US Asian Post November 18, 2016

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Vol. 5 No. 53 LOS ANGELES

JFAV rally protest against racism

By Abner Galino

Hundreds of Filipino Americans, most of them youths, held a rally late last week on the world famous Hollywood Street to denounce an act of racism that happened 70 years ago, and has not been fully rectified since, against the Filipino World War II veterans.

Organized by Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the annual rally was jovial in some ways but nevertheless orderly and resolute in demanding for the full restoration of compensation for the Filipino veterans.

On makeshift stage on top of a truck, Eddy M. Gana, chairperson Kabataanmaka-Bayan or Pro-people youth, led the Filipino American crowd in chanting: Don’t say no to my lolo, give them equity now; Makibakahuwagmatakot Huwagmatakot! Makibaka!

Some 80 organizations endorsed the 16th year of JFAV demonstration.

“Justice delayed is justice deSee JFAV PROTEST, page 12

US rifle deal still on, PNP Chief says MANILA, Nov 14 (Mabuhay) – The Philippines is pushing through with the purchase of 26,000 assault rifles from the US after President Rodrigo Duterte was informed that there was no effort in Washington to block the deal, the national police chief said Monday.

Duterte said last week that he was cancelling the deal in the wake of reports that the US State Department sought to suspend it due to alleged human rights violations in his war on drugs.

See RIFLE DEAL, page 12

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LA POLICE CHIEF TO DEFY TRUMP Beck unwilling to deport undocumented immigrants

WASHINGTON, Nov 15 (PNA/Sputnik) – Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Charlie Beck said he would not help implement US President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to tighten up federal immigration policies and deport millions undocumented immigrants, US media reported.

Organized by Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the annual rally was jovial, but nevertheless orderly and resolute in demanding for the full restoration of compensation for the Filipino-American World War II veterans. Photo by Abner Galino

News Analysis: Anti-Trump protests may continue, but it remains unknown how long

By Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, Nov 14 (PNA/ Xinhua) – US President-elect Donald Trump’s stunning political upset has sparked protests in several major cities nationwide, and the demonstrations may continue for some time.

That’s because Trump has elicited much controversy over the past year in one of the most controversial and nastiest presidential races.

While the New York mogul’s supporters back him strongly, many others despise the man they

Beck said the LAPD would not initiate operations solely based on a person’s immigration status and would not work along the US Department of Homeland Security in deportation efforts, the Los Angeles Times said on Monday.

The report added that the LAPD does not allow its officers to initiate See POLICE CHIEF, page 12

DFA: Trump’s plan to deport 3-M illegal aliens has minimal effect to Filipinos in US

By Sammy F. Martin

view as overtly sexist, and who has referred to Mexicans as rapists and criminals. Many also view Trump as a loose cannon who easily flies off the handle, and fret that he may make rash, poorly-thought-out decisions based on emotions.

Recent days have seen thousands take to the streets in major US cities to protest a president-elect who has grabbed headlines for his outrageous sexist comments and myriad other insults toward women.

The question remains whether

MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said US President- elect Donald Trump’s plan to deport some three million illegal immigrants has little effect on Filipinos residing in the US as most of them are legal residents or have citizenship status.

“While it is true that President-elect Trump had mentioned his desire to deport some three million illegal immigrants, it should be put into context,” outgoing DFA spokesperson and incoming Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Charles Jose said in a text message to reporters.

Jose further said that Filipinos in the US are paying their taxes religiously and abiding by US laws.

“For years, the US Government has had in place a system where US authorities deport illegal immigrants in a timely and orderly fashion. These have occasionally included Filipinos arrested because of immigration irregularities and criminal violations,” Jose

See PROTEST, page 12

See DEPORT 3-M page 12

De Lima: Driver is my lover

More than sufficient troops to secure heroes’ cemetery for Marcos burial, says PHL Army

De Lima’s admission vindicates President Duterte: Panelo

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, Nov. 15 (PNA) – Senator Leila de Lima’s admission about her romantic affair with her former driver has vindicated President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on his accusations against the lady senator, said Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo on Tuesday. ”The admission by De Lima on her romantic albeit illegal and moral liaison with her bodyguard-driver validates the accusation of PRRD’s that the senator committed unlawful and immoral acts and opens her to a criminal charge of adultery her lover being a married man,” Panelo said in a

See Page 6

DRIVER IS LOVER: Senator Leila de Lima (left) during a Senate hearing. She has reportedly admitted having “illicit” affair with her driver as alleged earlier by her “political enemies.” Other photo is successor Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, who also thinks De Lima may have links to drug syndicates. She now faces drug charges. (PNA photos by Jess M. Escaros Jr.)

press statement. ”With her aforesaid admission, President Duterte has been vindicated on his accusations against De Lima and put a lie to her pretended protestations of innocence and her cry of being a victim of persecution,” he added.

In an interview with GMA-7’s “Bawal ang Pasaway kay Mareng Winning” show aired on Monday

evening, De Lima admitted her relationship with her ex-driver Ronnie Dayan but denied involvement in illegal drugs trade. ”It (De Lima’s admission) strengthens the case filed against her on her involvement in the drug operations,” Panelo said.

Early last month, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said See DE LIMA, page 12

MANILA, Nov 12 (Mabuhay) – The Philippine Army has more than sufficient troops to secure the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, its spokesperson, Col. Benjamin Hao, has said.

When asked whether the Army has increased security in the he-

roes’ cemetery in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling allowing the interment of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos at the LNMB, Hao said they have more than enough troops, though he did not cite exact figures.

Militant groups have threat See MARCOS BURIAL, page 12

Palace: Suspension of writ of habeas corpus a warning MANILA, Nov 14 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Monday said President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement on the suspension of writ of habeas corpus should serve as a warning to lawless elements.

“As we are under a state of emergency on account of lawless violence in Mindanao, and should conditions are in place that demand it, the President may have

this option. This serves as a stern warning to lawless elements that he would use his executive powers in accordance to what the Constitution allows,” presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement sent to reporters.

“President Duterte continues to underline the need for vigilance as we seek to establish peace within See WARNING, page 12

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Ombudsman orders Joel Villanueva’s dismissal over P10-M pork barrel scam MANILA, Nov 14 (Mabuhay) – Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered the dismissal from service of Senator Joel Villanueva after finding him guilty of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the interest of service over his alleged involvement in a P10-million pork barrel scam as a party-list lawmaker.

The dismissal order against Villanueva was approved after the Ombudsman found him and nine others liable for the supposed misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocation in 2008 as the congressional representative of CIBAC party-list. The senator is set to face trial before the Sandiganbayan for two counts of violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act or Republic Act No. 3019, one count each for malversation of public funds and malversation through falsification of public documents.

Also included in the charge sheet are former Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary and now Bohol Rep. Arthur Yap, Villanueva’s staff Ronald Samonte, DA employee Delia Ladera, NABCOR representatives Alan Javellana, Romulo Relevo, Ma. Julie Villaralvo-Johnson, Rhodora Mendoza, and Maria Ninez Guanizo; and Aaron

Foundation Philippines, Inc. (AFPI) President Alfredo Ronquillo.

The charges against Villanueva stemmed from the supposed irregularities that the Ombudsman found regarding the utilization of the P10-M PDAF allocation that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released on June 10, 2008 for the implementation of agri-based livelihood projects in various congressional districts in Region XI. Villanueva asked Yap to release his PDAF allocation to National Agri-business Corporation (NABCOR) as the implementing agency for the project, with AFPI. A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by Yap and NABCOR on June 19, 2008.

After the MOA was signed, Villanueva’s PDAF allocation was spent on pechay, radish, sitaw, okra, hybrid yellow corn seedlings, liquid fertilizers and threshers from MJ Rickson Trading Corporation. The items procured were supposed to benefit the residents of the municipalities of Pantukan, Nabunturan, Tambongon, Bongabong, Napnapan, Mipangi, Anislagan and Magsaysay in the Compostela Valley province.

The Ombudsman’s investigation, however, showed not a single name on the purported list of beneficiaries was a registered voter or resident of the province

where the project was supposedly implemented. Local officials also certified to the absence of any agri-based livelihood projects implemented by AFPI. Furthermore, the Ombudsman found that the localities chosen for the project were not suitable for farming as the vast majority of land is occupied by banana and coconut plantations. Documents obtained by graft investigators showed AFPI had no financial capability to implement the P10-million project since its capital stock was only P68,000.

MJ Rickson, the supplier of the seeds and other farming materials, could not be located in its business address in Martiniko Street, Malabon City. Neither is the business entity licensed by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority nor registered with the Department of Trade and Industry.

To show his P10-million PDAF was utilized, Villanueva and his co-respondents supposedly submitted fabricated and undated documents such as Accomplishment Reports, Disbursement Reports, Acceptance Reports, and liquidation documents.

However, the COA found several irregularities in the project that it issued a notice of disallowance on it in 2014.

Villanueva said in a statement that he will leave it to

Sen. Villanueva on Ombudsman’s dismissal order: I’ll leave it to the Senate President: Senator Joel Villanueva said on Monday (Nov. 14, 2016) that he will leave it to Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III to act upon the order of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales to dismiss him from the public service following his alleged involvement in the PHP 10-million pork barrel scam as former party-list member in the House of Representatives. “I already filed a motion for reconsideration (MR) before the Ombudsman, and will leave it to the Senate President to act on the Ombudsman’s order,” Villanueva said in a statement. The dismissal order against Villanueva happened after the Ombudsman found him and nine others guilty for the alleged misuse of his pork barrel allocation in 2008 as the congressional representative of CIBAC party-list. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III to act on the Ombudsman’s order.

“I already filed a motion for reconsideration before the Ombudsman, and will leave it to the Senate President to act on the Ombudsman’s order. In any case, my faith is strong in the judicial system and in time, justice will be served,” Villanueva said in a statement.

He said the order was based on an “old case” and that the signatures on the

BFAR exec bares plan to help Pinoy fishers returning to Panatag Shoal MANILA, Nov 12 (Mabuhay) – A Fishery official disclosed Saturday a plan to assist fishermen in some Luzon provinces, nearly three weeks after residents resumed fishing in the contested Panatag Shoal area that was shut off for Pinoys for four years since 2012.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 1 Director Nestor Domenden said the agency will assist fishers by setting up fish

shelters from near-shore areas into the international limits of the country’s waters in the West Philippine Sea. “Ine-encourage natin ang ating mga mangingisda na hindi na pumalaot pa ng malayo at maglalagay tayo ng mga payaw (fish shelters),” Domenden said.

