshine Dizon

Sunshine trains with Red Ranger trainer

After announcing she will be part of the remake of the hit telefantaserye “Encantadia,” actress Sunshine Dizon shared she has been preparing for her role on the show by going to the gym, among others.

Sunshine said she is doing strengthening exercises to toughen herself up for fight scenes. Her trainer? None other than the stunt choreographer of Red Ranger.

“Big time ’yung trainer. Siya ’yung si Red Ranger sa Power Rangers, siya ’yung gumagawa ng mga fight scenes. Pinoy siya, pero puro American (shows) ang ginagawa niya,” she said.

Sunshine didn’t divulge exactly what her role on the show is.

“I cannot go into details, basta all the lines were (enchantments). Siyempre, nagkabulol-bulol na ko. May fight scene agad, hindi pa ko nakapag-proper training,” she said.

Sunshine was also part of the original show as Sang’gre Pirena, the guardian of the red gem of fire and mother to Mira. Taking on the role of Pirena in the remake is actress Glaiza de Castro.

“Actually, hindi pa kami nakakapag-usap ni Glaiza.

But since si Gabby (Eigenmann) is Glaiza’s best friend, I told Kuya mga inputs, ganyan. Sabi ko naman to let her know that I’m open anytime. Not only to Glaiza but to everyone if they need help, you know, just come to me,” she said.(MNS)

Coleen Garcia happy with dad courting Karla Estrada Coleen Garcia sees no problem with her dad Jose courting actress-singer-TV host Karla Estrada.

The actress deemed it’s about time her dad finds someone to love having been single for the longest time.

“It’s a good feeling also to see my dad happy. My dad has been single since I was nine and I’m already turning 24 this year,” Coleen said in a TV interview.

Note Jose’s ex-wife Maripaz is already Coleen Garcia happily married to forwalk out siya. Tinapos niya mer “Pinoy Big Brother” ’yung show. Kumanta siya housemate JB Magsaysay. ng maayos.”

Jose made public his inIn a video relating to tentions for Karla in a tele- the incident that has been vision interview. Apparent- uploaded online, Daniel is ly, he considers Karla his seen looking annoyed at soulmate. “When I see her, some fans while singing a as if I’m looking into the mir- cover of Rivermaya’s “Hinaror. Parang babaeng version hanap-hanap Kita.” ko,” he said.

Some netizens said a The two were seen to- group of hecklers allegedly gether at the premiere night flashed a dirty finger at the of “Love Me Tomorrow,” heartthrob telling him to Coleen’s movie with Piolo shut up.

Pascual and Dawn Zulueta.

Karla maintained she Meanwhile, Karla has always reminds Daniel to reacted on the alleged heck- keep his cool whatever the ling her son Daniel Padilla situation. received in a recent live “Lagi kong sinasabi na show. maging ready ka sa mga taWithout admitting or ong makakaharap mo,” she denying anything, she said. said. “Siyempre nagre-re“Relaxed lang naman siya flect po ito sa inyong mga (Daniel). (Sabi niya) ‘Okay magulang kung anong aclang iyan Ma.’” tions ang mga ginagawa On allegations that Dan- niyo towards other people. iel walked out of his fans, Laging ang napupulaan ay she maintained, “It’s not kung paano kayo pinalaki ng true (that he walked out). mga magulang niyo. Kaya Hindi po totoo na nag- ingat-ingat tayo.”(MNS)

6

Friday - Thursday, June 17 - 23, 2016

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Lawmaker pushes for medical tourism to generate jobs

By Sammy F. Martin

MANILA, June 13 (PNA) – Incoming 1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero said on Monday he is helping the incoming Duterte administration in crafting measures that can generate millions of job for Filipinos for the next six years.

Among the priorities of Romero is medical tourism that makes Thailand famous and now contributing

USD25 billion in government’s coffer annually.

He said that they had already well-trained and internationally renowned doctors who were just waiting for government support to open the medical tourism in the country.

“Imagine if we can get a share of at least USD10 billion worth of medical tourism from Thailand, that would translate to about

500,000 additional job opportunities for Filipinos,” Romero said.

According to one of the most successful Filipino businessmen in the country having been ranked 33rd among the 50 richest Filipinos with a net worth of USD 375 million by Forbes Magazine in 2014, medical tourism is just one of the main attraction to entice more foreign tourist to visit

the Philippines.

He is referring to expected expansion of hotels and restaurants industry in the country should the influx of tourist arrival starts.

The 41-year-old neophyte lawmaker of the 17th Congress, who holds doctorate

degrees in management and political economics, said that one of his priorities was to promote easing up of doing business in the country to lure more foreign direct investors in order to create at least one million quality jobs in our country.

“As an economist and now lawmaker, one must look on how we could expedite the passage of bills that will generate more jobs for Filipinos. One million jobs is not impossible if we have the right policies in place,” he said. (PNA)

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has assured that its funds remain in robust condition and there is no indication that it will be bankrupt in the next 128 years. PhilHealth president and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Alexander Padilla (right) made the assurance before print and broadcast media members during the second quarter “Kapihan with the CEO” held at the PhilHealth head office in Pasig City on Monday (June 13, 2016). Padilla further said that the PhilHealth reserve funds had steadily grown from PhP112 billion in 2012 to PhP128 billion in 2015. With him in photo (from left) are Ruben John Basa, Senior Vice President, Health Finance Policy Sector; and Dr. Israel Francis Pargas, OIC-Vice President, Corporate Affairs Group.

