US Asian Post May 13, 2016

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Vol. 5 No. 33

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DUTERTE IS PHL’S NEW PRESIDENT

By Ayee Macaraig

Manila, Philippines | AFP | Monday 5/9/2016 – Anti-establishment firebrand Rodrigo Duterte stormed to a huge win in the Philippine presidential elections, according to poll monitor data released Tuesday, after an incendiary campaign dominated by his profanity-laced vows to kill criminals.

Duterte, the longtime mayor of the southern city of Davao, hypnotized millions with his vows of brutal but quick solutions to the nation’s twin plagues of crime and

poverty, which many believed had worsened despite strong economic growth in recent years.

And after a record turnout of See DUTERTE, page 12

Duterte calls out for nat’l healing Presumptive president-elect offers hand to presidential rivals DAVAO CITY, May 9 (PNA) – Presidential aspirant Mayor Rodrigo Duterte offered a hand of reconciliation to his presidential opponents and other candidates and “let us begin the national healing now.”

In his talk with members of the press at the Duterte-Cayetano Media Center, Duterte called out to

presidential aspirants Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Grace Poe, former Interior secretary Mar Roxas and Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago including Senator Antonio Trillanes, who have filed plunder charges against him, to begin the healing, saying, “the black propaganda and false accusations are just clearly part of the days’ work in an election.”

See HEALING, page 12

“I accept the mandate of the people” – Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte

Conduct of polls in Metro Manila generally peaceful

By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, May 9 (PNA) – Despite some recorded incidents of glitches in vote counting machines (VCMs), the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said Monday’s polls in the metropolis has been “generally peaceful.”

NCRPO Chief Police Director Joel Pagdilao told the Philippines News Agency that the people were able to go to polling centers and were able to cast their votes, noting that such incidents are “very isolated in nature” and did not

Poe gracefully concedes to Duterte

By Jelly F. Musico

hamper the conduct of the election process.

“In Metro Manila so far the election also generally peaceful and there still full alert status,” Pagdilao said in a phone interview.

He said that as of 5:00 p.m.

Monday, a total of 71 persons were arrested due to liquor ban and expected to be lifted before midnight.

For her part, Southern Police District (SPD) spokesperson Jenny Tecson said that an election supervisor in Pasay City reported

MANILA, May 10 (PNA) – Senator Grace Poe became the first presidential candidate to concede to frontrunning Rodrigo Duterte as the Davao City mayor’s lead has ballooned to five million based on the partial and unofficial results of the presidential race.

Poe announced her decision late Monday night in a press conference at the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) headquarters at Scout Borromeo in Quezon City moments after she called up Duterte as show

See PEACEFUL, page 12

See POE GRACEFULLY, page 12

Leni leads count, but Bongbong certain he ‘would win’ in the official canvass of votes

By Ferdinand G. Patinio

MANILA, May 10 (PNA) -- The camp of vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is confident that he would win in the official canvass of the votes in the just concluded May 9 polls.

“We are certain that after all of these things, we will emerge victorious. We are very certain,” said Rep. Jonathan dela Cruz, the senator’s campaign adviser.

He explained that the exit polls of the Social Weather Stations and other transparency groups Robredo have confirmed their own internal polling that showed Marcos getting 34.9 percent of the votes compared with Liberal Party Leni Robredo’s 32.2 percent.

“So we are certain that once the official canvas starts, we will be emerging victorious,” the legislator added.

With this, Dela Cruz noted that there were still many votes that have yet to be transmitted in various areas, including those that are known bailiwicks of Sen. Marcos such as Ilocos Sur, with 11 See LENI LEADS, page 12

Presidential aspirant Senator Grace Poe visited the tomb of his late father Fernando Poe Jr. at the North Cemetery before going to her precinct in San Juan City on Monday (May 9, 2016) to cast her vote. (PNA photo courtesy of Poe-Chiz media bureau)

Comelec targets to proclaim Grace Poe drops by 12 winning senators in a week FPJ’s tomb before Ferdinand G. Patino would really depend on the election losing presidential race By MANILA, May 9 (PNA) – results they will be getting.

MANILA, May 9 (Mabuhay) – Senator Grace Poe went to the tomb of her late father, actor Fernando Poe Jr., before casting her vote in San Juan.

The presidential candidate stopped by the Manila North Cemetery to pay her respects to the elder Poe, more popularly known as FPJ, before heading to Santa Lucia Elementary School to vote.

At the cemetery, the senator said she makes it a point to visit her father’s tomb whenever there is an important occasion in her life.

After casting her vote, Poe admitted she was emotional at the conclusion of her presidential See FPJ’S TOMB page 12

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBoC) is looking to proclaim the winning 12 senators one week after the conduct of the May 9 polls.

In a press briefing on Monday, Comelec Chairman Juan Andres Bautista said that seven days is a safe projection but they will try to make the proclamation earlier.

“I think one week is a good target but we tried to out perform,” he said at the 2016 Elections National Headquarters at the Philippine International Convention Centre (PICC) in Pasay City.

Bautista noted that the proclamation of the top 12 winners

“I cannot really say. It really depends on how quick our Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) transmit the results (election results),” he added.

Bautista said the NBoC is dependent on the transmission of the official, canvassed results from the Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBoC), which is also reliant on the proceedings at the Municipal/ City Board of Canvassers (MBoC/ CBoC).

He added that they will try to improve their performance than in the 2013 polls.

“Of course, we will try to outperform (the 2013 elections),” he said.

See COMELEC, page 12

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Escudero concedes defeat in VP race

By Jelly F. Musico

Vice presidential candidate Sen. Francis “ Chiz” Escudero of Team Galing at Puso, together with his wife, Actress Heart Evangelista, cast their votes at Precinct No. 0079A of Buhatan Intergrated National School in Brgy. Buhatan, Sorsogon City on Monday morning. The senator later conceded defeat. (MNS photo)

Netizens share voting experiences online

By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata

MANILA, May 9 (PNA) – Voters took to social media their experiences during the first few hours of the May 2016 national polls, as Filipinos get to elect the country’s president, vice president, half of the senatorial lineup and local officials.

PhilHealth board member Karen Villanueva expressed her dismay at the slow services in Precinct 353 of Merville Community Center. She lamented that the teachers in that precinct didn’t seem to hear the voters’ feedback.

Villanueva added that in two hours, Precinct 353 only facilitated 70 voters, as compared to the nearby precinct with 110.

Voting process at a precinct in Parang, Marikina was delayed due to technical problems, shared Charina Echaluce, a reporter.

According to her, many

voters waited outside the precinct, while some opted to go home.

Franz Liboon praised the teachers at Precinct 86B of Julugan Elementary School in Tanza, Cavite. Liboon, who casted his votes at 6:00 a.m., said the voting process was well-organized, efficient and on-time.

In her Twitter account, Jovee Marie Dela Cruz said, “Everything is going well so far here at Torres High School in Tondo, Manila.”

Husband and wife Ed and May De Guzman casted their votes at Eulogio Rodriguez Elementary School in Cubao, Quezon City.

Ed said they did not encounter any problem in their precinct, as everything was orderly and peaceful.

“The policemen wore their uniforms properly; the poll watchers and other assistants were very accommodating and courteous,” he

told the Philippines News Agency.

Foreign correspondent Dario Agnote, meanwhile, shared it took him 30 minutes to complete the whole voting process.

Broadcaster Melo Acuña, on the other hand, noticed the trash (campaign materials) and the long queues in Quezon City.

“Police personnel have been on their toes confiscating campaign materials about to be brought into the voting centers,” he said.

(PNA)

MANILA, May 10 (PNA) – Like her running mate presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe, Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero has conceded defeat in the presidential race.

Escudero made his announcement in his home province in Sorsogon on Tuesday morning, eight hours after Poe conceded to frontrunner Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. ”Tinatanggap ko ng buong pagpapakumbaba ang resulta ng halalan.

Naging malaking karangalan sa akin na makatrabaho lahat ng nakatrabaho at nakasama ko nitong nakaraang buwan kaugnay ng halalan na ito,” Escudero told the media interview.

With Escudero 4,562,806 votes, Escudero is current-

ly in fourth place behind fellow candidate from Bicol congresswoman Leni Robredo (13,251,341), Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (13,124.911), and Senator Alan Cayetano (5,421,493 votes).

Escudero congratulated Duterte and encouraged his supporters to support whoever wins the elections. ”Binabati ko si Mayor Duterte at sa dikitan laban sa ikalawang pagkapangulo, binabati ko sino man sa kanila manalo pero syempre mas ninanais ko na ang kababayan ko kung may mananalo,” Escudero said.

Escudero did not name names but two other vice presidential aspirants Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Gringo Honasan are also from Bicol but currently in fifth and sixth spot

with 792,778 and 711,450 votes, respectively.

Escudero said he is looking forward “to quieter times” with his wife actress Heart Evangelista and with two children to former wife Christine Elizabeth Flores.

His marriage with Flores was annulled in 2012.

Based on partial and unofficial results, Duterte is enjoying over six million votes over second running Mar Roxas who has 9,112,889 votes followed by Poe with 8,492,261 votes, Jejomar Binay with 5,036,060 votes and Miriam Defensor Santiago with 1,363,144 votes.

Both Poe and Escudero have three years left to serve as senators, promising to help the next administration in their capacity as legislators. (PNA)

Trillanes on Duterte: ‘I will not be a hindrance’

MANILA, May 10 (PNA) – With Rodrigo Duterte still enjoying wide margin in the presidential race, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Tuesday assured the Davao City mayor that she will not be a hindrance to the reforms that Duterte will implement in the next six years. ”I respect the will of the Filipino people. They have spoken clearly and resoundingly hat the want Mayor Duterte to be our next president,” Trillanes said in a press statement. ”I assure the Mayor and our countrymen that will not be a hindrance to the reform initiatives he intends to push in or government,”

he added.