He said that BFAR Region 1 will use the “5-55 method” in setting up the fish shelters—mean-

ing payaws will be set up five kilometers apart from shorelines into the sea and the same spacing along the coast. Likewise he said that since October 26, when the Chinese Coast Guard stationed in the Panatag Shoal area stopped harassing Pinoys, local fishermen have continued to fish in and around the contested area off Zambales.

Asked if Pinoy fishers going to the shoal need to be

escorted by the Philippine Coast Guard, Domenden said “no.” While local fishers are encouraged to look for nearby fishing grounds, Domenden admitted, “Malaki pa rin ang contribution ng Panatag Shoal,” referring to the lagoon’s abundant marine products.

On the average, some 300 fishermen from Luzon are regularly going (two to three times a week) into the shoal area to fish, he said.

Duterte wants calibrated approach against terrorism

By Jelly F. Musico MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) – President Rodrigo R. Duterte underscored on Monday the need to prepare a calibrated approach to fight terrorists, including the Abu Sayyaf Group in southern Philippines. ”We have a very strong rebellion in Mindanao, terrorists in Jolo, Sulu are kidnapping people almost every day, putting to shame our country. Every time they do

it, they slap us internationally. My response be would always calibrated to war we are facing,” President Duterte said in his speech during the 80th National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) anniversary celebration.

The President warned the international terrorists might go to the Philippines due to the extensive campaign against terrorists in the Middle East countries. ”We have to prepare for

it because once the terrorists of the Middle East are deprived of the land area where they sleep, stand on, or simply sit down, they would wander to other places and they would come here and we have to prepare for that,” President Duterte said. ”Remember, these guys, they do not have an iota of what a human rights is, believe me. So we will have a calibrated thing here. I will

not just sit down and allow my people to be slaughtered for the sake of human rights,” he added.

President Duterte said the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to fight terrorism. ”We have agreed and our people are talking now. I’m not at liberty to tell you what is all about it means fighting terrorism,” the President, who recently visited Indonesia and Malaysia, said.

Veteran sportswriter, analyst Ronnie Nathanielsz dies at 81

President Rodrigo Duterte finds time to pay his last respect to his departed friends, the late Judge Dory Avisado and Engr. Apolinar Gaite at a funeral home in Davao City at dawn of Nov, 12,2016.(MNS photo)

Duterte visits former judge’s wake DAVAO CITY, Nov 12 (Mabuhay) – President Rodrigo Duterte paid his last respects to a former judge who succumbed to cancer in Davao City early morning Saturday.

Duterte visited the wake of former judge Adoracion Avisado, who passed away on November 5 due to lung cancer.

She was 64.

Avisado was a trial lawyer for 15 years and served as judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 9. She was also chairperson of the Transformative Justice Institute and commissioner of the Philippine Women Commission.

She was also an active women’s and children’s rights advocate during

President Duterte’s reign as mayor of Davao city.

Earlier, Duterte snubbed the MSME Summit at SMX Convention center with Kris Aquino due to “migraine”, however he graced the launching of Pilipinong May Puso foundation, in honor of his late mother, Soledad “Soleng” Duterte.(MNS)

MANILA, Nov 12 (Mabuhay) – Sports analyst and veteran sportswriter Ronnie Nathanielsz passed away early Saturday morning (Manila Time) at a hospital in California in the United States.

Nathanielsz died in the ICU of the Mills-Peninsula Medical Centers in Burlingame, California.

Nathanielsz, 81, was rushed to the hospital after suffering a heart attack while on his way to witness the Manny Pacquiao-Jessie Vargas bout in Las Vegas, Trinidad said.

Nathanielsz family has not disclosed yet possible plans for the funeral.

Nathanielsz was born in Sri Lanka and moved to the Philippines in 1962, and later became a naturalized Filipino.(MNS)

documents were forged, which has been proven by the National Bureau of Investigation. But Morales said that under the congressional pork barrel system, “it is the legislator who exercises actual control and custody of the PDAF share.”

She said Villanueva and his co-respondents disregarded laws and regulations by selecting NABCOR and AFPI to implement the livelihood projects.

NABCOR officials were

likewise scored for accepting and accommodating Villanueva by facilitating the processing and approval of the PDAF releases.

“NABCOR officers did not even bother to conduct a due diligence audit on AFPI as to its technical and financial capability and simply accepted and relied on the representation of Villanueva and AFPI to undertake the projects in contravention of existing procurement laws,” Morales said. (MNS)

DOJ chief: Ombudsman wasting time on PNP chief Bato’s Las Vegas trip MANILA, Nov 14 (Mabuhay) – Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has said that the Office of the Ombudsman should not waste its time on Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa’s trip to Las Vegas paid by Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

According to Aguirre, the Office of the Ombudsman should just focus on the pending complaints against government officials for the alleged misuse of their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

“Instead of spending time sa mga ganyang mga cases, maraming cases diyan tulad ng PDAF at DAP (Disbursement Acceleration Program),” Aguirre said.

Former President Benigno Aquino III and former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad are facing complaints over the DAP system.

The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday announced that a fact-finding investigation has been launched against Dela Rosa for the travel perks he received from Pacquiao.

Dela Rosa is being probed for possible violation of Presidential Decree 46, which bars public officials and employees from receiving gifts on any occasion.

The PNP chief is also being probed for possible violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Pacquiao on Friday said that he would like to study the laws barring officials from accepting gifts. “’Yan ang kiinukuwestiyon ko na yung batas na ‘yan hindi masyado klaro. What if kasabay mo sa pagkain tapos ikaw nagbayad ng pagkain, may kaso na agad?” he said.(MNS)

MMDA apprehends 162 motorists for violation of motorcycle lane policy MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) – The Metropolitan Manila and Development Authority (MMDA) has apprehended and cited 162 motorists for violating the motorcycle lane policy during the first day of its implementation today along EDSA, C-5, Commonwealth Avenue and Macapagal Boulevard.

Data from the MMDA

shows that out of the 162 that were apprehended, 129 were in EDSA, 24 in Commonwealth Avenue, 7 in Macapagal Boulevard and 2 in C-5.

The agency hopes that strict enforcement of the policy will ease traffic congestion on roads and reduce accidents involving motorbikes.

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Zubiri bares reforms to ease doing business in PHL

By Lilybeth G. Ison

MANILA, Nov. 15 (PNA) – Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday bared reforms to make the country business-friendly for local entrepreneurs and foreign investors noting that the Philippines finished 2015 with a dismal record of 99th in the bottom pile of 190 countries surveyed by the World Bank Group on easeof-doing-business (EODB).

“Statistically, we are smack at the midpoint, but, holistically we’re worse. We fall behind Turkey (ranked 69th) which for the past two years has been embroiled in the Syrian war, South Africa (ranked 74th) which had to deal with drought and political strife and even Indonesia (ranked 91st) which suffers extensive forest fires for many successive years,” said Zubiri in his speech at Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) General Membership meeting held at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

Zubiri, however, noted that the Philippines in 2015 has accomplished some reforms in doing business such as transparency in building regulations which made getting construction permits easier; setting online system for filing and paying health contributions; establishing online corporate income tax payments, and, allowing offline completion of Value-Added-Tax (VAT) returns by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

He said his proposed Ease of Doing Business involves local governments and national government agencies.

From industry, microand small- entrepreneurs, Zubiri formulated his initial

broad strokes of EODB reforms, as follows: a) License and permits processes streamlining, for all business types, not just in construction -- Specific time frame for approval of application for permit on per agency basis; requirements and fees posted conspicuously in the premises and online in respective website; Uniform checklist of requirements; Automatic approval, deemed, if the agency fails to inform applicant of any error, omission or additional requirement, beyond the set time frame; Renewal on the anniversary date; Longer validity periods; and Review of specific time frame for each business type every five years, exclusive of time frame for automatic approval, by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), BIR, Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Union of Local Government Associations of the Philippines (ULAP), including the Leagues of Cities, Municipalities and Provinces. b) Information sharing between and by the LGUs, BIR, SEC and other concerned government agencies with the DICT establishing the automation platform among government agencies; and c) Competitiveness test shall be undertaken for every local ordinance setting new requirements for existing and new business types.

“We try to grow our economy and drum up marketing promotions for our products abroad. However, internal weaknesses have made the

bureaucracy lethargic. Antiquated rules, regulations and laws constrict business activities. We shall simplify and streamline as much as possible. If we hold business fairs and exhibitions for marketing, I shall also go on roadshows to disseminate information about EODB reforms,” the senator said.

“These reforms have been overdue yesterday, and thus we recommend stiff penalties for individuals and offices who make it hard for business start-ups and expansions.

We are studying criminal and administrative penalties ranging from imprisonment to perpetual disqualification from public office, and, from suspension to dismissal from government service, respectively,” he added.

With the country’s wealth in natural resources and excellence in human capital, Zubiri said, “we can aspire to be closer to our Asian neighbors in terms of ease of doing business of which Singapore, Hong Kong and the Republic of Korea are among the world’s top 10 business-friendly economies.”

Meanwhile, Zubiri, during the open forum, said he favored the granting of emergency powers to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to speed up the procurement of transport and infrastructure projects, which will pave the way for the construction of faster and more reliable transport services throughout the country. This would also pave the way for the creation of a “unified traffic scheme” which also forms part of easing doing business in the country.

Exhibit at 2nd National Carabao Conference: The Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) is holding the 2nd National Carabao Conference at the PCC National Headquarters, Munoz, Nueva Ecija from November 14 to 16, 2016.

One of the highlights during the three-day event is the exhibit (top photo) of different kinds of food products (lower photo) from carabao skin and milk such as: chicharon, polboron, pastillas de leche, espasol de leche, bibingkang kanin with carabao milk and many more. (PNA photos by Ben Briones)

Gov’t eyes more business areas for foreign investors

By Joseph A. Gamboa

MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) – The Duterte administration is set to review next year its list of investment activities reserved for Filipinos as it works with the Congress to further open up the economy by lifting economic restrictions in the Constitution.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the executive branch would review the Foreign Investment Negative List as an administrative measure to open up the economy to foreign investors.