(PNA photo by Ben Briones)

PhilHealth assures funds remain robust, growing

By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, June 13 (PNA) – The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) reiterated Monday that its fund is still in robust condition and there is no indication that it will be bankrupt in the next 128 years.

PhilHealth president and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Alexander Padilla repeated the pronouncement in the second quarter “Kapihan with the CEO (of PhilHealth) event” wherein the print and broadcast media can throw questions that they want to clarify held at PhilHealth head office in Pasig City.

“Alam natin sa huling presscon madaming balita nun like malulugi na raw ang Philhealth—ang sabi nga natin kung tutuusin, hindi naman, dahil ang pondo natin ngayon, ang reserve natin ay higit kumulang mga Php 127billion sa ngayon much more than enough for the year at sinabi nga natin dati na kung totoo na nalugi tayo

ng isang billion nung taong 2015 na hindi naman—dahil nagkaron tayo ng mga investments—kung ganun man it will take 128 yrs bago maubos ang pondo,” said Padilla in the presscon.

Padilla assured that PhilHealth funds were going strong and confident that PhilHealth reserve funds would not go down and eventually became prone to collapse or turned to bankruptcy because of the good investments it had made, aside from collection efficiency.

“While we paid Php 1 billion more than what we collected in premium contributions in 2015, we gained about Php 7 billion from investment income, resulting in positive numbers still,” Padilla added.

He further said that the PhilHealth reserve funds had been steadily growing from Php 112 billion in 2012 to Php 128 billion in 2015.

It can be recalled that PhilHealth paid about Php 34 billion in benefit claims

in 2011; Php 44 billion in 2012; Php 55 billion in 2013; Php 77 billion in 2014; and Php 97 billion in 2015.

It can also be recalled that clarification was made when news report came out misquoting a PhilHealth Board director.

As a result then, the PhilHealth official made the clarification and inform further the public about PhilHealth conditions to allay fears and assured that the state-owned health insurance corporation can keep up with its mandate, relying to its continued coverage expansion.

As a health insurance, PhilHealth continues to improve and expand its health coverage by formulation of updated policies and enhancing the system to serve better its clients in line with the achieving the goals of the Universal HealthCare Program of the government to ensure that every Filipino has access to quality healthcare.(PNA)

PhilHealth requires providers to submit bills on all claims for reimbursements

By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, June 13 (PNA) – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is reminding all accredited healthcare providers nationwide about its latest policy requiring submission of Statement of Accounts or SOA for applications of claims for reimbursements on all case rates (ACR).

“Well, we require yung mga healthcare providers natin na dapat pag nag-claim sila sa atin, dapat i-attach yung Statement of Accounts (SOA) bilang isa sa mga requirements namin para sila ay mabayaran,” Atty. Alexander A. Padilla, PhilHealth president and CEO, said during the quarterly “Kapihan with the CEO” at the PhilHealth Central Office in Pasig City on Monday.

He said that the failure of healthcare providers to attach SOA as an essential requirement for the reimbursement of claims may

delay the process because they will have to return it to the sender or healthcare provider to comply with the need of completing the needed entries.

Padilla said the new policy is contained in PhilHealth Circular No. 2016-0005 he signed last March 28, 2016.

SOA is the actual total hospital charges minus the PhilHealth benefit for the Health Care Institution (HCI) fee. Part III, Item A of Claim Form 2 (Certification of Consumption of Benefits and Consent to Access Patient Records must be consistent with that of the SOA of the patient.

It should be duly signed by the member and his authorized representative (with printed name, relationship to member and contact number) confirming or concurring with the statements therein relative to PhilHealth deduction.

The signatory in the SOA must be the same person as

the signatory of PhilHealth Claim Form 1 under Part III (member certification).

In case the signatory in Claim Form 1 is different from the signatory in the SOA, information for authorized representative (name, relationship to member, contact number) should be indicated in the SOA. The SOA should have the signature over printed name and position of the accountant or billing clerk.

The original or certified true copy of the SOA shall be submitted together with the PhilHealth claim forms for claims application for ACR. The SOA shall not be required for claims application for the following: TB DOTS, Maternity Care Package, Peritoneal Dialysis Case Rates, Malaria, Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment Package, Animal Bite Treatment Package, and Newborn Package (in non-hospital facilities).

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7

UTREACH ‘The Great Promenade of Philippine-American Friendship’ unveiled WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Philippine Embassy proudly unveiled the “The Great Promenade of Philippine-American Friendship,” a mural by Filipino artist Dominic Rubio, and other works of art at the Chancery Annex building on 10 June 2016.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. and his wife, Madam Maria Victoria Cuisia led the unveiling ceremony. “‘The Great Promenade of Philippine-American Friendship’ tells the story of the enduring ties between the Philippines and the United States. Its depiction of key events in Philippines-US relations reminds the viewer that more than the political, security and economic interests, it is the shared history and values that bind our nations. As our two countries celebrate seventy years of

formal diplomatic relations, let us remember that the mutual respect and affection between Filipinos and Americans, forged by more than a century of pursuing common aspirations, have intertwined our fate much more effectively than consequences of strategic calculation,” Ambassador Cuisia said. At 8 x 27 feet, “The Great Promenade” is a monumental work

by Dominic Rubio, a native of Paete, Laguna, whose artistic signature of long, pencil-thin necks and lollipop heads and the delightful nostalgia of men and women depicted in the Philippine colonial past have made him a favorite of collectors in Asia and North America.