Trillanes, however, said: “I will continue with my advocacies as a legislator in our system of checks and balances.” ”May God bless our country,” he added.

Trillanes, one of the leaders of the coup attempts against the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, made life difficult for Duterte towards the end of the 90-day election campaign.

However, the senator’s expose on the alleged hidden wealth hardly affected the popularity of Duterte who is now enjoying over six-million vote lead over Liberal Party bet Mar Rox-

as.

Based on the latest partial and unofficial results from the Comelec transparency server, Duterte has already 15,219,591 votes while Roxas is far in the second spot with 9,164,292 votes followed by Senator Grace Poe (8,528,577 votes), Jejomar Binay (5,054,862 votes) and Miriam Defensor Santiago (1,365,625).

Trillanes is in the fifth place of the vice presidential race with 796,436 votes behind Leni Robredo (13,317,564), Bongbong Marcos (13,161,716), Alan Peter Cayetano (5,448,213), Chiz Escudero (4,584,232).

Gringo Honasan has 715,722 votes. (PNA)

PWDs, senior citizens, pregnant women given voting priority

By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, May 9 (PNA) -- Senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and pregnant women were given priority in casting their votes at Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon Elementary School in Novaliches, District 5, Quezon City during the national and local elections on Monday.

These vulnerable sectors of voters were able to exercise their right of suffrage smoothly as a result of the implementation in the said school of the emergency accessible polling places (EAPPs).

EAPPs are makeshift tents located at the ground floor of multi-level voting centers, intended to make the voting process easier to the vulnerable, whether or not they have signified their intent to vote in an APP, according to Comelec Resolution 10108.

In every precinct in the school, the younger voters themselves notify ahead the PWDs, pregnant women and elderly citizens, particularly those suffering from rheumatism and gouty arthritis, that they are the ones that will be given priority in casting their votes.

For PWDs on wheelchairs and clutches who cannot go upstairs as there are no elevators available or special lanes for them, voting in clustered precincts located in higher floors of voting center is a big problem.

One of them was Alma D. Mirasol, with orthopedic disability and a resident of Lazaro Subdivision in Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon, Novaliches.

In an interview, Mirasol told this writer that she came to the school at 7 a.m. so she could vote early to avoid congestion and the extreme heat of the sun, but she was dismayed upon learning that her polling

precinct was located at the second floor of the one of the multi-level buildings of the school.

Since her disability became a hindrance for her to vote, Mirasol said she very much hurt with the consequence of not being able to vote since the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) in the building informed her companion that there were not enough volunteers who could assist her in going up to her voting precinct.

What was most disheartening for her was because she was told that her concern could be attended at p.m. or before the closure of the voting precincts.

Mirasol said her companion, who voted in a precinct in the same school, could not afford to wait for that long period as she had many work to do.

Upon learning of her plight, and seeing how sad she was with the thought of not being able to vote, I asked one of the poll watchers in the school to find out how Mirasol’s problem could be resolved.

After some minutes, I was directed to Election Supervisor Thelma Valencia of the Nagkaisang Nayon Elementary School.

Valencia immediately

decided to go to where Mirasol was staying and asked the necessary information so that she could assist her.

The election official later secure the needed election paraphernalia to enable the said PWD to vote with ease in the presence of her companion and some poll watchers. The ballot, once filled up in the designated area, was fed into the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machine by the companion of Mirasol in the precinct where she was supposed to vote. Valencia told this reporter later that the Comelec devised the emergency accessible polling places (EAPPs) to make voting easier for PWDs, senior citizens and pregnant women in case their precincts are situated on the higher floors of voting centers.

Meanwhile, except for longer minutes of waiting as the voters were placed first in “holding areas” before voting, there were no big complaints from voters at the Nagkaisang Nayon Elementary School as volunteers from the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) assisted the voters who forgot the location of their polling precincts.

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Business titans ‘secretly’ behind presidential bets

By Cecil MORELLA

Manila, Philippines | AFP | Sunday 5/8/2016 – Philippine presidential winner Rodrigo Duterte has flippantly brushed aside campaign trail allegations of accepting million-dollar gifts, while his rivals have refused to disclose their backers, deepening concerns over business titans’ shadowy grip on politics.

The Philippines has one of Asia’s biggest rich-poor divides, with poverty rates remaining stuck in recent years despite strong economic growth, and analysts say one of the reasons for the disparity is the debt that politicians owe their secret backers.

Under the nation’s campaign financing laws, there are no caps on how much people or companies can give to candidates, nor are there limits on individual donations.

They also do not have to reveal their backers until a month after polling day.

Duterte has entrenched himself as the clear frontrunner for Monday’s elections by portraying himself as a frugal, anti-establishment politician who is tough enough to take on the elites.

“When I become president, by the grace of God, I serve the people, not you,”

Duterte told reporters this week, referring to the elite.

But in the final stages of the campaign trail Duterte, who is meant to earn less than $2,000 a month as the mayor of the southern city of Davao, was hit with allegations that millions of dollars had poured into secret bank accounts.

He initially denied there were any hidden accounts.

After a journalist deposited money into them, he admitted they did exist and that 193.7 million pesos ($4.2 million) were deposited into them on his birthday two years ago, nearly 10 times his declared assets.

“That only means I have many rich friends,” he said, refusing to disclose who they were.

Asked at an earlier national television debate to name his campaign donors, Duterte gave a mocking answer, answering “Emilio Aguinaldo”, a leader of the Philippines’ 19th-century war for independence from colonial power Spain.

Buying politicians His rivals similarly have felt no obligation to tell voters who their backers are, let alone how much they have been paid by them.

Senator Grace Poe, who has been in politics for just three years and fashions herself as a lily-white poster

image of change and probity, has been widely rumoured to be backed by taipans Eduardo Cojuangco and Ramon Ang. They are in charge of San Miguel Corporation, one of the nation’s biggest conglomerates.

Cojuangco was one of dictator Ferdinand Marcos’s cronies until the 1986 “People Power” revolution sent the strongman into US exile.

Cojuangco fled on the same plane but returned three years later and kept building his business empire, while also running a political party that today is backing Poe. When asked by AFP to confirm that Cojuangco and Ang were funding her campaign, Poe spoke only in general terms that there was nothing wrong with taking money from people linked with Marcos.

“All candidates have support from both sides of the fence. If they say they don’t have any they’re lying,” Poe replied.

She said her backers and their donations would be revealed after the election, as per the law.

Marcos’s son and namesake, who is seeking to cement a remarkable political comeback for the family by being elected vice president on Monday, also referred

De Venecia to candidates and supporters: Unite after election DAGUPAN CITY, May 9 (PNA) – Former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. called for an end to mutual recriminations among the candidates and their supporters after casting their votes in today’s election, calling on them to now begin to unite the people and the country.

Interviewed after voting at his polling precinct at the Federico Ceralde Elementary School in Bonuan Binloc, Dagupan City at past 9 p.m. today, De Venecia challenged all the candidates who fought each other in this election to become statesmen and stateswomen by helping create what he called the government of national unity “in order to unite our democracy and to

unite our people.”

De Venecia was accompanied by his wife Rep. Gina de Venecia of the Fourth District of Pangasinan, and their son Christopher “Toff” de Venecia, a candidate for congressman who voted earlier at Bolasi Elementary School in adjacent San Fabian town.

“In my capacity as chairman of all political parties of Asia, about 30 to 50 of them, composed of ruling and opposition parties, I always ask after every election for the union of forces by the victors and the vanquished, “ he said.

This is needed so that all forces can join together to defeat poverty, fight climate change and lift the people

from the abyss of poverty “so that we can dramatically enlarge the Filipino middle class.”

He said this can be done and will be done because all that is needed is to unite and let the political parties get together.

“As I said, the victorious must be magnanimous and embrace those who are vanquished so that we can truly, sincerely and genuinely unite the Filipino people.

That is all that is needed to lift our country to its newly industrialized economic status,” De Venecia said.

He expressed optimism that bringing the country to industrialized economic status can be done for the next six years. (PNA)

Namfrel expresses voters’ disenfranchisement over election glitches

By Filane Mikee Cervantes

MANILA, May 9 (PNA) – The National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) on Monday expressed its concern over cases of disenfranchisement resulting from the vote counting machine (VCM) malfunctions that happened.

In a statement, Namfrel said the nature of malfunctions that the VCMs manifested include sudden shutting down for no particular reason, paper jams which resulted in long queues for the inserting of ballots, failure to issue voter verified paper audit trail (VVPAT), and overheating.

Namfrel also expressed its disappointment with the rampant vote-buying happening in the provinces.

According to reports gathered by Namfrel, there were allegedly bribes amounting to more than Php4,000 per voter.

The poll watchdog also received complaints of alleged coercion and intimidation happening within the polling centers.

“Candidates and political party agents have been reported in areas in ARMM (Autonomous Region in Mslim Mindanao) coercing voters while voting,” said

Photo shows election watchdog National Citizens Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) volunteers busy gathering election data on Monday (May 9, 2016) at its headquarters in La Salle Green Hills, Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

Namfrel.

Namfrel is also expecting the Random Manual Auditing (RMA) teams to start once the polling precincts that will be covered are announced.

“With 238 polling precincts covered, we expect that it will give a sense of the accuracy of the voting machines since we have received numerous reports of VVPAT information not matching the votes in the ballot,” said Namfrel.

It assured they will monitor the transmission of

election results from all over the country to be relayed to the Comelec servers and the Transparency server.

“We hope that failures in transmission will be lessened through the use of different transmission devices which the Comelec purchases,” it said.

