US Asian Post October 7, 2016

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Vol. 5 No. 47 LOS ANGELES

AFP seriously looking into coup reports MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is seriously looking into alleged coup attempts against the Duterte administration. “(While news of possible coup attempts are unknown) to us, we are seriously looking into it,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in a press briefing Monday.

Earlier reports claimed that some groups affected by Duterte’s reforms will stage a coup.

Padilla declined to give other details as it would telegraph their moves.

He also dismissed reports that some ranks in the AFP are part of the ouster moves as military personnel nationwide are very happy with the attention being given them by the President.

Very early in his term, the Chief Executive took time in his busy schedule to visit various camps nationwide and interact with enlisted personnel and officials.

This interaction and communication with troops have contributed vastly to the high morale being experienced by all AFP personnel, Padilla added.

A BALITA MEDIA PUBLICATION

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House Speaker mulls same-sex marriage

By Filane Mikee Cervantes

MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) – House of Representatives Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said Monday he intends to file a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in the country.

In a press conference, Alvarez disclosed that his staff has already begun drafting the proposed samesex legislation, noting that he will sponsor the bill himself.

PNP Chief inspects seized firearms in PRO 2: Philippine National Police Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa inspect the confiscated and surrendered firearms from “Project Double Barrel”and “Project Tokhang” of Police Regional Office 2 at Camp Adduru, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley.(PNA photo courtesy PNP-PIO)

”I will sponsor it. If you look at the Constitution, there is a provision guaranteeing happiness for the Filipinos. Why would we deprive them of that? If they are happy with that, shouldn’t we support them?” said Alvarez.

A provision in the 1987 Constitution stipulates that the “state values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights”.

Alvarez said that while the Catholic Church is free to oppose it, the proposed measure only covers civil union and provision on conjugal ownership. ”The beauty of democracy is we can argue and disagree, but at the end of the day, it is the majority that prevails. My proposal is about civil union. We do not meddle with the affairs of the Church. There’s See SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, page 12

Ceasefire, amnesty up in Oslo 2nd round of talks MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) – Negotiating panels of the Philippine government (GRP) and the communist-led National Democratic Front (NDF) are expected to exchange drafts on the proposed bilateral ceasefire and craft an amnesty proclamation as peace talks are set to resume in Oslo, Norway, Thursday, Oct. 6.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said

that they hope to come up with a ceasefire agreement that will include joint monitoring and possibly with a third-party overseer.

“The previous ceasefires were unilateral. We need to craft mechanisms to monitor violations and resolve conflicts and issues arising from them,” Dureza explained.

While the unilateral ceasefires declared by both the GRP and the See CEASEFIRE, page 12

DND in the market for FA-50PH engine Erap allows only MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) – The Department of National Defense (DND) is allocating the sum of PHP416,476,000 for the acquisition of brand-new engine unit for one of its FA-50 “Fighting Eagle” jet aircraft.

The fund for the engine will be sourced from the Philippine Air Force General Appropriations Act CY 2016.

Earlier reports claimed that the engine of one of the two operational FA-50PHs was totally destroyed after a bird strike in Clark Field,

See Page 6

Pampanga.

The first two FA-50PHs, out of 12-plane order from Korea Aerospace Industries, was delivered last November.

Winning bidders are required to deliver the engine within 720 days upon receipt of Notice to Proceed.

They should have also completed a similar project within the last five years.

The DND Bids and Awards Committee will hold a pre-bid conference on Oct. 13, 10:00 a.m.

See FA-50H, page 12

Yasay: Unscrupulous members of media distorting Duterte’s statements

MANILA, Oct 3 (Mabuhay) – Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay on Monday claimed “unscrupulous” members of the media of deliberately twisting the statements being made by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“The misconception or misunderstanding or misinterpretation is not on the basis of what the President has said, but on the basis of what is written on the media,” Yasay said.

“There is a deliberate scheme or distortion or attempt to distort the statement of the President to make the public misunderstand what he is saying,” the foreign affairs chief added.

Yasay made the statement following President Duterte’s public apology to the Jewish community for his remarks last week.

Duterte said during his speech upon his arrival from Vietnam that he was willing to do a Hitler and slaughter three million drug addicts in the Philippines.

“Hitler massacred three million Jews. Now, there are three million See YASAY, page 12

Manileno vendors to sell in selected streets of Divisoria

MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) – Manila Mayor Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada on Monday said he has allowed only vendors who are bonafide residents of Manila, to operate in certain side streets of Divisoria to balance the right of the motorists and commuters to traffic-free roads and the vendors’ need to make a living.

Known to have a soft heart for the poor, Estrada said he made this “win-win” solution because he pities the hundreds of vendors who have been displaced by the city government’s strict road clearing operations.

“Our poor vendors are being hurt by our continuous clearing operations and as their leader and the father of the city, it is my duty to look after them,” Estrada said.

“On the other hand, I have to think of the welfare of the thousands of motorists and commuters who are also losing valuable time and opportunities by being stuck in tremendous traffic,” he said.

Estrada has tasked Dennis Alcoreza, head of the Manila See ERAP ALLOWS, page 12

Fil-Am Nonito Donaire (left) also known as the Filipino Flash, will fight Las Vegas native Jessie Magdaleno.

Pacquiao, Donaire in one card for the first time

By Abner Galino

For the first time, Filipino fans are going to see two of their boxing icons fighting together in one card.

In what kibitzers say was a savvy business move from Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum, the scheduled Las Vegas bout between Manny Pacquiao and Jessie Vargas has become more interesting for fans, particularly for Filipinos, when the promoter also took in another boxing icon NonitoDonaire.

Arum, who couldn’t help take

a swipe at Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, announced Donaire’s inclusion in the Pacquiao-Vargas undercards during a press conference in downtown Los Angeles last week.

“November 5th will be a pay per view organized and promoted

by Top Rank,” Arum began saying at the podium.

“We have four world championship fights with fighters from six different countries, all which have See PACQUIAO, page 12

22-yr-old Pinoy wins gold in ASEAN Skills Competition

By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) – Mark Anthony Guiao from Central Luzon won the gold medal in Mechanical Engineering Design - Computer Aided Design category of the 11th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Skills Competition (ASC) held last September 19-29 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A biennial event, the ASC is said to be the biggest vocational education and skills competition aimed at promoting further develoment of TVET. It also fosters technical cooperation among member

countries, and encourages close cooperation among TVET (technical-vocational education training) stakeholders.

During a recognition ceremony organized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Monday, Guiao shared he will never forget all the experiences he had in the competition.

The 22 year-old BS Computer Engineering graduate said he has learned to push for excellence, and aim higher, realizing that by doing See PINOY WINS GOLD, page 12

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Actor Mark Anthony nabbed in Angeles City for drug possession

Awardees and winners of the Chief PNP Bato Cup and 1st 3-Gun Match: Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald Dela Rosa (right) delivers his message to the awardees and winners of the Chief PNP Bato Cup and 1st 3-Gun Match during the flag-raising ceremony on Monday (Oct. 3, 2016) at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. (PNA photos courtesy of PNP-PIO)

16 cops allegedly linked to ‘DDS’ face Senate inquiry into extrajudicial killings

By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) – Sixteen out of more than 20 police officers from Davao City allegedly linked to the so-called vigilante group Davao Death Squad (DDS) were present at the Senate inquiry into extrajudicial killings Monday.

The Davao City cops, who were previously members of the city’s Heinous Crimes Division, were earlier cited by witness, self-confessed DDS hitman Edgar Matobato, in a previous hearing as responsible for unresolved killings in the city.

Matobato claimed that these Davao City cops took orders from then mayor now President Rodrigo Duterte and his right-hand-man, SPO3 Arthur Lascañas.

The inquiry was led by Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon, Chair of the Senate committee on justice and human rights. Present were

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, PNP-Internal Affairs Service (IAS) Leo Angelo Leuterio, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Dir. Gen. Isidro Lapeña, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Dir. Dante Gierran among others.

Retired Police Sr. Supt.

Dionisio Abude, who was head of the Davao City Heinous Crimes Division from Jan. 15, 2003 until March 8, 2006, was among the first to testify against Matobato’s claims.

Abude began his testimony by showing a seven-minute video presentation, which featured him as a judge for a sports contest, Pinoy Hero, hosted by a popular energy drink company in 2012.

He later gave a rundown of some of their police operations, which involved

wanted suspects who could have died but lived because cops saved them, bringing them to the hospital after they were injured.

Contrary to Matobato’s testimony, Abude said he was not yet assigned as Heinous Crimes Division head when a meeting between him and then Mayor Duterte took place in 2002.

He also denied that the Heinous Crimes Division killed people without due process.

“We are not into killing but we are there to conduct investigation, surveillance and if we have the opportunity to implement the warrant of arrest of those wanted persons,” Abude said.

Senator Leila de Lima was one of the first to question Abude, asking him how he knew Matobato. Abude said he knew Matobato as a cousin of fellow police

officer, retired Police Supt.

Eduardo “Eddie” Matobato.

Abude claimed they were colleagues at the San Pedro police station. He also denied the existence of the DDS but admitted that he has heard about it in the news.

De Lima cited records that showed that Abude and several other high-ranking cops were previously penalized by the Ombudsman for some 720 unresolved killings in Davao City.

Abude however stood by his claim that all cases that transpired were properly investigated.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, a staunch supporter of President Duterte, pointed out anew that there were extrajudicial killings during the previous administration, however, no case was filed against police officers.

The hearing is ongoing as of posting time.

Duterte gives cash Election lawyer says the month-long firearms aid to Negrense ban must be implemented now MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) to implement the existing the prohibition during the policeman – The over a month ban on election law under the Election Period, which is wounded in action firearms nationwide should Omnibus Election Code from Sept. 16 to Oct. 30,

By Nanette L. Guadalquiver

BACOLOD CITY, Oct. 3 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday visited a policeman of the Negros Occidental Provincial Public Maneuver Company (NOPPMC) who was wounded during a shootout last week in Murcia, Negros Occidental, and gave him financial assistance.

