US Asian Post September 30, 2016

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Vol. 5 No. 46

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LOS ANGELES

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Sen. De Lima calls Duterte ‘lowest, vilest man’ following president’s fresh verbal attack

By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, Sept. 26 (PNA) -President Rodrigo Duterte is the lowest, vilest man in the country, Senator Leila de Lima said Monday following the President’s fresh tirade against her.

“For me, he’s now the lowest, vilest man in the country,” de Lima told reporters in an interview.

The senator said that she felt more pity for the President now, describing him as “going ballistic”.

“The President’s foul mouth has again desecrated the hollowed

grounds of Malacañang with personal attacks against me,” de Lima said in a statement.

“I cannot resist asking the President, what do you see in me that you find so sexual? Why is your mind so fixated on my sexual aspect? You are so obsessed with me?” she added.

Duterte, during the oath-taking of Malacañang Press Corps officers earlier, hit de Lima anew for her claim that inmate Jaybee Sebastian was a government asset.

See VILEST MAN, page 12

Palace spokesman: Fil-Ams support Duterte MANILA, Sept. 27 (PNA) – Filipino communities in the United States support President Rodrigo Duterte despite some noise at home, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said Tuesday after visiting different locations in the US with high concentrations of Filipinos.

“The Filipino communities in San Francisco, Washington, and New York have shown very positive responses to the President,” he said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

“They are highly committed to the President. They are very, very

supportive and despite a little bit of noise, they continue to be very upbeat about what’s happening in the Philippines and continue to support the programs of the President,” he added.

Asked if the Filipino communities in the US are alarmed by the recent statements of the President, Abella said Filipino-Americans understand the sentiments of President Duterte.

“Surprisingly, they are very grounded and they seem to understand very instinctively kung saan nanggagaling ang PresidenSee FIL-AMS SUPPORT, page 12

President Duterte with the Philippine flag: President Rodrigo Duterte holds the Philippine flag which was his rallying symbol while campaigning in the last election during the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected officers of the Malacañang Press Corps, Malacañang Cameramen Association, and Presidential Photojournalists Association on Monday (September 26, 2016) in Malacanang.

(Photo by Rey Baniquet/PPD/PNA)

Duterte: Sen. De Lima will go to jail

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, Sept. 26 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday there is enough evidence to send Senator Leila de Lima to jail over her alleged involvement in narco-politics in the country. ”She screwed her driver, she screwed the nation. Ngayon na naiipit siya, idinadamay niya ako. (Now that she is getting cornered, she is implicating me.) She will really go to jail. I’m sure of that because of testimonial evidence,” President Duterte said in his speech during the oathtaking rites of officers of the Malacañang Press Corps.

“King” Arthur Villanueva celebrates after knocking out Mexican opponent Juan “El Penita” Jimenez in the second round of their rematch at the Stubhub Center in the City of Carson. Villanueva retains his WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight belt.

Photo by PAOLO CAMACHO

‘King’ Arthur steals thunder from Nietes, Magsayo

By Abner Galino

Recently, high-profile prisoners of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) appeared in a House of Representatives inquiry, claiming that de Lima received millions of campaign funds from drug lords led by Jayvee Sebastian detained inside

the national penitentiary. ”So on national scale, who brought in the narco-politics? It is here already. You elected a senator who was into narco-politics, who was being financed from the convicts inside the prison, financ-

Ramirez gives PHL 2nd gold medal in Asian Beach Games

First US presidential debate unveils amid tight security, media fervor

By Jean T. Malanum

Out to dispel speculations that he won his previous fight through a stroke of luck, “King” Arthur Villanueva went on to steal the thunder from fellow Filipino boxers Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (both were more popular than him) by displaying impressive skills, speed and power and sending his Mexican opponent into the canvass in just the second round of their bout. Villanueva came out aggressive yet cautious in the first round of his rematch with Juan “El Penita” Jimenez. He was able to connect solid combinations into Jimenez’s head and body before retiring to his corner.

In the second round, Villanueva continued to score clear and solid punches into Jimenez head and body by moving in and out of his opponent’s reach.

Villanueva was nearly pinned into a corner after a fierce exchange of punches. He weaved out and threw a right straight into Jimenez’s jaw, he followed it up with another right hook which felled Jimenez face down on the canvass.

MANILA, Sept. 27 (PNA) – Former judoka Annie Ramirez gave the Philippines its second gold medal after dominating the women’s -55kg division in the jiu-jitsu event on Monday night at the 5th Asian Beach Games in Danang City, Vietnam.

Ramirez defeated Thai Siramol Deepudsa in the final to duplicate her feat in the 2014 edition in Phuket, Thailand where she won the gold in the -60kg division.

On her way to the final, Ramirez beat Angelina Filippova of Turkmenistan in the quarterfinal and Lea Farhat of Libya in the semi-

See KING ARTHUR, page 12

See RAMIREZ, page 12

By Xinhua writers Zhou Xiaozheng, Li Changxiang, Xu Jianmei

HEMPSTEAD, United States, Sept. 27 (PNA/Xinhua) – Helicopters hovering overhead, roads blocked miles away from the central campus, police and US Secret Service personnel guarding checkpoints with the help of sniff dogs.

All these have turned Monday’s Hofstra University, a usually reclusive and tranquil private school located in Long Island, New York, into a high-security fortress.

But the school obviously takes pride in it, as reflected in the small and large “Debate 2016” banners that can be seen everywhere on campus, and the amicable attitude and great hospitality that can be felt from every school volunteer.

As the two major candidates in

ing his candidacy of a senator and winning. What do you call that?”

Duterte asked.

Duterte downplayed de Lima’s claim that he was imposing restrictions when he invited the United See DE LIMA, page 12

the 2016 US presidential election, Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, are set to have their first face-to-face debate on TV, Hofstra, which has reportedly turned a sports and exhibition complex on campus into the “Debate Hall,” is also making history as the first ever university to host three consecutive presidential debates since 2008.

“I was really overwhelmed by the presence of so many media people from all over the world,” said a Chinese student who just joined Hofstra two months ago for graduate study. “Just now I was interviewed by a Japanese reporter.”

Over 6,000 journalists rushed into the university to cover this year’s first debate, possibly a See DEBATE, page 12

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Filipino fishermen harassed

by Chinese Coast Guard

Fishing at the Baywalk: A fisherman uses a fishnet to catch more fish in shallow waters of Manila Bay near the Baywalk in Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Saturday (Sept. 24, 2016). (PNA photo by Avito C.Dalan)

Duterte to open PHL for more investors from China, Russia

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, Sept. 26 (PNA) – President Rodrigo R. Duterte said on Monday he will invite more investors from China and Russia amid reports that businessmen from the United States and the European Union have expressed concerns about alleged extrajudicial killings of drug suspects in the Philippines. ”I have talked to (China) President Xi Jinping. I’m going to China. I will open all avenues of trade and commerce. They can come in,” President Duterte said in his speech during the induction of the Malacanang Press Corps’ officers at the Heroes’ Hall.

President Duterte said he can give Chinese investors 60 years, plus another 60 years extension, to own land where they can put up factories in the Philippines. ”And if there will be no time because I could not amend the Constitution right now, then I can give them 60 years plus another

60 years,” he said.

The prohibition on foreigners owning Philippine lands is embodied in the Constitution, a provision that some lawmakers attempted to amend to no avail in the past Congresses.

The President said he talked with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev on the sidelines of the recent Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Laos. ”We had a one-on-one meeting. Nobody knew that.

I told him, I’m about to cross the rubicon between me and the United States. At least for six years, I would need your help and everything – trade, commerce, and I will open up,” the President said.

He said he wants China and Russia to invest in airline, telecommunications and shipping industries. ”I’m gonna invite China and Russia to put up a new airline here,” he said.

President Duterte criticized the US and the EU for

Duterte prepared to discuss West PHL Sea issue in Vietnam: DFA

By Jelly F. Musico MANILA, Sept. 26 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte is ready to discuss the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea dispute if the issue comes up during his upcoming two-day visit to Vietnam, a foreign affairs spokesman said on Monday. ”The President will be prepared to discuss the South China Sea issue,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Charles Jose said in a press briefing in Malacañang about the President’s official visit to Vietnam set on Wednesday and Thursday.

If ever the WPS issue is raised, the discussion would be in the context of emphasizing the need to pursue peace, stability and security in the region, Jose said. ”It will also be in the context of reaffirming our firm commitment to peaceful settlement of the dispute and adherence to the rule of law,” he said.

China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan have overlapping claims to the South China Sea. ”Vietnam’s role in the South China Sea remains to be significant,” Jose said.

The DFA official said it is important for the Philippines to work bilaterally with China and at the regional level, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) “to build trust and confidence, lower tension, and promoting peace, security and stability”. ”That’s at the bilateral level and the government. This administration has already made clear that we would like to get into direct talks with China, at the same time, is also to work at the regional level together with ASEAN,” he added.

He said the ASEAN’s centrality will remain a driving force behind the developments in the South China Sea. While in Hanoi, President Duterte is scheduled to meet with Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang and other top leaders of the country.

Jose said President Duterte will also meet with the Filipino community in Vietnam. There are 3,800 Filipinos in the country.

He said the President and the Vietnamese leaders are also expected to discuss various areas of bilateral exchanges, including maritime cooperation, enhancement of law enforcement and defense cooperation, increasing two-way trade and investment, strengthening of joint cultural activities, and heightened cooperation in agriculture and fisheries.

President Duterte and the Vietnamese leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues. ”Moreover, the President’s visit is also an opportunity to solidify the strategic partnership between the two countries,” Jose said.