The Foreign Investment Negative List, which was last promulgated by the previous administration in May 2015 through Executive Order No. 184, enumerates the investment areas and activities reserved exclusively for Filipinos as well as industries where foreign equity of up to a maximum of 40 percent is allowed, as mandated in the

Constitution.

Under the 2015 list, 100 percent foreign participation is allowed only for retail trade enterprises under certain conditions specified in Republic Act 8762, or the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, and also in the rice and corn industry under certain conditions.

The 2015 list also allows full foreign participation in the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources through financial or technical assistance agreements with the President.

Dominguez said Congress would have to enact a long-term approach to further liberalize the economy by amending the provisions restricting foreign ownership in all areas of the economy, except land.

Regarding constitutional amendments, Dominguez said Malacañang cannot commit to a specific timeline as to when the economic

restrictions would be lifted because it was up to the Congress, a co-equal branch of government, to initiate it.

The House of Representatives committee on constitutional amendments has already approved a resolution calling for the convening of the 17th Congress as a Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass) to amend the Constitution.

Meanwhile, the Senate will start its Charter change debates early next year and has yet to decide if it will agree to a Con-Ass or call for a duly-elected Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) to review the Constitution.

Whether Con-Ass or ConCon, Dominguez said “it’s not going to happen tomorrow, it’s going to take a bit of time. According to the President, he wants to open all areas of the economy to foreign investment with the exception of land, which is a very cultural and touchy issue.”

High US Treasury yields continue to hurt PHL peso, stocks

By Joann Santiago

MANILA, Nov. 15 (PNA) – Sustained rise in US Treasury yields, due in part to expected faster inflation rate by 2017, continues to hurt both the Philippine peso and the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) Tuesday.

The local currency closed the day near its seven-anda-half-year-low of 49.17 from its fresh 7.5 year-low of 49.20 Monday.

A trader said the currency’s performance during the day was a bit weaker than its counterparts in the region.

“The peso remained pressured by foreign selling in the equities market,” the trader said.

Data from the US Treasury showed that price of the one-month paper rose to 0.32 percent on Nov. 11,2016 from 0.30 percent last Nov. 10.

Rate of the three-month paper went up to 0.55 from 0.48 percent during the

same period; the six-month paper to 0.65 percent from 0.59 percent; the one-year rate to 0.77 percent from 0.72 percent; the two-year paper to one percent from 0.92 percent.

Price of the three-year paper climbed to 1.27 percent from 1.17 percent; the five-year to 1.66 percent from 1.56 percent; the seven-year to 2.01 percent from 1.92 percent; the 10year to 2.23 percent from 2.15 percent; the 20-year to 2.65 percent from 2.58 percent; and the 30-year to 2.99 percent from 2.94 percent.

The peso opened the day at 49.13, a depreciation from the previous session’s 49.01.

It strengthened to 49.05 but was also pulled to 49.27, bringing the day’s average to 49.18.

Volume of trade reached USD 600.9 million, lower than Monday’s USD661.

85 million.

Traders expect the cur-

rency pair to trade between 49.10 and 49.30 Wednesday.

Meanwhile, there were mixed results in the equities market but the PSEi shed 0.21 percent, or 14.33 points, to 6,857.15 points.

The All Shares followed with a loss of 0.18 percent, or 7.59 points, to 4,163.33 points.

There was a balance in terms of losers and gainers among the sectoral indices.

Mining and Oil increased 0.62 percent, followed by the Financials with 0.52 percent, and Property with 0.002 percent.

On the other hand, the Industrial, Services and Holding Firms lost 1.51 percent, 0.76 percent and 0.004 percent, respectively. Volume of trade reached 786.8 million shares amounting to Php 7.7 billion.

Decliners led advancers at 112 to 72 while 42 stocks were unchanged.

PHL T-bill rates surge on political uncertainties overseas, foreseen hike in Feds rate by December

By Joann Santiago

MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) – Expectations for a Federal Reserve rate hike in December 2016 along with uncertainties in US government policies during the administration of US president-elect Donald Trump pushed rates of Philippines’ Treasury bills (T-bills) up Monday.

Rate of the benchmark 91-day paper rose to 1.484 percent from 1.28 percent during the auction last Oct. 17.

The Bureau of the Treasury’s (BTr) auction committee made a full award for the Php 8-billion offer-

ing while tenders reached Php 19.29 billion.

The 182-day paper fetched an average rate of 1.809 percent, higher than last month’s 1.50 percent.

Total tenders amounted to Php 6.8 billion, a little higher than the Php6 billion offering but the auction committee awarded Php4.4 billion.

On the other hand, the auction committee rejected bids for the 364-day bill since it was undersubscribe. It was offered for Php 6 billion but bids only amounted to Php4.46 billion.

Had the auction commit-

tee awarded the 364-day bill, its average rate would have risen to 2.333 percent from the previous auction’s 1.880 percent.

Deputy Treasurer Sharon Almanza told reporters after the auction that political uncertainties overseas along with higher probability of a hike in the Fed’s key rates by December resulted in the surge in T-bill rates. ”People are expecting that US inflation would improve next year because of more fiscal spending,” she said, referring to Trump’s bid to cut tax rates while increasing spending on defense and infrastructure.

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Suspension of writ a presidential prerogative, House Speaker says

OPINION

By Filane Mike Z. Cervantes

MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) – House of Representatives Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said on Monday it is well within the prerogative of President Rodrigo R. Duterte whether or not he will carry out his warning to suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. ”The President is entitled to order such suspension in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Philippines,” Alvarez said in a media interview.

Last Friday, President Duterte said he might suspend the writ of habeas corpus if lawlessness spreads in Mindanao, adding that such move would strengthen his campaign against illegal drugs and rebellion.

Alvarez said it is premature to speculate if the suspension of the writ is justified or not since the President has yet to exercise his powers. ”We should discuss the matter after the President makes such action and we will inspect if the declaration of the writ of habeas corpus has sufficient basis. But at the moment, it is still difficult to speculate,” Alvarez said.

The congressional leader, however, maintained that the House will not be a “rubber stamp” of the current administration, assuring its independence in assessing the need for such declaration.

The Constitution provides that Congress has the authority to revoke or extend such suspension “by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session.”

“If it is really necessary, why will it not be approved? And if it’s not crucial, then it won’t really be granted. As I’ve said before, we are not a rubber stamp of Malacañang,” Alvarez said.

Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Partylist Rep. Jericho Nograles echoed Alvarez’s remarks, noting that it is inappropriate to consider the President’s pronouncements prematurely. ”As far as the Congress is concerned, the President has not exercised such powers just yet. If the President exercises such powers, it is the job of the President to justify to Congress if it is really called for,” Nograles said in a press conference.

He explained that President Duterte’s possible plan to suspend the writ still needs justification before Congress gives its consent.

Meanwhile, Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe said the Constitution must be strictly reinterpreted, adding that the basis of the suspension should be contained only in cases of rebellion or invasion.

VP Robredo on suspension of writ of habeas corpus: For now, it is uncalled for

By Sammy F. Martin

MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) – Vice President Leni Robredo sees no solid reason to impose the suspension of writ of habeas corpus, for now, saying the basis does not jive to the elements identified in the 1987 Constitution.

In a chance interview, Robredo stressed that the Constitution is clear about the limits of calling for such suspension even as she stressed that doing so is uncalled for.

“Yung sa Konstitusyon natin, isa naman talaga yan sa mga option, pero klaro ‘yung parameters, klaro ‘yung dahilan kung kailan pwedeng mag declare: ‘yung invasion at rebellion, when public safety requires,” she told reporters. (The parameters in calling for a suspension is clear--if there is invasion and rebellion, when public safety requires).

She added that lawlessnessness is not among the grounds to declare a suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.

The Vice President noted that the suspension of writ of habeas corpus is “an extraordinary remedy” although she admitted that this is one of the powers vested upon the President, but there are specific parameters in the 1987 Constitution.

She said since the President is a lawyer, he knows his parameters and when he can exercise this power.

President Rodrigo Duterte warned on Friday night that he may be forced to suspend the writ of habeas corpus if lawlessness in the country escalates, but he quickly added that he would not declare martial law.

The President made the statement in a speech after mentioning the rebellion in Mindanao, the worsening battle with the Maute group, and the alleged widespread illegal drug operations in the country.

“There is a rebellion being waged down in Mindanao. At kung kumalat itong lawlessness, I might be forced to... ayaw ko, ayaw ko, warning ko lang sa kanila yan kasi hindi maganda. But if you force me to hand into it, I will declare the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus,” Duterte said at the launch of the Pilipinong May Puso Foundation in Davao City on Friday night. He clarified, however, that this is “not martial law.”

A writ of habeas corpus gives a person the right to contest before the court his or her arrest and detention. It serves as an instrument for safeguarding individual freedom against arbitrary government action.

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DoJ chief: Disbarment case vs De Lima bolstered after admission of ‘immoral’ affair

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

MANILA, Nov. 15 (PNA) – The disbarment case against former Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary and now Senator Leila De Lima will be further bolstered with her admission of a romantic affair with a former driver.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II told reporters on Tuesday that De Lima publicly admitted the relationship with her former driver Ronnie Dayan during the GMA television program, “Bawal ang Pasaway with Mareng Winnie,” on Monday night.

Aguirre said the admission could strengthen the disbarment case against De Lima for gross immorality filed by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, jueteng whistleblower Sandra Cam and former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) deputy directors Reynaldo Esmeralda and Ruel Lasala.

Aguirre said the immorality case against De Lima is now bolstered as Dayan’s marriage is not yet annulled, even though he is not anymore living with his common law wife.

Aguirre said the Supreme Court usually rules for disbarment against lawyers convicted of immorality.

“Hindi magandang halimbawa yan sa mga prospective lawyers. Kaya ang high standard ng morality ng SC dapat i-apply sa kanya. (She is not setting a good example for prospective lawyers. The Supreme Court’s high standard of morality should be applied to her),” Aguirre told reporters.