Namfrel is the organization accredited by the Comelec to assist in election-related matters, such as monitoring and reporting possible irregularities and anomalies during election period. (PNA)

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A fiesta-like atmosphere dominates the vicinity of the Camarin Elementary School in Barangay 175, Caloocan City because of the colorful posters put up by national and local politicians prior to the elections on Monday (May 9, 2016). (MNS photo)

only to his legal obligations, when asked by AFP in an interview to disclose his backers.

Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, whose late father was accused of looting $10 billion from state coffers during his two-decade rule, rejected the notion that he would be beholden to his secret donors.

“That would imply that you bought a politician. I don’t think I would allow that to happen to myself,” Marcos Jnr said.

Weak laws In the Philippines, campaign spending is meant to be capped at 10 pesos per voter, which this year will mean a maximum budget for each presidential candidate equivalent to about

$11 million.

In some advanced Western democracies the donations are typically limited to relatively small sums to encourage a larger section of the population to put their representative into office.

However in the Philippines the uncapped donations mean the funding can be provided by big-money donors in hopes of currying favours with an entire government, according to Ronald Mendoza, newly appointed dean of the Ateneo School of Government in Manila.

He said said the porous election finance safeguards made the economy vulnerable to being held captive by big-time punters’ personal interests.

“Only a few can give such large amounts.... so you’re no longer accountable to people who voted you in. You become more accountable to the person who actually financed you,” Mendoza told AFP. Historically, Mendoza said this led to monopolies and economic stagnation, since reforms were blocked and competition discouraged to enable campaign benefactors to recoup their investment on the new leader. A mere 308 Filipinos funded the 2010 presidential election, turning them into virtual venture capitalists financing high-risk startups, according to a study by the Manila-based Philippine Centre for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ).

No areas declared failure of election: COMELEC

By Kris M. Crismundo

MANILA, May 9 (PNA) – Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chair Andres Bautista said there are no areas that declared failure of election this 2016 National Elections.

In a briefing at the National Canvassing Center at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Bautista mentioned there have been reports that wrong ballots were sent in polling centers in Cebu.

“There have been reports, for example in Cordova, Cebu, wherein ballots were sent there were wrong ballots and we want to know how it would impact the elections,” he said.

“There were other misdeliveries (of ballots) but they were corrected in time,” he added.

Common glitches reported on Monday’s election were related to vote counting machines (VCMs).

The COMELEC chair

mentioned that as of 4 p.m., only 2.55 percent of total 92,509 VCMs or 2,363 were called in this year.

In 2013 elections, 4,760 out of 77,829 machines were called in or a high of 6.11 percent, Bautista added.

“So you could see that it is much lower than of 2013 and almost similar to that of 2010,” he said.

Bautista, on the other note, said the poll body has yet to identify the turnout of elections this year. (PNA)

10 killed, 3 hurt in Monday’s poll-related violence: AFP

By Priam F. Nepomuceno

MANILA, May 9 (PNA) – Around 10 people were killed while three others were reported wounded in 22 election-related violent incidents (ERVI) recorded Monday.

This was announced by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in a briefing at the military’s National Election Monitoring Center around 3:00 p.m.

This is from midnight to 2:00 p.m. Monday, he added. “(These) reports (came) from (all) our area commands stationed all throughout the country,” Padilla added, without giv-

ing specifics on these cases.

The Western Mindanao Command recorded the most number of ERVIs with one ambush, three indiscriminate firing/strafing, one mauling, three shooting incidents, three arson cases, three explosions or bombings, and one apprehension.

Meanwhile, the Central Command, which has jurisdiction over the Visayas group of islands, recorded one harassment and one shooting incident.

The Southern Luzon Command, which has control over Southern Tagalog, reported two indiscriminate firing incidents and one shooting incident while Northern Luzon recorded

one gunfight between two parties vying for a mayoralty post and arrest of eight individuals for possessing eight unlicensed pistols.

Padilla said no ERVIs were reported in the Western Command, Eastern Mindanao Command and Joint Task Group-National Capital Region.

Despite these incidents, the AFP spokesperson said Monday’s elections can still be considered peaceful and orderly as polls were still able to continue.

He added that the military and PNP will continue to keep tight watch on the rest of the country to prevent further violent offshoots. (PNA) BNB/PFN/ Tiffany Nepomuceno

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Duterte to ‘butcher’ criminals?

By Ayee Macaraig

Manila, Philippines | AFP | Saturday 5/7/2016 – Philippine presidential favourite Rodrigo Duterte vowed to forget human rights if he wins Monday’s election and “butcher” criminals, in a typically savage tirade to end an explosive campaign.

Duterte, who has hypnotised millions of voters with his promises to eradicate crime and corruption, repeatedly warned tens of thousands of fans in Manila on Saturday night that there would be mass killings under his presidency.

“Forget the laws on human rights,” said Duterte, as he boasted of killing criminals during his more than two decades as mayor of the southern city of Davao.

“If I make it to the presidential palace, I will do just what I did as mayor. You drug pushers, hold-up men and do-nothings, you better go out. Because as the mayor, I’d kill you.”

In his 90-minute speech, the last of his campaign, Duterte said he would be prepared to kill a criminal even in front of human rights campaigners or other critics.

“I will butcher him in front of them if they want,” he said.

Duterte, 71, has made his threats to kill criminals the centrepiece of his campaign strategy, outraging critics but winning the hearts of many in an electorate who are fed up with lawlessness and corruption.

Duterte, who has also used foul language to help cast himself as an anti-establishment figure, has a lead of 11 percentage points going into Monday’s election, according to the latest survey.

Senator Grace Poe, the adopted daughter of a late movie star, and establishment bedrock Mar Roxas, are tied in second place. Vice President Jejomar Binay, the early favourite, has fallen to fourth place under the weight of a barrage of corruption allegations.

‘Return of terror’ Aside from his cuss-filled promises to kill, Duterte has rocked the political establishment with threats to instill one-man rule if lawmakers disobey him and create a revolutionary government that could rewrite the constitution.

He has also caused disgust in international diplomatic circles with a joke that he wanted to rape a “beautiful” Australian missionary who was killed in a 1989 Philippine prison riot, and boasted repeatedly about his Viagra-fuelled affairs.

President Benigno Aquino, whose mother led the democracy movement that ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos a generation ago, has repeatedly warned the nation is at risk of succumbing to another dictatorship.

At Roxas’s final campaign rally, which took place on Saturday at the same time as Duterte’s on the other side of Manila, Aquino launched his fiercest verbal attack yet on the insurgent candidate, likening his rise to that of German Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.

“I need your help to stop the return of terror in our land. I cannot do it alone,” Aquino said, urging Filipinos to learn from history.

“We should remember how Hitler came to power. If you allow them to oppress your fellow man and you do not speak up, you will be the next one to be oppressed.”

Duterte responded on Saturday to Aquino’s previous criticism of him by describing the president as a “son of a whore”.

‘Eat bullets’ Duterte also elaborated on his rule of Davao, where rights groups have accused him of being behind vigilante death squads that killed more than 1,000 people.

They mayor says he has turned the city of roughly two million people into one of the safest and wealthiest in the country, and is promising to do the same for the rest of the country.

“There will be no corruption in government. If you don’t believe just go to Davao and see. When I say I will make (a criminal) eat a bullet, you must believe me,” he said.

Among the attendees was 84-year-old housewife Zenaida Gobangco, who said she would vote for Duterte.

“He is sincere. When he says he will kill criminals, it is just right that we have a leader people fear,” she said.

While Duterte is undeniably the favourite, he lacks the sophisticated political machinery of some of his rivals and is not guaranteed victory, according to Manila-based political analyst Earl Parreno.

Roxas, a US-educated investment banker who served as interior and transport secretaries in Aquino’s administration, is in the strongest position to challenge him, Parreno, from the Institute of Political and Electoral Reforms, told AFP. Roxas can expect a boost of about five percentage points from the machinery of the Liberal Party, which can use its money and influence to get people into voting booths, he said.

“We also still have the undecided. It’s going to be a very, very close fight,” Parreno said.

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OPINION

From pope to penis, Duterte shocks with trash talk

Manila, Philippines | AFP | Monday 5/9/2016 – Philippine presidential favourite Rodrigo Duterte has hypnotised his fans and outraged critics with swearing, gutter talk and threats to kill throughout an explosive election campaign.

Here are the five of the most provocative remarks of the long-time mayor of the southern city Davao, who is known as the “Punisher” or the Philippines’ “Dirty Harry”: – Rape ‘joke’ “They raped all of the women. There was this Australian lay minister. When they took them out, I saw her face and I thought, ‘Son of a whore.

What a pity. They raped her, they all lined up. I was mad she was raped but she was so beautiful.

I thought, the mayor should have been first.’”

Duterte on the campaign hustings in April, recounting a 1989 prison riot in Davao – Pope, go home “It took us five hours to get from the hotel to the airport. I asked who was coming. They said it was the pope. I wanted to call him. ‘Pope, son of a whore, go home. Don’t visit anymore.’”

Duterte in a November speech recalling being stuck in Manila traffic when Pope Francis visited

the Philippines in January 2015 – Fattening fish “I do not want to commit a crime but if by chance, God will place me (in the presidency), watch out. The 1,000 (I allegedly killed) will become 100,000. That will fatten the fish in Manila Bay. I will dump their bodies there.”

Duterte in a June 2015 interview, referring to his plans to fight crime by killing suspected criminals – Forget human rights “Forget the laws on human rights. If I make it to the presidential palace, I will do just what I did as mayor. You drug pushers, hold-up men and do-nothings, you better go out. Because as the mayor, I’d kill you.”

Duterte revels in his disregard for human right laws in his final campaign rally on Saturday – Viagra quip “I was separated from my wife. I’m not impotent. What am I supposed to do? Let this hang forever? When I take Viagra, it stands up.”

Duterte in an April address to the nation’s premier business group, defending his reputation as a womanizer.