He said the two leaders will pursue direction and specific activities in line with the vision of the joint statement and establishment of strategic partnership signed in Manila in November 2015.

questioning his war on drugs that resulted in the killings of 1,200 drug pushers and users in legitimate police operations. ”They should not threaten about extrajudicial killings or else I will also demand that the US and EU be investigated alongside with me because they have committed far more injustices and have done horrific things,” the President said. ”Our problem now is not my mouth, it’s drugs number about three million plus.

You cannot help it by just listening to my epithets, my slurs, and my curses, they are nothing. They are but manifestations of the anger inside me and people who would want to mess up with our life, we have been long independent with America,” he added.

The President invited the rapporteurs of the US, EU and the United Nations to investigate the alleged extrajudicial killings and human rights violations in the Philippines.

MANILA, Sept. 27 (PNA) – Chinese Coast Guard vessels continue to harass Filipino fishermen at Bajo de Masinloc in the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Philippine Coast Guard reported.

In a press release of the National Security Council-Task Force WPS, the PCG reported that on Sept.

6, 2016, three China Coast Guard vessels were sighted at Bajo de Masinloc.

Also spotted in the area were two Filipino fishing bancas, according to the PCG. “The Chinese Coast Guard Vessel moved to the location of a Filipino banca.

Upon reaching the Filipino banca, a Chinese Coast Guard personnel onboard a rubber boat ordered the Filipino banca to leave the area,” the PCG said in its report.

During that time, the crew of the Filipino banca was haggling with the Chinese Coast Guard personnel to let them stay in the area to fish.

At the same time, another rubber boat from Chinese Coast Guard was launched and it headed towards the location of the Filipino fishing bancas. The Filipino fishing bancas refused to leave the area.

During that time, the captain of the Filipino banca signaled his crew members to return to their mother boat.

After these skirmishes, PCG operatives spotted another Filipino banca approaching Bajo de Masinloc.

“When the Filipino banca was around 3 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc, it was blocked by the Chinese Coast Guard. The Filipino banca outmaneuvered the Chinese Coast Guard vessel.

Two Chinese rubber boats were deployed to intercept the Filipino banca from reaching Bajo de Masinloc.

The Chinese rubber boats eventually disengaged and went back to their respective mother boats,” the PCG reported.

The three Filipino bancas were able to stay at Bajo de

Masinloc for the night but they left in the morning for fear of harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard vessels.

On Sept. 7, 2016, the PCG monitored a People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel patrolling the vicinity 17 of Bajo de Masinloc.

On Sept. 10, 2016, while anchored at Bajo de Masinloc, PCG operatives sighted a Chinese Coast Guard vessel near the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc.

The PCG reported the Chinese Coast Guard vessel moved closer to the position of the Filipino banca. The Chinese Coast Guard vessel launched a rubber boat and encircled the banca.

A number of the Chinese Coast Guard personnel were seen taking photos and videos. The Filipino banca decided to leave the area to avoid further harassment.

Last month, Pres. Duterte called on Beijing to let the Filipino fishermen, most of them poor, to fish in the WPS which is a traditional fishing ground of Filipinos.

Sen. de Lima: Aguirre’s allegations are ‘fake, cosmetic’ but killings are real

By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, Sept. 27 (PNA) – Senator Leila de Lima said Tuesday that unlike Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II’s “fake and cosmetic” allegations against her, the killings are real and they continue unabated.

In a statement sent to the media, de Lima slammed Aguirre’s alleged evidence against her as “fake and cosmetics only. There is nothing into it other than that. Nothing’s authentic.”

De Lima however pointed out that what is real are the killings, which could be

linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign.

“What is tragic is that these killings continue unabated. And the criminals including these so-called vigilantes are getting bolder, while the victims are getting younger,” she said.

According to the senator, some 20,584 minors have reportedly been exploited into drug use and peddling that the Department of Justice (DOJ) should instead prioritize investigating and prosecuting the syndicates that force these minors to go

into drug pushing.

Aguirre said Monday he will ask the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) for the authentication of bank accounts of some deposit slips to strengthen the filing of a case against de Lima over her alleged involvement in the illegal drugs trade in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

He disclosed that the money trail of the illegal drugs trade in the NBP is becoming clearer with the verification of several bank accounts gathered by his department.

DND finalizing contract for Navy’s Police arrested suspected supplier 2 missile-firing frigates of high-powered arms M A N I L A , S e p t . 2 7 served to the proponent,” with PHP16 billion going

By Perfecto T. Raymundo

MANILA, Sept. 27 (PNA) – Police arrested over the weekend a suspected supplier of high-powered firearms to the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), war lords and politicians in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The suspect, identified as Unding Kenneth Isa, was presented to the media Tuesday morning by Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Chief Supt. Roel Obusan at the PNP headquarters in Quezon City.

Isa, a businessman who came to Metro Manila in 2012, was arrested last Saturday in a raid in his house at No. 8 Unit 4, 3rd West Crame, Barangay West Crame, San Juan City.

Also arrested during the raid were three other suspects identified as Hja Risdimona Isa, Aljamer Akarab Mandih and Hurbin Alhi Sahibu.

Dela Rosa said Isa allegedly became active in gun-running activities during the elections in May where he ran for vice-governor of Sulu but lost.

The cost of the seized high-powered firearms and thousands of ammunitions is placed at more than PHP6 million.

Seized from the suspects are five M-4 with M-203 grenade launchers, six M-79 grenade launchers, two M-14 rifles, one AR-15 rifle, one caliber .45 with two magazines and thousands of ammunition.

(PNA) – The contract for the Philippine Navy’s two missile-armed frigates is now being finalized, Department of National Defense (DND) public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said Monday.

Once the contract is finalized, it will be signed

by DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and the duly authorized representative of the winning proponent, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), he added.

“Notice of Award (NOA) was formally served to HHI last Aug. 4. Once the formal contract is signed, it will be followed by a Notice to Proceed, which will be formally

Andolong said.

“NOA was given to HHI as GRSE (Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd) was post-disqualified after it was determined that their Net Financial Capacity was insufficient and therefore not in compliance with Republic Act 9184 (Government Procurement Policy Board),” he added.

GRSE along with HHI was one of the six proponents in the DND’s frigate program.

In the NOA, HHI offered PHP15,744,571,884 for the two frigates. The DND has allocated the sum of PHP18 billion for the acquisition of two missile-capable frigates,

to the construction of the ships and PHP2 billion for its munitions.

The ships will be armed with a variety of sensors and weapons capable of detecting and neutralizing air, surface, and submarine threats.

It will be also capable of electronic warfare.

Aside from this, the frigates, according to their technical specifications, must be capable of performing extended maritime patrol with an embarked naval helicopter and maritime surveillance through air-andsurface-search radar, sound navigation and ranging (sonar) for sub-surface search.

Multi-million high-powered firearms: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, holds a M203 grenade launcher which is part of the PhP6 million worth of high-powered guns and ammunition seized by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) during the presentation on Tuesday (Sept 27,2016)in Camp Crame Quezon City. Four suspects including vice gubernatorial candidate Unding Kenneth Isa, (behind Dela Rosa) were nabbed in Barangay West Crame, San Juan City last September 24 with the gun running group reportedly supplying high-powered guns to the Abu Sayyaf and warlords in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). (PNA photo by Avito C.Dalan)

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Duterte: Arayat mega ‘shabu’ lab to become reformatory center

By Marna-Dagumboy Del Rosario

ARAYAT, Pampanga, Sept. 27 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte, during a visit here Tuesday said he is set to provide PHP25 to PHP50 million to the provincial government of Pampanga to transform the recently discovered mega “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride) laboratory in Arayat town into a reformatory center.

According to the President, the property where

the laboratory was built will be confiscated, and its owner - whom he identified as a certain San Lee Chua - can never get it back.

“He can never get it back. I can assure you,” the President said during a press conference which came after an inspection of the facility with provincial officials led by Governor Lilia Pineda.

The center, President said, will accommodate the first batch of drug addicts

who want to be reformed.

There will be separate quarters for men and women, he added.

The Chief Executive said that according to experts from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the facility can produce 100-200 kilos of shabu per cycle. The machines, he added, can go up to two cycles per day.

“Too bad walang naabutan na tao (when the facility was raided),” Mr. Duterte said.

The President said the facility - which was reportedly built during the elections - was eventually abandoned by the operators after he won the polls and the crackdown against illegal drugs started nationwide.

He also mentioned that the structure may very well be connected to the National Bilibid Prison network of syndicates involved in illegal drugs.

Pineda, who accompanied President Duterte

during the inspection, profusely apologized to the President that such a structure was built in the town under her watch.

But President Duterte said just like him when he was mayor of Davao, Pineda could not possibly watch over every square inch of the province - especially that the laboratory was built in a far-flung area.

The Chief Executive even mentioned that the piggery in the area masked

the smell which emanates when shabu is being produced. The President and Governor Pineda were accompanied by Vice Governor Dennis Pineda, Arayat Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino and other officials during the inspection.

Meanwhile, President Duterte congratulated Alejandrino, the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the raid on the facility.

Duterte meets with NDF officials in Malacañang

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, Sept. 26 (PNA) – Officials of the National Democratic Front (NDF) went to Malacañang Palace Monday to pay a courtesy call on President Rodrigo Duterte, a month after they joined government peace negotiators in Norway. ”I have the entire communist hierarchy (who) wanted to talk to me in Davao but I was short of time. So I said (we should) rather talk here (in Malacañang),” President Duterte said in a short press conference after presiding over the induction of officers of the Malacañang Press Corps at the Palace’s Heroes Hall.

The President said it was the communist leaders who requested a meeting with him. ”So this would really be the first time that the enemies of the state are here for its part of what you would call civility. Just because we are in a war

doesn’t mean to say that we have to be war at all times.

We can always talk and maybe, just maybe, it will bring peace to the land,” he said.