The 43-page complaint also mentioned De Lima’s alleged illicit relationship with her former driver Dayan.

The complaint cited the testimony of PSG Joenel Sanchez who, before Congress, said he saw two videos of De Lima with Dayan. Sanchez also described De Lima’s closeness to Dayan.

The complaint stated that De Lima’s actions were “grossly immoral.” It added, “Her actions were so corrupt as to approximate a criminal act, for she has a relationship with a married man, who in all appearances, was married to another and with whom he has a family. Her actions were also unprincipled and reprehensible to the highest degree.”

Aguirre said De Lima’s admission disproved her repeated statements that he is manufacturing evidence against her to malign her reputation and pin her down on the criminal charges filed in connection with her alleged involvement in the illegal drugs trade at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

He added that De Lima’s admission also

corroborated the testimony of several witnesses they presented in the House’ inquiry on the proliferation of illegal drugs at the national penitentiary that De Lima has a romantic relationship with Dayan.

Aguirre said De Lima’s admission also raised the probability that Dayan was indeed collecting drug money from Bilibid inmates, a fact testified to by several of the DOJ witnesses that appeared in the House probe.

“It proves na hindi manufactured ang sinabi nating relasyon nila katulad ng pinaratang nya sa akin. Na-corroborate rin nito ang statement ng witnesses at na-establish ang link kay Dayan (The admission proves that I did not manufactured the statement that they have a relationship. It also corroborated the statement of witnesses (during the House probe) and established the link to Dayan),” Aguirre said.

Aguirre said the admission could even be presented as evidence once the cases filed against De Lima reach the court.

“Definitely magagamit na evidence yan (Definitely it can be used as evidence). As a matter of fact, I instructed the NBI to get a copy of the footage of that interview already para magamit as evidence,” Aguirre said.

De Lima has three other disbarment cases pending. All the other cases were filed in 2012.

Because of the disbarment complaints, De Lima was excluded by the Judicial and Bar Council from the shortlist of nominees for the Chief Justice position in August 2012.

Meanwhile, four drug-related cases were filed against De Lima before the DOJ. Aguirre said a subpoena would likely be issued to De Lima and her co-respondents within the week.

The DOJ has created a five-man panel to conduct a preliminary investigation and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant the filing of case against De Lima and several other respondents.

Aguirre said he will no longer interfere after signing a Department Order consolidating the four cases against De Lima so as not to undermine the independence of the five-man committee.

The panel is headed by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter L. Ong. Other prosecutors in the team are Senior Assistant City Prosecutor (SACP) Alexander P. Ramos, SACP Leila R. Llanes, SACP Evangeline P. Viudez-Canobas, and Assistant State Prosecutor Editha C. Fernandez.

He said the panel would require Senator De Lima and the other respondents to file their counter-affidavits.

Duterte warns BSP, AMLC: Cooperate or I will make it hard for you

By Cielito M. Reganit

MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) – President Rodrigo R. Duterte warned officials of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) on Monday to cooperate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in dealing with money-laundering cases or he will personally deal with them.

The President issued the warning during his speech at the 80th founding anniversary of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

“I would like to address myself to the Central Bank guys and the AMLA. You know, I’d like to warn you to avoid a confrontation between us, Central Bank people,” he said.

The President accused the two agencies of protecting those who are really into money laundering as he recalled the time when he was implicated in a “hidden wealth” issue during the campaign period.

During the campaign, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV accused Duterte of allegedly owning several questionable bank accounts that supposedly contain more than PHP200 million.

“And I was just curious, if I had that money, why did you not initiate an investigation?

For I really have none. So, you cannot tell the public because you are protecting somebody, those who are really into money laundering,” the President said.

“And the Secretary of Justice now says that you are hard to deal with. You better go to the Secretary of Justice or I will go to you,” he said.

“I will call for you and you have to answer so many questions to me. You choose: either we cooperate in this government as a republic to protect and serve our people -- don’t make it hard for us -- otherwise, I will make it hard for you,” President Duterte said.

The President likewise warned that AMLC officials would be better off if they avoid a confrontation with him as he presently holds them in low esteem.

“You’re also a part of the garbage which I resent to this day. And do not give me a reason to have a confrontation. There are billions (of pesos) stashed there in the banks that are really being ‘washed’ or just being kept there in the meantime,” he said.

“Go to the Secretary of Justice, the AMLA guys. Explain to us in public or I will do the explaining for you. Choose,” President Duterte said.

Aguirre to Ombudsman: Focus probe on PDAF, DAP probe instead of running after PNP chief

By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) – Department of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday said the Office of the Ombudsman should focus its investigation on the misuse of Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) and the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) instead of prioritizing the issue against Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.

Aguirre made the statement, noting that he is wondering why the Ombudsman was very quick to act in investigating Dela Rosa’s trip to the United States when it has not acted yet on several PDAF complaints and on the DAP probe it has earlier initiated.

Aguirre also flew to Las Vegas earlier this month to watch the Sen. Manny Pacquiao’s boxing match with Jessie Vargas. However, he admitted that he paid for his own expenses.

Dela Rosa is now under investigation of the

Ombudsman for violating Republic Act 6713 which is known as the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees” The PNP Chief and his family accepted an all-expense paid trip from boxing icon turned Senator Sen. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, during the latter’s fight with Mexican boxer Jessie Vargas at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada last November 6.

Dela Rosa said he is more than ready to face the consequences should the Ombudsman find him guilty of violating Republic Act 6713. ”I respect the function of the Ombudsman.

Just like what we do in the PNP, they also run after law violators. Anyway, the truth will come out and I hope that there will be a fair interpretation of the law,” the PNP Chief said in Filipino, adding that he never lied about the matter as he maintains that Pacquiao is his long-time friend.

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US Embassy brings Filipino talents to Africa

5

By Sheila Vidamo-Vertuno

Harare, Zimbabwe – Nominated by President Barack Obama and installed in January 2016, US Ambassador to Zimbabwe (formerly to Philippines), Harry K. Thomas invited world-renowned Filipino fashion designer, John Ablaza to conduct workshops in Zimbabwe under the 2016 Fashion Entrepreneurship Exchange program sponsored by the US Embassy and in partnership with cultural champions, KUSIKA Design Centre, Zimbabwe International Film and Festival Trust, Mustard Seed Africa, Zed Label, Hunnar Management Agency and National Gallery of Zimbabwe.

Ambassador Thomas recognized the opportunity to tap and leverage Ablaza’s expertise in eco-conscious production, local sourcing and sustainable natural materials utilization to help support Zimbabwe’s fashion industry and economic growth. Ablaza’s classes held in the cities of Harare and Bulawayo, by popular demand had extended to an impromptu seminar in ma-

Standing ovation Finale of John Ablaza Couture & Culture Zimbabwe Collaboration Fashion Show

jestic Victoria Falls, as well as a guest lecture on Design and Business of Fashion at Harare Polytechnic University. The overall initiative that ran from July 19th thru Aug 17th also included a photography group practicum facilitated by US-based Filipina photographer extraordinaire Jhenny Morales Evans, models networking and meet-ups joined by US-based Filipina journalist and fashion model Sheila Vertuno, an orphanage visit for future charity fundraiser and several meeting consults. The impact of this joint effort

did not go unnoticed as it headlined Zimbabwe’s major magazines and periodicals for weeks!

Strong collaboration between Ablaza and the local artisans and designers resulted in custom masterpieces that were featured in the concluding Couture & Culture Fashion Show, a first showcase event for many of the artists, at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe on August 4th. By-invitation-only, the event was attended by no less than the dignitaries, and cultural and community influencers of the land.

In his 30 years of career

From left: US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Harry Thomas, his wife Mithi Aquino-Thomas, International Fashion Photographer Jhenny Morales Evans and International Eco-Couture Fashion Designer John C. Ablaza

in arts and fashion, Ablaza is grateful to give back. “I am thankful and blessed to be able to do and share what I love. Four years ago, I committed to educate and train the indigenous community of Puerto Galera Oriental Mindoro Philippines, where I mentored tribal women and local artisans to hone their skills utilizing natural materials. Now, I am thrilled for the opportunities to extend

that work and pay it forward in the global arena. My work in Zimbabwe, thanks to Ambassador Harry Thomas and his wife Mithi Aquino-Thomas, was very humbling and heart-warming, and I hope that it is only the beginning,” says Ablaza.

Kudos to Ambassador Harry Thomas, John Ablaza, Jhenny Morales Evans and all advocates for this successful endeavor,

and best wishes on future undertakings. Definitely more to look forward to! See full article and more photos at www.ChasingSheila. blogspot.com. Photo credits Luke Molai and Jhenny Morales Evans of www.JhennyEvansPhotography.com.

Let’s connect online, visit, LIKE and message “Chasing Sheila” on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram and www.

ChasingSheila.blogspot.com

Fil-Ams win seats in California, New Jersey

By Nimfa U. Rueda

LOS ANGELES – Several Filipino-Americans have emerged as winners in the Nov. 8 US general elections.

Assemblymember Rob Bonta, who became the first Filipino to serve in the California legislature, was reelected to his post.

Bonta captured 87 percent of the vote, defeating Republican Roseann Slonsky-Breault. He represents the 18th Assembly district, which includes Oakland, San Leandro and Alameda in Northern California.

Since his first election to the California Assembly in

2012, Bonta has authored bills promoting Fil-Am heritage, including the annual proclamation of Larry Itliong Day honoring the late Filipino farm labor leader.

He also introduced AB 123, which requires California public school curriculum to include the contributions of Fil-Ams to the farm labor movement.

Bob Sampayan was elected mayor of Vallejo, California. A retired police officer, he has served as Vallejo City councilmember since 2011.

Three other Fil-Ams emerged victorious in Vallejo. Hermie Sunga and Rozza-

na Verder Aliga were elected as city councilmembers while Ruscal Cayangyang won a seat in the school board. Juslyn Manalo, a former community service worker who fought for the rights of Fil-Am veterans, became the first Filipina to win a council seat in Daly City, the largest city in San Mateo County, California.

In Bergenfied, New Jersey, businessman and community leader Salvador “Buddy” Deauna won a city council seat. A farmer’s son from Camarines Norte, Deauna is the eldest of 16 children.