Police Officer 1 Robert John Arzaga, who is confined at Dr. Pablo O. Torre Memorial Hospital in this city, received from the President P100,000 and a separate amount of cash.

Mr. Duterte dropped by the hospital after leading the opening rites of the 37th MassKara Festival at the public plaza here.

The President told Arzaga that he will shoulder his hospital expenses and he will also be enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), as well as receive rice subsidy. Arzaga will likewise receive a brand new .44 caliber magnum.

On Monday morning, Chief Superintendent Renato Gumban, director of Police Regional Office (PRO)-18, also went to the hospital to award the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (Philippine National Police Wounded Personnel Medal) to Arzaga.

The conferment of the medal was witnessed by Senior Superintendent William Señoron, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office; Superintendent Frederick Mead, acting company commander of NOPPMC; and Superintendent Roy Abella, acting chief of PRO18 Personnel and Human Resource Development Division, who read the citation.

Gumban said Arzaga will also receive cash assistance from the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc.

have been in effect starting Saturday, Oct. 1, as provided in an order of the Commission in Elections (Comelec) in connection with the Oct. 31, 2016 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls.

According to Atty. Romulo Macalintal, the ban on firearms, which is from Oct. 1 until Nov. 7, should have been implemented as stated by Comelec Resolution 10151 issued on July 12, 2016, since the law postponing the polls scheduled late this month has not been passed officially.

Likewise, the election lawyer urged the poll body

(OEC) and cannot suspend its preparation merely due to a proposed law.

“Comelec cannot suspend the implementation of the OEC since the bills approved by Congress have not yet been signed into law by the President,” he said. Macalintal added, “Thus, what is existing and has to be implemented by Comelec are laws providing for the Oct. 31 village polls and the prohibited acts during the election period from Oct. 1 to Nov. 7 as provided under its said resolution.”

Earlier, he asked the poll body to implement

2016. During the said period, it is prohibited to appoint or hire new employees or create new positions in the government service as provided under Section 261(g) of the OEC. The banning on firearms is also stated under Section 261(h) of the same Code.

Although, the Senate and the House of Representatives have already approved the postponement of the 2016 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to Oct. 23, 2017, no law has been passed that officially deferred the holding of the polls to next year.

Four alleged DDS members deny involvement in unresolved deaths

By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) – Four former and current Davao City police officers allegedly linked to the socalled vigilante group Davao Death Squad (DDS) testified on Monday to deny their involvement in unresolved killings in the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Davao City cops, who were previously members of the city’s Heinous Crimes Division, were earlier cited by witness, self-confessed DDS hitman Edgar Matobato, in a previous hearing as responsible for unresolved killings in the city.

Matobato claimed that these Davao City cops took orders from then mayor now President Duterte and his right-hand man, SPO3 Arthur Lascañas.

First to refute Matobato’s testimony was retired Police Sr. Supt. Dionisio Abude, who was head of the Davao City Heinous Crimes Division from Jan. 15, 2003 until March 8, 2006.

Contrary to Matobato’s testimony, Abude said that he was not yet assigned as Heinous Crimes Division head when a meeting between him and then Mayor

Duterte took place in 2002.

He also denied that the Heinous Crimes Division was into killing. Instead, he insisted that it conducted investigations as part of standard operating procedures.

Second to testify was alleged DDS leader and alleged right-hand man of President Duterte, Lascañas who suggested that “somebody” must be behind in attempts to get Matobato to implicate him.

Matobato earlier claimed that Lascañas was an SPO4, however, it was later confirmed that he was SPO3.

Lascañas denied the existence of the vigilante group or that he was its alleged leader. He also denied that he was at all close to President Duterte, saying he was rarely seen with him.

He however acknowledged that he knew Matobato after the latter offered him a property deal back in 1986 when he was moonlighting as a real estate broker.

He also denied previous incidents in Davao City stated by Matobato including the bombing of a mosque, the killing of radio reporter and critic of President

Duterte, Jun Pala, and feeding the bodyguards of then mayoral candidate Prospero Nograles to crocodiles.

The Senate hearing was suspended to give way to the regular Senate sessions scheduled at 3 p.m. but later resumed to question two more witnesses — SPO2 Enrique delos Reyes Ayao and SPO1 Vivencio Jumawan who, like the two previous witnesses, also denied their involvement in the killings.

Ayao began by thanking Matobato for “promoting” him to SPO3 when he was only SPO2. He also revealed that he received a call from then Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair Leila de Lima in 2009, offering help on the bribery and perjury cases he was then facing.

He said that a staff member of de Lima’s told him that the chairperson wanted to speak to him “confidentially” in a “discreet place”.

De Lima, however, insisted that she could not recall calling Ayao.

Jumawan, like his colleagues, also denied involvement in the killings. He did not spend as much time testifying as the first three witnesses.

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Oct. 3 (PNA) – Actor Mark Anthony Fernandez was arrested by police Monday night for possession of approximately one kilo of marijuana during a checkpoint along Barangay Virgen delos Remedios, in this city.

According to police, Fernandez, on board a yellow Ford Mustang, was flagged down by an anti-criminality checkpoint along MacArthur

Highway in the area, but sped off going to the City of San Fernando.

Fernandez was later intercepted due to heavy traffic, police said.

Authorities from Angeles City Police Station recovered six packs of suspected marijuana weighing approximately one kilo from Fernandez’s possession.

The actor is now detained at Station 6.

Man caught with 4.8 kilos of cocaine at NAIA faces drug raps

By Ferdinand G. Patinio

MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) – A 22-year-old Filipino who was arrested on Sunday for attempting to smuggle 4.8 kilos of cocaine worth PHP25 million into the country is facing criminal charges in violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

According to Atty. Antonette Mangrobang, BI Spokesperson, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) filed cases against Jon-Jon Villamin Jr., for violations of Section 4 (importation), Section 5 (transportation) and Section 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of Article II of RA 9165.

He was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International

Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 after arriving from Dubai via Emirates flight EK 332 at around 4:30 p.m on Sunday.

On the other hand, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente noted that authorities discovered the cocaine in Villamin’s possession after conducting an inspection of his luggage.

The arrest was conducted by joint operation of the BI, PDEA and Bureau of Customs.

For his part, Villamin denied knowing that he had cocaine in his suitcase, saying it was given to him by a Brazilian friend who promised to call and instruct him where to bring the luggage upon his arrival in Manila.

The suspect is now under PDEA’s custody.

Duterte signs exec. order hiking combat duty and incentive pay of military, police

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order increasing the combat duty and incentive pay of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP), living up to his promise to increase their net take-home pay.

In Executive Order No. 03 released to the media Monday, President Duterte increased the combined combat duty and incentive pay from PHP1,500 to a “fixed” PHP3,000 for the officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP and uniformed personnel of the PNP. At present, the AFP’s combat duty pay is PHP500 while the combat incentive pay is PHP150 “but not to exceed PHP1,500 per Operations Order (OPORD) or Fragmentary Order (FRAG-O) per month”.

For qualified uniformed PNP personnel, the current maximum rate of combat duty pay is PHP340 per month. ”The rate of the combat duty pay of the officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP and uniformed personnel of the PNP is hereby fixed at PHP3,000 per month,” reads the EO signed by the President on Sept. 26.

The EO also provides that soldiers and policemen who figure directly in actual combat operations against various insurgent, terrorist and lawless elements shall be entitled to additional combat incentive pay of PHP300 per day.

The additional combat incentive pay is subject to the following conditions: The operations must be for a specific combat mission that is duly covered by an OPORD or FRAG-O for the AFP or a Mission Order for the PNP; the personnel involved in combat must be in the published task organization of the AFP OPORD/FRAG-O or the PNP Mission Order; and the total additional combat incentive pay for each individual shall not exceed PHP3,000 per month.

DSWD chief says Duterte administration recognizes need to continue 4Ps BACOLOD CITY, Oct. 3 (PNA) – The administration of President Rodrigo Duterte recognizes the need to continue the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program since many poor Filipinos still need assistance from the government.

This was stated by Secretary Judy Taguiwalo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), who said their agency is now validating the status of about 4.6 million beneficiaries of the CCT program, also known as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps. Taguiwalo, who hails from Bacolod, was among the Cabinet officials who joined President Duterte in his visit to this city Sunday to officially open the 37th MassKara Festival at the public plaza.

She said the DSWD is verifying the eligibility of the beneficiaries to determine who still deserve to be included in the implementation of 4Ps.

Taguiwalo added that they are also looking for the households with about 1.2 million recipients who have crossed the poverty line, or are now in the transitioning stage.

They government needs to determine the success factors, and identify their additional needs so they will no longer return to poverty, the DSWD chief said.

Taguiwalo said “it is the mandate of President Rodrigo Duterte to provide fair treatment and fast assistance to the community.”

Other initiatives of the DSWD include the provision of rice subsidy to 4Ps grantees, and additional assistance to families of wounded police and military personnel such as scholarships for their children.

Taguiwalo also said the DSWD is studying the possibility of providing rice assistance to all Pantawid grantees instead of only 3.1 million households identified beneficiaries to receive 20 kilograms of rice each.

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Ex-Davao heinous crime unit chief: ‘We are not into killings’ MANILA, Oct 3 (Mabuhay) – The former chief of the heinous crime division under the Davao City Police Office said Monday that they were “not into killings” contrary to the testimony of confessed hitman Edgar Matobato.

Retired police Supt. Dionisio Abude, among the 16 Davao active and retired policemen present at the resumption of the Senate probe on drug-related killings, said he was assigned as chief of the heinous crime division from January 15, 2003 until March 8, 2006.

“We are not into killings.

But we are there to conduct investigations, follow up cases, [do] surveillance and other opportunities to implement the warrant of those persons,” Abude said.

Abude, 59, touted the accomplishments of the said division during his term, saying some 69 suspects were apprehended within one year. “[This] is in contrary to allegations of Mr. Matobato that the heinous crime division was activated to kill people,” he said.