President Duterte said the communist leaders include Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) chairman Benito Tiamzon and wife, Wilma who is the group’s secretary-general.

The two were part of the CPP-NPA-NDF delegation that traveled to Oslo, Norway last Aug. 20 for the resumption of peace negotiations.

In his recent visits to military camps, the Commander-in-Chief said he told his troops that he will walk the extra mile to achieve peace in the land. ”I’ve heard that there are rumblings about… because they are enemies, they killed many military. And I told them that you know, guys, I am a president. I’m your Commander-in-Chief.

I am not a war-time president,” the President said. ”My main job, my main task is really to seek peace for my land. That’s why I went to them first. Even before I assumed office, we agreed to talk,” he added.

The President said he also met with Moro rebels, particularly the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) headed by Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim, and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by Nur Misuari. ”I went to Murad, he said, without BBL there will be war. I told him: ‘No. Let’s talk.’,” he said.

According to the President, it seems Misuari wants to include the Abu Sayyaf Group in the peace process. ”I will not speak peace with Abu Sayyaf. Every time you do that (kidnapping), it’s like slapping the nation. It’s really a despicable ideology. It’s not acceptable,” he said.

Confidence in sustained PHL high growth remains strong: DOF MANILA, Sept. 26 (PNA) – The latest positive developments reflecting the bullish outlook of investors, international institutions and foreign governments on the Philippine economy are telling marks that beyond the political noise, confidence remains high on the capability of the Duterte administration to deliver on its commitment of inclusive growth through its “transformative” 10-point socioeconomic agenda, Department of Finance (DOF) spokesperson Paola Alvarez said.

Assistant Secretary Alvarez said these positive developments include the recent successful auction by the Bureau of Treasury (BTr) of PHP100 billion-worth of Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs), the expressions of support from other countries and international institutions for the administration’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda, and the upbeat outlook of the business community on the economy.

“If one were to ignore the political noise generated by certain groups, one could clearly hear the voices of contin-

ued optimism over President Duterte’s commitment to bring real change through the implementation of transformative reforms not only in the economy but on the peace and order front as well,” Alvarez said.

She said the recent issue of PHP100 billion worth of RTBs, even when the auction commenced just days after the bombing of the Roxas night market in Davao City, highlights the strong confidence of investors in the Duterte administration’s capability to sustain the high growth—and even transform it into an inclusive one – via the President’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda.

“The BTr announced earlier that its fundraising exercise of auctioning the first set of RTBs on the Duterte watch aims to supplement the funds for the government’s planned infrastructure buildup and increased spending on human capital and social protection for the poor. The overwhelming success of the RTBs proves the high credibility of the Duterte administration in delivering these commitments,”

Alvarez said.

Alvarez said another positive development was Standard & Poor’s recent announcement maintaining the Philippines’ investment grade of “BBB” with a “stable” outlook. S&P cited the economy’s strong fundamentals and prudent economic management that point to the sustainability of the country’s economic gains.

Citing the statement made by the Investor Relations Office (IRO) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Alvarez said a rating within the investment-grade scale is a “seal of good housekeeping” that marks the ability of a country to pay its financial obligations given a variety of factors that include favorable economic conditions. S&P cited the country’s “young,” “educated,” and “flexible” workforce, rising investments and stable financial system as among the bases for its projections that per-capita income in the Philippines would rise by 4.4 percent to USD3,000 this year, and growth would accelerate to 4.6 percent from 2017-2019.

Duterte shakes hands with Alan Jazmines of the National Democratic Front: President Rodrigo Duterte shakes hands with Alan Jazmines, chairperson of Reciprocal Working Committees on Social and Economic Reforms (RWC-SER) of the National Democratic Front, in a meeting in Malacañan’s State Dining Room on Sept. 26,2016.

(Photo by Ace Morandante/PPD/PNA)

PNP ready to put showbiz personalities linked to drugs under ‘Oplan Tokhang’: dela Rosa

By Perfecto T. Raymundo

MANILA, Sept. 26 (PNA) – Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said Monday the PNP is ready to place under “Oplan Tokhang” personalities in the show business industry allegedly involved in illegal drugs.

Dela Rosa made the statement in the face of reports that some 50 showbiz personalities are allegedly included in the list of President Rodrigo Duterte who are involved in illegal drugs. ”Surrender na kayo kasi identified kayo na user, itokhang natin. Tinokhang

nga natin yung mga highend subdivisions dyan, sila pa na public figure sila.

(These personalities should surrender because they have been identified as users. If we were able to put high-end subdivisions under Oplan Tokhang, what more these personalities who are public figures.) They should be open to the public,” he said.

According to dela Rosa, once the police gets hold of the list from President Duterte, police officers will subject the showbiz personalities under “Oplan Tokhang”, by knocking at their houses or even at the

television stations to convince them to surrender to authorities.

Under “Oplan Tokhang”, the PNP visits residences of suspected drug users and pushers to give them a chance to turn themselves in and promise to stop their illegal activities, surrender or undergo rehabilitation.

According to Martin Diño, former Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) chairman and incoming Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman, 50 celebrities are in the drug list of President Duterte.

Senators refer Trillanes’ call for PRRD probe to committee on rules

By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, Sept. 26 (PNA) – Senators on Monday referred Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV’s call for a probe on the alleged involvement of President Rodrigo Duterte in the so-called vigilante group Davao Death Squad (DDS) to the Senate Committee on Rules, instead of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III initially said that if the motion is to refer

the privilege speech of Sen Trillanes to Blue Ribbon Committee he would not object but noted that the allegations against President Rodrigo Duterte have no place in the motion. If that is continued, he said he will object.

“In view of the question of propriety on the motion presented, may I move that it be referred to the Committee on Rules for further study and review instead of voting on the matter now?” Sotto said.

Trillanes accepted the motion and it was later approved.

Earlier, Trillanes called for the Blue Ribbon Committee probe on Pres. Duterte after standing by the testimony of witness and alleged former DDS hitman Edgar Matobato who he insisted did not have inconsistencies.

He said that the probe would rule out any possibility that the President was not involved in the DDS during his term as mayor.

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Filipino communities in US shown positive response to Duterte – Palace

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, Sept. 27 (PNA) – Malacañang said on Tuesday that Filipino communities in the United States remain upbeat about what is happening in the Philippines despite President Rodrigo Dutete’s attack on the US for interfering on the intensified war against drugs in the country. ”I’d just like to be able to transmit to you the fact that on the ground, the Filipino communities in San Francisco, Washington and New York have shown very positive responses to the President,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a press briefing.

Abella accompanied Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Perfecto Yasay, who attended the recently-concluded United Nations (UN) General Assembly Meeting in New York. ”They’re highly committed to the President and his plans. They’re very, very supportive.

And that in spite of a little bit of noise, they continue to be very upbeat about what’s happening in the Philippines, and continue, like I said, to support the programs of the President,” Abella informed the media.

Abella said the Filipino communities in the US “seem to have a very firm grasp of the President.” ”A firm understanding of where he (the President) is coming from, where the President’s statements came from,” he said.

Recently, President Duterte attacked the US, particularly President Barack Obama, for lecturing him on the spate of killings of drug personalities in the Philippines.

Asked about rumors of destabilization being planned by the group of Filipino-Americans against President Duterte, Abella said: “There were some noises, but basically, they are noises at this stage.”

Abella said the Palace takes those noises seriously “but we also learn to delineate between the chaff and the grain.”

President Duterte’s intensified anti-illegal drug campaign has left more than 1,200 drug pushers and users dead and almost 20,000 others arrested in legitimate police operations.

The country has 3.7 million drug dependents, including more than 700,000 who surrendered themselves to the authorities.

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UN chief calls for full global disarmament UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 27 (PNA/Xinhua) – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday called for a full global disarmament as the world faces growing nuclear dangers and tensions, but progress in multilateral nuclear disarmament has come to a “standstill.”

“Let us pledge to work for the total elimination of nuclear weapons with urgency and a sense of collective purpose. Our very survival depends upon it,” Ban said in his message to mark the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, which is observed annually on Sept. 26.

Noting that nuclear disarmament is one of the founding principles of the world body, he said that it was also the objective of the first UN General Assembly resolution.

“Disarmament is in our DNA,” the secretary-general said, adding that he has been proud to advance the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons, such as by launching, in 2008, a Five Point Proposal on Nuclear Disarmament to spur member states to greater action.

“Sadly, many countries continue to include nuclear deterrence in their security doctrines. But recent developments have shown that nuclear weapons do not ensure peace and security. Rather, their development and possession has become a major source of international tension,” the UN chief said.

“As we scan the global horizon, we face growing

nuclear dangers. Progress in multilateral nuclear disarmament has come to a standstill,” he added.

There are growing divisions on the future of multilateral nuclear disarmament. The next review cycle of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons begins in 2017, and “the world cannot afford another round of inaction,” Ban said.

A landmark international treaty opened for signature in 1968, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons entered into force in 1970, and was extended indefinitely on May 11, 1995.

Its objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament. It represents the only binding commitment in a multilateral treaty to the goal of disarmament by the nuclear-weapon States.

The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons was established by the UN General Assembly in 2013 in a resolution calling for the “urgent commencement of negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament of a comprehensive convention on nuclear weapons to prohibit their possession, development, production, acquisition, testing, stockpiling, transfer and use or threat of use, and to provide for their destruction.”

Bello optimistic peace deal to conclude within ‘nine to 10 months’

By Priam F. Nepomuceno

MANILA, Sept. 26 (PNA) – Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) chief negotiator and incumbent labor secretary Silvestre “Bebot” Bello III expressed optimism that the peace talks between the National Democratic Front (NDF) will be concluded and signed within “nine to 10 months”.

He made this statement during the first ever Public Policy Forum of the Pamantasan Lungsod ng Manila, Monday.