Speaking in Filipino, Mr. Rubio expressed gratitude to Ambassador and Madam Cuisia for giving him the opportunity to fulfill his dream of creating a mural.

Ambassador Cuisia noted that the success of the entire project was due to the collaborative efforts of individuals and institutions “that believe in the power of the arts to transform mindsets and change the world.”

At the top of the list were Pilipinas Shell Foundation, FedEx, Ms. Doris Magsaysay Ho, Mr. Washington Sycip, Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Makati Business Club, US-Philippines Business Council, and Mr. Jack Teotico of Galerie Joaquin. The envoy and guests also paid tribute to the unparalleled and tireless efforts of Madam Maria Victoria Cuisia to elevate the status of Philippine arts and culture among American and international audiences.

Apart from the mural, other donated artworks were also presented to the public for the first time, including the garden sculpture, Mist,

“The Great Promenade of Philippine-American Friendship,” a mural by Filipino artist Dominic Rubio

by Impy Pilapil; the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines; the Cocoon Series by Ann Pamintuan; and Joey Man-

lapaz’ Photorealism that is placed on the second floor of the Chancery Annex building. Kenneth Cobonpue’s Fandango and Cucme lamps bathes the interior

with soft lighting while Ms. Maja Olivares-Co’s contribution of the monochromatic seal of the Philippine Embassy welcomes the public in the main receiving area.

Online fundraiser for Orlando attack pulls in over $2-M in 24 hours MOSCOW, June 14 (PNA/ Sputnik) – A GoFundMe fundraiser to support the victims and families of Sunday’s massacre at a gay nightclub raised over a two million dollars in a single day.

The fundraiser, launched

by Equality Florida, topped the one million mark in the first 11 hours it was active.

Within a day, it had reached USD2,340,534 with contributions from 54,673 people.

“Gay clubs hold a significant place in LGBTQ history. They were often the only safe gathering place and this horrific act strikes directly at our sense of safety. June commemorates our community standing up to anti-LGBTQ violence at the

Stonewall Inn, the nightclub that has become the first LGBTQ site recognized as a national monument,” the statement on the GoFundMe stated.

To distribute the funds, the group will be working with the National Center for Victims of Crime who helped manage funds raised for victims of the Aurora and

Chattanooga shootings. The organization has vowed that every penny will go to supporting the victims.

Most of the amount raised has come from individuals pitching in USD1,000 or less. Several of the contributions have been extremely large however, including a USD100,000 contribution from the GoFundMe team.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this senseless act of violence,” The GoFundMe Team wrote with their donation on Monday afternoon.

Other large donations include a USD30,000 donation from Executive Pride, an organization supporting the LGBT business community, and another USD25,000

from Cricket Wireless.

Social media maven and makeup entrepreneur Jeffree Star donated USD20,000 and urged followers to pitch in to support the community.

“Sending love. Praying for everyone affected in this horrible tragedy,” Star wrote in a comment alongside the donation. (PNA/Sputnik)

8

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Fil-Ams in DC celebrate PHL Independence Day with dynamic PHL-US diplomatic relations WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 300 guests from the United States Government, foreign diplomatic corps, private sector, and the Filipino-American community gathered at the Pavilion Floor of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on 09 June 2016 to join the celebration of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Philippines-US diplomatic relations.

“I am confident that we have laid the necessary groundwork for the incoming Administration to further strengthen Philippines-US alliance on a variety of fronts,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said in his welcome remarks.

“The steady development of Philippines-US relations in the past six years can be attributed to the leadership and commitment of the leadership of both the Philippines and the US to boost the treaty alliance.

I also fully appreciate the strong bipartisan support the Philippines has received from Capitol Hill,” the envoy added.

In his speech, US Deputy Secretary of State Anthony Blinken reaffirmed the critical role of the Philippines-US alliance in America’s rebalance to Asia and his Government’s support for the Philippine position on the South China Sea. “Today we celebrate not only 118 years of independence but seven extraordinary decades of partnership that have enriched every facet of our societal foundations,” Deputy Secretary Blinken said.

“Today, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder against a range of

complex global challenges—including countering violent extremism, responding to cybersecurity threats, fighting climate change, defending space for civil society and press, and upholding international law, including important principles like freedom of navigation. We have consistently defended your right to use peaceful dispute settlement mechanisms, such as arbitration, to address maritime disputes in the South China Sea. The arbitral tribunal’s decision will be binding on both parties. We call on all of the claimants and interested parties to exercise restraint and reinvigorate efforts to find a peaceful, diplomatic way forward,” he further said.

The Deputy Secretary of State also paid tribute to Ambassador Cuisia, whom he called “ambassador among ambassadors,” for “convening and building consensus not only in the name of a more unified ASEAN but helping to strengthen ASEAN ties with the United States.”

“Thanks in great part to your leadership, the United States and the Philippines count on an increasingly strong security partnership.

This is a remarkable legacy,” Deputy Secretary Blinken stated.

Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) cited two important initiatives for the benefit of the Filipino and Filipino-American World War II veterans: the Parole Program and the Congressional Gold Medal bill.