Matobato earlier testified

before the Senate panel that the police division was used to kill several people allegedly on President Rodrigo Duterte’s orders during his term as mayor of Davao City.

Abude also denied Matobato’s statement that he was present in a meeting supposedly held in the office of the heinous crime division to plan the kidnapping and killing of suspected international terrorist Sali Makdum in 2002.

“I deny that, your honor, because I was not there and I was not yet assigned in that office,” he explained.

Abude said he was assigned at the drug enforcement unit in 2002 prior to his stint at the heinous crime division.

He said he only knows witness Matobato as the cousin of retired police Inspector Eduardo Matobato.

Asked whether he has heard of the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS), Abude said: “Narinig na. Kasi ‘yung mga media, sila po ang nagbibigay, nagsasabi ng kapag may namamatay sa Davao, sabi nila death squad.”

Senator Leila de Lima,

who sought the probe on drug-related killings, raised Abude’s administrative case in 2012, wherein he was penalized for the “unabated killings” attributed to the DDS. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales found guilty Abude of simple neglect of duty, along with 20 other high-ranking officers of the Philippine National Police, for which they were meted the penalty of fine equivalent to one month salary.

An Ombudsman release said that from 2005 to 2008, the Davao City Police Office registered an unusually high number of unsolved killings.

“The OMB-MOLEO (Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices) fact-finding team reported that in 4 years, there were 720 persons murdered; 97 in 2005; 165 in 2006; 199 in 2007 and 259 in 2008,” the Ombudsman has said.

Abude has retired from service in January 2013.

He said he was appointed as consultant of the Civil Security Unit by Davao Mayor Sara Duterte after his retirement. (MNS)

PHL, Malaysia, Indonesia agree to explore joint air patrols in transit areas

By Priam F. Nepomuceno

MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) – The defense chiefs of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to explore joint air patrols in transit corridors considered by the three nations as maritime areas of common concern.

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin and Indonesian Defense Minister Ryacudu reached the agreement on the sidelines of the ASEAN-US Defense Dialogue in Hawaii last October 1.

The trilateral cooperation among the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia contributes to a stronger

ASEAN, the defense department’s assistant secretary for strategic assessment Raymund Jose Quilop said in a statement issued Monday.

Quilop said the cooperation among the three nations is driven by the need to address the rising incidents of armed robbery at sea, kidnapping and piracy in the three countries’ areas of common concern.

He noted that the trilateral meeting has evolved to become a platform for the defense ministers to address other emerging common concerns to include violent extremism.

Quilop further said that the return of fighters from the conflict in the Middle

East could eventually create security challenges for the three countries, something which the defense chiefs recognized, hence their decision to set up the cooperation.

With the political support of their respective political leaders, Presidents Rodrigo Duterte and Jokowi Widodo and Prime Minister Najib Razak, the three defense chiefs have expressed confidence that the apparent intent of Islamic State-affiliated groups in their respective countries to establish a caliphate in Southeast Asia, similar to what the IS intends to put up in the Middle East, would not become a possibility, Quilop said.

NDF reminds Duterte admin to release political prisoners MANILA, Oct 3 (Mabuhay) – Three days before the resumption of peace negotiations, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on Monday reminded the Duterte administration on the release of all political prisoners.

In a press statement, NDFP chief political consultant Jose Ma. Sison said the release is in “compliance with the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).”

The second round of peace negotiations will resume on October 6 until 10 in Oslo, Norway.

“The amnesty and release of all political prisoners is an act of righting the violations of the CARHRIHL and the Hernandez political offense doctrine,” Sison said.

“The release of all political prisoners would also serve as a very big incentive for a stable kind of ceasefire,” he added, saying that during the discussions between NDF panel member Fidel Agcaoili and President Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines, the latter commits that “the most expeditious way to release political prisoners is through an amnesty proclamation.”

Among those released earlier to attend the peace talks in Oslo in August were Benito Tiamzon, Wima Tiamzon, Adelberto Silva, Alan Jazmines, Tirso “Ka Bart” Alcantara, Renante Gamara, Ernesto Lorenzo, Alex and Winona Biron-

do, Concha Bocala, Alfredo Mapano, Ruben Saluta, Kennedy Bangibang, Jaime Soledad, Loida Magpatoc,Eduardo Genelsa, Ariel Artbitrario, Pedro Codaste and Porferio Tuna.

Sison said in the August 26, 2016 statement, the NDF and government agreed that “the government panel will immediately recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte the issuance of an Amnesty Proclamation, subject to concurrence of Congress, for the release of prisoners who are listed by the NDFP and who have been arrested, imprisoned, charged, and/or convicted for alleged acts or omissions within the ambit of the Revised Penal Code or special laws in connection with alleged crimes in pursuit of one’s political beliefs.”

“The parties will discuss the content and language of the Amnesty Proclamation,” the joint statement added.

The 60-day period for the NDF and government to reach an interim bilateral ceasefire will end on October 27.

The crafting of an interim bilateral ceasefire was agreed upon by both parties during the first round of peace negotiations last August.

NDF consultant and vice-chair of the Reciprocal Working Committee on Social and Economic Reforms Alan Jazmines said “a comprehensive agreement on social and economic reforms (CASER) could further pave the way for a bilateral cease-

fire.”

“However, so far the political body language of the GRP panel, the much delayed implementation of the agreement for the release of all political prisoners, and the lack of assurance that such could be able to be worked out soonest and without hitches indicate that the GRP’s interest is focused on a bilateral ceasefire,”Jazmines said.

Last month, the NDF exchanged with the GRP a proposed “framework and outline” for the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms, the second substantive agenda of the peace negotiations according to the framework agreement set by The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992.

According to the NDF proposal, the main CASER objectives are: a) carry out agrarian reform and national industrialization; b) advance the rights of exploited, oppressed, discriminated and disadvantaged sectors of society; c) uphold, protect, defend and promote economic sovereignty; and d) conserve the national patrimony and protect the environment. (MNS)

Philippine National Police (PNP) honor guards and escorts carry the coffin of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago during her burial at the Loyola Memorial Park in Barangay Tañong, Marikina City on Sunday (Oct. 2, 2016). At extreme right is her husband, former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Narciso “Jun” Santiago. (MNS photo)

High-value target, cohort yield drugs, grenade, 100 ammunition BOLINAO, Pangasinan, Oct. 3 (PNA)—A high-value target of the police in its war on drugs, and his cohort, also a drug personality were arrested at 5:00 a.m. Sunday in Barangay Salud, Bolinao.

The suspects were identified as Julius Cacho, 52, a high-value target and top drug watch list personality of Bolinao; and his cousin

Jerome Cacho, 32.

The searches at their respective residences were covered by search warrants issued by Branch 54 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Alamionos City.

The search at the residence of Julius Cacho resulted in the confiscation of three pieces of heat -sealed transparent plastic sachets

containing shabu, one glass tooter, one Caliber 9mm brand “TAURUS” PT917CS pistol, two magazines of Cal 9mm, one hand grenade , 100 live ammunition of Caliber 9mm; four live ammunition of caliber 38, three live ammunition of Caliber 45 pistol and six empty fired cartridge cases of caliber 9mm.

Military personnel elated over EO raising combat pay of front line troops

By Priam F. Nepomuceno

MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) – Military personnel, especially those serving in front line units deployed in active zones, are very happy with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order (EO) 3 which fixed their monthly combat pay to PHP3,000 effective September 1.

Considered as front line areas in the Philippine military are Basilan, Sulu and Maguindanao.

This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Phil-

ippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in press conference Monday.

“Morale of our troops, especially those serving in front-line areas, have skyrocketed with news of these latest benefits. They are happy that their sacrifices are now being recognized more,” he said in Filipino.

This is PHP2,500 higher than the PHP500 given to qualified military personnel, he added.

EO 3 also stipulates

troopers, in front line units and have lawfully engaged enemy or hostile forces, are entitled to receive a daily combat incentive pay of PHP300 but not higher than PHP3,000.

Padilla said that an estimated 70,000 AFP personnel, mostly ground forces, are expected to receive these benefits.

Initially, these benefits will be taken from the AFP’s Miscellaneous Personnel Funds for 2016, he added.

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House Speaker on Duterte’s first 100 days: It feels like a year

By Filane Mikee Z. Cervantes MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) – Although the current administration is yet to reach its first 100-day milestone, House of Representatives Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez feels as if a year has already passed with so many developments under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte. ”Personally, parang first one year na nung administration dahil ang dami nang nangyari (Personally, it feels like the first one year of the administration because of so many happenings,)” Alvarez said in a press conference on Monday.

Alvarez said the productivity of the Duterte administration is more evident compared to the previous administrations, where changes were felt slowly. ”At least ngayon, tignan mo yung drop ng criminality--it has dropped to about 50 percent at least. Malaking bagay po yun.

(At least now, look at the drop in criminality--it has dropped to about 50 percent at least. It’s a big deal),” Alvarez said.

According to recent data from the Philippine National Police, the average monthly crime rate hit 49 percent, down by 11.51 percent from 55.54 percent last year. The cut in the country’s crime rate was attributed to the government’s crackdown on illegal drugs and criminality.

When asked about the country’s economic growth, the House Speaker said fixing the nation’s economy within the first 100 days may seem too hasty. ”Parang masyadong maaga naman yun para ayusin mo yung ekonomiya ng bansa in the first 100 days. Normally, services lang ito. (I think it’s too early to fix the economy of the country in the first 100 days. Normally, it’s just about (basic) services),” said Alvarez.

However, Alvarez nitpicked about the current traffic situation and railway system, which so far have not been addressed by the government. ” Sad to say, I still don’t sense any improvement as far as traffic is concerned in Metro Manila and maybe Metro Cebu.

But this is not solely the responsibility of the national government, but more on the local government--the addressing of the traffic problem,” he said.

On the other hand, the rail problem is still persistent even now that the train lines are being operated by private companies, noted Alvarez. ”That’s what I don’t understand. Supposed to be that has been privatized during the past administration to address the problem but until now, nothing has been done,” he added.