PAR2000 Golf Club Annual Invitational Golf Tournament. Philippine Consul General for Los Angeles Adelio Angelito S. Cruz readies to hit the ceremonial tee shot to start the club’s annual golf tournament in cooperation with the Miss Philippines USA (Filipinotown) pageant groups and the Superior Golf club that was held at San Dimas Canyon golf club last Nov. 12. Proceeds of the tournament will go to the Philippine American Medical Group’s operation: SMILE, (hair lips or cleft lips) medical missions to the Philippines. Gracing the awarding ceremonies are 2016 Miss Filipinotown Jennifer Nadone, Mrs. Filipinotown Lourdes Garcia, PAR 2000 Pres.

Pike Braga and Superior Golf club head Ken Eugenio, assisted by tournament directors John Cabatingan and Guido Javier. Benny Claudio won the over-all championships. Second placer was Benny Gabriel and Cris Galang third place.

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INMENT

Sarah Geronimo wins Classic Rock award in Tokyo Sarah Geronimo took home the Best Asian Performer award at the 2016 Classic Rock Awards in

Japan.

Geronimo attended the awarding ceremony held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan

Sarah Geronimo

Stadium in Tokyo. She performed with fellow Kapamilya singer Bamboo, as part of a lineup of artists that included the likes of Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry and Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine.

Geronimo’s feat broke a relatively quiet year compared to 2015, which saw the pop singer launch her award-winning 12th studio album titled “The Great Unknown” and perform on back-to-back nights at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

In September, Geronimo was nominated for Best Southeast Asian Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

She also recorded ABSCBN’s Christmas station ID along with Bamboo, Sharon Cuneta, Lea Salonga, and a mix of winners and finalists from the “The Voice Kids.”

(MNS)

Kiana stays mum on relationship status Ask Kiana Valenciano on rumors linking her to Sam Concepcion and she clams up.

“I prefer to keep that side (of my life) personal talaga,” she said in an interview.

“Whether there’s something (going on between us) or not, I like to keep it to myself.”

The budding singer allowed that he is “a good guy” but she just wants to take it slow for now.

“I don’t want to say anything or make a stand (about us),” she said. “We’ll see.”

Speculations about the two started after a photo of Sam kissing Kiana on the cheek made waves on social media. She admitted getting a little “shocked” seeing the photos online as “I’m not the type to post (photos like that) on social media.”

The two have known each other since they were kids.

They met at a Trumpets Playshop music theatre class.

Kiana let on that her dad, iconic pop star Gary Valenciano, teased her about Sam when the rumors came out.

“My dad kasi is such a clown eh, and everyone at home makes fun of me kasi hindi ako sanay sa mga ganito,” she said.

He eventually advised

Chito Miranda sorry for elbowing fan, just protecting wife Parokya ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda took to Twitter to apologize to a fan he elbowed to protect his pregnant wife, actress Neri Naig.

“Sorry sa siniko ko kanina. Nabangga mo kasi asawa ko,” Miranda wrote. “Hindi po ako masungit o mayabang, pero mas inuuna ko talaga asawa ko higit sa lahat.”

Miranda and Naig were mobbed by fans who were trying to take a selfie with him at a mall last Tuesday.

Back in June, Naig talked about her delicate pregnancy. Explaining her decision to shy away from social media after it was announced that she was expecting, she said she has shunned people

to avoid stress. Naig suffered a miscarriage last year. She thanked Miranda for being a caring husband. “I am very thankful kase super ako alagaan ng asawa ko kahit gaano pa sya kapagod sa trabaho at byahe. Kahit nahihirapan ako, andyan siya lagi at napapagaan nya kahit papaano ang pakiramdam

ko. Kaya saludo ako sa lahat ng mga mister na andyan para sa mga misis nila lalo na’t nahihirapan magbuntis,” Naig said. Naig is set to give birth this month. The couple are expecting a baby boy, whom they decided to name Alfonso III after Miranda’s birth name, Alfonso II. (MNS)

Is Jessy avoiding working with Angel Locsin?

Kiana Valenciano

Kiana to take things slow and start with friendship.

After releasing her digital single “Circles,” Kiana is now with Viva Artist Agency. She is also seen on MTV Pilipinas.

The budding singer recalled she was already getting offers when she was 15 years old but held out from making a decision in favor of her studies. It’s something she doesn’t regret.

“There are so many things that I experienced

at that age na baka ’di ko na experience kung nag-showbiz ako agad. Like I was able to hang out with friends in a gotohan or porkchop house.

I go to sari-sari store with my friends…”

Coming out with an album has to wait while she’s yet to find her voice.

“When it comes to my music medyo experimental pa siya. I wanna figure out muna who I am before getting into that,” was how she put it. (MNS)

Elisse Joson on life after ‘PBB’ Following her stint as celebrity housemate of “Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky Season 7,” Elisse Joson’s star continues to shine brighter.

The Kapamilya actress is in the cast of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” where she is paired with fellow “PBB” star, McCoy De Leon.

“Kami ni McCoy, kapag nag-uusap kami, lagi naming sinasabi na hindi naman inaakala na magiging ganito paglabas namin ng ‘PBB.’ So far ang daming opportunities! We’re really grateful for that. And aalagaan namin talaga (ang mga ’yan),” she said in an interview.

Elisse hopes to soon star in her own show. She previously appeared in support roles on “Be Careful With My Heart,” “Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon,” “Luv U” and “You’re My Home.”

The tandem of Elisse and McCoy, also dubbed McLisse, started on “PBB.” Elisse thinks it’s authenticity that made their partnership click.

Neri Naig and husband Chito Miranda

Elisse Joson’

“Kung ano ’yung pinakita namin sa loob ng bahay ni Kuya, iyon din ’yung ipinakita namin paglabas namin,” she said.

Indeed, while some love teams would like to separate work from personal life, Elisse and McCoy are different.

“Kami, as much as possible, nagpag-usapan namin, ayaw namin ng trabaho lang din. Gusto namin na kung ano ’yung totoong relationship namin behind the cameras, gusto namin na iyon din ang ipapakita namin sa

lahat ng tao,” she said.

Elisse shared she and McCoy try to make time for each other amid their busy schedules in order for their relationship to grow even more.

Asked if she’s open to dating McCoy in the future, she said, “Kung pupunta tayo doon, tignan natin.

We’ll see.” Elisse appreciates the support she gets from McCoy. “As much as possible, gusto ko na ganoon (supportive) din ako sa kanya.

Nakakatuwa kasi sa lahat ng gawin ko, kahit hindi kami magkasama, sinusuportahan niya ako.”

With many popular love teams around, Elisse is grateful that people see theirs is on the rise too.

“All the love teams na parang sinasabi na doon na din ’yung direction namin, nakakatuwa din kasi nasasabi nila iyon for us. So kahit anong love team na parang i-pattern kami, thankful na ako doon,” she said. (MNS)

Jessy Mendiola denied that she intentionally skipped taping when she found out that Angel Locsin was scheduled to appear on the weekly gag show “Banana Sundae.”

Mendiola revealed that Locsin was supposed to guest on their show but this didn’t push through.

“Tinanong ko nga po kasi supposedly maggi-guest po siya at nagkataon na wala ako noong day na yon,” said Mendiola, who stressed that it was purely coincidental that she was absent that day.

Mendiola, who is currently dating Luis Manzano, the ex-boyfriend of Locsin, said she would welcome the “The Third Party” star on the gag show if ever the guesting pushes through.

She also reiterated that there is no issue between her and Locsin. “Kayo po, may isyu po ba kayo sa akin?

Ako, wala. Kayo, meron,” she asked reporters.

Mendiola has already denied that she caused the breakup of Locsin and Manzano.

Manzano has also cleared Mendiola in the split.(MNS)

Jessy Mendiola

Kris to Duterte: One day mamahalin mo rin ako It’s clear that Kris Aquino was very excited about her interview with President Rodrigo Duterte, even revealing that she went on a diet just so that she’d look good for it.

Her hopes were later met with disappointment, however, af af- t e r Duterte opted to skip the townhall interview she was hosting in Davao City as he was not feeling well. “ M i n san ang

mga first date hindi natutuloy,” Aquino quipped onstage at the National Micro, Small, and Medium Entrepreneurs’ Summit 2016, adding: “President Duterte, please give me a chance. I hope one day mamahalin mo rin ako.”

It did not take long for Aquino’s fans to catch ca wind of Duterte’s noshow, and some so o me were w not happy, especially especi since the interview was heavily advertised by the Department Departmen of Trade and Industry, Indus Go Negosyo FounFo dation, TV5, on newspapers and TV ads, and an on state-run statestation PTV 4. “ I feel s a d f o r Kris.

Kris It could not have been coi just a coinci[Du dence that [Duterte] got sick. Why not [organiz inform [organizers] [th ahead of time [that] he won’t make it?” one asked.

Another claimed: “In the 1st place, why did Kris in Aquino even agree to inter-

view [Duterte]? She’ll still be relevant with or without it. What was she hoping to achieve?”

Some, meanwhile, praised Aquino’s light-hearted reaction over being “snubbed,” with a fan saying: “Let’s not hate Kris Aquino for doing a very good job handling the situation where she was ditched by the president.”

Prior to the scheduled interview, a video uploaded on the Facebook page of Go Negosyo Foundation even had Filipinos share their thoughts on Aquino meeting Duterte, who succeeded her brother, former president Benigno Aquino III. “Kaabang abang talaga. Exciting,” said a man featured in the clip.

Still, many understood Duterte’s reason for skipping, as he had just come back from two-day visit to Malaysia. “Hindi lahat ay puwede paunlakan ng Presidente hindi dahil ‘di nya gusto. May mga bagay na mas kailangang bigyan ng prioridad at bigyang importansya,” explained one of his supporters on Facebook.

Aquino said that she still hopes her interview with the president would push through at a later date. (MNS)

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Health chief reports 10 new Zika cases in PHL, bringing total to 33

By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, Nov. 15 (PNA) – The Department of Health disclosed Tuesday that they have recorded 10 new cases of Zika in the country, bringing the total to 33.

“As of Nov. 13, there are 10 new Zika cases,” Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial told reporters during a press briefing on the Philippine Antibiotic Awareness Week 2016 event, held at the Manila Pavilion Hotel.