Under the Parole Program, certain family members of Filipino World War II veterans may be eligible to receive a discretionary grant of parole to come to the United States before their visa becomes available. In limited cases, certain

eligible relatives will be able to seek parole on their own behalf when their Filipino World War II veteran and his or her spouse are both deceased. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services will review each case individually to determine whether authorizing parole is appropriate.

Meanwhile, the Congressional Gold Medal bill seeks to give due recognition to the valor and sacrifice of the 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American veterans who fought for liberty and freedom in the second World War. Congressman Bobby Scott (DVA), co-chair of the US-Philippines Friendship Caucus in Capitol Hill, and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) both lauded the contributions of Filipino-Americans to the growth and prosperity of their respective states. Ms. Dana Hyde, Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), summarized the accomplishments of the Philippines’ First Compact with the MCC on poverty reduction, and expressed optimism about attaining a similarly successful outcome by the Second Compact that will focus on agriculture.

This year, the Embassy awarded a Certificate of Achievement to Ms. Loida Nicolas-Lewis and Ms. Victoria Navarro for their active role in projecting a positive image of the Philippines in the United States.

Ms. Lewis was commended for her vision, leadership, and determination, and for being a driving force behind major Filipino-American groups, such as the US Pinoys for Good Governance and the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations.

Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. (center) with Ms. Victoria Navarro (left) and Ms. Loida Nicolas-Lewis (right), the two recipients of Philippine Embassy’s Certificates of Achievement.

On the other hand, Ms. Vicky Navarro was recognized for her diligent and resolute work with the Philippine Nurses Association of America and the Philippine Humanitarian Coalition.

Officially starting the reception program was the launch of the documentary film “Friendship Beyond Treaties,” which was a joint project of the Embassy and the Philippines’ national broadcaster, the People’s Television Network, Inc, to mark the 70th anniversary of Philippines-US diplomatic ties.

“Indeed, the Philippines and the United States are bound by a close friendship – a friendship that springs from shared values and common advocacies. The documentary film that was shown earlier underscores how strong personal

bonds drive Philippines-US relations,” Ambassador Cuisia said.

“Friendship Beyond Treaties” may be viewed here.

Two of the most highly regarded Filipino musical artists, Ms. Lani Misalucha and Mr. Martin Nievera, performed the US and Philippine national anthems, respectively. After the Embassy’s formal reception, Lani and Martin headlined a special concert celebrating the “dynamic diplomacy” of Ambassador Cuisia, who is due to end his tour of duty at the end of June.

This year’s Independence Day celebration was supported by Ayala Land, Banco De Oro, International Container Terminal Services, Inc., PLDT, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. San Miguel Corporation, and The Filipino Channel.

PHL’s Commitment Lauded At Millennium Challenge event

Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Jose L. Cuisia Jr. delivers his remarks at the Panel Discussion hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) to mark the close out of the First Philippine MCC Compact on 09 June 2016.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— “The United States have made significant contributions to our country’s development throughout the years in the same way that Filipino-Americans have contributed to its growth and prosperity. I think that our relationship in the context of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), both in terms of the first compact that we just closed and the second compact that we are developing, best represents the partnership that we have forged as two great nations on opposite shores of the Pacific Ocean.”

This was the concluding paragraph of the remarks of Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. at the Panel Discussion hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. to mark the close out of the First Philippine MCC Compact.

Signed in 2010, and worth $434 million of MCC investments in the Philippines, the first compact improved tax revenue collection and administration to reduce opportunities for corruption, rehabilitated a national secondary road network in Eastern Visayas, and funded about 4,000 small-scale community development projects in rural, high-poverty areas based on needs identified and prioritized by residents of the project communities.

Sharing the perspective of the Philippine Government at the panel discussion, Ambassador Cuisia emphasized the need for the full commitment of the partner government.

“In order for any compact to be

effective and successful, the partner government needs to be fully committed to work with MCC and be a genuine partner in harnessing the resources being made available in a way that unleashes its economic, and developmental, potential. This commitment is important because good governance and transparency are paramount hallmarks of an MCC compact,” Ambassador Cuisia asserted.

Ambassador Cuisia also emphasized that the compact should be designed in order to empower people and their communities. “The first compact projects, particularly on infrastructure and its support for community-driven development, were transformative. They changed the lives of ordinary people and empowered them to create a better future that they can claim as their own,” he stated.

MCC Chief Executive Officer Dana Hyde, in her keynote speech, recognized the transformative power of the MCC investments.

Referring to her visit for the close out event in the Philippines last May, she said that, “the people we met with were very compelling, and they explained how they felt taking development into their own hands and how impactful the MCC projects have been in their lives.”

As Ambassador Cuisia noted, “in pursuing inclusive growth and investing in the Filipino through projects such as those of the MCC, we have empowered our people to become greater participants and stakeholders in growing the Philippine economy.”

Also speaking at the CSIS panel were Ambassador Mark Green, President of the International Republican Institute and Member of the MCC Board; and Ms. Marivic Añonuevo, CEO and Managing Director of Millennium Challenge Account-Philippines, which was the implementing entity for the first compact.

The Philippines and MCC held a formal Closing Event for the First Compact on 24 May 2016 at ceremonies in Malacañan Palace in Manila.