10 events that define President Aquino’s legacy

Manila, Philippines | AFP | Monday 5/9/2016 – The Philippines holds elections on Monday to choose a successor to President Benigno Aquino. Here are 10 crucial victories and setbacks that came to define his six years in office: – August 23, 2010: Hong Kong hostage crisis Barely two months in office, Aquino faces his first major crisis when a disgraced policeman takes a busload of Hong Kong tourists hostage.

The gunman and eight hostages are killed in a hail of gunfire hours later in a bungled police rescue operation that deeply embarrasses the young administration and strains ties with the Chinese territory for years.

– November 18, 2011: Arroyo arrest Benigno Aquino makes good on a vow to have his predecessor and arch-rival Gloria Arroyo arrested and stand trial for vote fraud.

When the country’s chief justice, Renato Corona, takes steps to get Arroyo bailed, Aquino allies have him impeached and removed from office. Arroyo remains under house arrest for the rest of Aquino’s term as the trial drags on with little progress.

– December 21, 2012: Reproductive health law Aquino signs a landmark law mandating the state provide free contraceptives to poor couples and teach sex education in schools, defeating years of opposition by the dominant Roman Catholic church.

– March 27, 2013: Investment grade Once regarded as Asia’s basket case, the Philippines wins its first investment-grade credit rating, with Fitch Ratings citing the political and economic reforms implemented under Aquino.

Similar upgrades from Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s follow later that year.

– November 8, 2013: Super Typhoon Haiyan Haiyan, the strongest typhoon ever recorded to hit

land at the time, smashes into the central islands and launches tsunami-like waves that devastate the city of Tacloban.

The typhoon leaves at least 7,350 dead or missing across a swathe of poverty-stricken central islands the size of Portugal.

– March 30, 2014: China sea suit Unable to counter China’s military might as it lays claim to most of the South China Sea, Aquino’s government counters by filing a suit at a UN-linked international arbitration tribunal in the Hague.

China refuses to recognise the proceedings.

A ruling on Manila’s bid to have the Chinese claims declared illegal is expected shortly after Aquino stands down.

– April 28, 2014: US Defense Accord In the face of an increasingly assertive China, the Philippines seals an agreement with its main defence ally allowing US troops and equipment to rotate through Philippine military bases in a move designed to bolster the country’s territorial defence.

– January 25, 2015: Mamasapano massacre -= Elite police commandos raid a remote southern village and kill Malaysian bomb maker Zulkifli bin Hir, who is on a US “terrorist” most wanted hitlist, but the team is ambushed by other Muslim guerrilla groups and militias.

Forty-four soldiers die in what becomes known as the Mamasapano massacre, after the town where the killings occurred. The incident provokes public outrage that eventually derails a peace agreement with the country’s main Muslim rebel group.

– February 3, 2016: Peace deal on ice Angered by the killings of the police commandos, Congress fails to pass a law aimed at creating a Muslim autonomous region in the south of the mainly Catholic nation.

Marcos worried of being ‘cheated of victory’ MANILA, May 9 (Mabuhay) –Vice presidential aspirant Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said being cheated of victory has always been his fear in elections, especially now that he feels his campaign message has resonated with many Filipinos.

In a press conference in Mandaluyong after casting his vote in Ilocos Norte, Marcos expressed confidence that he will win the vice presidential race but noted that he has already been a victim of alleged cheating in the past. N“I’m very confident that we will win the elections… I’ve already been a victim of winning the elections and losing in the counting,” Marcos told reporters at his campaign headquarters.

“That has always been a fear. Especially toward the end of the campaign. It was clear that my campaign message was strong,” he added.

Describing the final stretch of the campaign period as the “beginning of tampering or mind-setting that raised suspicions,” the son and namesake of the late dictator said his team will “keep a close eye on what’s happening,” particularly reported cases of

vote-buying.

“Sympre hindi tayo makakatiyak… we don’t know what’s going on inside… Alam n’yo naman na nakaraang mga araw bumabaha ang vote buying sa buong Pilipinas. ‘Yan syempre ay magiging concern ‘yan at binabantayan namin nang mabuti,” he said, vowing to expose and investigate cases of cheating “using all possible means.”

(Of course, we can’t be assured… we don’t know what’s going on inside… You know that over the past few days, vote-buying in the Philippines has become rampant. That would be a concern which we are keeping a close eye on.)

Marcos said his team will conduct an internal quick count of votes at their headquarters.

The senator also urged the public to go out and exercise their right to vote before polling precincts close at 5 p.m. Monday.

“Pumunta kayo at bumoto kayo at iboto ang gusto nyong maging leader,” Marcos said.

(Go [to your precincts] and vote for the candidate whom you want to be your leader.)

DOT: Police trained to be more tourism-oriented MANILA, April 29 (PNA) – Sixty police personnel from the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) were trained this month to be more accustomed to basic tourism concepts and overviews.

This was after the Department of Tourism (DOT), through the initiative of NCRPO Regional Director General Joel Pagdilao, spearheaded a five-day training program in Aloha Hotel, Pasay City from April 4 to 8, 2016.

Personnel from the four districts, namely: Manila Police District (MPD), Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Eastern Police District (EPD), and the Northern Police District (NPD) participated in the training to eventually be part of the tourism frontliners of the tourism industry.

It inculcated values in becoming effective tourism frontliners, an addition to their role of maintaining peace and order in the country.

During their classroom presentations, police personnel underwent various effective lecture discussions, group dynamics and workshops and role-playing.

These will effectively prepare the police force in future dealings with foreign and domestic tourists and assuring total customer satisfaction and value.

Part of the seminar also is a one day tour to some key attractions in Metro Manila where they got a chance to tour sites like Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Rizal Park, St. Joseph Church and its Bamboo Organ in Las Pinas City, the Sarao Jeepney Factory, the Entertainment City Complex, MOA, and the CCP Complex.

The technical visit provided insights how best they can apply their knowledge on what have been taught to them about Metro Manila’s local tourism products and services.

Participants who successfully completed the seminar were conferred TOPCOP graduates during a ceremony held last April 7, 2016 attended by Pagdilao and DOT-NCR Director Atty. Christer James Ray Gaudiano.

DOT Media and Communications Service Director Jazmin Esguerra said that this training program was first implemented in 2011, however, there are talks to hold the program quarterly.

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ENTERT

5

INMENT

Cesar Montano showcases new artworks Actor Cesar Montano who has been painting for 20 years now has unveiled 13 new works.

These are on display at Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City, one of which was bought by Regal Films founder Lily Y. Monteverde who calls him “a gifted artist.”

Prior, Montano held exhibits at the Glass Wing of Ayala Museum and in San Diego, California.

“Parang ’di ko kayang mabuhay kung ’di ako magpipinta,” he said.

“Outlet ko yan, eh. Diyan

ko pwede ipakita ’yung joy or sadness na napi-feel ko.

I just put it on a canvass.”

Yet his busy schedule as actor keeps Cesar from painting more. He admits to paint only when there’s “free time na mahaba.”

Asked why he decided to showcase his latest works at the cafe, Cesar said, “This is not an ordinary bakery. Kung hindi ninyo naitatanong eh, lahat po ng presidentiables natin this coming election ay nakapunta na dito. Pati na rin ’yung ating mga vice presidentiables…”

Besides, owner Wilson Flores is a good friend who told Cesar the venue is always open to promoting arts and culture.

Some of Montano’s new works are titled “Sta. Ana Houses,” “Mango Vendor,” “Anxious Woman,” “Bible Study,” and “The Bar Sleeper.”

The actor once almost starred in a movie about painter Juan Luna. These days, he dreams of doing a film about the Boholano revolutionary Francisco Dagohoy.

“Alam kong darating

’yung time na magagawa ko na ’yung film. Kasi film ko ’yun para sa Bohol kasi katulad din ni Dagohoy tubong Bohol din ako,” he said.

Also on-going at Kamuning Bakery Cafe is the traditional Chinese watercolor painting exhibit by award-winning 12-yearold International School (IS) student Hannah Sun, which was opened April 16 by special guests actress/ poet Karylle, San Miguel Corp. Vice-President Ariel Querubin and Montano.

(MNS)

What’s missing in Angelica Panganiban’s life?

John Prats only has one wish for his best friend, actress Angelica Panganiban, and that is for her to find the man who will be her partner for life.

“Nakikita ko sa kanya na iyon na lang ang kulang sa buhay niya,” said Prats.

“Mabait kasi na tao iyon eh,” he said. “Atsaka nung sinabi ko na buntis iyung wife ko, hindi raw niya alam kung masaya siya o malungkot siya. Alam mo na iyon ang gusto niyang mapuntahan.”

Prats said that he will always be there for Panganiban should she need him. The actress went through a rough patch after her three-year relationship with actor John Lloyd Cruz ended in January.

“Lagi ko naman sinasabi sa kanya na I’m always here. Iyong love ko naman para sa kanya ay unconditional. Basta ako lang, sa sarili ko lang, lagi akong nagdadasal for her happiness,” Prats shared.

Meanwhile, Prats was also asked if Panganiban wrote the “hugot” lines that she has been delivering on Sunday afternoon comedy show “Banana Sundae.”

“It is scripted. Mas malaki lang iyong impact pag siya ang bumitaw. ...Siguro na-timing lang dahil may napagdaanan siya.

Other than that, never naman siya nagsulat o siya yung nag-decide kung ano iyong sasabihin niya,” he said. (MNS)

Angelica Panganiban

City of Los Angeles announces entertainment lineup for ‘Pacific Bridge’ Concert New outdoor event featuring prominent Asian Pacific American entertainers and performers May 5, 2016 LOS ANGELES –Councilmember David Ryu and the City of Los Angeles will be rounding off the end of Los Angeles Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (LAAPAHM) with “Pacific Bridge,” a high energy familyfriendly concert that invites some of the most renowned Asian Pacific American(APA) artists and entertainers for an evening of celebration and liveperformances. This free event will debut on May 21, 2016 between 6:00pm 9:00pm on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall.