Commenting on Duterte as a chief diplomat, the congressional leader approved of the President’s foreign policy as it defends the sovereignty of the Philippines, free from the influence of Western countries. ”For the first time, we can see that our national interest is being pursued at naninibago tayo (and we’re not accustomed to that),” he said.

AFP capable of defending PHL territory MANILA, Oct. 4 (PNA) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured is capable of defending the country’s territory even without foreign help.

This was stressed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in an interview Monday.

“The AFP has its own capabilities and based on the threats that we face, it is sufficient and we are now preparing for other possible threats,” he said in Filipino.

However, despite its willingness to defend the country, Padilla is hopeful that the AFP will not be mobilized to fight foreign aggressors or intruders as the Philippines has friendly relations with all nations, especially its neighbors.

“The current status of our country is we are friends with all our neighbors, we abide by the constitutional policy of always prioritizing peace and that’s exactly what we are doing, so within the scope of our capabilities we are able to protect our interest at the moment and that far I can go,” he added.

PHL fundamentals continue to back PHP: Tetangco

By Joann Santiago

MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) – Volatility of the Philippine peso remains among the least in Asia and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. traced this mainly to the country’s sound macroeconomic fundamentals.

Central bank data shows that to date, the local currency has registered a 1.21 percent volatility rate, the third lowest after the Indian rupee’s 0.86 percent and Chinese yuan’s 1.11 percent.

Among others, Thailand’s baht posted a 1.30 percent volatility rate, Indonesian rupiah, 1.94 percent; Taiwan dollar, 2.01 percent; Singapore dollar, 2.10 percent, Malaysian ringgit, 3.03 percent; Korean won, 3.28 percent, and Japanese yen, 5.46 percent.

Tetangco, in his speech during the meeting of the Rotary Club of Makati West last September 29, said the central bank continues to implement a market-determined exchange rate “but we will step in when, in our view, the moves are excessive.”

He said the recent performance of regional cur-

rencies, including the peso, is driven by negative sentiments due to concerns on actions by central banks in advance economies.

He, however, said that “it is difficult to precisely dissect how much of the foreign exchange movements is due to the global environment and how much is idiosyncratic.”

“Markets must remember that the country’s underlying fundamentals are sound, and therefore it would serve market players well, if they do not allow themselves to be driven by sentiment alone,” he added.

Bank of the Philippine Island (BPI) Associate Economist Nicholas Antonio T. Mapa, in an e-mail reply to PNA, said the peso was the most stable currency before September this year and “perhaps for the past six years.”

“The Philippines has the best fundamentals in the region and more than ample stock of foreign exchange reserves, allowing (BSP Governor Amando) Tetangco (Jr.) help guide the peso within the regional pack in terms of volatility,” he added.

Tetangco says gov’t-private sector engagement to sustain PHL growth

By Joann Santiago

MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) – Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said the last quarter of 2016 remain surrounded by uncertainties, due mainly to external factors, but stressed that strong macrofundamentals along with engagement among stakeholders continue to lift the domestic economy.

In his speech before members of the Rotary Club in Makati City recently, the central bank chief said the domestic economy remain strong on the back of robust domestic consumption and investments and favorable demographics.

In the first half of the year, the economy grew, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), by 6.9 percent, which is among the highest in Asia for the period.

Recently, both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) upgraded their forecasts for the Philippine economy for 2016 due to its proven strength.

IMF upped its growth projection for the country to 6.4 percent this year, from six percent and to 6.7 percent for 2017 from 6.2 percent.

ADB’s 2016 growth forecast for the country was revised upwards to 6.4 percent from six percent.

Both lenders attribute their decision to strong domestic output in the first half of the year.

Tetangco said “engines of the Philippine economy are in good shape to create value” despite global

headwinds.

He said questions are up on the path of global growth, due in part to developments in advance economies such as the impact of the possible spillovers of Britain’s exit from the European Union (EU) and the eventual rise of Federal Reserve rates.

Risks to economic growth involve not just economic factors but terrorism, political divisions and armed strife globally, he said.

“The future is not completely decipherable. But we will continue to implement policies and calibrate our actions to maintain the strength of our macroeconomic fundamentals,” he said.

The central bank chief said monetary officials’ actions “will always espouse the development of sound institutions, implementation of a proactive economic reform agenda, and achievement of stability and sustainability in the economy.”

Part of this is BSP’s continuous engagement with all stakeholders “to help us be attuned to the reality on the ground and synergize with your own efforts to push the economy forward.”

“The last quarter of 2016 may continue to be difficult, but we believe that our unrelenting collaboration and engagement will keep us achieving the best results.

In the end, it is our belief that the Philippines can remain an economic strongman, and the challenges ahead will be definitely conquerable,” he added.

Gov’t on top of human rights abuses in PHL: Sen. Cayetano MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) – Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday expressed hope that the Senate hearings on extrajudicial killings will establish to the international community that law enforcement authorities are on top of the human rights abuses in the country.

Cayetano, a staunch ally of President Rodrigo Duterte, made this point after the hearing in which alleged members of the so-called vigilante group Davao Death Squad (DDS) were present.

“We’re hoping that these marathon hearings until Wednesday will establish that although our system is not perfect but the goal is peace and order; there are abuses, but those who abuse will be jailed and charged; there are killings but because suspects resist arrest and fight back but they are not killed just for being pushers alone,” Cayetano said.

“Again we are not saying that there are no abuses in PNP (Philippine National Police) but to accuse to President of state-sponsored extrajudicial killings is not true,” he added.

Cayetano explained that media should take note of two things: there are countries upset because there are communists in the government and there are countries upset about the Philippines being ‘friendly’ with their enemies.

He also raised the possibility that these human rights abuses were only raised to pressure the Philippines and that it was all part of “geopolitics”.

The senator meanwhile admitted that although it would be helpful if the President did temper

down his foul way of speaking in speeches and press conferences, it was difficult for him to change old habits.

“He (President Duterte) talks that way because he is talks in a way drug pushers can understand him. Of course, the diplomatic community doesn’t want people to talk that way,” Cayetano said.

“I agree that some of these things can be done away with more diplomatic language. We have two audiences, foreigners and criminals. But the President’s focus is at criminals—he’s trying to relay his message that they can’t get away from misdeeds under this administration,” he added.

Asked if he trusted the credibility of Matobato after alleged DDS members testified, Cayetano said that he would rather have the public decide for themselves.

To recall, Matobato claimed in a previous Senate inquiry into extrajudicial killings that some Davao City police officers from the Heinous Crimes Division took orders from then Mayor and now President Duterte and his alleged righthand-man, SPO3 Arthur Lascañas.

Lascañas denied the existence of the vigilante group and that he was the alleged leader. He admitted that he knew Matobato from a property deal but denied being involved in incidents in Davao City stated by Matobato including the bombing of a mosque, the killing of radio reporter Jun Pala who was a critic of President Duterte and feeding bodyguards of then mayoral candidate Prospero Nograles to crocodiles. (PNA) BNB/ ANP/Maria Katrina Hallare

Inter-agency work difficult but necessary: DND chief MANILA, Oct. 3 (PNA) – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said inter-agency work is challenging but is imperative.

He made this statement during the just concluded ASEAN-US Defense Dialogue in Hawaii last September 30.

His views were equally shared by the other defense ministers attending the forum.

Lorenzana elaborated on the Philippines’ experience with inter-agency work in dealing with maritime security concerns through the National Coast Watch System.

The DND chief said inter-agency may well be the way forward in regard to the trilateral cooperation among the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia, an initiative that has recently taken off given the commitment of the three countries’ defense ministers.

Meeting in Hawaii, the defense ministers of

ASEAN and the US exchanged views on common security challenges specifically natural and manmade disasters, maritime security and violent extremism and terrorism.

Addressing these challenges also necessitate interaction and collaborative effort across levels, from the tactical to the operational and at the policy level.

Policy will set the direction but things need to be concretized at the operational and tactical level.

Timely sharing of information is something that must likewise be undertaken.

Having maritime domain awareness is key in the ability of countries to share information with their other partners.

Hosted by the US Department of Defense, this is the second ASEAN-US informal dialogue held in the US after the first one was conducted in 2014.

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Aid at risk due to Hitler comment Duterte risks aid suspension, says Human Rights Watch

MANILA, Oct 1 (Mabuhay) – A human rights watchdog has decried President Rodrigo Duterte’s comments referencing Nazi party founder Adolf Hitler and the Holocaust, calling his words “obscene.”

Human Rights Watch (HRW) Deputy Asia Director Phelim Kine also urged the United States and European Union (EU) to send a strong message to the Duterte administration that the Philippines “risks an immediate suspension of aid unless the abusive ‘war on drugs’ and its skyrocketing death toll comes to a halt.”

The US and EU are among the Philippines’ sources of official development assistance.

The public should not underestimate the impact

Duterte’s words have on police and vigilantes, Kine said.

Vigilantes “lawlessly slaughter their fellow Filipinos without fear of arrest,” said Kine, and they are encouraged by Duterte’s strong words.

On Saturday, the US State Department said Duterte’s comments regarding Hitler were “troubling.”

His words were “a significant departure” from the tradition of America and the Philippines’ “mutual foundation of shared values…[including] our shared belief in human rights and human dignity,” said State Department Spokesperson Mark Toner.

The United Nations also weighed in, with spokesperson Stephane Dujaric saying, “Any use of the Holocaust and the suffering of the Holocaust in comparison to anything else

President Rodrigo Duterte delivers a message upon his arrival at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City on September 30. (MNS photo)

frankly is inappropriate and is to be rejected.”

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Duterte’s reference to the killing of over 6 million Jews during World War II “was an oblique deflection of the way he has been pictured as a mass murderer, a Hitler, a label he rejects.”

“The Philippines recognizes the deep significance

of the Jewish experience especially their tragic and painful history,” he said.

“We do not wish to diminish the profound loss of 6 million Jews in the Holocaust - that deep midnight of their story as a people.”