President Benigno S. Aquino III was the Guest of Honor, together with MCC Chief Executive Officer Dana Hyde, US Ambassador Philip Goldberg, and Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima.

In December 2014, the Philippines was selected for a second compact, which is now being developed.

“It is a rare opportunity for us to work with a strong partner and a dynamic economy like the Philippines, and if our first compact is any indication we are really hopeful that we will be able to achieve some fantastic things moving forward with the second compact,” Ms. Hyde said at the CSIS. Noting that the Philippines and the United States are celebrating this year the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations, Ambassador Cuisia lauded the outstanding development partnership that has been forged in MCC. “May it last, may it contribute to our progress, may it bring our peoples only closer to each other,” he said at CSIS.

Obama calls Florida shooting ‘homegrown extremism’ WASHINGTON, June 14 (PNA/Xinhua) – US President Barack Obama on Monday called the Orlando shooting in Florida that claimed 50 lives, including the shooter, “homegrown extremism” that the US authorities had been worrying about.

“As far as we can tell right now, this is certainly an example of the kind of homegrown extremism that all of us have been so concerned about for a very long time,” said Obama at the White House.

According to Obama, so far there was no “clear evidence” that the gunman in Sunday’s massacre at a popular gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida had been directed externally.

“It does appear that at the last minute, he announced allegiance to ISIL,” said Obama, referring to an acronym of the extremist group the Islamic State (IS) based in Syria and Iraq. “But

there’s no evidence so far that he was, in fact, directed by ISIL.” At least 49 people were killed and 53 others wounded, including a police officer, early Sunday in the shooting at the Orlando nightclub.

It was the worst mass shooting in US history and the deadliest terror attack since the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001.

Speaking at a briefing in Orlando on Sunday, a local surgeon told reporters that many of those injured were “critically ill as a result of their injuries,” suggesting that the death toll could further rise.

The gunman, identified by authorities as Omar Mateen of Port St. Lucie, Florida, was found dead inside the nightclub after a shootout with the police.

Meanwhile, Director of Federal Bureau of Investigation James Comey said on Monday there were strong indications of

radicalization by the shooter and of potential inspiration by foreign terrorist organizations.

So far, it remained unknown if Mateen was motivated by the IS, though investigators said he called 911 during the shooting to swear allegiance to IS. “It is also not entirely clear at this point just what terrorist group he aspired to support,” said Comey here at a briefing.

According to Comey, the shooter made three 911 calls, in which he mentioned not just allegiance to IS, but also solidarity with two suspects of the Boston Marathon bombing and a Florida man who died as a suicide bomber in Syria for al-Nusra Front, a group actually in conflict with IS. “The bombers at the Boston Marathon and the suicide bomber from Florida were not inspired

by ISIL, which adds a little bit to the confusion about his motives,” said Comey. (PNA/Xinhua)

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, June June 17 - 23, 2016

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MOTORING Average U.S. gas prices climb to 2016 high The national average price of gas reached a new 2016 high over the weekend, and today’s average of $2.38 per gallon is the most expensive average since September 2015. Gas prices have moved higher by two cents per gallon on the week and 16 cents per gallon on the month.

Although pump prices have increased for 28 of the past 33 days, consumers continue to benefit from yearly savings and prices are down 42 cents per gallon compared to a year ago.

The cost of crude oil has moved higher over the past few weeks, which has made gasoline more expensive to start the summer driving season. Crude oil prices have increased due to unexpected disruptions in places like Canada and Nigeria, while questions continue to mount over future production in Venezuela. Since early April, the cost of crude oil has increased by more than $13 per barrel to the highest levels since 2015. With all other factors being equal, a $1 per barrel change in the price of crude oil can increase gas prices by 2.4 cents per gallon. Prices may continue to fluctuate on the heels of news related to global oil supply and the U.S. dollar, which could have a major impact on what drivers pay for gasoline this summer.

Quick Stats The nation’s top five most expensive markets are: California ($2.86), Michigan ($2.74), Hawaii ($2.73), Ohio

($2.68) and Alaska ($2.67).

The nation’s top five least expensive markets are: South Carolina ($2.08), Mississippi ($2.10), Arkansas ($2.12), New Jersey ($2.14) and Louisiana ($2.15).

Despite increasing for 28 of the past 33 days, the national average remains at its lowest price for this same date since 2005.

Gas prices in the Midwest are rivaling averages typically experienced by drivers on West Coast due to planned and unplanned refinery maintenance, combined with healthy demand for gasoline.

West Coast Retail averages on the West Coast are relatively steady and have moved by three cents or less over the past week. California ($2.86) is the nation’s most expensive market for retail gasoline, and regional neighbors Hawaii ($2.73) and Alaska ($2.67) are the only two states in the region also ranked in the nation’s top five most expensive markets. Consumers in the region continue to benefit from the largest yearly savings, with pump prices in nearly every state in the region discounted by more than 50 cents per gallon. In fact, the largest year-over-year savings in the price of gas are seen in the West Coast states of: Nevada (-71 cents), Alaska (-71 cents) and California (-68 cents).

Conditions at the ExxonMobil Torrance, CA refinery are reportedly improving and two units previously offline

are scheduled to be restarted this week. The latest data from the U.S. EIA points to gasoline inventories shrinking in the region, however, gasoline production is growing which could help balance the scale and keep gas prices relatively steady over the near term.