Pacific Bridge aims to recognize the historical and cultural ties between the City of Los Angeles and the Asian Pacific American community through art, food, and live performances.

“This community concert is a new effort from the City of Los Angeles to highlight the talent and diversity of APA artists and entertainers in the entertainment industry” said Councilmember David Ryu. “Pacific Bridge gives an opportunity for residents and families all over Los Angeles to join us in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage with a fun, and free evening of live performances.”

Pacific Bridge is part of a series of events LA APAHM is hosting throughout the month of May to highlight that APAs are part of the fabric of the City of Los Angeles and reinforce the 2016 LA APAHM theme “We Are LA.” Below is a sneak peak of the performance lineup: Awkwafina Awkwafina is a Queensborn rapper, comedienne and actress. She is best known for her viral music videos with a feminist tint, and has been featured in

the New York Times, Vice/ Noisey, New York Magazine, The Daily Beast, NBC News, Jezebel, Gawker and more. She is currently a featured cast member on MTV’s Girl Code and will appear in the upcoming films Neighbors 2 and Dude.

She currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.

Dumbfoundead From the battlegrounds to silver screen, Jonathan Park (a.k.a.Dumbfoundead) in less than a decade has built a legendary history in the LA hiphop scene. While he grew up listening to all genres of music, the hip hop scene in the nineties was no doubt bustling and through that Dumbfoundead found his initial hip hop clique that clicked and clacked from a Macarthur Park community center to Project Blowed, an open mic workshop in south central LA. Dumbfoundead developed his skills with an exponential rise to local and even national acclaim with everything from rap battle videos with views in the millions, to spotlights on shows like Late Night with Carson Daly, to most recently his curator role in one of Ktown’s most happening parties: Spamneggs alongside Far East Move-

ment and Tokimonsta.

Tribal Theory Tribal Theory of San Diego, California has established themselves as the originals of Urban Reggae music. Continuously producing fresh musical compositions that are undeniable masterpieces.

Formed in 2005, Tribal Theory’s signature is the fusion of their Pacific Island culture with the feel good vibes of Reggae, grittiness of Urban Ska, and thesoulful harmonies of R&B. This hybrid sound has the depth and versatility to span across many different genres including Reggae, IslandReggae, R&B, Alternative, Roots, and World music.

Run River North Since the band’s beginnings just over four years ago, their rise has been steadily spectacular, marked by appearances on national television, soldout shows at historic venues, tours with rock and roll royalty and heaps of praise from fans and critics alike.

As they blossomed, they embraced their initially folkdriven sound, which found its harmonic home alongside rootsy, foot stomping, singalongleading peers like Mumford & Sons, The Head

and the Heart, and Of Monsters and Men. Powered by the acousticguitarandvocals songwriting of frontman Alex Hwang, their 2014 selftitled debut record, produced by Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, Modest Mouse, Band of Horses), was released with their lineup rounded out by the strings duo of Daniel Chae and Jennifer Rim, Joe Chun on bass, Sally Kang on keys, and John Chong on drums.

In addition to live performances and entertainment, Pacific Bridge will host some of Southern California’s most popular food trucks.

This event is free and open to the public. Visit http://apahm.lacity.org/ for more information.

About Los Angeles Asian Pacific American Heritage Month May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), a celebration of Asian Pacific Americans(APAs) in the United States.

For the last three decades, the City of Los Angeles has held a series of events throughout the month to highlight the significant contributions that APAs have made to the city’s past, present and future. Visit http://apahm. lacity.org/ for more information.

Cesar Montano

Arjo asked: Is Jane Oineza your girlfriend?

Actor Arjo Atayde was asked in a television interview aired Thursday if he is already in a relationship with actress Jane Oineza.

Last month, Oineza admitted that she is seeing the actor, who appears in the ABS-CBN primetime series “Ang Probinsyano”.

Atayde made it clear, however, that Oineza is not his girlfriend.

“Hindi ko siya girlfriend,” he said on the ABS-CBN show “Magandang Buhay”. “Ever since she’s my friend, since before. [She is] one of the few artists na nakilala ko and eventually got close, and I’m getting to know her. I will leave it at that.”

Atayde admitted that it is quite hard for them to meet up lately, citing their respective busy schedules.

“Since may movie shoot siya and I have a teleserye, hindi kami maka-meet ng schedule kahit magyayaan. So for now, text lang kami. That’s it for now,” he explained.

When asked if he is planning to court Oineza, Atayde replied: “Kapag sinabing ligaw, it’s such a big step if you don’t know the person nang buongbuo. I don’t want to jump into conclusions kasi baka masaktan ko rin siya, or masaktan niya ako. That’s why we take it slow.”

Arjo Atayde

“People were commenting na parang, ‘yun nga, nag-deny ako. I’m not denying anything at all. My point is, I have to get to know the person before I court her, so let’s just leave it at that. Kaya nga sabi ko, I’m texting her, getting to know the person. But for now, we are both busy, hindi talaga magkatugma ng schedule. We try going out, but it’s just the schedule itself, so might as well work muna for now and just keep in touch.” (MNS)

Is Mika dela Cruz ready to entertain suitors?

Teen actress Mika dela Cruz was asked if she is ready to entertain suitors as she turns 18 this year.

“Never pa po akong nagka-boyfriend, ever. So, mag e-eighteen na ako, so medyo kabado ako sa future kung anong magiging reaction ng family ko,” she said.

A certified “ate’s girl,” she added that her suitors must first seek the approval of her sister, actress Angelica dela Cruz, before they start courting her.

“Sasakalin po ako ng ate ko,” she quipped. “Siyempre, lahat po ng babae dadaan sa ganun e. In-expect ko naman po na medyo ganun po ang mang-

Mika dela Cruz

yayari sa akin.” (MNS)

6

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DOH: Make PhilHealth enrollment on individual basis

By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, May 8 (PNA) -- Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Janette L. Garin is proposing to the next administration to consider making enrollment or membership in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on individual basis.

“I will be happy if the next administration will make the enrollment (in PhilHealth) on individual basis because that is the only time that we are going to identify the ‘missed members’ of the population,” the Health chief said.

She noted that at present, membership in PhilHealth is only for every family, meaning the household member or head of the family that pays premium for PhilHealth is the principal member and his/her children are the listed dependents.

Secretary Garin that they will include the proposal in a book they will present to next DOH head who will be appointed by the incoming administration.

According to her, through PhilHealth enrollment on individual basis, it will be easier for the government to identify the targets while determining at the same time the actual figures as part of the continuing reforms and efforts needed in the full attainment of the goals of the Universal Health Care or Kalusugang

Pangkalahatan (KP) program.

“That is the only time wherein we can say that truly, there is universal health coverage in the country,” the lady Health chief said, adding that the book that will be compiled will be turned over to the next DOH chief to ensure that health programs that have already been put in place will be sustained and enhanced further.

With the creation of individual enrollment, the database and information system and protection of PhilHealth from being taken advantage of, aside from preventing the fruits of the Sin Tax law that pay the premiums of indigents and senior citizens from being abused, Garin said.

She further said that the next administration can also move forward with the proposal for a reduction of out-of-pocket expenditures on the part of patients who are also needing much attention as part of the goal of enhancing and expanding the access to universal healthcare.

Out-of-pocket expenditures take place as the patient gets the burden of spending due to the lack of medicines, reagents and ancillary procedures in some government hospitals where PhilHealth is supposed to make reimbursement.

Dr. Garin said that making PhilHealth an entity capable or having the power

to procure commonly-used medicines for hospital procedures can help reduce the out-of-pocket expenditures.

“There is no perfect program, but what is best for all of us is to assess each program, accept windows where improvement can be done, and start working,” she said.

Garin, a practicing obstetric gynecologist before her appointment as Health secretary, also first served as undersecretary of DOH. Prior to that, she was considered as one of the champions in the Reproductive Health Rights of Filipinos when she was still in the House of Representatives because of her passion for public health, understanding the plight of the elderly, pregnant women and less privileged sector.

She was known to be a lady legislator who pushed for health measures that led to better health for all such as the Magna Carta for Women, Cheaper Medicines Act, and Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law. The recommendations were among the enhancements that she shared when she was asked to talk about the milestones and remaining gaps of the Kalusugang Pangkalahatan (KP) program implemented by the Aquino government through the DOH in a forum held recently at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM)

Conference Room in Makati City.

The forum tackled the health state of Filipinos in order to identify the gaps and how to address them as the country starts moving forward for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) In mentioning the milestones, Secretary Garin cited several programs that were put in place, such as pneumococcal vaccination among senior citizens, school-based immunization of children, boosting of blood centers as one of the strategies to help reduce the stigma for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) testing, decongesting Metro Manila hospitals by bringing closer the health facilities and equipment to

make them accessible to provinces, PhilHealth coverage of indigents and seniors, health facilities enhancement program, and rolling out of different programs.

She explained that while the DOH has increased the utilization of PhilHealth benefits from the previous level, it was not enough because of the remaining gaps between the national government and the local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of health programs.

According to her, the attitude or thinking that providing health services to the people is only the responsibility of the DOH should be changed.

“Convergence is the name

of the game because health is a matter that cuts across all sectors,” she stressed.

On top of it all, she emphasized her reminder that convergence and involvement of all sectors is important to achieve better health outcomes as well as unified leadership that will not reverse the RPRH and the Sin Tax laws which, she said, should never be watered down nor be bargained but instead be enhanced further. The forum also aimed to share ideas and get recommendations that can help shape the health agenda of the next administration in order to sustain the gains of UHC and move forward to enhance them for better healthcare of the Filipinos.