On Friday, Duterte told reporters upon his arrival from an official visit to Vietnam that critics portrayed him as a “cousin of Hitler.” (MNS)

Gordon: ‘Noisy’ Duterte ‘falling on his own sword’

MANILA, Oct 3 (Mabuhay) – Senator Richard Gordon on Monday said President Rodrigo Duterte was “falling on his own sword” for being “too noisy” on publicly expressing his desire to have suspected drug users and pushers killed.

“Maingay ang Pangulo, sobrang ingay ng Pangulo.

Tama lang na ipakita niya na galit siya sa droga pero huwag na siyang mag-ingay na ‘I will kill you,’ hindi tama ‘yan,” Gordon said.

“Kaya he is falling on his own sword, nadadapa siya sa kanyang espada dahil salita siya nang salita, napagbibintangan tuloy ang bansa na ‘yan ang nangyayari,” he added.

Gordon, chairman of the Senate justice committee,

made the statement at the resumption of the probe on drug-related killings.

“Kaibigan ko ang Presidente, pareho kami nag-mayor pero ayokong salita nang salita ang Presidente kung ano gagawin niya. Pero dapat ang sasabihin niya, ‘Masyadong maraming hindi nasu-solve at i-solve ‘yan,’” Gordon said.

The senator told Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa that cops involved in killings should be held accountable.

“Kahit isa lang ang namatay at hindi na-solve ng pulis ang kaso, ang tao matatakot. Kaya siguro tayo tinitira ng foreign media,” he said.

Gordon then took a swipe

against international media, and said that foreigners should not be hesitant of visiting the Philippines amid the spate of alleged extrajudicial killings.

“We have to be accountable. To the media here, the foreign media, I don’t care what you say about us. We have not thrown the rule book because the Senate is investigating extrajudicial killings, whatever you want to define it,” he said.

“The law has not been thrown kaya ‘wag kayo matakot sa Pilipinas because the Senate is investigating,” Gordon stressed.

Gordon said at least 1,300 policemen are involved in shooting incidents. Of the number, some 680 cops have been charged

after a motu proprio probe, according to the Internal Affairs Service of the PNP. Meanwhile, Gordon also took a swipe at Rodrigo Duterte for his foul words, saying in jest that he would soon suggest to change the Philippines’ tourism slogan to “Welcome to the PI.” “We have to protect the country from bad statements and the President has the duty to be a statesman. He must not be heard saying all bad words,” Gordon, former secretary of the Department of Tourism, said.

“Sasabihin ko nga, baguhin na natin ang slogan sa tourism, ‘Welcome to the PI’ or “Wow PI.’ Hopefully, marinig ni Pangulo ito at ‘huy, baka sumusobra na siguro,’” the senator said.

Caregiver law requires overtime pay Under California law many caregivers must be paid overtime compensation when working more than 9 hours a day or 45 hours a week. In my experience, very few 24hour caregivers are paid correctly. With California’s increase in the minimum wage to $10 an hour, many 24-hour caregivers must be paid a minimum of $315 a day to comply with the current law.

If you are working as a caregiver and paid a day rate less than $315, under California law, you are not being paid any overtime and may have a substantial unpaid overtime claim.

Oftentimes, employers attempt to avoid liability by claiming the caregiver is an “independent contractor.” In most circumstances, this argument will fail as typically employers maintain significant control over the caregiver.

The change in the overtime rules for caregivers became effective on January 1, 2014, when the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights (DWBR) became law.

Previously, employees who qualified as “personal attendants,” including caregivers, nannies and babysitters who worked in private households did not qualify for overtime.

The DWBR eliminated the overtime exemption for personal attendants and provides that personal attendants “shall not be employed more than nine hours in any workday or more than 45 hours in any workweek unless the employee receives one and one-half times the employee’s regular rate of pay for all hours worked over nine hours in any workday and for all hours worked more than 45 hours in the workweek.” Now, caregivers, nannies and babysitters (with limited exceptions) must be paid overtime compensation. Unfortunately, this law does not cover IHSS workers and those caring for close family members.

Under Labor Code § 1194, caregivers are not only able to recover their unpaid overtime in a civil action, but they also may recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. California law also provides interest and penalties for workers who are not properly paid overtime compensation.

If you are working as a caregiver who is not paid overtime when working more than nine hours a day or 45 hours a week, you should consult with an attorney to discuss your rights under this law. With all the penalties, interest and attorneys fees allowed, claims often exceed $100,000 for 24-hour employees working just over 1 year.

Article written by Daniel Chaleff, Employment Law Attorney of Chaleff Rehwald. Mr. Chaleff has been practicing employment law for over 21 years.

For free and confidential consultation call (818) 8074168.

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What breakup? KC posts photo with Aly, Sharon

Actress-host KC Concepcion posted on Instagram a photo of her with her mother Sharon Cuneta and rumored beau Aly Borromeo, amid speculations that she had stopped dating the former Azkals captain.

In the image, Concepcion was all smiles with Borromeo and Cuneta, who took to Twitter afterwards and wrote: “I loved spending time with you and ze bebe boy this whole evening.

Miss you already. Love you!”

Cuneta, one of the coaches of “The Voice Kids,” has already admitted that she likes the football player for her eldest daughter, even if Concepcion and Borromeo have yet to make public their relationship.

“Anybody that’s nice to my daughter, makes my

daughter a better person, and brings her closer to the family, I will like. Aly is like that,” the Megastar said, adding that Borromeo gets along well with Concepcion’s other siblings.

Early this month, Concepcion left many of her followers on Instagram confused when she revealed that she is both not “single” and “taken” at the same time.

According to her, she is “building an empire, finding [herself], healing [herself], loving [herself], being passionate, getting fit, growing friendships, meeting new people, and making memories.”

Some of Concepcion’s fans speculated that her “update” meant that she and Borromeo stopped dating. (MNS)

Rachelle Ann Go joins ‘Miss Saigon’ Broadway

Anne Curtis

Next It Girl to get married?

Anne Curtis reacts Instead of feeling pressured to get married, Kapamilya star Anne Curtis is just laughing off the many questions and speculations about her plans to settle down with longtime boyfriend, restaurateur and food blogger Erwan Heussaff.

This year, the likes of Georgina Wilson, Isabelle Daza and Solenn Heussaff have already exchanged wedding vows with their respective partners.

But has seeing her closest friends walk down the aisle affected her future plans in any way? No, maintained Curtis.

“It will happen at the right time and don’t worry, hindi ko naman itatago (I won’t hide it). It will happen all in His right time,” she said following a photoshoot for her up-

KC Concepcion

coming film.

Curtis is one of the lead stars of the comedy flick “Bakit Lahat ng Gwapo May Boyfriend?” alongside Dennis Trillo and Paolo Ballesteros. It will tackle issues surrounding women who have gay husbands or boyfriends, shared Curtis. “It’s so funny kasi maraming makaka-relate. Doon pa lang sa teaser na pinost ko—binabasa ko kasi iyong comments nila. May mga babae talagang ganoon iyong pinagdaanan.”

(It’s so funny because a lot of people can relate to it. I’ve read comments on the teaser and many women say that they are going through the same thing.)

The Viva Films feature will be directed by Jun Lana and will also star Yam Concepcion. (MNS)

Melai pregnant with second child

After trying her very best to save her marriage, comedienne Melai Cantiveros announced that she is pregnant with her second child.

The actress-host confirmed that she’s having a baby again with her husband Jason Francisco.

“May bago kaming blessing mag-asawa ni Jason at magiging ate na si Mela. Ten weeks na akong pregnant,” Cantiveros said.

“Sobrang saya ko nung nalaman ko na buntis ako. ‘Pag-pregnancy test ko unang nakakalam si Jason and Melai Francisco Mela. Sinabi ko agad kay Jason at sobrang saya niya na madadagdagan ang aming family. So talagang happy family kami,” she added.

Cantiveros also stressed there’s still a “Melason,” the moniker given to her love team with Francisco.

“Sagrado ang kasal kaya pinush namin na maging okay kaming mag-asawa. Thank you Lord. Sobra pinagdaanan namin,” she admitted.

Cantiveros shared that after giving each other space and time to heal, they finally accepted what went wrong and decided to patch things up.

In the show, Cantiveros became emotional when her co-hosts Karla Estrada and Jolina Magdangal, welcomed Francisco in the studio together with their daughter Mela.

“Mahal na mahal ko kayong dalawa (ni Mela) at saka si baby future,” said Francisco, who was also emotional.

Last July, Francisco surprised their followers when he announced their relationship has reached an end. In a series of posts, he explained that he and Cantiveros had an initial agreement that she won’t have a partner in the series and that she will only have a leading man for the pilot week.

Cantiveros married Francisco in December 2013. The two met inside the “Pinoy Big Brother” house during the 2009 season of the hit reality television show.(MNS)

Rachelle Ann Go

Filipina singer Rachelle Ann Go will make her Broadway debut as she

joins the U.S. cast of Miss Saigon, according to Broadwayworld.com.

A link to the report was shared by Broadway veteran and former “Miss Saigon” star Lea Salonga on Twitter early morning on Friday. Go currently plays Fantine in the West End original production of “Les Miserables.”

She will reprise her character of bar girl Gigi from her West End performance in the Broadway revival.

Performances for the Broadway revival will begin on March 1, 2017 at the Broadway Theatre. Opening night will be on March 23, 2017.

“Miss Saigon” on Broadway will run a limited engagement until January 14, 2018. Other actors who will join the Broawdway cast are West End’s Jon Jon Briones and Eva Noblezada, who will reprise their characters The Engineer and Kim, respectively, and Devin Ilaw (Les Miserables, M. Butterfly), who will play Thuy.

Tickets are available at saigonbroadway.com and at telecharge.com, or by phone at (212) 239-6200 or (800) 447-7400 and at the Broadway Theatre box office.(MNS)

Is Jake really the father? Aiko Melendez recalls skin Andi speaks up procedure-turned-nightmare Actress Andi Eigenmann neither confirmed nor denied the claim of her half-sister that Jake Ejercito is the biological father of her 5-year-old daughter.