Great Lakes Pump prices in the Great Lakes states continue to climb higher due to tightening supply and healthy demand for gasoline. Michigan ($2.74) is the nation’s second most expensive market for gas, and the Great Lakes states of Ohio ($2.68), Illinois ($2.66) and Indiana ($2.61) join in the rankings of the nation’s top 10 most expensive markets. The nation’s largest price increases over the past few weeks have occurred in states located in this region.

Gas prices are up double digits in Michigan (+23 cents), Ohio (+21 cents), Illinois (+18 cents), Indiana (+17 cents) and Wisconsin (+13 cents) versus two weeks ago.

Headlining the supply challenges in the region is the recent shutdown of a segment of the West Shore pipeline, located in Wisconsin. This segment is reportedly undergoing repair and inspections and may be offline for several weeks while the work is being completed.

Operational challenges are also being reported at Marathon’s Detroit, MI refinery and ExxonMobil’s Joliet, IL plant. Despite these supply issues, refinery production

has increased over the past few weeks, while supplies are still about nine percent higher than a year ago. In response to recent distribution issues, both Michigan and Wisconsin’s governors took action extending the hours that drivers transporting fuel are permitted to stay on the road. In the near term, gas prices may remain volatile with summertime driving fueling high demand.

Central States Pump prices in the region remain some of the cheapest nationwide with Oklahoma’s average at $2.15, Missouri at $2.19 and Kansas at $2.19 per gallon. Magellan is reporting that a segment of its pipeline, located in Kansas, was taken offline due to heavy rainfall, which caused a portion of the pipeline to be exposed. Service is likely to be suspended for several weeks while the pipeline undergoes repair. Supply in the region is reportedly ample and is believed to be capable of offsetting any shortages resulting from this incident.

Gulf Coast

Despite experiencing severe weather, which can sometimes cause prices to move higher due to supply disruptions, gas prices in the Gulf Coast remain relatively low. Every state in the region is represented in the nation’s top 10 least expensive markets, and Mississippi ($2.10), Arkansas ($2.12) and Louisiana ($2.15) are ranked in the nation’s top-five least expensive markets.

The Magellan Midstream Partner’s pipeline is reportedly under repair, following being shut down last week due to flooding in Texas. The pipeline delivers product to a number of markets in the region and its outage might impact regional fuel distribution.

Gas prices in the region appear to be unaffected by the outage and are down on the week in every state located in the Gulf Coast.

Best estimates suggest that the pipeline will return to operation before the end of the month, and in the interim the company is attempting to address any shortages by

altering its delivery schedule.

Southeast The Southeast is home to the nation’s least expensive market, South Carolina ($2.08). Tropical Storm Colin brought heavy rains and tropical-storm-force winds to the region last week, yet gas prices held steady over this period. Contrary to common expectations, with the exception of West Virginia (+ fractions of a penny), prices fell in every state located in the region week-over-week.

Oil Market Dynamics After reaching new 2016 highs, crude oil prices retreated to close out the week due to news of a strengthening U.S. dollar and data showing an uptick in the number of U.S. drilling rigs in operation.

Both benchmarks opened the week by extending this trend of sliding prices, as concerns of revived production out of the U.S. and global demand concerns begin to resurface.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, WTI closed down $1.49 and settled at $49.07 per barrel.

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Power firm ignites hope to Yolanda-hit areas through building schools

By Juzel L. Danganan

ORMOC CITY, Leyte, June 13 (PNA) – In November 2013, despair and turmoil ensued in Eastern Visayas, as one of the strongest typhoons in history made its landfall in the area, bringing a similar desolation to the biblical flood.

Houses, buildings and communities were washed away powerless like paper, while the numerous bodies surfaced after a series of storm surges.

Lopez-led renewable energy firm, Energy Development Corp., wasted no time in helping the survivors of its host community after the devastation delivering food, medicines at a rate of PHP50 million every three days.

“When Yolanda happened, we were releasing 50 million every three days.

No returns, just delivering food, medicines non stop,” EDC president and chief operating officer Richard Tantoco said.

However, the company’s assistance did not end there as it still saw an opportunity to help and inspire hope in the ruined area to move forward. “When we saw the devastation following Yolanda, we did an inventory of the schools surrounding EDC (facilities) and then we said we will build an initial 64 school buildings. So we raised funding for that then later on we partnered with Sagip Kapamilya and EDC had to execute all the projects,” the EDC head told reporters over the weekend at the sidelines of the school rebuilding project turnover in Ormoc, Leyte.

Tantoco explained the company provided the seed funding and allocated PHP1.3 million for each school, spending around

PHP83.2 million for all the 64 schools.

Three years later the initial target of 64 schools more than doubled to 150 classrooms in 66 school buildings located in 11 provinces, this time with pledges from other members of the private sector and additional funds from donations made with ABS-CBN’s Sagip Kapamilya progam.

“After completing the first 64 schools, we decided to write letters to the other chief executive officers of the Lopez Group – from insurance companies and friends. We were able to go through funding for another 100 classrooms,” he added.

To mark the success of its started program, EDC held the opening ceremony at the Margen National High School in Ormoc, Leyte last Friday—in time for the official start of classes on June 13 (Monday).