Dr. Ubial broke down the cases as 12 in Iloilo, four in Bacoor, three in Mandaluyong, three in Calamba, two in Antipolo, two in Las Piñas, two in Muntinlupa,

one in Cebu, one in Quezon City, one in Makati, one in Caloocan, and one in Manila.

She noted that after getting samples nationwide, they observed that only four regions are affected, with Western Visayas topping the list with 12 patients, the National Capital region with 11, Calabarzon with nine, and Central Visayas with one.

Meanwhile, Ubial said her department continues to monitor the health of the pregnant woman who reportedly caught the Zika virus last September but was later cleared during follow-up tests.

“She is still okay and we are monitoring her. She has undergone two ultrasound examinations so far. Results obtained were all normal,” she said.

Health department spokersperson, Dr. Eric Tayag, said they will continue to monitor the progress of the woman, who is from Cebu, until she gives birth in January. The PhilHealth packages applicable for the expectant mother and her baby have also been readied in preparation for the outcome of the birth, which the department hopes would be normal, Tayag said.

The regular monitoring, he said, is part of studies

being done to find out how Zika affects babies born to women who caught the virus during pregnancy, and to see if the strain of the Zika in the Philippines is different from that in Brazil where babies were born with microcephaly.

The first case of Zika in the country was a teenager in Cebu who had no travel history to countries where Zika infections have been recorded.

The health department has declared the Aedes Aegypti mosquito that carries the Zika, as well as the dengue and chikungunya viruses, as Public Enemy Number One.

Health dept. asks partners to help fight antibiotic resistance

By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, Nov. 15 (PNA) – The Department of Health on Tuesday encouraged its partners doing medical missions to help strengthen the department’s Routine Health Delivery System and combat antibiotic resistance.

In a press briefing during this year’s observance of Philippine Antibiotic Awareness Week, held at the Manila Pavilion Hotel, Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial said that during medical missions, many patients avail of free drugs, including antibiotics, even if they do not need them. ”I told the congressmen and the senators, we are no longer promoting medical missions because, actually, what happens is that people get drugs because they try to pretend they are sick so that they can get the free drugs,” she said, noting that 90 percent of the “patients” in medical missions are not

sick.

Describing this as “unacceptable”, she suggested that medical missions dispense only over-the-counter drugs instead of antibiotics, as part of promoting the proper use of antibiotics. She also suggested an end to the “stopgap” kind of medical missions and to conduct instead “purposive” missions, such as dental missions, blood donations, and blood typing activities.

Ubial further said that as part of the intensified campaign to combat antibiotic resistance, her department is working toward the dispensation of antibiotics at health centers and is training barangay health workers and nutrition scholars to guide patients in their course of treatment.

Meanwhile, the health department and its partners launched the Antimicrobial Stewardships (AMS) Program, along with such operational tools as the National

Antibiotic Guidelines and the Antimicrobial Consumption Methods Guide.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been leading the call for the responsible use of antibiotics to prevent antibiotic resistance. ”Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development today. It can affect anyone, of any age and any part of the country. Antibiotics should only be used to treat bacterial infections only when prescribed by a certified health professional,” WHO country representative, Dr. Gundo Weiler, said during the press conference.

Weiler also praised the steps taken by the country as well as the efforts of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Microbial Resistance.

He warned that failure to address this public health concern could affect some 10 million people each year by

2050, causing huge economic losses.

It is estimated that globally, 700,000 people would die of infections due to microbial resistance, which occurs when the irresponsible use of antibiotics renders them ineffective in treating common bacterial infections.

Weiler said patients should be aware that they should take antibiotics only if prescribed by their health care provider, always complete the full course of the treatment, and use proper hygiene to prevent the spread of germs and limit the need for antibiotics.

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WHO, DOH reminder before using antibiotics: Think twice

By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) – The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday joined the World Health Organization (WHO) in the call to handle antibiotics with care by thinking twice before taking them.

The DOH and the WHO posted the call in their respective official Facebook accounts in observance of World Antibiotic Awareness Week, celebrated on the third week of November to raise awareness on the dangers of developing resistance to antibiotics.

In its Facebook account, the DOH cited two questions: Is it necessary? Is it appropriate?

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change and become resistant to the antibiotics used to treat the infections they cause.

In its infographic, the WHO showed how food-producing animals develop drug-resistant bacteria in their gut when they are given too much antibiotics. The drug-resistant bacteria are then transferred to humans through food, the environment (soil, water and air), and direct contact with animals.

Human-to-human transfer occurs through poor hygiene and unclean facilities.

Both the WHO and the DOH warned that antibiotics misuse can lead to increased deaths because it would be more difficult to treat patients who develop resistance to drugs.

The WHO also reminded the public of the importance of always taking the full prescription of antibiotics, even if the patient starts feeling better after taking some of them.

The organization also warned against sharing leftover antibiotics with others because the need for specific medicines vary from one person to another.

The WHO further emphasized that one should never buy antibiotics without prescription.

Aside from practising good infection control, vaccination can help prevent simple infections.

Brazil sees rise in syphilis cases RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 15 (PNA/Xinhua) – Brazil has seen a rise in syphilis cases, including congenital syphilis, in the past few years, state news agency Agencia Brasil reported on Monday, quoting the latest Health Ministry report.

The Health Ministry report shows that the cases of acquired syphilis in adults rose 32.7 percent from 2014 to 2015. In pregnant women, syphilis cases rose 20.9 percent, and the cases of congenital syphilis, in which a pregnant woman passes the disease to her baby, rose 19

percent during the same period. The ministry considers the rise in syphilis cases an epidemic. The report of all the three forms of syphilis -the regular one, in pregnant women and in newborns -- is required, which helps the ministry track the advance of the disease.

Adele Benzaken, head of the ministry’s Department for the Prevention and Control of AIDS, STDs and Viral Hepatitis, said that over the past five years, “syphilis was not at a level of eradication, but it was stable, and suddenly the number of cases increased.”

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St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Church Closing of the Holy Doors

On November 20, 2016, St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Church in Walnut, CA will celebrate the Closing of the Holy Door of Mercy and the conclusion of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. The closing of the Holy Door will be celebrated by a mass at 12:30pm presided by Bishop David G. O’Connell, Episcopal Vicar of the San Gabriel Pastoral Region.

This will be preceded by the procession of Our Lady of Guadalupe “La Peregrina� and San Juan Diego.

The journey of St. Lorenzo Ruiz parish began in 1987 when a written campaign was started and sent to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

In July of 1989, the first mass was held at what was then known as St. Martha’s Mission. In September of 1991, the Walnut Catholic Mission was officially established as St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Church (a warehouse off of Valley Boulevard and Lemon Avenue in Walnut) and in October of that same year, our first pastor, Fr. Dennis Vellucci was installed. In May of 1995, the construction of St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Church began and the church opened her doors in 1996. In June of 2000, Fr. Michael Carroll was installed as Pastor, succeeding Fr. Vellucci. In August of 2005, Fr. Tony P. Astudillo was installed as pastor and with his vision and tireless

OďŹƒcials and honorees of the 2016 Outstanding Filipino Americans.

PCCI’s 2016 Outstanding Filipino Americans promises to be exciting

By Abner Galino

CLOSING OF DOORS: On November 20, 2016, St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Church in Walnut, CA will celebrate the Closing of the Holy Door of Mercy and the conclusion of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.

The closing of the Holy Door will be celebrated by a mass and preceded by the procession of Our Lady of Guadalupe “La Peregrina� and San Juan Diego.

effort the building of the new church of stone began.

In September of 2009, the cornerstone of the future church was laid, and one year later, on September 26, 2010 St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Church celebrated with the dedication of their new church. Under Fr. Tony’s tutelage, the community embraced the idea of “at the end of the day, it’s all about relationships� and thus began the unmatched hospitality of the parish. This past September, St. Lorenzo Ruiz celebrated her 25th year anniversary. It is especially poignant since the parish was selected to be one of the pilgrim churches during

this Jubilee Year of Mercy, as decreed by Pope Francis.

SLRCC stands alone in the United States as the only church named after the first Filipino saint and martyr. It sits amidst the beautiful city of Walnut, with upwards of 2,500 registered families.

We invite everyone to join us in our celebration of our Silver Jubilee here at St. Lorenzo Ruiz‌where earth meets heaven. Welcome Home!

For more information on the parish and its activities, please contact the main office at (909) 595-9545 or visit the parish website at www. saintlorenzo.org.

The Philippine Children’s Charities Inc., (PCCI) recently launched the 2016 Outstanding Filipino Americans USA, alongside the presentation of 2016 Ambassadors of Goodwill.

These Ambassadors of Goodwill, namely: Miss Philippines USA 2016 Nerfitte Wanzo, Jasmine Morada and Danielle Nicole Viray; Miss Teen Philippines USA 2016 Kyrsten Denise Rioveros, Rheanna Ocampo, Angelique Cobilla and YasminSavalan; Mrs. Philippines USA 2016 Dory Baghallian, Leilani King, Judith Catigan, Leenda Balauag and Leticia Jose are to be crowned at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport on December 17, 2016.

The beauties and some of the outstanding Filipino American awardees were presented during a simple ceremony at the residence of Darna Umayam, PCCI

Chairperson, in Eagle Rock in the City of Los Angeles.

This year’s top Filipino Americans include medical practitioners, local government officials, members of the academe, journalists, photographers and many other individuals who showed exemplary devotion and achievements in their respective fields.

Dr. Salvador Abiera, president of the UST Medical Alumni of Southern California, recalled the tear-jerking experiences of PCCI volunteers who conducted medical and feeding missions in Barangay Payatas in Quezon City last year as part of the organizations annual program to reach out to the poor in the Philippines.

Barangay Payatas is a neighborhood nestled in a dump site.

Umayam seconded Abiera’s testimonial and implored those present to ap-

preciate the value of charity works, particularly for fellow Filipinos in the homeland. “We have to help them because they have no one to turn to. Sometimes, what we routinely spend here to buy a hamburger meal could already save a life back in the Philippines. This is why we work hard to raise funds every year so we can regularly come to the Philippines and help our kababayans,�

Umayam said.