The “Camp Sawi” star released a statement on Friday, explaining her decision to keep the identity of Ellie’s father from the public and eschewing press interviews about it.

“Recent events have put my daughter Ellie into the limelight with the media, netizens, and strangers questioning who her father is. I made a conscious choice not to talk about the paternity of my daughter in order to protect the privacy of Ellie,” she said.

“Although she was born into a showbiz family, as a mother, I would like to shield her from the intrigues and gossip that are part of the industry.

Growing up, Ellie knew who her father was and he has been there for her, and that’s all that matters. I hope this will put the issue to rest, out of concern for my very young daughter.

I’m requesting everyone to respect the privacy of Ellie.”

Last week, Max Eigenmann, Andi’s half-sister, claimed that a DNA test has proven that Jake is the father of her niece.

“They did a test. Yeah, he [Jake] is the dad,” Max told Mo Twister in an episode of the host’s podcast,

Andi Eigenmann

“Good Times with Mo.” Jake has yet to speak up on this disclosure.

In past interviews, however, Andi said that Jake is the closest “father figure” to Ellie. “Si Jake ‘yung nandiyan since the beginning and he loves my daughter like his own, and so he’s the father.”

However, that was before Andi got into a heated exchange with the son of Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Twitter, and claimed that she “never” needed him for anything.

Meanwhile, former “On the Wings of Love” star Albie Casiño, whom Andi’s family tagged as the father during the height of the actress’ pregnancy, hampering his career as a young actor, recently expressed relief over the news.

“I’m just happy that the truth is out, I can finally relax now,” he said in a statement released through Cosmopolitan Philippines. (MNS)

Actress Aiko Melendez, considered one of the most beautiful celebrities of her generation, recalled how a supposedly safe dermatological procedure turned into a nightmare.

In an Instagram, post Melendez shared an old photo that summed up her bad experience.

“Was fixing my old photos and saw this,” Melendez wrote in the caption of her Instagram post.

According to the actress, the greatest lesson she learned from the experience is to trust the doctor “who knows what she is doing.”

This, she said, also serves as a reminder to not let vanity take control and not go beyond what is needed.

“I’m sharing this picture for the people to be careful with the proce-

Aiko Melendez

dure that they undergo.

Sometimes, we always go beyond what is needed, but because of our vanity what’s best can be your worst,” she wrote.

“I will never ever experiment with my face again.”; Melendez said a trusted doctor helped restore her face.

And for this, she says, “Thanks, Doc!” (MNS)

Heart Evangelista describes Duterte as ‘funny, soft-spoken’ Heart Evangelista shared President Rodrigo Duterte was funny, nice and soft-spoken during their first meeting.

The Kapuso actress revealed she tagged along with husband, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero recently to meet the President.

She said the meeting went well and she didn’t expect Duterte to be very proper.

“He’s very sweet, soft-spoken. He’s very nice, very funny, sweet and was gracious enough to take his time and talk to me about my art. He was just very normal.”

Evangelista said she was nervous before meeting the President but the latter appeared “very normal.”

Heart Evangelista

“At the beginning I was nervous meeting him because I’m meeting the President. When I talked to him, he was very casual and very normal. I appreciated it. He was very simple, which was better kasi it was less intimidating given his title,” she ended.

(MNS)

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Sharon Cuneta laughs off ‘Bilibid’ performance MANILA, Sept 30 (Mabuhay) -- MEGASTAR Sharon Cuneta just laughed off the issue regarding her supposed 2012 show inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

Cuneta’s name was dragged during the recent congressional hearing about the alleged proliferation of drugs inside the national penitentiary when Senator Leila de Lima served as Justice Secretary.

One of the witnesses named Cuneta as one of showbiz personalities who performed for drug lords and inmates.

In an interview with the singer/actress at the press conference of her self-titled concert scheduled on

October 15 and 22 at the Theater at Solaire, she said her performance was non-issue.

“I’m so apolitical and sometimes I don’t know what these letters (NBP) stand for. You have to tell me the whole thing. Sabi ko, ‘I don’t know what these letters stand for.

What are they associating me with?”

She recalled that her team visited the NBP for the taping of her former talk show “Kasama Mo Kapatid,” which aired on TV5.

The Kapamilya star said it was part of their advocacy and her way of helping RockEd Philippines.

“It was organized by Gang Badoy and we were

doing shows outside the studio. Nag Pampanga kami, nag Davao, Cebu, kung saan saan kami nakarating.”

“If I’m not mistaken, it was the holiday season.

When I went there, I actually talked to those na (nakakulong), ‘Kamusta ang buhay ninyo dito? Anong ginagawa ninyo to pass your time?’ Yung tipong because I wanted the show to reinforce positive values and to give hope doon sa medyo wala na.”

The singer even bought handcrafts made by the inmates.

“Gusto kong ipakita na pati yung mga tao sa loob ng Bilibid, yung iba they found God, yung iba nag-painting. I even

bought a painting or two.

Yung mga ginagawa nila to be productive.”

She clarified though that she never met any of the names making headlines now in the news.

“I never met any of the (drug lords), not even close.

None kahit na alalay nila, walang ganun. Hindi ko alam kung nasaan sila noon.” Cuneta said she’s really not bothered because she did nothing wrong and her name is clean.

“It was so ridiculous.

Makagawa lang talaga ng (issue). Nagmagandang loob na nga lang ako, kumanta pa ako doon. Tapos yung ending ikaw pa yung (mai-issue). It was so funny kaya it died right away,” she ended. (MNS)

Sharon Cuneta

Jodi Sta. Maria earns nod from 2016 Emmy Awards Vina to mark 30 years in showbiz with concert Jodi Sta. Maria is nominated in the Best Performance by an Actress category at the 44th International Emmy Awards.

The 34-year-old was recognized for her portrayal of the iconic character Amor Powers in the 2015 remake of “Pangako Sa ‘Yo” (The Promise).

Sta. Maria will compete against Christiane Paul from Germany (“Unterm Rada”), Grazi Massafera from Brazil (“Verdades Secretas”) and British actress Judi Dench for her role in BBC One’s Christmas offering “Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot.”

Aside from the actress, ABS-CBN also earned a nomination in the Best Telenovela category for 2015 series “Bridges of Love” starring Paulo Avelino, Maja Salvador

Jodi Sta. Maria

and Jericho Rosales.

The television series will go head to head against local shows from Canada (“30 Vies”) and Brazil (“A Regra do Jogo” and “Verdades Secretas”) “Bridges of Love,” a story about two brothers,

played by Rosales and Avelino, who were bound by their promise to each other, separated by an unfortunate tragedy, and bridged together by love for one woman (Salvador), is the first Filipino series to air in the Latin American region.

“Pangako Sa ‘Yo,” on its part, is currently being shown in Peru’s PanAmericana channel.

According to ABSCBN, both series were also syndicated in Asia and Africa. Sta. Maria and “Bridges of Love” are the only representatives from the Philippines among the 40 nominated shows across 10 categories from 15 countries in this year’s competition.

The 44th International Emmy Awards will be held on November 21 at the Hilton Hotel in New York City. (MNS)

Vina Morales

Actress-singer Vina Morales will mark her 30th anniversary in show business with a special concert next month. Morales, who started her showbiz career when she was only 11 years old, already preparing for her anniversary concert “Vina@Thirty,” which will be held at the KIA Theater in Cubao, Quezon City on October 14. Apart from celebrating her anniversary, the show will also be a birthday concert for Morales, who is turning 41 this October 17.

Ahead of her concert, Morales has recently been in a reminiscing mood as she posted clips from her debut movie “Nakagapos Na Puso” with Sharon Cuneta, which was released in 1986.

“So many things to thank for,” she wrote. Morales is currently part of the primetime series “Born For You,” which is now down to its last week. (MNS)

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UTREACH ‘Evening at the Embassy’ showcases PHL culture

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Around sixty (60) young professionals of Metro DC gathered at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy for a fun-filled “Evening at the Embassy of the Philippines”, that featured Filipino music, art, and cuisine on 29 September 2016.

“Tonight’s special event is just one of the many ways by which we built on the common ground that exists between our cultures and heritage.

Indeed, the relationship between the Philippines and the United States is comprehensive, dynamic, and forward-looking,” said the Philippine Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto as he welcomed the guests to the Philippine Embassy.

The Migrant Heritage Commission Ensemble led the cultural presentation, performing original Filipino folk dances such as Aray, Banga at Sarip, Sarimanok, Singkil, and Tinikling. Costumes of the Ati-Atihan fes-

Several guests participated in a mini fashion show of the AtiAtihan costumes. Ati-Atihan is a Filipino festival held annually in January in the province of Aklan to honor the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus).

tival, which is held annually in January in the province of Aklan to honor the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus), were also put on display.

Several guests participated in a mini fashion show of the Ati-Atihan costumes and tried dancing the Tinikling, while enjoying traditional Filipino dinner of pancit, bistek (Filipino version of beef steak), chicken adobo, and fresh fruits.

“By hosting these cultural events with embassies, such

as the magnificent Embassy of the Philippines, we hope that young professionals, who are at the start of their long and successful careers, can take away something positive from the evening.

Unlike many other groups who attend embassy events, this is their opportunity to firsthand experience international culture and come face to face with diplomats and embassy staff from various countries and receive answers to questions they

The Migrant Heritage Commission Ensemble performed the Tinikling, a Filipino dance that imitates the movement of the tiklingbirds as they walk between grass stems, run over tree branches, or dodge bamboo traps set by rice farmers.

may not otherwise get on CNN, or at a travel agency.

Through these interactive events, these young professionals take away their positive memories of the evening, and create a life long bond to these countries

that will last them in their personal and professional lives,” said Mr. Greg Bland, CEO of Things to Do DC and Embassy Events for Young Professionals. “Evening at the Embassy of the Philippines” was organized by

Things to Do DC, a premiere organization for DC young professionals that makes use of interactive social, educational and cultural events that enrich their social and cultural experiences.