A classroom in Margen High were fully furnished with chairs, concave-design blackboards, wall-mounted electric fans and LED lights, while the school was also designed with insulated roofing, gender-based comfort rooms that also provided easier access for persons with disabilities, and wider windows. One of the firms that helped in building the classrooms was Sy & Associates Structural Engineers, led by Engineer Boy Sy, who also designs most of the high rise structures in Manila.

Tantoco said the engineering firm provided the cathedral-type ceiling design, with the projects located mostly in Leyte, including a few in Samar and Iloilo.

“We built it out in communities that need help, all the way to Passi, Iloilo.

8 hours by rough road—we

built it for the future,” he said.

Aside from being used for school days, the EDC president emphasized the classrooms could be used as evacuation centers in times of harsh storms as the facilities could withstand up to 250 kilometers per hour (kph).

“When we talked to the Department of Education (DEPED), they said they were against using the classrooms as evacuation centers, because the children can’t study after the typhoon passes.

But the reality is—when you’re here in the rural areas—you have no choice.

So we designed and built it strong to withstand the strength of a typhoon... The facility could withstand 250 kph, there’s no need for 300 kph at ground level. That’s super solid,” he said.

With an estimated beneficiary of 9,000 students, the school will be turned over to DEPED and EDC will be given a deed of donation through the adopt-a-school program.

Lopez Group manager for school rebuilding program, Leonardo Ablaza, also cited the group completed the construction of 50 typhoon-resilient buildings, which featured 118 classrooms in Leyte, Samar, Iloilo, Capiz and Bukidnon.

The project will continue with the construction of 32 more classrooms in 16 school buildings set to be completed from July to September, closing the PHP196 million re-building program.

“Five school buildings with 10 rooms are scheduled for completion in July in Leyte; nine buildings with 18 rooms in Augustin, Bicol, Bohol and Aklan; and the remaining two school build-

ings with four rooms in Iloilo in September,” Lopez-led First Philippine Holdings Corp. said in a statement.

Other areas that benefit-

ed from the school rebuilding program are: Sorsogon, Albay and Laguna. Energy Development Corp., which mostly has geothermal op-

erations in Eastern Visayas, is a subsidiary of First Gen Corp, under Lopez-led First Philippine Holdings Corp.

(PNA)

40-year old man enters Grade 1 class in Laoag

By Leilani G. Adriano

LAOAG CITY, June 14 (PNA) – Orphaned at a young age and afflicted by polio virus, Jay Caliboso, 40, knows life would become easier if only he has finished education.

But like the famous saying, “it is better to be late than never,” Caliboso is among the fresh enrollees for Grade 1 at the Amorosa Elementary School in this city.

As a farm caretaker of a relative in Mangato B who is now residing in Hawaii, Caliboso enjoys planting and selling vegetables. Since he never got a chance to enter school in his younger years, he could hardly identify money bills from buyers.

Often looked down by some people around him, Caliboso, a native of Abulug, Cagayan migrated to Laoag City to help tend at the farm of a relative.

With the help of relatives in Hawaii who pledged to

support his studies, he decided to enroll in first grade this school year.

On the first day of classes, Joel Remigio, Principal of the Amarosa Elementary School welcomed its students as they cited Caliboso’s case as an “inspiration” among its younger peers.

Remigio said it is the first time that their school will have an enrollee like him, as he told other students to respect and treat him as “kuya” or a big brother of the class.

“Despite his age, we know he has the will to learn,” said Remigio saying they have assigned him to a highly competent teacher who is well trained enough to adopt to his situation.

Under the Accreditation and Equivalency Program of the Department of Education, Caliboso may later on take the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT), one of DepEd’s testing programs should

he qualify for grade level acceleration.

In support of the government’s “Education for All” program, the equivalency test is being administered to students which is meant to retrieve out-of-school youth (OSY) and placing them in the formal school system if they so desire.

This is also one way of validating and accrediting knowledge and skills in academic areas gained through informal and non-formal means for re-entry into formal school, job promotion, entry to job training, for employment and self-fulfillment among others.(PNA) JMC/LGA

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DEATH PENALTY

ING BANK

From page 1

From page 1

were also seen to further lend credence to the robustness of the economy, he said.

“We believe that 2Q GDP (second quarter gross domestic product) growth could accelerate further while 2H growth moderates to an average of six percent,” he said.

Thus, Cuyegkeng revised upwards his 6.2 percent growth projection for the economy this year to 6.5 percent and 6.2 percent for next year. ”We anticipate that higher consumers’ incomes and purchasing power and higher government spending would keep growth at above six percent in 2017. Improvement in agriculture output in 2017 would present some upside possibilities,” he said.

In 2015, the domestic economy posted a 5.8 percent output, as measured by GDP. It was lower than 2014’s 6.1 percent but remained strong given the external volatili-

ties and its impact on the domestic economy.

In the first quarter this year, the economy posted the highest growth in the region at 6.9 percent and the fourth quarter 2015 print of 6.3 percent was revised upwards to 6.5 percent.

The government’s spending performance, among others, is seen to help prop up the economy further.

As of last March, government spending rose 17 percent year-on-year to Php 591.5 billion against year-ago’s Php 504 billion.

Last March alone, government spending rose 23 percent to Php 232.2 billion compared to the Php 188.5 billion same period in 2015.

Cuyegkeng said the government might release the April 2016 fiscal performance this week and he did not expect this “to be market moving.”

SCHOOL OPENING From page 1

much solvable within the day.