US bans sale of e-cigarettes, cigars to those under 18

The United States Thursday issued a sweeping ban on sales of e-cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco and hookahs to those under 18, marking the first time these products have been federally regulated.

The ban will go into effect in 90 days, according to the US Food and Drug Administration, which described the final rule – issued after several years of study and debate – as “historic.”

“As cigarette smoking among those under 18 has fallen, the use of other nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, has taken a drastic leap,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell.

“Today’s announcement is an important step in the fight for a tobacco-free generation—it will help us catch up with changes in the marketplace, put into place rules that protect our kids and give adults information they need to make informed decisions.”

Key aspects of the rule include barring the sale of e-cigarettes to minors online or in person, prohibiting the distribution of free samples and not allowing vending machines, unless they are located in an adult-only facility.

The rule also requires manufacturers to get the FDA’s marketing approval for any products that were issued after February 15, 2007, to show that their “products meet the applicable public health standard set forth in the law.”

The FDA gained the power to regulate a wider range of tobacco products in 2009, with the passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. A preliminary rule was issued in 2014, resulting in more than 135,000 public comments, an FDA spokesman said.

About one in five Americans smokes, and the habit kills 480,000 people in the United States each year, according to health authorities.

Rising youth trend Traditional cigarette smoking has declined in recent decades, but youths are increasingly turning to e-cigarettes, which are battery powered devices that heat a nicotine liquid—and flavored cigars.

E-cigarette use among high-schoolers rose from 1.5 percent in 2011 to 16 percent in 2015 -- a more than 900 percent increase – according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“As cigarette smoking among those under 18 has fallen, the use of other nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, has taken a drastic leap,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell.

Last year, three million middle and high school students were current e-cigarette users.

Another recent study, carried out by the FDA and the National Institutes of Health in 2013-2014, showed four out of five youths who use some form of tobacco also had tried a flavored tobacco product in the past month.

The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids president Matthew Myers called the FDA move a “critical first step,” but warned it “falls short in protecting kids from e-cigarettes,” he said in a statement.

“It does nothing to restrict the irresponsible marketing of e-cigarettes or the use of sweet e-cigarette flavors such as gummy bear and cotton candy, despite the FDA’s own data showing that flavors play a major role in the skyrocketing youth use of e-cigarettes.”

No cigar exemption

The FDA gave no exemption for so-called premium cigars, despite efforts from the industry.

Now, makers of these products have two years to disclose to the FDA “important factors such as ingredients, product design and health risks, as well as their appeal to youth and non-users,” according to the 499-page FDA rule.

“We are deeply disappointed,” said a joint statement from Eric and Bobby Newman, president and executive vice president of J.C. Newman Cigar Company in Tampa, Florida.

“The premium cigar industry is made up of dozens of small, family-owned cigar makers, like us, along with thousands of small, independent specialty cigar stores across the country,” they wrote.

“The cost and burdens of onerous regulations threaten the entire industry.”

Drinking artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy linked to infant obesity: study WASHINGTON, May 10 (PNA/Xinhua) – Women who drink artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy are more likely to have overweight infants, a study said Monday.

“Our study provides the first human evidence that maternal consumption of artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy is associated with differences in infant body weight,” said lead author Meghan Azad, assistant professor of the University of Manitoba, Canada.

In the study published in the US journal JAMA Pediatrics, Azad and colleagues looked at 3,033 mother-infant pairs to examine the association of consuming artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy and its effect on infant body mass index (BMI) in the first year of life. A food questionnaire was used for dietary assessments during pregnancy and infant BMI was measured when they were one year old.

Nearly 30 percent of the women reported drinking artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy, including diet soft drinks and sweetened tea and coffee.

About 5.1 percent of the women reported drinking them daily, and their children have a two-fold increased risk of being overweight at one year of age, they found.

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, however, was not associated with infant obesity.

The researchers acknowledged study limitations that included the potential for error in self-reported dietary outcomes. Therefore, the study cannot prove a causal association.

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PHL named world’s 8th top medical tourism hub

By Azer N. Parrocha

A vitamin called nicotinamide riboside (NR) -- already known to boost metabolism—has been found to restore the body’s ability to regenerate and repair itself.

Vitamin found to delay ageing process in organs An international study, published in the journal Science has led to a promising breakthrough in the field of anti-ageing medicine. A vitamin called nicotinamide riboside (NR) -- already known to boost metabolism—has been found to restore the body’s ability to regenerate and repair itself.

The regenerative capacity of cells and organs deteriorates with age. The “powerhouses” of cell function—called mitochondria— lose energy over time and prevent cells from regenerating as they once did.

Research teams from Switzerland, Canada and Brazil studied how these changes occur over time.

The role of mitochondria in metabolism has already been identified, but the scientists were able to demonstrate for the first time that healthy, functioning mitochondria were important for stem cell function.

In younger bodies, these stem cells usually regenerate damaged organs by pro-

ducing new, specific cells.

“We demonstrated that fatigue in stem cells was one of the main causes of poor regeneration or even degeneration in certain tissues or organs,” explains Dr Hongbo Zhang, a PhD student on the team.

The study set out to revitalize stem cells in the muscles of elderly mice by giving them nicotinamide riboside (NR). This substance is close to vitamin B3 and is a precursor of NAD+, a molecule that plays a key role in the activity of mitochondria. NAD+ levels can be diminished by the stress related to ageing.

The findings, published in the journalScience, proved highly promising. Muscular regeneration was found to be much better in mice that were given NR. These mice also lived longer than those not given NR. As yet, no negative side effects have been observed from NR use, even at high doses.

The NR vitamin has been

discovered in milk. It’s also thought to be found in beer, but the nutrient’s presence is very difficult to measure and quantify. In fact, it’s not yet known precisely which foods contain NR or in what quantities, the specialists explain. The compound is currently on sale in the form of dietary supplements, but as yet there are no scientific guidelines recommending their use.

For the researchers, the study represents a major breakthrough for regenerative medicine, highlighting a potential future means of reestablishing the body’s own ability to repair itself with a dietary supplement.

The findings also hold promising possibilities for the treatment of potentially fatal conditions affecting young people, like muscular dystrophy (a form of myopathy).

However, more detailed studies are required to investigate the action of this substance on pathological cells.

MANILA, May 9 (PNA) -- A global non-profit association for medical tourism and international patient industry has listed the Philippines as eighth place among the top medical tourism destinations in the world in 2015, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Monday.

The Philippines placed ahead of countries such as Japan and France, according to a list compiled by the International Healthcare Research Center and the Medical Tourism Association (MTA).

Canada emerged as the top medical tourism destination worldwide followed

by UK and Israel which came second and third, respectively.

MTA is non-profit association represents healthcare providers, governments, insurance companies, employers and other buyers of healthcare.

According to MTA, clients of the Philippines for medical tourism come from East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan), Sri Lanka, the Pacific Islands (Guam, Palau, Marshall Islands, and Micronesia), Australia, North and South America, Europe and the United Kingdom, and the Gulf States.

It also noted that Filipino expats and overseas Filipino workers likewise prefer to have their medical procedures done in the country.

Currently, the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Trade and Industry – Board of Investments (DTI–BOI) have a joint program to promote

The beautiful sunset along the Boac Bay in Marinduque province. (PNA photo by Roland Nablo)

Philippine medical tourism.

This informal partnership resulted in a roadmap that identified five major segments in the international medical travel sector: tourists, who come for spa and other wellness services; medical tourists, who avail of low-acuity medical procedures; medical travelers, who purposely come to specifically avail of more complex procedures; international patients, including overseas Filipino workers, expats, and retireers; and accompanying guests, either friends or immediate kin of travelers.

Medical tourism in the Philippines caters to approximately 80,000 to 250,000 patients or clients annually.

As of the DOT, DOH, DTI-BOI’s latest count, 62 hospitals around the country are now internationally accredited.

In a 2014 study by renowned medical tourism author Ian Youngman, global health and wellness tourism market is worth USD438.6 billion and Philippine medical tourism was able to

generate USD66 million and USD145 million for 2013 and 2014, respectively.

DOT Director for Medical Travel and Wellness Tourism, Cynthia Lazo, said it is crucial to have a ‘One Country Package.’

“It has to be a country effort, a collective effort of every medical and wellness facility in the country, for the Philippines to be accepted in the medical and wellness market,” she said.

“Our value proposition is, time and again, our 7,107 islands which a medical traveler can choose from, while availing of a clinical or wellness procedure in the country,” she added. (PNA)

8

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UTREACH USCIS to implement Filipino WW II veterans Parole Program WASHINGTON—Beginning June 8, 2016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will allow certain Filipino World War II veteran family members who are beneficiaries of approved family-based immigrant visa petitions an opportunity to receive a discretionary grant of parole on a case-by-case basis, so that they may come to the United States as they wait for their immigrant visa to become available.

This parole policy was announced in the White House report, Modernizing and Streamlining Our Legal Immigration System for the 21st Century, issued in July 2015. An estimated 2,000 to 6,000 Filipino-American World War II veterans are living in the United States today. Among other things, this policy will enable many eligible individuals to provide support and care to their aging veteran family members who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

“The Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program honors the thousands of Filipinos who bravely enlisted to fight for the United States during World War II,” USCIS Director León Rodríguez said. “This policy will allow certain Filipino-American family members awaiting immigrant-visa issuance to come to the United States and be with their loved ones. For many, it will also allow them to provide support and care for elderly veterans or their surviving spouses.”

With the exception of immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, the number of family-sponsored immigrant visas available by country of origin in any given year is limited by statute. These limits result in long waiting periods before family members may join petitioning U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the United States and become permanent residents themselves. For some Filipino-American families, this wait can exceed 20 years.

Under the policy, 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.

Under the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program, USCIS will review each case individually to determine whether authorizing parole is appropriate. When each individual arrives at a U.S. port of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will also review each case to determine whether to parole the individual.