The GRP chief negotiator added that Filipinos worldwide could expect of this development August 2017.

Bello attributed the smooth flow of negotiations between the GRP and the NDF to President Rodrigo Duterte’s commitment to free the jailed NDF consultants and announcement of general amnesty, with approval of the House of Representatives, once hostilities formally end.

He added that the Chief Executive’s guarantees are the first for a sitting President.

But Bello stressed that peace treaty would not bring lasting and just peace if the root causes of the conflict, which are extreme poverty, public belief that the government is capable of bringing justice, and massive corruption among government ranks, were not addressed decisively.

To this end, the GRP chief negotiator is calling for the assistance and support of all Filipino youths so that the peace process will push through and allow them and the next generation to “reap the dividends of peace.”

NDF chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni, who was also a guest in the same forum, said both parties are working very hard to achieve the target of a final peace treaty within “nine to 12 months.”

“But I have to be frank also, a 47-year old conflict will not be so easy to resolve, there will be no real and just lasting peace if the peasants don’t have genuine land reform, (workers) national industrialization,

(and) if students, women (groups), IPs (Indigenous People), urban poor will be able to get justice and their rights respects and implemented (as) well,” he added.

Jalandoni stressed that the key factor in the peace talks is not the negotiation panel but the Filipino people.

“It requires the active participation of all, especially the youth,” he added.

The second round of talks between the GRP and the NDF is scheduled this coming Oct. 6 to 10 in Oslo, Norway.

It can be recalled that Duterte restored a unilateral and indefinite ceasefire on the eve of the formal resumption of the peace talks with the NDF on Aug. 21 to create a favorable condition for the negotiations.

This resulted in the NDF extending its seven-day goodwill ceasefire (Aug. 21-27) to also declare its own unilateral and indefinite ceasefire when the first round of talks in Oslo ended on Aug. 26.

This indefinite unilateral ceasefire from the NPA is considered “historic and unprecedented,” having been inspired by the release of the 22 detained NDF consultants, the most number of prisoners released by the government to date.

In the 30-year history of government peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)/New People’s Army (NPA)/NDF, the talks have been disrupted for at least 15 times.

The breakdown in the talks was mainly due to two issues: the release of detained NDF consultants and declaration of ceasefire.

With both issues addressed, the formal resumption of peace talks on Aug. 22-28 in Oslo was made possible.

Ceasefire was one of agenda items taken up by both panels during the Oslo talks.

The parties earlier agreed to accelerate the peace process with the government peace panel expressing confidence that a final peace agreement will be signed within a year.

Americans’ intent to vote in presidential election declines sharply: poll WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 (PNA/Xinhua) – The US public’s intent to vote for president has declined sharply to 69 percent, down by 7 percentage points from 2012, a Gallup poll found Monday.

The poll was released just ahead of this year’s first presidential debate held Monday night between Republican candidate Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, both of whom have low favorable ratings among US voters.

The Sept. 14-18 poll found that 72 percent of Americans had given a lot of thought to this year’s presidential election, down 2 percentage points from 2012. This is the lowest figure since 2000.

Sharp differences exist among different age groups in terms of the intent to vote in this year’s presidential election, the poll found.

Among American adults aged 18 to 34, only 47 percent said they would definitely vote, down sharp-

ly from 58 percent in 2012.

Among the adults aged 35 to 54, 72 percent said they would definitely vote, down from 79 percent in 2012. Among those aged 55 above, 82 percent would definitely vote, down only 1 percentage point from 2012.

“While Americans are giving a similar level of thought to the presidential election compared with previous years, the percentage saying they are certain they will vote is lagging, particularly among young adults,” Gallup said.

The decline in young Americans’ intent to vote likely reflects the persistently poor images of both major party nominees, as well as Clinton’s difficulty in winning over the young adults who are much more favorable toward Bernie Sanders, Clinton’s Democratic rival in the nomination race, Gallup said.

Negative sentiments fuel PHP weakness: BSP exec

By Joann Santiago

MANILA Sept. 26 (PNA) -- A ranking executive of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said negative perception of the market is driving the weakness of the Philippine peso.

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo on Monday said “the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals have never changed. ”They have remained stable and robust. But because of perceived risks which may not really be justified and continuing uncertainty about the unknown in the calculus of foreign exchange traders, they have embraced negative sentiment rather than focus on fundamentals,” he said. ”No even the real interest rate differentials which are rather manageable could justify the sharp fall of the peso except the negative percep-

tion of the market,” he added.

The local unit finished Monday at 48.25, the weakest after the 48.33 in September 15, 2009.

Monetary officials and economists alike are one in saying that anticipations for the eventual increase in the Federal Reserve key rates is the primary reason for the volatilities in Asian financial markets to date. But other factors such as this week’s meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Algeria and the first official presidential debate in the US are contributing to the volatilities.

Some analysts said results of the November 2016 national polls in the US is a cause of concern for businessmen since both candidates back policies that would give more opportunities to US residents.

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BOC reiterates ‘no opening of balikbayan box’ policy MANILA, Sept. 26 (PNA) – The Bureau of Customs (BoC) reminded anew the people that its personnel are no longer allowed to physically inspect balikbayan boxes. With this, Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said they are now finalizing the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) to fully implement new rules on tax exemptions for balikbayan boxes.

Under the CMTA, the tax exemption ceiling for balikbayan boxes was increased from PHP10,000 to PHP150,000 -- provided, that balikbayan boxes shall only contain personal and household effects and not

in commercial quantities, and that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can only avail of this privilege up to three times in a calendar year.

For balikbayan box-related complaints and concerns, the public may forward them to the Bureau’s Customer Assistance and Response Services (BOC-CARES) at telephone number (02) 705-6000, email address boc.cares@customs.gov.ph, Twitter account @CustomsPH, andwww.facebook.com BOC.Cares.

Faeldon issued the statement in connection with the filing of Senate Bill (SB) 1168 by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, which institutes the Expanded

Balikbayan Program.

Among other provisions, the bill seeks to mandate the “no opening of balikbayan box” policy of the bureau.

Such policy has been the BoC’s practice since the release of Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) 272015, which was signed on September 2, 2015.

Likewise, the memorandum states that balikbayan boxes of OFWs shall not be subjected to random or arbitrary physical inspection, and instead shall only undergo mandatory x-ray scanning. Proper procedures are put in place.

In cases of shipments tagged “suspect” after x-ray scanner, the inspector shall recommend the issuance of

Bello warns public of bogus jobs offered through e-mail MANILA, Sept 26 (PNA) –- Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III warned Monday the public about bogus job opportunities spread through email by an alleged overseas-based recruitment company.

Bello made the announcement after the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration cautioned licensed recruitment agencies, including job applicants, about offers of overseas employment through e-mail by foreign manpower agencies.

“We received information from POEA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac that a certain Omegal Manpower Services Limited, claiming to be based in Ireland, is offering commissions to interested manpower brokers or individuals that can supply workers for various job openings in Canada, Mexico and Europe. We caution the public to be wary of this offer,” Bello said.

According to POEA, Omegal, in its email, promises

local recruiters an amount equivalent to one-month salary of every worker supplied as agency commission.

“The POEA has searched the online presence of this manpower company allegedly based in Ireland, but it all turned negative. There is no such agency named Omegal Manpower Services Limited,” Bello said.

POEA Administrator Cacdac also warned applicants against falling prey to unscrupulous individuals that post supposed job vacancies in fake websites and Facebook pages especially those that require immediate payment of fees.

Cacdac said job applicants must ignore unsolicited emails that offer jobs in hotels and hospitals but require applicants to pay fees for testing, interview and language seminar, or visa orientation.

He also advised applicants to validate the authenticity of job offers through POEA’s verification system

at the website poea.gov.ph, mobile phone application, or by calling its telephone hotlines 7221144 and 7221155.

Bello also invited the public to alert the DOLE of any similar illegal recruitment activities by calling DOLE hotline 1349.

“We must help one another curtail the evils of illegal recruitment and human trafficking. Please inform us of any suspicious recruitment schemes happening in your places so that we can also enlist the support of other government agencies to save our jobseekers from being victimized by illegal recruiters,” Bello said.

The DOLE hotline service is open 24/7 to attend not only to queries about labor and employment issues but also to other critical incidents affecting local and overseas-based workers.

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an Alert Order.

The boxes shall then be subjected to 100% physical examination at an authorized examination area to be conducted by a Customs Examiner in the presence of the apprehending officers, freight forwarder consolidator, representatives of the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) and or a designated officer of an OFW Association.

For boxes without violation, they shall be segregated and released to allow continuous processing.

The SB 1168 also proposes to exempt from taxes and duties one balikbayan box per month, regardless of the total dutiable value of its contents.

Gov’t plans to have a bank for OFWs, says Bello MANILA, Sept 26 (Mabuhay) – Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the government is planning to establish a bank for overseas Filipino workers.

Bello said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has pooled almost P20 billion from the contribution of OFWs. The government is planning to use this money to buy a bank and name it OFW Bank, the Labor secretary told OFWs in Hong Kong.

Bello also met with labor officials in Hong Kong regarding the suggestion to add a clause in OFWs’ contracts saying the cleaning of windows in high-rise buildings is not covered by the service agreement.

A 35-year-old Filipina domestic helper fell to her death in August as she was reportedly cleaning the outside of the windows of her employer’s apartment.

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Chinese arrival ushers in PHL Tourism Week: The arrival of 2,275 Chinese tourists in Boracay, Aklan aboard MV “Legend of the Seas” from Xiamen, China, ushers in the Philippine Tourism Week (Sept. 25-30, 2016). (Photo by courtesy of DOT)

Boracay tourism to surge in 2017; more cruise ships expected to arrive BORACAY Island, Aklan, Sept. 27 (PNA) – The world famous island resort of Boracay remains to be a favorite destination in 2017 as more cruise ship arrivals are expected to arrive, the Aklan provincial government said.