Also present during the occasion were Carson Mayor Pro Tempore Elito Santarina, former Walnut Mayor Tony Cartagena, distinguished medical practitioners Dr. Manuel Baculi and his wife, Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles Director Richmond Jimenez and the executive council members of the Philippine Independence Coordinating Council of Southern California.

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MOTORING Lexus encourages customers to wish big this Holiday Season Iconic December Sales Event campaign highlights full Lexus vehicle lineup TORRANCE, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2016)—Lexus is launching a new integrated marketing campaign for its annual “December to Remember” Sales Event that offers a clever look at family togetherness. Anchored by five general market commercials plus two adaptations for multicultural media, the ads aim to rekindle adults’ love for the holidays and encourages customers to embrace the childlike sense of wonder that accompanies the season.

“The holidays are a magical time for children, but this year’s campaign reminds everyone, regardless of age, that they’re never too old to wish,” said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing. “Kids have a lifeline to Santa that adults can’t touch, and these spots offer a genuine yet humorous take on families working together so everyone can have a December to remember.”

All five cinematic spots feature a Lexus vehicle as the ultimate object of desire, each with a family working together to reach Santa Claus. The first spot, “Forgery,” shows a mother and father writing a note to Santa in red crayon, mimicking a child’s handwriting. Their nine-year-old son walks into the room and

catches them asking Santa for a Lexus RX F SPORT on his behalf. He relents to the forged letter, but only if they’ll also ask Santa for a puppy. The spot cuts to the boy chasing a puppy around the SUV on Christmas morning; both the puppy and the RX are adorned with the iconic red bow.

The second spot, “Auntie,” features an aunt coaching her precocious niece to ask a mall Santa for a Lexus RC F. The aunt slips the girl a twenty-dollar bill as a trade, and the two high five when the vehicle appears in the family’s driveway.

The third spot, “Santa Letter,” opens with a young girl writing an elaborate letter to Santa at her kitchen table. Her mom dictates from across the room, directing her to ask for a Lexus GS F. When the girl struggles, the mom dashes across the kitchen to continue the letter.

The two celebrate together when the GS F is delivered.

The fourth spot, “Mall Santa,” shows a boy on Santa’s knee at a shopping mall as he shares what he’d like for Christmas. He looks up to catch his dad’s eyes, and his dad mouths the words “Lexus LX 570” along with his desired wheel and tech specifications. His son dutifully repeats the words aloud to Santa, and both give each other an excited thumbs up. The whole family runs outside the house the following morn-

ing to find the LX parked in the snowy driveway.

The last spot, “Santa Cam,” opens with a girl video chatting with Santa from her living room. She requests a Lexus IS F SPORT sedan, since she’s been “really good this year.” Santa, skeptical, questions her gift wish. Her dad jumps in from off-camera, using a stuffed toy and a high-pitched voice to answer him.

They slam the laptop screen shut in hopes Santa believed her request, and the two celebrate together when the bow-topped car appears. All five spots end with the iconic “December to Remember” jingle and a voiceover that states, “If you’re going to wish, wish big.”

The broadcast spots begin airing Nov. 16 on network and cable television, sports channels and more. One of the spots, “Santa Cam,” will be translated for the Hispanic market, and a second version of “Forgery” will be created for the Asian-American market, providing further reach.

The print campaign adopts a similarly playful tone with exclusive illustrations from artist Andrew Bannecker.

The ads show various Lexus vehicles topped with red bows alongside the headline, “Wish, Granted,” and offer a modern interpretation of a classic winter wonderland.

The digital campaign utilizes the same artwork for banner ads that will run on popular

Lexus December to Remember - Snow Globe

automotive and culture websites, and out-of-home extensions include placements in Verizon Center and Times Square. The campaign also features seven weeks of multicultural media presence across 16 key markets, which includes broadcast, radio, print and digital executions.

The December Sales Event offers incentives through Jan. 3, 2017. To view the spots,

visitYouTube.com/Lexus.

A b o u t L e x u s Lexus launched in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since that time, Lexus has expanded its line-up to meet the needs of global luxury customers. Lexus is now going beyond its reputation for high quality vehicles with the integration of innovative technology, emotional exteri-

or and interior designs, and engaging driving dynamics and performance. With five models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers seven F SPORT models and two F performance models. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 236 dealers who are committed to exemplary customer service.

2017 Kia Soul Turbo stirs up San Francisco SAN FRANCISCO, November 8, 2016 – It’s hard to make something great even better, but Kia did when it added a 201-horsepower turbocharged engine to one of its best-selling, most-iconic and most beloved vehicles. Fans of the Soul had long lobbied for a little more zip in their favorite ride and the 2017 Soul Exclaim didn’t disappoint when it was revealed to media today.

“We wanted to provide loyal Soul lovers and new buyers a sportier option,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning KMA. “The

2017 Soul Exclaim with its turbocharged engine gives the car’s fans another wonderful choice from an already wonderful line-up.” Though the 1.6-liter turbo engine adds 40 horsepower, fuel economy is 28 miles-per-gallon, city and highway combined1—slightly better than the combined mileage of the 2.0-liter normally-aspirated 161-hp engine in the Soul Plus and in the Soul Base 1.6-liter, which produces 130 horsepower.

Performance in the turbocharged Exclaim is further enhanced by the addition of

a new 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which, via quicker and smoother shift points and no shift shock, makes for more dynamic acceleration and contributes to a more engaging driving experience.

In addition to the turbo engine, the Exclaim includes specialized trim and sportier features, including: exclusive 18-inch wheels; red-accented body trim; chrome grille surround, unique Soul tailgate badge; and, for the first time on Soul, dual chrome twin-tip exhaust.

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KITCHENOMICS A Winning Comfort Combination Almost nothing says comfort food quite like tender, slow-cooked beef and potatoes. Add in sweet honey for a twist on a timeless cold-weather classic and you’re in for a true delight. Find more honey-infused recipes at honey.com.

Beef and Potato Tzimmes Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board Servings: 6 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided 2 pounds beef, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks 2 cups chopped onion 2 cups carrots, sliced 1-inch thick 2 teaspoons garlic salt 4 cups water, plus 3 tablespoons (optional) 2 cups potatoes, cubed 1-inch thick 2 cups sweet potatoes, cubed 1-inch thick 1/3 cup honey 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper 4 ounces dried apricots 4 ounces pitted prunes 2 tablespoons flour (optional) 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional) In heavy 5-quart pot over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add beef and brown on all sides.

Remove beef from pan, add remaining oil, if necessary, and saute onion until tender. Return beef to pan; add carrots, garlic salt and 4 cups water to cover ingredients. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 hour.

Add potatoes, sweet potatoes, honey, cinnamon and pepper; stir and return to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, 30 minutes, or until potatoes are barely cooked.

Add apricots and prunes and simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes, or until beef is tender. Liquid should be slightly thickened.

If necessary, dissolve flour in 3 tablespoons water and stir into stew; return to simmer, stirring frequently.

Sprinkle with parsley before serving, if desired.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

FAMILY FEATURES

E

njoying warm comfort foods during winter months can serve as an exceptional way to defeat that icy chill. As the frost sets in and winds howl, nothing beats the comforting taste of delicious foods like Roasted Sonoma Chicken with Wild Rice and Carrot Butter, Beef and Potato Tzimmes, or Pumpkin Butterscotch Bread Pudding.

For more comfort food recipes, visit culinary.net.

Bread Pudding Pick-Me-Up On cold winter nights, sometimes that one last bite to eat before turning in is the key to finishing your day on a happy note. A warm serving of Pumpkin Butterscotch Bread Pudding with a dollop of cool ice cream is sure to do the trick. Find more dessert options at verybestbaking.com.

Pumpkin Butterscotch Bread Pudding Recipe courtesy of Nestlé Servings: 12 Prep time: 30 minutes Total time: 1 hour, 55 minutes 1 loaf (14 ounces) cinnamon challah bread or cinnamon brioche, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 4 large eggs 2 cans (12 ounces each) Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Lowfat 2 percent Milk 1 can (15 ounces) Libby’s 100 percent Pure Pumpkin 1 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tablespoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar 1 cup Nestlé Toll House Butterscotch Flavored Morsels Vanilla Dreyer’s or Edy’s Slow Churned Light Ice Cream Heat oven to 350 F. Grease 13-by9-inch baking dish.

On rimmed baking sheets, spread bread cubes in single layer. Bake, tossing occasionally, 10 minutes, or until dry.

In large bowl, beat eggs; stir in evaporated milk, pumpkin, 1 cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and salt. Add bread; toss gently to coat. Transfer mixture into prepared baking dish; let stand 30 minutes, or until bread is thoroughly saturated.

Combine brown sugar with remaining granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle morsels over bread mixture; top with brown sugar mixture.

Bake 45-55 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack 30 minutes to set. Serve warm with ice cream.

Cozy Up to Comfort Foods Creating a comfort food masterpiece like Roasted Sonoma Chicken with Wild Rice and Carrot Butter is a no-brainer when hunger hits along with chilly winter air. The dish’s warm, captivating spices will help you forget about the frosty climate around you.

But to truly keep winter winds at bay, try pairing your tasty meal with a vibrant, fruit-forward wine, such as Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2014. The wine works well for nearly any occasion, but it’s the perfect complement to bring out the flavors of the roasted chicken thanks to its aromas of raspberry and red currant combining with spice notes of nutmeg and vanilla, which lead to a smooth, elegant finish.

For more wine pairing tips and recipes, visit KenwoodVineyards.com.

Roasted Sonoma Chicken with Wild Rice and Carrot Butter Recipe courtesy of chef Ari Weiswasser Serves: 4 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts 3/4 cup kosher salt, plus additional for seasoning 1/3 cup sugar 1 gallon water 1 cup carrot juice 4 tablespoons butter, diced 1 1/2 cups wild rice 3 1/3 cups chicken stock

2 3-4 2 2 4

large onions, diced tablespoons olive oil teaspoons curry spice tablespoons apple cider vinegar tablespoons sun-dried tomato, chopped finely canola oil or olive oil 1/4 cup parsley, chopped Brine chicken in 3/4 cup salt, sugar and water. Refrigerate 1 hour; pat dry and store overnight, uncovered, in fridge.