Agri fellows briefed ON PHL conditions

Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz with the WW II Filipino American Veterans.

Congen meets with Fil-Am WW II veterans Los Angeles, 30 September 2016 – Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz was welcomed by the Filipino-American World War II Veterans at the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall in downtown Los Angeles, 27 September 2016.

The meeting was organized by Filipino Veterans Foundation Executive Director Dr. Jenny Batongmalaque. Special guests during the meeting were Department of Veteran Affairs District Manager Alberto Alpasan and Veterans Affairs Mental Health Center Doctor Carole Goguen.

The Filipino Veterans Foundation (FVF) is

a non-profit organization, founded under the auspices of the ERB Foundation, a registered 501-©(3) non-profit organization in Los Angeles, California, USA. The mission of the Filipino Veterans Foundation is to improve the quality of life of the disadvantaged mature individual, promote health and wellness in his community, and to honor and preserve his legacy and contributions.

Since November 1, 2002, the Filipino Veterans Foundation began providing services at the Los Angeles County Bob Hope Patriotic Hall.

In his remarks, Consul General Cruz assured the veterans of the Consulate’s continued support for Filipino-American WW II veterans. One of the first improvements implemented at the Consulate is having a dedicated window for WW II veterans, senior citizens and persons with disability availing consular services.

The goal is to decrease their queuing and waiting time.

Consul General Cruz also assured the veterans that their concerns about their loans and pensions will also be relayed to the appropriate government agencies in the Philippines for their response and attention.

Tonga extradites US citizen to face fraud charges LOS ANGELES – A U.S. citizen who formerly resided in Turlock, California, and Auckland, New Zealand, was returned to the United States by Tonga and is expected to appear in court today to face federal investment fraud charges.

Antone Thomas Pedras, who also went by Chris Pedras, 64, arrived at LAX last Friday in the custody of the United States Marshals Service. Pedras was returned to the United States to face eleven counts of wire fraud in connection with several fraudulent investment schemes.

In a first superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury on August 6, 2014, Pedras is charged with inducing investors to give money to “Maxum Gold Trade Program,” which he claimed was a “low-risk investment with monthly returns ranging between 4 to 8 percent.” Pedras is

also charged with soliciting investments in the “FMP Renal Program,” which he claimed “would be publicly traded and would operate kidney dialysis clinics in New Zealand.”

To bolster his false claims to his investors, Pedras created false account statements for the Maxum website, www.maxumgoldbnkpcpt.com.

“Those who commit fraud against residents of the United States will not escape punishment simply by residing overseas,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “This case and the extradition demonstrate the commitment of the Department of Justice to holding responsible for their actions criminals both here and outside of the country who commit fraud against U.S. residents.”

If convicted of the charges in the indictment, Pedras faces a statutory maximum

sentence of 220 years in prison.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

“The FBI is committed to investigating complex highyield investment schemes,” said Deirdre Fike, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “As the return of Mr. Pedras makes clear, we are also committed to seeking justice for victims within the U.S. and beyond its borders.”

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a parallel civil case against Pedras.

The investigation into Pedras is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ivy Wang of the Santa Ana office.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 2016 batch of Cornell University’s LEADNY received a comprehensive briefing on the Philippines on 28 September 2016 at the Philippine Embassy.

During the briefing, the twenty-two (22) LEADNY 2016 Fellows were apprised of current conditions and trends in Philippine agriculture, labor market, and trade and commerce. Snapshots of Philippine culture and politics were also presented to provide the group with a holistic picture of the country.

“We thank LEADNY for choosing the Philippines as a focus of interest this year.

This presents valuable part-

nership opportunities in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors, which have been designated as high priority areas by the Duterte Administration,” said Dr. Josyline Javelosa, Philippine Agriculture Attaché for the Americas.

The 2016 Fellows will travel to the Philippines in February 2017 to learn more about the country’s food and agricultural sectors.

The Embassy briefing was a joint presentation of Dr. Javelosa, Commercial Counselor Raymond Batac, Labor Attaché Saul De Vries, Political Officer Gunther Sales, and Public Diplomacy Officer Darell Artates.

“Our economic diplomacy has always taken a long and integrated view. Engaging future leaders and policymakers in strategic sectors is a necessary step to the creation of productive and enduring collaborative relationships,” stated Minister Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, the Embassy’s economic officer.

LEADNY is a leadership development program for adult professionals in the food, agriculture and natural resource industries of the US Northeast. The program helps participants improve their leadership skills, level of self-awareness, issues analysis, critical thinking and civic engagement.

VA earmarks $3.4-M in funding to help the homeless WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald announced the award of $3.4 million in grant funding offered through the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program to 16 community agencies that provide enhanced services for homeless Veterans with special needs.

The GPD Program promotes the development and provision of supportive housing and services to help homeless Veterans to have stable residences, increase their skills and income, and achieve independence. Specifically, GPD special need grant funding assists with

additional operating costs of transitional housing and services for special need groups such as women, chronically mental ill, frail elderly, terminally ill, and those with minor dependents.

“GPD Special Need Grants exemplify VA’s response to the wide range of needs of subpopulations of homeless Veterans,” said VA Secretary McDonald. “These 16 grants strengthen the continuum of VA services to help the most vulnerable Veterans become stably housed and achieve greater self-determination.”

As a result of these and other efforts, the number

of U.S. Veterans experiencing homelessness has been cut nearly in half since 2010. As of September 16, 2016, 29 communities and two states have confirmed and publicly announced that they have effectively ended Veteran homelessness, serving as models for others across the nation.

More information about VA’s homeless programs is available at www.va.gov/ homeless. Community organizations seeking details and/or more information may visit VA’s National Grant and Per Diem Program website www.va.gov/ homeless/GPD.ASP

Vote by mail drop-off locations available throughout LA County LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/ CC) Dean C. Logan announced his department has partnered with 70 City Clerks across LA County to serve as Vote by Mail (VBM) ballot drop-off locations for the November 8thPresidential General Election.

Voters who prefer to drop off their Vote by Mail ballot in-person will have that opportunity by visiting one of the many convenient dropoff locations. In addition to the 70 City Clerk offices, the RR/CC’s 6 branch offices will also be serving as drop-off locations.

The VBM drop-off locations will be available starting Tuesday, October 11 and

will continue until Monday, November 7.

Find the nearest Drop-Off Location, and their hours of operation.

The deadline to request a Vote by Mail ballot is November 1, requesting a VBM ballot is very easy, visit lavote.net to apply. Unsure if you’re a Vote by Mail voter?

Check yourVBM status online.

Vote by Mail voters who choose to vote at their polling place on Election Day may do so, but they must bring their VBM ballot to surrender at their polling place.

The mission of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk is to serve Los Angeles County by providing essen-

tial records management and election services in a fair, accessible and transparent manner. For more information, visit lavote. net and follow us on Twitter@LACountyRRCC.

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MOTORING

Five million strong

ota vehicles are known for,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota division. “Toyota continues to be an auto industry leader in QDR and resale value as evidenced by a long list of recent third-party accolades from organizations such as Consumer Reports, J.D. Power and Kelley Blue Book.”

Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV), Toyota’s CPO program, was launched in 1996. For a used Toyota vehicle to be certified, it must pass 160 inspection points including interior and exte-

than any other automaker has sold since certified used vehicle programs came online about two decades ago.

The Wenzel family of Fountain Valley, Calif. bought the five-millionth CPO Toyota in Aug. Their 2013 Toyota Highlander, sold by Toyota of Huntington Beach, pushed Toyota across the 5M CPO sales milestone.

“Achieving this significant milestone exemplifies not only to our CPO program’s effectiveness, but also consumer demand for the quality, dependability and longterm reliability (QDR) Toy-

Toyota continues sales leadership of Certified Pre-Owned vehicles as first auto brand to cross 5M milestone HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., (Sept. 28, 2016) – Five million. Five times a million. Five thousand thousand. 5 x 106. Any way you slice it, the number now represents the total Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles Toyota has sold in the U.S. And five million is also more CPO vehicles

Toyota Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicle - 5 Million Sold 01: The Wenzel family bought the five-millionth CPO Toyota, a 2013 Highlander, from Toyota of Huntington Beach in August 2016. To celebrate the sale, Toyota covered the cost of the vehicle and donated $10,000 to the family’s favorite charity plus an additional $5,000 to a dealer-chosen charity.

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PARIS (September 29, 2016) – Showcasing Lexus’ vision for a compact SUV of the future, the UX Concept will make its world debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

Designed by ED2, Lexus’ design center in the South of France, the UX Concept represents a new step in the company’s design journey and a redefinition of the driving experience.

“The biggest challenge for any designer is always to create something new and original, yet with relevance to both the customer and the brand.

Overall, this is a product which gives another hint of the potential for Lexus’ design approach to satisfy those criteria.

The expression of a progressive, strong yet artistic, and premium product which further enhances Lexus’ unique and challenging brand position.” - Simon Humphries, President of ED2 A powerful reinterpretation of the Lexus design signatures, the UX Concept reflects the brand’s determination that each of its models should have a unique, standalone character with a strong concept behind it; represented here by the powerful, “inside-out” design concept and deconstructed interior styling.

This bold design embodies imaginative, forward-thinking technologies to provide occupants with a fully immersive experience.

This sensation is generated through cockpit ergonomics which flow from the driver’s body, and innovative three-dimensional HMI technology.

The vehicle also features a first design execution of a breakthrough seat technology, the Kinetic Seat Concept, designed by Lexus in response to a re-evaluation of the principles of car seat occupancy. The entry luxury SUV segment is the fastest-growing luxury segment in the U.S. Thanks to two groups—young customers upgrading in the quest for distinctive styling, a versatile interior, and an engaging driving experience, and premium customers looking for an impressive, high-function interior in a vehicle sized for urban living. The UX Concept highlights Lexus’ intention to attract an ever-wider group of new, younger, ever-connected urban customers (“Urbanites”) to the brand for the first time.