Niven Maquirang, jetty port administrator, said the province has received notifications of cruise ship arrivals end of the year and next year.

“For this year, we anticipate the arrival of the cruise ship vessels named Hanseatic on October 8 and Pacific Venue on Nov. 9. The Hanseatic vessel has 350 passengers with 200 crew while the Pacific Venue has 600 passengers with 350 crew,” said Maquirang.

Last Sept. 24, around 2,700 Chinese tourists and crew docked in Boracay via the Legend of the Sea of the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

“Several years ago, Boracay has been named by the Department of Tourism as a cruise ship destination in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Maquirang.

For 2017, Maquirang said that the Sharp Port Services serving as agent has already lined up cruise ship arrivals in this resort island.

On Jan. 28, 2017, some 2,000 tourists with 700 crews will be arriving in this resort island from Manila.February 15, 2017, the MS Europa 2 is also scheduled to arrive with 500 tourists and 400 crews.

On Feb. 28, 2017, both the Seven Seas Voyage and the Crystal Symphony cruise ships are expected to simultaneously arrive.

On March 13, 2017, the MS Europa is also expected to arrive in Boracay with 400 tourists and 300 crews.

“These are all just the beginning. The Aklan Provincial Government with the help of the Duterte administration is also working to make cruise ship passengers stay overnight in Boracay. We are hoping to construct a pontoon for these. If this would materialize, we could expect that other nearby provinces in Panay even in Iloilo would be benefited for the tourism spill,” said Maquirang.

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INMENT

Bea Alonzo admits going out with ex Gerald Anderson

Cacai Bautista

Cacai responds to bashers Cacai Bautista lashed back at her detractors who claimed that she is bitter and was just “assuming” about her special relationship with actor Ahron Villena in the past.

Bautista said: “Natatawa lang ako minsan kasi wala naman silang alam, ang dami nilang sinasabi.”

Bautista said it is also just normal for someone who experienced heartbreak to feel sad.

“Wala namang dumadaan sa heartbreak at heartache na hindi nagiging bitter. Ano kayo, perfect? Alam niyo ba talaga ang nangyari?” she said.

Instead of sharing details as to what led to their falling out, Bautista said: “Hindi ko na lang ikukuwento. Hahayaan ko na lang na question mark ‘yun sa inyo. Basta ang alam ko, ang ganda ko. Nasa akin ang korona.”

Bautista said she is fortunate to have a circle of friends, including Maja Salvador, who were there for her when she was down.

Despite the heartbreak, Bautista said she remains grateful for all the things happening in her life.

“Wala kang dahilan para hindi ka maging masaya kasi unang una, buhay ka. Gumising ka. Kahit anong pinagdadaanan mo, gumising ka. Lahat tayo may magandang buhay,” she said.(MNS)

Charo Santos speaks up on Kris Aquino’s move ABS-CBN chief content officer Charo Santos clarified that she has no ill feelings toward Kris Aquino despite the actress-host’s decision to leave the Kapamilya network after being part of it for two decades.

Santos said she even sent Aquino a text message when she learned about her decision to leave.

“I wished her all the best and thanked her for all the years that she has worked for ABS-CBN and I acknowledged that she has given so much relief and happiness, and delighted our viewers,” she told Lo. Saying she didn’t feel slighted by the TV host’s move, Santos explained: “Kahit na sino ang mag-decide umalis—like Aga (Muhlach), Sharon (Cuneta) and Willie (Revillame) -wala akong pagdaramdam, kasi importante kung saan sila masaya.”

Santos, however, said the doors of ABS-CBN will always be open for Aquino if ever she decides in the future to return to the Kapamilya network.

“Of course, the doors of ABS-CBN are always open to people who want to work with us again. But you wait for the stars to align for it to happen. It’s not the decision of just one person. And, yes, Kris is welcome back anytime,” she said.

Early this month, Aquino announced via Instagram that she has decided to leave the network as she is set to do a TV project with APT Entertainment, Inc., which is closely associated with rival GMA-7.

Aquino confirmed she had a meeting with Kapamilya network last July but said that “there was no definite show and no assured time frame of my return on air.” (MNS)

Kris Aquino

Mag

Bea Alonzo does not see anything wrong if she is seen with former boyfriend Gerald Anderson.

The Kapamilya actress confirmed that she is going out with Anderson, her leading man in Star Cinema movie “How to be Yours.”

“We go out. We go out a lot, with friends,” she said.

Alonzo added: “Hindi naman kami nagtatago. We go out. Wala namang masama. Parang wala naman kaming nasasaktan.”

But when asked about their status, the actress said it shouldn’t be coming

from her.

She added that if they need to admit something to the public, they will do so.

“Parang ang pangit magshare ng mga personal, and babae ako. It’s not something that we will keep a secret.”

Meanwhile, the actress was spotted at a biking event as she supported Anderson at the Bike King Duathlon 2016 event in Pampanga.

Alonzo and Anderson used to date before their relationships with Zanjoe Marudo and Maja Salvador, respectively. (MNS)

Bea Alonzo

Finally, some relief for Albie Casiño

Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano

After ‘Dolce Amore,’ Liza, Enrique to work on new movie Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano are set to reunite on the big screen after their hit television series “Dolce Amore.”

“We are back... pitching for a movie. Abanga niyo ‘yan,” Gil said.

The movie will be directed by Cathy Garcia Molina, who also did “Forevermore.”

This is the third time Soberano and Gil will headline a movie following the box office success of “Just the Way You Are” and “Everyday I Love You.” Meanwhile, “Dolce Amore” is the latest Filipi-

no TV series to be aired in Kazakhstan.

This is the second time a teleserye starring the popular love team will be aired in Kazakhstan following “Forevermore” last year.

Other Kapamilya shows such as “Got To Believe,” the 2015 remake of “Pangako Sa ‘Yo,” and “Dream Dad” were also made available to Kazakh fans.

According to ABS-CBN, “Dolce Amore” will also soon start airing in Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Africa either dubbed or with subtitles. (MNS)

Maris or Elisse?

McCoy asked to choose

Hashtags member McCoy de Leon could not give a definite answer when asked to choose between Maris Racal and Elisse Joson, two young actresses who are being romantically linked to him.

“Parehas ko silang mabuting kaibigan,” De Leon said. “Ako po, ayaw ko talagang makasakit ng damdamin at makasakit ng fans.” ([I am good friends with both of them. I don’t want to cause any harm to anybody, especially the fans.)

Prior to meeting Joson inside the “Pinoy Big Brother” house, De Leon was close with Racal, birthing a small but vocal fanbase demanding projects starring the two together.

However, De Leon appeared to have grown to like Joson during their short stint on the reality show.

“Nung nag-PBB kasi kami, grabe iyong samahan namin, iyong mga housemates, kasama na doon si Elisse,” he admitted.

“Napalapit na din ako sa

There was sigh of relief from former “On the Wings of Love” star Albie Casiño after news broke that Jake Ejercito is the father of Andi Eigenmann’s daughter, putting an end to the longstanding rumor that hampered the early parts of his career as an actor.

“Thank you,” Casiño, whom Andi alleged to be the biological father of her child back in 2011, wrote on his Instagram page.

His short message came after Max Eigenmann, the half-sister of Andi, 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, “Good Times with Mo.” Both Andi and Jake have yet to speak up on the matter.

At the height of the controversy surrounding Andi’s pregnancy, the families of Casiño and the actress traded accusations—among them that the actor allegedly beat up Andi during their relationship, and that the “The Greatest Love” star

Albie Casiño

cheated on her then-boyfriend.

There were also reports about Casiño offering to undergo a DNA test to confirm his paternity, but Andi’s camp declined this.

In previous interviews, Andi had 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,” she said.

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. (MNS)

Nadine Lustre

McCoy de Leon

kanya. Hanggang ngayon, may mga guestings po kami, tapings, siya iyong pinakanaging ka-close ko.”

(We became close when we were on PBB. Until now, when we have guestings, tapings, she’s the one I am closest with.)

De Leon was also asked to rate the two on the scale of one to 10, with one being the lowest. He gave Racal an eight and Elisse, the highest possible rating.

(MNS)

Tayo!

Nadine Lustre to bashers: ‘I’m not a saint’ While many commended her well-shaped body after her bikini photos went viral on social media, Nadine Lustre also had to deal with bashers who accused her of being “pa-conservative.”

According to Lustre, the photos were taken during an out-of-town trip with boyfriend James Reid and their friends.

“They weren’t even legit bikini shots! I was just chilling out!” she said.

Lustre believes people tend to brand her as “conservative” because of the roles she played on TV and films.

“People can’t separate me from the roles I play.

That’s the bad part about

local showbiz. Fans get hooked on these characters,” she said.

“Not once did I say that I was ever conservative,” she emphasized. “I’m not conservative. I never acted like I was.”

However, Lustre also clarified that she does not want people to think that she is “pakawala” (loose girl).

“But I’m never going to be santa-santita. I’m not a saint,” she added.

In an interview last June, Lustre said she is not yet ready to pose in skimpy outfits. This, after the 22-yearold made it to FHM’s list of the sexiest women in the country. (MNS)

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(From left) New York Philippine Tourism Office Officer-in-charge Zeny Pallugna, Philippine Embassy Economic Minister Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, Philippine Department of Tourism Undersecretary Alma Jimenez, and Dr. Andre Daniel Villanueva at the 9thWorld Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare Congress on 25 September 2016. (Photo by Dr. Andre Daniel Villanueva)

PHL cements place as a leading medical tourism destination at 9th world congress WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Philippines received an Excellence in Leadership Award as a medical tourism destination during an invitation-only VIP Gala Dinner at the 9th World Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare Congress being held on 25-28 September 2016 at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland.