“Wala akong nakikitang malawakang problema... Yung aking monitoring ng media reports are really solvable. Madaling tugunan na problema,” he said.

He said that complaints received by their DepEd’s help desk at the the agency’s main office in Pasig City include congestion in some schools and non-enrollment of students.

Luistro said the enrollment of Grade 11 students would be higher by more than 50 percent compared to the number of enrollees for fourth year high school in the past.

He said that more than 600,000 Grade 11 students have enrolled so far, majority of which coming from public schools, based on the DepEd’s national online database.

“Ang enrollees natin sa Grade 11 will be much much more than half ng historical numbers that we are seeing sa fourth year high school.

For the first time, we have national database. Ang nae-encode pa lang ay mostly public schools. Kanina nang icheck ko ay more than 600,000,” Luistro said.

He said the number is expected to increase as schools in far-flung areas have yet to transmit data.

Luistro said the DepEd’s target for Grade 11 enrollees remained at 80 percent to 90 percent of those who finished Grade 10 or junior high school.

The DepEd expects to get the final number of Grade 11 enrollees this coming Friday.

(MNS)

TERRORIST From page 1

the remaining hostages in view of the recent appeal from the family of Hall’s girlfriend Marites Flor. Hall was beheaded after the deadline to pay the ransom demand of P300 million lapsed on Monday.

“Wala naman siyang binanggit, nagkita kami kagabi (He did not mention it when we met last night [Monday night]. I did not also ask him. But I will not be surprised as Duterte always helps those in need,” he added.

The ASG beheaded Canadian national John Ridsdel on April 25 after government refused to pay the P300-million ransom.

Ridsdel and Hall were two of the four people

THE US ASIAN POST

abducted from Holiday Ocean View Samal Resort in Camudmud, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal around 11:30 p.m. on September 21, 2015. Still held hostage by the ASG are Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, and Flor.

According to Panelo, in incidents like kidnapping, Duterte’s style is always backdoor negotiation. “I am sure he will discuss this when he assumes,” he said.

“Basta alam ko (All I know) he will not tolerate or condone any illegality in this country. He will do everything in his power stop all these,” he added. (PNA)

“My take is, either we vote for or against the measure once it reaches the Senate floor depending on our own conviction but definitely not to accommodate the President of the Republic,” he added.

Lacson, who is in favor of the death penalty, was responding to reelected Senator Ralph Recto’s statement that the proposed restoration of the death penalty should have a sunset provision that it should be imposed for six years only.

“I am personally against the death penalty but assuming it will be restored, I will propose it be imposed only for six years or only during the term of President Duterte,” Recto said in a text message to reporters last Friday.

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, chairman of the Senate committee on justice, was also cold to Recto’s proposal, saying there was no need for such a provision since the law could be repealed anyway.

“That’s a novel approach but baka magopen tayo ng new debates about that (That’s a novel approach but we might open new debates about that)…” he said of Recto’s proposal.

“Anyway, ‘pag nabago na po ang mood ng taumbayan, nagbago na po ang mood ng legislators, ng policymakers, it can be repealed any time. There’s no irrepealable law so anytime, when the time comes, it can be repealed; pwede na pong hindi ilagay ‘yang sunset provision sa batas,” Pimentel said.

(Anyway, if the people’s mood changes, if the mood of the legislators and policymakers

ORLANDO From page 1

ida has once again shocked and stunned the world who can only cry out: when will this kind of violence stop?”

On the other hand, Bishop Broderick Papilla, chairman of the Committee on Laity of the CBCP, condemned the attack that killed 50 people and injured 53 others.

“All people who are for peace condemn such killings. This happens when firearms are in the loose and when people are trigger-happy. Death is not the answer to society’s problems,” said the Manila Auxiliary bishop.

The gunman was identified as Omar Mateen, 29, of Fort Pierce, Florida.

The incident is considered as the deadliest mass shooting in the United States and the nation’s worst terror attack since 9/11.

(PNA)

change, it can be repealed any time. There’s no irrepealable law so anytime, when the time comes, it can be repealed; having a sunset provision won’t be necessary.)

Pimentel, who is said to be the next Senate president in the 17th Congress, believes that the death penalty should be reimposed on heinous crimes involving illegal drugs.

(MNS)

POVERTY REDUCTION From page 1

through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

“Lahat ng tagumpay natin ay sa pangunahin nating pagsisikap na iwan ang bansa sa magandang lagay,” the President said.

“Kasabay ng paglago ng ekonomiya, pinapalago ang imprastraktura, kalusugan, edukasyon para sa ikaangat ng ating mga boss. Patuloy tayong magbantay para ituloy ito,” he said.

Aquino will step down from office at noon on June 30. He will be succeeded by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. (MNS)

NO FILIPINO From page 1

29, of Fort Pierce, Florida shot 50 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando – the deadliest mass shooting in the US in recent history.

“According to our embassy in Washington D.C. our honorary consul in Orlando said that authorities there have not released any information including names of casualties, but our embassy continues to coordinate with Orlando authorities as well as with Filipinos there to gather more information,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said.

“But so far there are no reports of Filipinos among casualties in the Orlando shooting,” Jose added.

The Philippines he said is not inclined at the moment to issue a travel advisory, calling it a “random incident.”

“I’m sure our embassy in DC will issue an appropriate advisory to Filipinos in the area,” Jose said. (PNA)