Legal authority for this parole policy comes from the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to parole into the United States certain individuals, on a case-by-case basis, for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.

Additional information about the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program—including guidance on eligibility, the application process and where to file—is available in the revised Form I-131 instructions and the Federal Register noticepublished today.

We will not accept applications under this policy until June 8, 2016. USCIS strongly encourages eligible individuals interested in requesting parole under the FWVP Program do so within 5 years from June 8, 2016.

For more information about USCIS and its programs, please visit>www.uscis. gov< or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis), Facebook(/uscis), and the USCIS blog The Beacon.

Ambassador Cuisia answers questions during the open forum moderated by retired US Ambassador Richard LeBaron.

DC’s ‘discover diplomacy’ turns spotlight on PHL-US alliance WASHINGTON, DC — “We look forward to the US continued engagement with Asia.

Despite budgetary constraints and the pull of other global commitments, it is here in the Asia-Pacific where America must clearly advance its interests and priorities. As Asia is becoming more prosperous, security tensions must be addressed.”

This was one of the key messages of Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. when he addressed a diverse audience on the first day of the Discover Diplomacy Weekend on Friday, 06 May, at the historic DACOR Bacon House in Washington, D.C. In a comprehensive keynote speech, Ambassador Cuisia underscored the vital contributions of Philippines-US alliance to regional stability and how the people are the alliance’s “best asset”.

“Having witnessed first-hand how the relations have grown in the last five years, I would say the glue of the alliance has been the people and the greatest value proposition of the alliance is the ability to develop robust economic relations and the capacity to jointly address security challenges,” the envoy said.

The Ambassador gave an overview of Philippines-US relations along people-to-people, economic, and defense and security lines of collaborative efforts.

He cited the strong bond between the Filipino and American peoples as evidenced by the outpouring of US support to the Philippines in the aftermath of natural calamities.

The Ambassador also outlined the goal of increasing the number of Filipino students pursuing higher education in the United States as a way to bolster socio-cultural ties.

Ambassador Cuisia reiterated the principled position of the Philippines on the South China Sea and the broad support it has received from the international community.

“It is one thing for my country to speak and act on the basis of what we perceive as being in the interest of the Philippines but when others express their opinions in support of the Philippines and their grave

concern over the security landscape in the South China Sea, it speaks volumes of what is at stake,” Ambassador Cuisia asserted.

He emphasized the reinforcing relationship between economic development and security, and the shared interest of the Philippines and the US in ensuring that both are achieved.

In an open forum moderated by retired US Ambassador Richard LeBaron, Ambassador Cuisia fielded questions on the South China Sea issue and the upcoming Philippine presidential elections. He stressed the importance of a peaceful leadership transition in the Philippines and expressed confidence that the reforms undertaken by the current Administration will ensure that the country remains a reliable partner and ally of the United States.

“If there is one takeaway I would like you to have from this afternoon, it is that the interests of the US and the Philippines converge on the economic, political, and people-to-people fronts and since you all come from such diverse backgrounds, this convergence provides an abundance of opportunities to strengthen Philippines-US relations well beyond 2016,” Ambassador Cuisia concluded.

Discover Diplomacy Weekend is organized by Global Ties U.S., a nonprofit partner of the US Department of State that coordinates international exchange programs.

The President of Global Ties U.S., Ms. Jennifer Clinton, delivered remarks to officially open Discover Diplomacy Weekend.

“It is our goal that we experience a true exchange of perspectives and ideas for opportunities for ongoing collaboration on how our two worlds: the world we often refer to as Track 1 and Track II diplomacy can work more closely together,” Ms. Clinton stated.

She further stated that the value of the event is “to provide an opportunity for you to share your insights on some of the tougher issues that are regularly in the news – that we often get a one-sided viewpoint of through the American media lens.

City of Los Angeles celebrates Asian-Pacific Heritage month

By Myrna Aquitania

Los Angeles City Council member David Ryu, Board of Public Works Commissioner Joel Jacinto, the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and several other LA City Council members, celebrated the Asian-Pacific Heritage month at the City Hall on April 22, 2016.

The month-long celebration, attended by various elected government officials, Asian community leaders and Asian media, kicked off with a welcome speech by Councilman David Ryu who welcomed everyone and said that “today marks a combination of our past and future. As Asians, we are now more visible in the community.” Councilmember Herb Wesson also said that “celebrating the Asian Pacific Heritage Month is an important day for all of us here in LA, to honor the Asian Americans who make LA a better place, such as Korean Air Lines who’s currently building a $1.2 billion building on the corner of Wilshire and Figueroa.” Entertainment was provided by a ukulele player and a Korean cultural dance group along with a wide selection of breakfast plates at the 3rd floor of the City Hall Rotunda.

A special presentation followed at the City Hall’s Council Chambers, where a month-

long calendar of activities and cultural guide was unveiled. Various City Council members spoke honoring Asian-Pacific community leaders, businesses and companies who support the 2016 Asian Pacific Heritage Month celebration and its theme of “We Are LA.” Among the honorees mentioned at the Council Chambers were: Korean Air Lines, the Asian Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON) and AC Martin. Other honorees were: Raymond Chan, Justin Lin and Nanci Liu.

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, May 13 - 19, 2016

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KITCHENOMICS

FAMILY FEATURES

F

iring up the grill is an American tradition. The farm families who Safe Minimum produce the food so many people Internal enjoy at backyard cookouts want to share Temperatures some of their favorite grilling recipes, as 145°F Beef, pork, well as an appreciation for how food gets veal and lamb from the farm to the table. (roasts, steaks Farmers like Amanda Folkens, from and chops) Iowa, Danell Kalcevic, from Colorado, 160°F Ground meat and Nicole Small, from Kansas, have 165°F Poultry joined with more than 70 other farmer (whole, parts volunteers across the country in the or ground) CommonGround program as a way to talk with home cooks about how food is grown and raised.

“On our farm, animal care is top priority, as it is for thousands of other family farms in the U.S.” said Amanda. “By keeping our animals indoors, we make sure they are protected from predators, disease and bad weather.”

To learn more about family farms and facts about your food, visit www.FindOurCommonGround.com.

Here are some of Amanda, Danell and Nicole’s favorite grilling recipes.

Things to Know Before You Shop the Meat Case There’s no need to pay extra for poultry or pork that’s labeled hormone-free. USDA prohibits farmers from using hormones to raise chicken and pigs.

Nearly all beef cattle, whether raised organically or conventionally, spend the majority of their lives on pastures eating grass.

Purchasing organic, grass-fed and freerange meats does not make them safer to consume. These labels refer to how the animals are raised, but all meat and poultry can contain bacteria that could cause illness.

Most cases of foodborne illness can be prevented with proper processing, handling and cooking of food to destroy bacteria.

Grilled Hawaiian Ham Sandwich

Beef Rack of Ribs

Country Barbecue Potatoes

By Amanda Folkens Serves: 1 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1/2 tablespoon seasoning pepper 1 to 2 1/4-inch thick ham slices (about the same thickness as the bread) Cooking spray Pineapple slices (can be fresh or canned) 2 slices sourdough bread Preheat grill for high heat.

Mix brown sugar with pepper to create a rub mixture.

Using your hands, massage the rub onto both sides of the slices of ham. Ham slices should be completely covered (front and back) with brown sugar mix.

Place ham slices on sheet of lightly greased foil, then place onto grill.

On separate sheet of greased foil, lay pineapple slices out, uncovered.

Cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until brown caramelization appears around edges of ham and pineapple.

Remove ham and pineapple from heat and assemble onto toasted sourdough bread.

By Danell Kalcevic Serves: 4 to 6 Salt (to taste) 1 tablespoon black pepper (to taste) 1 tablespoon seasoned garlic salt (to taste) Cayenne pepper (optional) 1 to 2 racks of beef ribs (number of racks based on number of people) 1 tablespoon yellow mustard 1/3 cup brown sugar One bottle of favorite barbeque sauce The night before serving, prepare rub for beef ribs (salt, pepper, seasoned garlic salt and optional cayenne pepper). Sprinkle both sides of ribs and then rub vigorously. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, place on medium temperature grill and spread yellow mustard and brown sugar on each side of the ribs. Grill for 5 to 8 minutes until each side is slightly browned and caramelized.

Remove ribs from grill and slice with sharp knife. Place individual ribs in a crock pot on low. Add one bottle of your favorite barbeque sauce. Let simmer 6 to 8 hours.

By Nicole Small Serves: 4 to 6 2 pounds small red potatoes 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 teaspoon honey 3 teaspoons seasoned salt 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon pepper Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat 9 x 13 baking pan with nonstick spray.

Cut potatoes into small to medium–sized pieces and put in pan.

Melt butter and honey, and then drizzle over potatoes. Sprinkle with seasoned salt, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Toss well to coat.

Bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and golden brown.

Stir potatoes at least once.

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, May 13 - 19, 2016

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11

MOTORING Self-driving cars in a fast lane: Fiat Chrysler chief

Self-driving cars could hit roads within five years, the head of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said Friday, days after the company announced an alliance with Google parent Alphabet.

Chief executive Sergio Marchionne declined to disclose financial details of the partnership or a timetable for building minivans that will expand the Internet company’s test fleet of autonomous vehicles.

“It’s not sort of ‘pie-inthe-sky,’ the thing is real and it’s coming,” Marchionne said.

“People are talking about 20 years, I think we’ll have it here in the next five years.”

Alphabet this week announced an alliance with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in a major expansion of its fleet of self-driving vehicles.

The company’s test fleet will be more than doubled with the addition of 100 new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans, with the companies aiming to have some on the road by the end of this year.

The collaboration with FCA marks the first time that the California-based Internet giant has worked directly with an automaker to build self-driving vehicles.