The glass plaque honoring the Philippines as a medical tourism destination was received by Undersecretary Alma Rita Jimenez of the Department of Tourism and Minister Jose Victor V. Chan Gonzaga of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. Also in attendance was Ms. Zeny Pallugna, Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine Tourism Office in New York.

In a statement, Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto, Charge d’Affaires, a.i. of the Philippine Embassy said, “The Philippines is honored by this excellence in leadership award. This is recognition of our steadfast commitment to improving our medical tourism program and providing high quality health services for all.”

The Excellence in Leadership awards recognize the global leaders and destinations dedicated to medical tourism and health tourism. The awards also honor the key countries highlighted and ranked within the 2016 Global Medical Tourism Index (MTI). The Philippines ranked 19th as a global destination, and 6th in Asia.

The MTI was launched in 2014 by the International Healthcare Research Center (IHRC) as a new type of country-based performance measure to assess the attractiveness of a country as a medical tourism destination. The development of the MTI was a multi-year, multi-step and multi-stakeholder approach. The “psychometric sound measurement” is based on a six-step methodological, statistical and index construction procedure.

The MTI construct consists of three (3) main dimensions (country, industry and medical facility, and personal) with thirty-nine (39) underlying indicators.

It is the first index helping countries, public policymakers, healthcare and tourism industry, place

marketers and underlying organizations and people to have an assessment of their place as a medical tourism destination. The MTI is the worldwide reference point on the attractiveness of countries as medical tourism destinations, rating and analyzing the state of a country as a medical tourism destination, how it is positioned and should be positioned to increase the prosperity of its population.

The Philippines has made great strides in globally positioning the country as the heart of Asia, combining modern technology and international standards in healthcare with the Philippine culture and tradition, highlighting the warmth of the Filipino people. ISO certification is a standard, and more hospitals and clinics have secured international accreditation from bodies like JCI, ACI, and UK Trent. Filipino medical and allied professionals are world-class. English proficiency and quality training, together with the warm, culturally sensitive, compassionate and caring nature of the people, offer a brand of service that is distinctly Filipino.

Hontiveros hears bills increasing maternity leave, nutrition support for infants Asserting that there is an inextricable link between the well-being of mothers and the health of their children, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros today chaired two consecutive committee hearings that deliberated two of her health legislation; the bills seek to expand the paid maternity leave of working women and scale up nutrition support for infants.

Healthy Bulilit Act Senate Bill No. 1145 or the Healthy Bulilit Law was deliberated in the Senate Committee on Health and Demography.

Hontiveros explained that her bill mandates the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to increase nutrition support to all children in the first 1,000 days. She characterized this period as crucial and intervention at this time is key to combatting nutritional stunting. The senator said undernutrition remains the underlying killer of children as it makes them vulnerable to bout of infections, low birth weights and wasting.

Philippines lost P328 B to undernutrition Hontiveros, citing a report by the Save the Children International, also said that the Philippine

economy lost at least P328 billion or the equal of 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2013 due to the impact of childhood stunting on workforce productivity and education.

“We need to strengthen the government’s commitment to provide children all the necessary nutrients to ensure their healthy growth. We must ensure that we have healthy bulilits who will grow up to become healthy Pinoys and Pinays,” Hontiveros said.

150 days of maternity leave for working women Hontiveros’ Senate Bill No. 215 or the Expanded Maternity Leave Law Act of 2016 was heard by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, which the senator also chairs.

The senator said her bill seeks to provide women workers in the public and private sectors, married or not, 120 days of maternity leave, and an additional 30 days for solo mothers.

The additional 30 days can be allocated to alternate caregivers such as their common law partners, or relatives up to the 4th degree of consaguinity. It can also be extended to adopters or any person who has adopted a minor.

“It’s time to introduce

radical reforms to our maternity law to bring it at par with international standards. In Asia, we are lagging behind Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia.

The government must respond to our women workers’ pre and post-natal health needs. The government must also recognize and provide full support for women’s reproductive work,” Hontiveros said.

“Centennial gifts” Hontiveros said that as the Senate celebrates its 100 years, she hoped that the passage of her bills will be some of the institution’s “centennial gifts” to the Filipino families. “There is no better gift than the gift of a secure and healthy future.

Let us bring forward real changes in the lives of our women and children,” she concluded.

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UTREACH ‘Hari ng Ballad’ Martin Nievera at ang ‘Sirena ng Las Vegas Strip’ Lani Misalucha sa isang espesyal na ‘Masquerade’ Halloween concert sa Pechanga Resort & Casino Ang bibihirang pagsasama ng premyadong talento--kilala bilang multi-awarded King ng ballad na si Martin Nievera at ang “Siren of the Las Vegas Strip’ Lani Misalucha, ay magtatanghal ng live concert sa Pechanga Resort & Casino sa Oktubre 29 at 30.

Nakamit ni Martin Nievera and “ Box office Entertainment Awards’ para sa Best Male Concert performer of the Year noong Abril 17, 2016, mula sa GMMSF, Inc. Sa loob ng 33 taon, inaaliw ni Nievera ang kanyang mga tagasunod hindi lamang ng mga awiting mula sa Original Pinoy Music (OPM), kungdi’y di mabilang na mga awiting isinalin nito mula sa mga pamoso’t kilalang mang-aawit sa buong mundo.

Nito lamang Agosto, si Nievera ay naglabas ng bago album--- “The best of Martin Nievera---- Kahapon.....

Ngayon” mula sa pagtaguyod ng Polyeast recording.

Isang Pilipinong mang-aawit, manunulat-awit, at aktor, si Nievera ay tumanggap ng 18 platinum, limang dobleng platinum, tatlong tripleng platinum at isang quadriple platinum na mga albums sa kabuuan ng kanyang career.

Si Nievera ay aawit backto-back kasama ang “ Asia’s Nightingale,” Lani Misalucha, ang unang Asiano na bumandera sa main showroom ng Las Vegas strip na nagtatanghal kasama ang Hawaii’s Society of Seven sa Jubilee Theater ng Bally’s.

Si Misalucha ay nagtataglay ng napakaraming talento, kung saan ang hanay ng mga awitin nito’y mula sa pop, rock, jazz, soul rhythm at blues at operatic areas.

Pinagsamang talento, si Nievera at Misalucha ay magbibigay sa inyo ng isang

Cher Calvin

patok na pagtatanghal na inaasahang magdudulot ng saya’t galak sa mga patrons at bisita ng pamosong Pechanga Resort & Casino sa Temecula, California.

Ang Tickets ay mabibili na mula $125, $100, $78 at $58 para sa 8p.m. at 6p.m. na konsiyerto, at maaaring mabili sa Pechanga Box Office, 877-711-2WIN (2946) o sa www.Pechanga.com.

Patungkol sa Pechanga Resort & Casino Inaalok ng Pechanga Resort & Casino ang isa sa mga pinakamalaki at malaganap na kasiyahan na pang resort/casino kahit saan sa United States. Ibinotong numero unong casino ng mga mambababasa ng USA Today at hinirang na “Four Diamond property” ng AAA mula pa noong 2002, ang Pechanga Resort & Casino ay nagbibigay ng walang katumbas na paraan para sa isang araw o pang-matagalang marangyang bakasyon. Naghahandog ng 4,000 sa pinaka mainit na slot machines, table games at world-class entertainment, 517 mga kwarto sa hotel, kainan, spa at championship golf sa Journey sa Pechanga, ang Pechanga Resort & Casino ay tampok na destinasyon na tumutugon at humihigit sa kagustuhan ng mga panauhin nito at ng komunidad. Ang Pechanga Resort & Casino ay pag-aari at palakad ng Pechanga Band ng mga Luiseño Indians. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, tumawag ng toll-free sa 1-877-711-2946 o pumunta sa www.Pechanga. com.

‘Ballad King’ Martin Nievera & ‘Siren of the Las Vegas Strip’ Lani Misalucha in a special ‘Masquerade’ Halloween concert only at

Jeffrey Lim

Pechanga Resort & Casino A once in a lifetime tandem of primed talents-- famous multi-awarded King of ballad Martin Nievera, and the ‘Siren of the Las Vegas Strip’ Lani Misalucha, will perform in a live concert at Pechanga Resort & Casino Theater on October 29 and 30.

Martin Nievera bagged ‘The Box Office Entertainment Awards’ for Best Male Concert Performer of the Year on April 17, 2016, by GMMSF, Inc. For 33 years now, Nievera has been delighting his audience with not only Original Pinoy Music (OPM) but has interpreted numerous songs made famous by internationally-renowned singers.

In late August, Nievera launched a new album-- “ The Best of Martin Nievera---- Kahapon.... Ngayon “

by Polyeast recording. A Filipino singer, songwriter and actor, Nievera garnered 18 platinum, five double platinum, three triple platinum and 1 quadruple platinum albums in his entire career.

Nievera will sing back to back with ‘Asia’s Nightingale’ herself, Lani Misalucha, the first Asian to headline a main showroom of the Las Vegas strip performing with Hawaii’s Society of Seven at the Jubilee Theater of Bally’s. Misalucha is a multi-faceted artist, whose rendition of songs varies from pop, rock, jazz, soul rhythm and blues and operatic arias.

Together, Nievera and Misalucha will provide a blockbuster performance that is expected to delight patrons and guests at the famed Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California. Tickets are now on sale from $125, $100, $78 and

Elena Lapid Salonga

TOP-LA Awards Set on October 8 The 2nd Annual TOP-LA AWARDS or The Outstanding Pilipinos in Los Angeles Awards Gala will be held on Saturday October 8, 2016 6:00pm at the Envision Center in Van Nuys, California.