Add carrot juice to saucepan and reduce to thick consistency on high heat, 10-15 minutes. Whisk vigorously if juice separates. Whisk in butter. Set aside to cool.

In pot, cover wild rice with chicken stock. Bring to simmer and cook 45 minutes to 1 hour. Season with salt.

Heat oven to 400 F. In frying pan on medium-high heat, sweat onions in olive oil until soft. Add curry spice and toast until aromatic, 1-2 minutes. Add vinegar and salt; stir well. Fold through sun-dried tomatoes.

Place chicken skin-side up on roasting pan fitted with rack. Brush chicken with canola or olive oil and season with salt. Roast about 25-35 minutes until golden brown; internal temperature should be 165 F. Drizzle with roasting juices; add salt and chopped parsley before plating.

To plate, add carrot butter to wild rice; scoop 1/2 cup onto each dish.

Place chicken skin-side up on top of rice. Dollop with onion, curry and tomato mixture.

Pair each serving with a glass of Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2014.

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Duterte to use APEC Summit as platform to articulate his economic agenda, says foreign affairs official

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) -- President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to use the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Peru to articulate his economic policies, particularly his 10-point socioeconomic agenda with world economic leaders, a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official said Monday. ”I think that APEC is one good platform for him to articulate again what his policies,” Leo Lim, special assis-

tant of DFA Undersecretary for the Office of International Economic Relations Manuel Teehankee, said in a pre-departure press briefing in Malacañang.

Lim, former consul general in Chicago, said President Duterte knows that APEC is important to the Philippines and to the Asia-Pacific region. ”If you follow closely the President’s mind, thoughts, in many of the interactions with the world leaders, the President has articulated well his ideology in terms

of government and also his ideology for the region,” he said.

President Duterte’s first foreign trip was when he attended the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summit and other bilateral meetings on Sept.

6-8 in Vientiane, Laos.

The President then visited Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei, China, Japan and Malaysia. On his way to Kuala Lumpur, President Duterte made a stopover in Bangkok to pay his last respects to the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

MARCOS BURIAL

From page 1

ened to conduct lightning protest actions at the LNMB should the former president be interred there.

As this develops, Hao said no final date has been set yet for Marcos’ burial in the cemetery. “(As the designated protocol officer), I coordinated with the Marcos family and I asked them whether they have any concern we need to address, (and for the moment), they said they have none and they are still waiting for the final coordination on the date (of the former president’s burial),” he said in Filipino.

Hao earlier said the Army is ready to provide Marcos with military honors be-

fitting his rank as former president.

“We will provide former president Marcos military honors befitting a president of our country. He will be given arrival honors by Army brigade-sized honor guards when his remains enter the LNMB,” he said.

“He will also be given a 21gun salute.”

The Army spokesperson said the former president’s casket will be carried by pallbearers, consisting of active-duty senior sergeants and generals, to his final resting place at the cemetery.

An earlier directive said the Army is required to provide a vigil, a bugler, a

drummer, a firing party, a military host, pallbearers, an escort and transportation, and arrival and departure honors.

Hao earlier said representatives of the Marcos family have begun cleaning and making initial digs at the regulation 100-sq.-meter plot former presidents are allotted in the LNMB’s 5,000-sq. meter Presidential Section.

The remains of three presidents, Carlos P. Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal and Elpidio Quirino have been interred in the heroes’ cemetery.

Hao said the Presidential Section still has room for 46 more. (MNS)

and disbarment proceedings “for immorality and grave misconduct in office.” ”To save the Senate from further embarrassment she must voluntarily resign. She has herself to blame for the present destructive predicament she is in,” Aguirre said.

Several charges have been filed against De Lima in relation to the prolifer-

ation of illegal drugs inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) under her watch as former Justice secretary.

During last Monday’s 80th NBI Anniversary celebration, President Duterte criticized De Lima again for allowing the drug industry to take place inside the national penitentiary.

De Lima won as senator only last May 9 elections.

we presently do not expect President-elect Trump’s immigration pronouncements to have a calamitous impact on the Filipino community there,” he noted.

Trump has vowed to deport some three million

undocumented people and to build a wall on the border with Mexico, defying expectations that he would soften his stance on immigration.

This has sent chilling effect among illegal migrants who went to the US to earn

hinarang.’ Napi-play up lang siguro iyung comment ng isang senator.”

Dela Rosa, however, said the deal could still be scrapped if the US makes the transaction difficult.

“Kasi para naman tayong kawawa na parang hinaharang tapos makikiusap, magmamakaawa. Hindi iyan pwede sa atin. Binabayaran namin ito e, hindi naman namin hinihingi so

we should get fair and equal treatment.”

Dela Rosa said he expected friendlier ties between the President and his incoming US counterpart, Donald Trump.

Duterte had repeatedly lashed out at outgoing US President Barack Obama, after Washington raised concerns over his bloody war on drugs.(MNS)

DE LIMA

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National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Deputy Director Rafael Ragos has executed supplemental affidavit where the latter claimed he delivered money more than twice to De Lima and Dayan.

Panelo said De Lima’s admission has also opened her to expulsion proceedings in the Senate by the Senate Ethics Committee

DEPORT 3-M From page 1

pointed out.

“Nevertheless, a vast majority of the three million Filipinos residing in the US have legal residency or citizenship status, pay their taxes and generally obey American laws. As such,

RIFLE DEAL

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Director General Ronald dela Rosa said he told the President that “no one is blocking the deal.”

“I talked to him personally during our trip to Malaysia, we reported to him that the processing of the documents is going all smoothly,” Dela Rosa told reporters.

“When I explained that to him, sabi niya, ‘Okay continue, ipagpatuloy niyo iyan kasi wala naman palang

JFAV PROTEST

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nied. We believe that it is time for our veterans to get what they deserved,” said retired Philippine military official LinoCaringal, president of the Pangasinan Brotherhood.

Aquilina Soriano Versoza, executive director of the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC), brought their vintage Filipino jeepney to the demonstration.

“We are here for the dignity of the Filipinos. All of us, deserve equity and respect. This is an issue for all of us Filipinos,” Versoza explained.

More than 250,000 Filipinos enlisted into the U.S. military during World War II. Theywere promised health and pension benefits identical to that of other American soldiers who fought alongside with them.

JFAV national coordinator Art Garcia said the US government has so far only granted what he called

“band aid fix” to the issue of the Filipino veterans.

In 2009, the veterans received lump sum payments of $9,000 for WW II veterans living in the Philippines and $15,000 for those in the United States.

Still, only half of the 41,000 who have filed claims have received their compensation allegedly because of “poor documentation and keeping of records.”

There are fewer than 18,000 living WW II Filipino veterans – and their widows.

There is a pending bill in the United States House of Representatives that seeks to recognize the service of Filipino veterans with a Congressional Gold Medal.

The said bill, the Filipino Veterans of World War Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015,was approved by the Senate in July.

POLICE CHIEF

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contact with people in an effort to determine whether they are in the United States legally, following a special order signed by thenLAPD Police Chief Daryl Gates in 1979.

Throughout the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump pledged to stop the flow of undocumented immigrants from Mexico and to build a wall on the US-Mex-

ico border. He also promised to deport millions of illegal immigrants, particularly those that have committed crimes.

On Monday, outgoing President Barack Obama said in a press conference that he would urge Trump not to deport illegal immigrants who were brought to the United States by their parents as young children.

Lim said 80.9 percent, or USD103.18 billion, of the Philippines’ total trade came from APEC economies, while the remaining 19 percent, or USD24.863 billion, was from the 11-na-

tion Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ”So, it is good for the President to articulate it and to share it with other economic leaders because other economic leaders are

also curious in terms of the President’s socioeconomic agenda because it has received good reviews from independent parties and many international governments,” Lim said.

“While police action continues to be the instrument for ensuring peace and order, the President reminds the affected populace and perpetrators of lawless violence that it may take more drastic action, if and when necessary,” Abella also noted.

On Friday, Duterte in a speech in Davao City said that he might be forced to suspend the privilege of writ of habeas corpus if the lawlessness in Mindanao would not stop.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, meanwhile, said that Duterte mentioned the possibility of the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus because of the war on drugs.

“So ‘yung pagbanggit po ng Pangulo ng suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus. I believe that this is pertaining to our problem, to our problem in the illegal drugs here in the country,” he said in a text message to reporters. (MNS)

seen whether more demonstrations will follow once Trump assumes office.

“I believe the protests will die down over the next week or two,” Dan Lee, an assistant professor at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, told Xinhua.

“But the next question is what sorts of protests will happen after he actually enters office. That is, what protests will there be against specific bills once they are proposed and then make it to the floor in Congress? Then what protests might happen after specific bills are passed and signed into law?” Lee said.

Trump is a candidate who is loved by his supporters and hated by his detractors.

While a shocking 53 percent of white women voters cast their ballots for the billionaire, many other women are staunchly anti-Trump.

Indeed, the president-elect has over the past year made crass comments against several women, including former Republican contender Carly Fiorina, making disparaging remarks about the former HP CEO’s face.

“Look at that face!” he said during the primaries, suggesting she was unattractive.

Recent weeks saw Trump get embroiled in a social media war with a former Miss Universe, calling the former beauty pageant winner “Miss Piggy,” remarking that she had put on weight in recent years.

Trump in recent weeks also caused a media firestorm after the release of tapes, several years old, that showed him making overtly sexist remarks on a radio show and backstage on a separate television show.

WARNING

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our borders, especially in Mindanao where the state of emergency on account of lawless violence has not yet been lifted,” he added.

Abella noted that the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus is provided under Article VII, Section 18 of the Philippine Constitution, which states, “In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus.”

PROTEST

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the protests will continue, fade out, or even turn violent in the days and weeks to come.

“The protests against Trump will continue. Progressive forces are strongly opposed to Trump’s agenda and will ferociously resist what he is doing. There is a risk that protests turn violent and exacerbate societal tensions,” Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua.

Trump already has used Twitter to attack protesters and say they are unfair and incited by the media. “He is thin skinned and these protests will be very upsetting to him. He is likely to give local police resources to deal with these disruptions,” West said.

Others, however, believe the protests will fizzle out in the coming days and weeks, although it remains to be