“FCA will design the minivans, so it’s easy for us to install our self-driving systems, including the computers that hold our self-driving software, and the sensors that enable our software to see what’s on the road around the vehicle,” the car team said in a post at the Google+ social network.

The minivan design also paves a road to explore the potential of large self-driving vehicles that could be used mass-transit style with features such as hands-free sliding doors for getting in or out, according to the post.

Alphabet said it was not licensing its autonomous car technology, and won’t sell the self-driving minivans. Marchionne noted that there are many unresolved issues, including how self-driving cars will be priced and what kinds of features will be built into them.

“But, if we don’t explore it, we will never know,” Marchionne told reporters during the official launch of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan at an 88-year-old plant in Ontario just across the Canadian border from Detroit.

The Pacifica was designed for hybrid or battery electric power trains and is

capable of supporting Google’s self-driving hardware, according to FCA. While the partnership with Alphabet is limited in nature, Marchionne looked ahead to future developments.

“I think most of us in this industry would agree that we are going to transition to a different state than what we are in today,” he said.

“I think walking through the transition in a collaborative fashion with people who have historically been viewed as intruders and potential enemies of our business is the best possible solution for us.”

Google began testing its autonomous driving technology in 2009, using a Toyota Prius equipped with the tech giant’s equipment. It now has some 70 vehicles, including Lexus cars adapted by Google and its in-house designed cars unveiled in 2014.

The companies will position engineering teams at a facility in Michigan to accelerate the design, testing and manufacturing of the self-driving Chrysler Pacifica.

An array of automobile makers including Audi, Ford, Mercedes, Lexus, Tesla and BMW are working on building self-driving capabilities into vehicles.

Self-driving cars could hit roads within five years, said Sergio Marchionne, the head of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles on Friday.© AFP PHOTO / Andrea Baldo

Google autonomous car project teams with Fiat Chrysler Google parent Alphabet on Tuesday announced that it has partnered with Fiat Chrysler in a major expansion of its fleet of self-driving vehicles.

The Google autonomous test fleet would be more than doubled with the addition of 100 new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans, with the companies aiming to have some on the road by the end of this year.

The collaboration with collaboration with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) marked the first time that the California-based Internet giant has worked directly with an automaker to build self-driving vehicles.

“FCA will design the minivans so it’s easy for us to install our self-driving systems, including the computers that hold our self-driving software, and the sensors that enable our software to see what’s on the road around the vehicle,” the car team said in a post at Google+ social network.

The minivan design also provides opportunity to explore the potential of large self-driving vehicles that could be used mass-transit style with features such as hands-free sliding doors for getting in or out, according to the post.

Alphabet stressed that it was not licensing its autonomous car technology, nor would it be selling

the self-driving minivans.

Google began testing its autonomous driving technology in 2009, using a Toyota Prius equipped with the tech giant’s equipment. It now has some 70 vehicles including Lexus cars adapted by Google and its in-house designed cars unveiled in 2014.

FCA will design and engineer around 100 vehicles uniquely built for self-driving technology that Google will integrate into vehicles, according to the carmaker.

The companies will position engineering teams at a facility in Michigan to accelerate the design, testing and manufacturing of the self-driving Chrysler Pacifica.

Life and Leisure News for Filipino-Americans

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tayo!

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POE GRACEFULLY From page 1

of respect and recognition to democracy. â&#x20AC;?Ako si Grace Poe at naging kandidato para sa pagkapangulo ngayong 2016 ay nagbibigay-daan kay Rodrigo Duterte na siyang maliwanag na nangunguna sa kasalukuyang bilangan at siyang napili ng nakararami sa ating mga kababayan,â&#x20AC;? Poe said in a press statement she read before the mediamen. â&#x20AC;?Bilang isang masidhing tagapagtaguyod ng repormang pang-eleksyon, matatag ang paniniwala ko sa boses at kalooban ng ating

taumbayan. Iginagalang ko ang resulta ng ating halalan,â&#x20AC;? she added.Poe congratulated Duterte and promised her cooperation for the healing of the nation and for the progress of the country. Poe said her camp made a good and clean fight, staying away from mudslinging despite attacks thrown against her particularly the disqualification cases. â&#x20AC;?Mga minamahal kong kababayan, naging malupit ang tatlong buwan ng kampanya at higit pa doon, kung bibilangin niyo, ang umpisa kung kailan ako naghayag sa aking desisyon na tumakbo bilang pangulo,â&#x20AC;? the lady senator said.

THE US ASIAN POST

LENI LEADS

PEACEFUL

From page 1

From page 1

percent; La Union, 11 percent; Nueva Vizcaya, 12 percent; Apayao, 18 percent; Abra 11 percent; Lanao del Norte, 12 percent; Zamboanga del Sur, 9 percent; and Sultan Kudarat 22, percentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all as of 9:30 Tuesday morning. Dela Cruz reiterated their request to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) to stop the unofficial canvass to prevent a situation where the unofficial quick count results and the official canvass of the NBOC would differ and create confusion as well as create doubts on the result of the elections. Likewise, he asked the poll body to identify the areas where the votes reflected in the transparency servers were coming from to prevent the possibility of double entries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So as I said we are certain that once the official count progresses, we will emerge victoriousâ&#x20AC;? said Dela Cruz.

For her part, Robredo posted on her Twitter feed, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I was trailing, I never made allegations that the frontrunners were cheating. It would be unfair to make allegations that I could not substantiate.â&#x20AC;?

Robredo asked the public to be calm and to wait patiently for the official count of votes. She reiterated that she would be the first one to oppose if there was cheating that took place in this elections. (PNA)

that a vote counting machine failed to issue vote receipts in one polling precinct in Park Avenue Cuneta Elementary School.

She said the Board of Election Inspectors recommended to the local Commission on Elections to have it replaced.

In Las Pinas City, another defective machine was reported in Pamplona Tres around 1:00 p.m. while some voters in Bagumbayan, Taguig City are complaining that their names were transferred to another polling precincts.

In Muntinlupa City, two persons were arrested for violating the gunban and for distribution of election paraphernalia, which is also an election offense because it happened beyond the campaign period.

Seven other persons were also arrested by policemen for illegal campaigning Sunday night in Muntinlupa City. Confiscated from them were several campaign flyers and pamphlets of local candidates. (PNA) BNB/ CLTC/ Christian Robert M. Roxas/ Ivy C. Cuebillas

COMELEC From page 1

Earlier, Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said the NBoC wants to proclaim all the new senators at the same time.

In the 2013 polls, the winning senatorial bets were proclaimed in three batches.

(PNA)

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HEALING From page 1

Duterte is offering his hand to the four of his presidential opponents especially the past few days have been virulent for all of them. He said all of them have been ruffled terribly and hurt by the black propaganda including the â&#x20AC;&#x153;whole kitchen sink to his direction. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let us forget and start the healing. Let us be friends. Let us forget the travails of the elections,â&#x20AC;? he called out.

When asked if no one of his opponents wanted to accept the goodwill, Duterte said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fine.â&#x20AC;?

He said he has deep and abiding faith in God although he admitted, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am a freerange believer in God.â&#x20AC;? He said he believes in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;eternal law of karmaâ&#x20AC;?, do good and you will be rewarded with goodnessâ&#x20AC;Ś do bad and karma takes over.

While this election is his 11th with zero defeat, Duterte refused to answer any possible victory. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t there until I am there,â&#x20AC;? he told the press, emphasizing delicadeza as it is still too early to give everybody the crisps.

Duterte said he can go down in defeat and go up in victory. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am hopeful and I pray to God. If he wants me there I will accept it. I will retire from public life,â&#x20AC;? he said. (PNA)

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voters in Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elections, Duterte scored a commanding victory, according to data released by the PPCRV, a Catholic Church-run poll monitor accredited by the government to tally the votes.

A few hours later, Duterte told AFP on Tuesday he would â&#x20AC;&#x153;accept the mandate of the peopleâ&#x20AC;?, as polling data showed he had won the Philippine presidential election. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with humility, extreme humility, that I accept this, the mandate of the people,â&#x20AC;? Duterte said in the southern city of Davao, which he has ruled as mayor for most of the past two decades.

With 89 percent of the vote counted early on Tuesday morning, Duterte had an insurmountable lead of 5.92 million votes over his nearest rival, administration candidate Mar Roxas, according to the data. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with humility, extreme humility, that I accept this, the mandate of the people,â&#x20AC;? Duterte told AFP as the results came in, adding his law and order platform was the key to his success. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What I can promise you is that I will do my very best not just in my waking hours but even in my sleep.â&#x20AC;?

Duterte had 38.65 percent of the vote, with Roxas on 23.16 percent and Senator Grace Poe in third with 21.71 percent, according to PPCRV. In the Philippines, a winner is decided simply by whomever gets the most votes.

Poe, the adopted daughter of movie stars, had already conceded just after midnight on Tuesday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a staunch supporter of electoral reform, I have a firm belief in the voice and sentiment of our people.

I honor the result of our elections,â&#x20AC;? Poe told reporters in Manila. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I congratulate Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and pledge my support in working to heal our land and to unite our people toward the continued development of our country.â&#x20AC;?

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campaign. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Talagang isang madamdamin itong araw na ito sapagkat natapos na rin ang ating dapat gawin para sa kampanya. Naging maayos ang aking pakikitungo sa abot ng aking makakaya dito sa eleksyon na ito. At para sa akin inaalay ko ito sa Diyos, sa aking ama at sa ating mga kababayan,â&#x20AC;? she said.

The senator said she is dedicating her presidential bid to her father because his popularity enabled voters to become familiar with her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hindi naman ako makikilala ng ating mga kababayan kung hindi dahil sa kanya (FPJ) kaya nga hinahandog ko rin ito sa kanya,â&#x20AC;? she said.