TOP-LA AWARDS will be honoring carefully selected Filipino-Americans for their Lifetime, Outstanding and Youth Achievement, as well as their Leadership Excellence in the Arts, Business, Culture, Science, Community and Entertainment.

The TOP-LA Award for Lifetime Achievement honors very distinguished Filipino Americans who, for 25 years or more in their chosen field of endeavor, have displayed leadership, achieved exemplary success, made invaluable contributions of outstanding significance to their profession and field of expertise, as well as being influential to the enrichment of everything Filipino in the community.

The 2016 TOP-LA Lifetime Achievement honorees

are Kundiman King Ric Manrique, Jr. and Pastor Paul Lacanilao.

The TOP-LA Award for Outstanding Achievement honors very distinguished Filipino Americans who have excelled, for 15 years or more, in their chosen career or business.

Jeffrey Lim, Founder and CEO of Island Pacific Supermarkets, together with KTLA-5 News Anchor Cher Calvin and Elena Lapid Salonga of Lapid Original Chicharon fame lead this year’s award recipients of the TOP-LA Award for Outstanding Achievement.

UP Alumni Association President Dr. Arnel Joaquin, Neri Seneres of Neri’s Restaurant established in 1984, and multi-awarded photo journalist Benny Uy are also recipients of the TOP-LA Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Our Filam community boasts of emerging movers and shakers who are being recognized for their Lead-

ership Excellence in arts, business, culture, community, science and technology.

They are insurance executive Jaril Tudio, Filam Press Club President Andy Edralin, Hotel Catering Director Christine Consunji Chen, EnergiX Corporation President Eliza Anderson, Regal Financial Services President Oliver Ongtawco, 1 Heart Cares Franchise Development Director Randolph Clarito, Vocal Mentor Jona Peralta, City of Carson Field Deputy Riezl Pe Benito, Technical Director Extraordinaire Randy Trinidad, Philippine Independence Day Foundation President Jun Aglipay, and Ms. Lou Razon, a Fashion and Pageant Producer.

The TOP-LA Award for Youth Achievement will honor young Filipino Americans who have achieved success in their young age, display leadership and possess integrity to inspire and influence the youth.

The awardees are UC

$58 for an 8p.m. and 6p.m. show time, and may be purchased at the Pechanga Box Office, 877-711-2WIN (2946) or www.Pechanga.com.

About Pechanga Resort & Casino Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/ casino experiences anywhere in the United States.

Voted the Number One Casino in America by readers of USA TODAY and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway.

Offering more than 3,400 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and champi-

onship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians.

For more information, call toll free 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www.Pechanga.com.

Berkeley Senator Bianca Filart, Miss Philippines USA Kalea Pitel, Miss Young Philippines Louise An, Miss Philippines USA Ambassador Taylor Sullivan, Miss Fullerton Suzanne Perez and Filams Got Talent Champion Sara Mislang who was also named as one of L.A.’s Most Beautiful.

For the first time, the TOP-LA Spotlight Award will be giving recognition to outstanding Filipino American entertainers whose extraordinary talent and musical artistry have created tremendous audience

appeal and impact.

Balladeer Julius Obregon is being named Entertainer of the Year; Louise Marie Cornillez as Soprano of the Year; Bing Martin as Jazz Artist of the Year; Michael Keith Pronda as Young Artist of the Year; Harana as Vocal Ensemble of the Year; and Ciamara Morales as Karaoke Host of the Year.

Part of the proceeds of TOP-LA Awards is for the benefit of Islang Puting Bato in the Philippines.

Mutch Carino of Maxx Promos is the Founder and Producer of the 2016 TOP-

LA Awards. He is also the Producer of the Woman of Worth (WOW) Awards, Children’s Day, City of Carson Filipino American History Month, and the forthcoming Miss Filam USA whose winners will compete in the Mutya ng Pilipinas and Miss Philippines Earth national beauty pageants in the Philippines.

Miss Filam USA is a joint production with Cesar Ballesteros of Beauties, Inc., along with Miss USA for Miss Asia Pacific International.

For more information, call 818.521.6009.

L.A. County Registrar of Voters kicks off large scale media campaign to get out the vote LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/ CC) Dean C. Logan is proud to announce a large-scale, multilingual media campaign with leading media outlets in Los Angeles County encouraging voters to “Make Your Mark.”

The RR/CC will partner with: CBS Radio, Entravision, Facebook, iHeart Media, LA 18, Pandora, Power 106, Univision Radio, Super Estrella, Que Buena and ScreenVision Media to promote key election dates and information. The various languages included in the campaign are English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Filipino and Hindi.

“We hope to empower the LA County community with key information they will need to exercise their democratic right this November,”

said Dean Logan. “These partnerships will allow us to do that with an unprecedented reach.”

The campaign is focused on three aspects: voter registration, voter options, and encouraging voters to turn out and vote on Election Day. The multi-level campaign will reach voters through radio, television, outdoor media and various digital/ social media platforms as well as movie theaters.

Don’t forget to Make Your Mark in the Presidential General Election on November 8, 2016.

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

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MOTORING 2017 Highlander has more power, more safety, and more model choices September 27, 2016 – More power and fuel economy? That’s the name of the game for the 2017 Highlander thanks to its new 3.5-liter V6 D-4S Injection engine and Direct Shift – 8AT 8-speed automatic transmission.

Taking full advantage of this revised powertrain is a new-for-2017 SE grade that brings a premium, sporty personality to the lineup.

Not to be out shined by its gas-sipping siblings, the Highlander Hybrid adds two additional entry-level grades – LE and XLE – to its popular range. All Highlander models receive revised front and rear styling and enhanced interior convenience and comfort. Long story short, it’s great to be a Highlander buyer for 2017.

The Highlander is among numerous Toyota’s having the innovative and highly advanced Toyota Safety Sense™ P driver-assist technology as standard. Using millimeter-wave radar and a monocular camera sensor to detect a preceding pedestrian, a preceding vehicle, and visible lane markers in the surrounding area, TSS-P can help the driver identify obstacles and automatically apply braking if necessary to help mitigate or avoid collisions in certain conditions.

TSS-P includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection function; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist function; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams.

In the spring of 2016, Toyota committed to making automatic emergency braking standard on nearly all models by the end of 2017 (2018 Model Year). This decision will place Toyota four years ahead of the model-year 2022 industry target announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – before any other full-line automaker.

Performance Infusion The Highlander V6 has steadily made strides in performance over its lifespan, but for 2017, the powertrain upgrade is perhaps the most dramatic. The new 3.5-liter D-4S Injection V6 pushes output to 295 horsepower and 263 lb.-ft. of torque, which represent increases of 25 hp and 15 lb.-ft., respectively, over the 2016 Highlander V6. The new V6 also becomes the base engine for the Highlander Hybrid and features Dual VVT-i.

Making best use of the engine’s upgraded performance and efficiency, the V6 Highlander now employs a new Direct Shift – 8AT 8-speed automatic transmission. The eight ratios, compared to six in the 2016 V6 model, benefit the Highlander’s acceleration and passing abilities. Both the engine and transmission incorporate new advances in friction reduction, while the transmission delivers a more direct driving feel and higher level of efficiency

by expanding the torque converter lock-up range.

Fuel economy for all-wheel drive models improves to an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway, versus 18/24 for the 2016 model.

Highlander V6 models (excluding LE) get another new feature: Stop and Start Engine System (S&S). This new system allows the engine to shut off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop, and then restarts when the driver’s foot lifts from the brake pedal. S&S is designed to reduce emissions, help reduce fuel consumption, and provide a quieter in-cabin experience for passengers when the vehicle is at a complete stop.

The LE front-wheel drive model’s standard 185-horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine uses Variable-Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to produce a thick torque curve. It’s teamed with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The combination yields an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 20 mpg city/24 mpg highway.

All Highlander V6 models come standard with a towing package that allows for a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The package includes a heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler, 200-watt fan coupling, supplemental transmission oil cooler and 150-amp alternator.

The View from Above – and

2017 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD 01

Behind, and All Around The Highlander’s sleek and strong design ensures ample visibility for the driver – a trait that is augmented on all models with a standard back-up camera. On the XLE grade and above, the Highlander receives a standard Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (BSM w/RCTA).

Taking visibility and safety to new heights, the 2017 Highlander Limited Platinum grades arrive with a standard-issue Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan.

This Toyota technology employs four cameras that are mounted on the front, the side mirrors and rear of the vehicle to project a panoramic view of the vehicle’s surroundings on the central multimedia monitor. The system offers drivers assistance when parallel parking, and when pulling in and out of parking spaces. The Bird’s

Eye View Camera system also features a Toyota-first function called Perimeter Scan, which provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle, helping the driver to see potential obstacles in certain conditions.

More Consumer Choice The third-generation Highlander, now entering its fourth year, offers room for up to eight with three-row seating.

While the gas V6 model adds the sporty SE grade, the Highlander Hybrid adds two new grades, (LE and XLE), joining the Limited and Platinum models for a total of four. Accompanying the gas model’s all-new SE grade are LE, LE Plus, XLE, Limited and Limited Platinum, all available in either FWD or AWD. A Bigger Touch of Luxury The 2017 Highlander conveys a more elegant presence in all grades for 2017.

The front grille on LE,

LE Plus and XLE grades features a silver-painted finish, while Limited and Platinum grades have a painted chrome finish. The taillights are redesigned for a sleeker look and now feature standard LEDs, and the Limited and Platinum models receive tasteful rear bumper chrome garnishes.

Three new exterior colors look as luxurious as they sound: Celestial Silver Metallic, Toasted Walnut Pearl, and, exclusively on the new SE, Salsa Red Pearl.

Inside, all Highlander add four USB ports for a total of five, making charging personal devices easier (and possibly helping to keep the peace on long family trips).