RADICAL COMPACT CROSSOVER PACKAGING

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CHR to solons, Aguirre: Don’t show sex tape at House hearing

MANILA, Oct 3 (Mabuhay) – The Commission on Human Rights said it is “gravely concerned” over pronouncements that the alleged sex videos of Sen. Leila de Lima will be shown in the House hearing on the proliferation of drugs inside the New Bilibid Prison, and called on officials concerned not to push through with the plan.

In a statement, the CHR called on legislators to respect the women’s rights and “to stop using their power of investigation in aid of legislation to perpetuate discrimination and violence against women.”

The CHR noted that the production and distribution of sex videos “constitute a violation of human rights,” in particular the right to dignity and privacy, as well as the right against discrimination.

Moreover, it said showing the alleged sex tape “is

a clear violation” of R.A. 9995, or the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Law. The Commission said the mere threat of showing the videos—which supposedly features De Lima with her alleged lover, former driver Ronnie Dayan—“is clearly a form of psychological violence.”

“It has exposed the pervasive nature of gender-based discrimination as in the present case, such repeated threat of showing the alleged ‘sex video’ shows utter lack of respect for the dignity and privacy of a prominent woman legislator and is clearly meant to shame her,” it wrote.

The CHR, standing as Gender Ombud, called on Justice Sec. Vitaliano Aguirre and leaders at the House of Representatives “to fulfill their obligations under International Human Rights law to uphold women’s rights, to eliminate discrimination and

violence against women, and to honor their bounden duty as lawmakers to follow the laws they have enacted.”

“As Gender Ombud, the Commission cannot allow the continuing discrimination and violation of any woman’s rights and in this case, the rights of Senator De Lima. Whenever we keep silent when violations occur, we contribute to the trivialization of the recognition gained in the cause of women’s rights.

Hence, we contribute to the violation of the rights of women everywhere,” the CHR said.

It added: “We challenge our leaders and lawmakers to stand on the side of women’s human rights and dignity for all and to put a stop to the showing of the alleged ‘sex video’ regardless of its authenticity.”

Earlier, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said he sees nothing wrong in

but I am a hungry dragon. I devour lions,”Donaire told media when he referred to Magdaleno.

To which Magdaleno answered:“The time is finally here I am going against a great fighter. We are ready.

We have trained our butts off. We are more than ready for November 5th.”

Later on, Magdaleno would tell the media that November 5 could turn out to be a peculiar, albeit great night, if the “two Jessies” of Las Vegas would both win.

“That would be something,” Magdaleno said.

WBO featherweight champion Oscar Valdez, an

explosive and undefeated fighter, will make his first title defense against Japanese Hiroshige Osawa (30-3-4, 19 KOs).

China’s ZouShiming will take on “Pacquiao mini lookalike” KwanpichitOnesongchaigym (39-1-2, 24 KOs) of Thailand. The two fighters fought in Macao two years ago. Through an interpreter, Shiming thanked Top Rank for the chance to fight in Las Vegas.

“It’s a dream come true,” Shiming said.

PACQUAIO

From page 1

been insulted by Trump.” w The other Las Vegas native who will fight on November 5 is Vargas, who incidentally is also nicknamed Jessie.

During his chance to speak, Donaire said he was excited to be part of the Pacquiao fight event, adding that it “has been a long time coming.”

Arum revealed that he tried to a couple of times in the past to put together Donaire and Pacquiao in one fight event but he was supposedly jammed by some of Pacquiao’s people.

“I have an outcome on victory. I have a hungry lion

YASAY

From page 1

drug addicts... I’d be happy to slaughter them,” Duterte said in Davao City.

“At least if Germany had Hitler, the Philippines would have… You know my victims, I would like to be, all criminals, to finish the problem of my country and save the next generation from perdition,” he added.

Yasay claimed that “unscrupulous members of the media” made sure that Duterte will make statements

“that they can misinterpret and they can distort so that they will be mislead the people.”

Malacañang had explained that Duterte’s remarks were an “oblique deflection of the way he has been pictured as a mass murderer, a Hitler, a label he rejects.”

It said that Duterte had been compared to Hitler during the elections as an attempt to derail his can-

CEASEFIRE

From page 1

NDF were indefinite in nature, the presidential peace adviser said the government is eyeing a more permanent cessation of hostilities.

“These can only be done if we are able to agree on the more substantial issues of social and economic reforms.

These are the more contentious issues and we expect humps and bumps during the peace negotiations,” Dureza added.

Both panels have already crafted drafts on the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER), which is described as the “meat” of the peace talks.

The end of hostilities and disposition of forces—the other substantive agenda of the peace talks—hinge on the success of CASER, along with political and constitutional reforms.

Dureza, however, is confident that the inspiration provided by President Rodrigo Duterte will enable

both parties to pull the peace process through.

“He may not be capable of elegant language, as you have noticed, but he has pure spirit and heart in wanting to have peace in the land,” Dureza said on Friday, Sept.

30, at the closing ceremony of the 2016 National Peace Consciousness Month.

GRP peace panel head and Labor Secretary Silvestre ‘Bebot’ Bello III meanwhile said that a draft amnesty proclamation is already ready for submission during the second round of peace talks.

“The list has been narrowed down to just over 400 from a high of more than 500. As per agreement during the formal resumption of the peace talks in August, the proclamation will only cover NDF members currently detained,” Bello elaborated.

He said the president, with the concurrence of Congress, could declare a

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

From page 1

no problem if they don’t want it,” he argued.

The House Speaker said it is part of his advocacy to defend the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, especially with their growing population.

”Anybody can question it. There will be debates about it. At the end of the day, we will vote for or against it. For me, I just want to send the message that we respect their (LGBT’s) rights,” Alvarez stressed.

didacy.

Yasay, meanwhile, asked members of the media to police their ranks “to make sure it will not happen again.” (MNS)

FA-50H

From page 1

at the DND BAC Conference Room, basement, left wing, DND Building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

While bid opening is on Oct. 25, 10:00 a.m. at the same venue. general amnesty once the peace talks are brought to a successful conclusion.

Bello, however, said both negotiating panels will also have to hurdle issues on political and constitutional reforms in addition to the social and economic reform agenda for the peace talks to succeed.

The Philippine government is confident that it will be able to strike a deal with the communist rebels by August next year.

Peace talks between Philippine government and the NDF have been going on and off over the last 30 years with over 40 rounds of formal and informal talks.

Every time, however, the negotiations are scuttled due to hard line demands from both sides.

In July, President Duterte ordered the release of 22 detained NDF consultants, 16 of them later joined the first round of Oslo talks in August, to fulfill a campaign promise and to jumpstart the peace negotiations.

He also declared a unilateral ceasefire during his State of the Nation Address only to lift it later after the communist rebels ambushed a combined Army-CAFGU patrol. The president nevertheless re-imposed the unilateral ceasefire on the eve of the August Oslo talks, which the NDF reciprocated with an indefinite and unilateral ceasefire of their own.

showing the video at the House proceedings if it would establish the senator’s personal relationship with people behind the drug trade inside the NBP. Several sectors, including House members and some senators, have op-

posed the showing of the said video at the House hearing.

Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali, House justice committee chair, said the video should first undergo forensic authentication, otherwise it would

have no value at all. (MNS)

PINOY WINS GOLD

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so, he will be successful.

His advice to Filipino teammates was to manage their time wisely. “Never give up. Just push a little bit harder,” he added.

In an interview with the Philippines News Agency, Guiao said he suffered from mental block during the last day of the competition.

“I found it hard to analyze drawings on the last day. I felt like I cannot do the test,” he revealed.

Guiao cited that too much noise from the visitors and those at the venue was the main reason why he experienced mental block.

He told his coach about the problem. “My coach and Mr. (Elmer) Talavera (head of Philippine delegation) guided me and gave me their support,” Guiao stressed.

Guiao just graduated last March from Eastwoods Professional College Bataan.

He said he just had about six months of preparation/ training for the competition.

“I visualized the things that I would do. I created a strategy which I could use in case I won’t be able to finish the test,” he noted.

Meanwhile, as a reward, Guiao received Php 100,000 cash prize from TESDA on Monday. He said he didn’t get any cash reward in Kuala Lumpur, but just the medal.

ERAP ALLOWS

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Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), to help in the reorganization of thousands of vendors in Divisoria.

Alcoreza revealed an initial batch of 610 sidewalk vendors would be “returned” to Divisoria’s side streets: Tabora, Carmen Planas, Juan Luna, Sto. Cristo, and Ilaya, to name a few.

Alcoreza explained, “Initially, the vendors would be allowed to operate along the sidewalks provided they do not obstruct traffic flow.”

As per instruction by Estrada, Alcoreza said all the 610 vendors have been screened to ensure that all of them are bona fide residents of Manila. They were then required to register with the Bureau of Permits and secure the necessary hawkers’ permit.

They are now also entitled to the social services of

the city government “We found out that out of the 10 illegal vendors who have been driven away during our past operations, seven were non-Manila residents. Many came from Pangasinan, Cavite, and as far as Mindanao.

Divisoria became a free for all Mecca . Illegal vendors who have no permits and are “outsiders” would still be banned in any part of Divisoria Market,” said Alcoreza.

He added that MTPB has recognized the legitimate vendors after conducting a census on them.

To ensure that Divisoria’s major roads remain vendor-free, MTPB, in coordination with the barangay officials and Manila Police District (MPD) has been keeping a 24/7 watch in the area to drive away illegal

vendors, Alcoreza further added.

Since June, Estrada has intensified the city government’s road and sidewalk clearing operations, driving away more than 3,500 illegal vendors and removing countless number of obstructions and illegal structures.

He said time has come to clear up the precious road spaces that have been occupied by illegal vendors to relieve traffic congestion in Manila’s thoroughfares.

Estrada has personally led clearing operations in Divisoria, Blumentritt, Quiapo, Binondo, Sta. Cruz, R-10, and Pedro Gil, among others, and major roads leading to and from the Port of Manila.

He has also cleaned up the University Belt weeks before the June 13 opening of classes.