Limited and Limited Platinum grades, previously offered only in seven-passenger configurations with middle-row captain’s chairs, now offer a bench-style middle row seat from other grades for eight-passenger seating.

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DEBATE

From page 1

Donnie “Ahas” Nietes exchanges blows with Mexican boxer Edgar Sosa during their match at the Stubhub Center in the City of Carson on Saturday night. Nietes won by unanimous decision to win the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Intercontinental flyweight championship. Photo by PAOLO CAMACHO

KING ARTHUR

From page 1

The end of the match came at 2:20 in the second round. Villanueva and Jimenez fought in Cebu City last May as an undercard to the Nonito Donaire-Zsolt Bedak title fight. The boxers accidentally clashed heads in the fourth round which rendered Jimenez unconscious. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific bantamweight championship will remain with Villanueva (30-1 W-L with 16 knockouts).

Also part of an explosive night at the Stubhub Center in the City of Carson on Saturday was Donnie “Ahas” Nietes’ debut in the flyweight division.

Nietes (39-1-4, with 22 KOs), the longest reigning Filipino world champion, will continue his reign as the WBO Intercontinental flyweight champion.

The 34-year-old fighter from Bacolod City, outclassed ex-world champion Edgar Sosa.

“Bandang Round 5 medyo nabasa ko na ang kalaban,” Nietes said after the bout.

Nietes was in control of every round during the fight, methodically throwing punch combinations in the body and head of Sosa; and effectively throwing counter punches whenever Sosa was playing his offenses.

A 1-2 combination in the last seconds of the 10th round staggered Sosa, but Nietes failed to end the match. Nietes would later tell the media that he was not in a hurry to knock out Sosa because he was still testing his power at the 112 lbs division.

Credit was due Mark Magsayo (15-0) but as well as to his Mexican opponent

Ramiro Robles, a last-minute replacement to the original match up, who showed toughness and courage to carry the fight to the end of its 12-round schedule.

Obviously, the crowd was expecting another knockout show from the 21-year-old Magsayo. They thought it was coming in the 7th round when Magsayo floored Robles with a hard right in the body. However, Robles survived the round and fought gamely despite being outgunned the remaining rounds.

Mexico’s Ruben Garcia was initially scheduled to fight Magsayo. He suffered an injury in training and was forced to pull out of the WBO international featherweight championship bout.

Pinoy Pride 38 was sub-titled Philippines versus Mexico.

tigation. All of you, join us.

That will be the time you can ask question. And I will answer, then I will ask you questions,” the President said. ”It cannot be just a oneway traffic here. Even if I am a President of a small republic, I will see to it that in matters of principle, we are in parity,” he added.

The President said he will also ask de Lima about her four-hour meeting with Sebastian inside a ‘kubol’ (special room) inside the NBP. ”Why would you have an asset such as Jayvee Sebastian? Do you not trust the NBI, the military men to have your own asset? What was that asset? Was it a sexual asset or a source of information? And why you have to do it at four hours?” the President said.

President Duterte, a for-

mer prosecutor before he became Davao City mayor for 23 years, said the inmates’ accusations are serious and de Lima “should not adopt a nonchalant attitude about all of these things”. ”She’s the one who should be worried. She opened the portals of narco-politics to take hold in the national level. There will never be an honest election. You can read the cartel, it’s online, you can buy it,” the President said.

He said de Lima, as a former Commission on Human Rights chairperson and justice secretary, and the UN rapporteur investigated him about extrajudicial killings when he was still mayor of Davao City but no report was given to him.

The President denied de Lima’s accusation that he is out to destroy the reputation of the lady senator.

DE LIMA

From page 1

Nations (UN) special rapporteur Agnes Callamard and other countries including the United States and European Union to investigate the so-called extrajudicial killings and alleged human rights violations in his war on drugs. ”The censorship that de Lima mentioned. What I’m saying, I will submit to all forums in this planet, but she (UN rapporteur) cannot come here just ready to read garbage prepared by my political opponents,” Duterte said.

The President said he is proposing an open investigation where every concerned group could ask questions and be ready to be examined by him. ”What I want is investigate me, but let us follow the Philippines’ jurisdictional requirement. My proposal is let us have an open inves-

FIL-AM SUPPORT

From page 1

te (where the President is coming from). They seem to have a firm grasp, a firm understanding of where he is coming from,” he said.

Abella also reported about the meeting between the President and members of the National Democratic Front (NDF), including the Tiamzons, at the Palace on Monday night.

He described Monday’s event as a “meet-and-greet” between the President and members of the NDF. The members of the leftist group thanked the President for releasing their consultants, according to Abella.

They also expressed willingness to cooperate in the President’s socioeconomic reforms so long as both parties agree with whatever reforms should be discussed.

“They also hope that there will be no cancellation of the peace talks and they are all very enthusiastic about the progress of the current peace talks,” he added.

Meanwhile, Foreign Af-

fairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, who joined the press briefing in Malacañang, clarified President Duterte’s statement regarding Philippines-US relations, saying that the country is not veering away from its commitments with Washington.

Explaining the President’s position, Yasay said, “He simply wants to undertake an independent foreign policy, that we are part of an international community and that the Constitution in fact mandates that we should have amity amongst all nations, particularly with China, our neighbor.”

In the same press briefing, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said that despite the domestic noise, the Philippines is still in a good position to attract investment and grow economically.

The Philippine economy is in good shape, Diokno said.

It is the fastest growing economy in Asia together

with China and India, he said, adding that the country’s inflation rate has been reined in.

Diokno said the government can also borrow money at extraordinarily very low rates, noting that the Duterte administration has a good 10-point agenda for development.

“So we focus on the economic fundamentals. They are pretty good. So, if I were an investor, I’ll see the forest not the trees,” he said.

VILEST MAN

From page 1

He meanwhile suggested that Sebastian was perhaps de Lima’s “sexual asset”.

He further reiterated that de Lima was involved in “narcopolitics” and that she “screwed not just her driver but the entire nation”.

De Lima asked the President anew to stop harassing her.

“Stop harassing me. What do you want from me? Do you like me?” she added.

record high compared with 2008 and 2012, a source at the media credentials center told Xinhua. But the center officially declined to give any comment.

The number of journalists that actually showed up must have exceeded the organizers’ expectations: The original media center, a renovated physical education center, was filled up several hours before the debate’s start, and a nearby medical building had to be put into use, with reporters seated in what apparently was a classroom.

The unique nature of this US presidential election, which many believe was the most divisive and scandalous in history, has earned itself unprecedented attention from media all over the world.

It was not easy for the journalists to get in. First they had to drive around the campus in a large circle in order to find the only

THE US ASIAN POST

entrance, and then take a 15-minute shuttle bus ride to the media center. Even after all the troubles, most of them didn’t even get a chance to enter the debate hall.

However, they still preferred to “cover the big story right from the scene.” And organizers also offered some rewards for their painstaking efforts: free meals, even with dessert and beer.

According to the Chinese student new to Hofstra, who preferred not to be named, the school took one day off for all its 10,000-odd students to greet the huge influx of guests on Monday.

“But I think it’s worth it,” he said. “This is my first national-level political experience. Some of my fellow Chinese students even got selected to sit among the audience in the debate hall.”

The successful hosting of the presidential debates also helped Hofstra, a relatively obscure institution compared with Ivy League schools, build up its fame in foreign countries like

China.

“My parents never heard of Hofstra before. But when I told them about the presidential debates, they felt much relieved about the school’s credit,” the student told Xinhua.

In contrast to the excitement and overcrowding at Hofstra, a fried chicken chain store just a dozen blocks away in Hempstead was seeing just a few customers on Monday afternoon.

The storekeeper, a local resident of Mexican origin who identified himself as Nick, said he had little interest in either candidate who will be debating soon in his town.

“Donald Trump is not good, but Hillary Clinton is also not so good, maybe just a little better,” he said.

Inside the store, a TV was running a major news channel’s warm-up program for the evening debate, but Nick said he would not watch it. “I will just go to the church after work, as always,” he told Xinhua.

delegation Chef de Mission Karen Tanchanco-Caballero in an interview on Tuesday morning.

“I can only try to reciprocate the passion and hunger of our athletes to bring honor to our country in this competition.

Truly enriching and humbling. I feel so honored to be of service to these fine, grounded and determined national athletes and officials,” added the official, who is also president of the Philippine Amateur Sepak Takraw Association.

The jiu-jitsu team has contributed five medals, including Margarita Ochoa’s gold in the women’s -45kg division, to the Philippine campaign in the tournament

organized by the Olympic Council of Asia. Bronze winners were Gian Taylor Dee (silver, men’s -62kg), Jenina Kaila Napolis (bronze, women’s -55kg) and Apryl Jessica Eppinger (bronze, women’s -62kg).

The other bronze medalists were Lloyd Dennis Catipon (men’s -73kg), Helen Dawa (women’s -52kg) and Jenielou Mosquesda (women’s -57kg) in Kurash; Philip Delarmino (men’s bantamweight 51-54kg), Jonathan Polosan (men’s light welterweight 60-63.5kg) and Jay Harold Gregorio (men’s middleweight 71-75kg) in Muay; and the women’s trio of Josefina Maat, Gelyn Evora and Deseree Autor in sepak takraw.

RAMIREZ

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final.

Ramirez won two golds in the 2nd Jiu-Jitsu Regional Championships South East & East Asia held in Hanoi, Vietnam last June. She was named Most Valuable Player twice while playing for the University of Santo Tomas judo team in the UAAP. “Overwhelming passion and love for country, I witnessed for myself how Annie and the rest of team who competed yesterday and days before that prepared and were dead set to make it happen.

Without even saying, you can tell with her demeanor and overall energy that Annie was out to duplicate her achievement in Phuket,” said Philippine