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Vol. 5 No. 17

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A BALITA MEDIA PUBLICATION

Friday - Thursday, January 22-28, 2016

PHL seeks joint patrols with US in South China Sea M a n i l a , P h i l i p pines | AFP | Thursday 1/14/2016 – The Philippines has called for joint patrols with the United States in the disputed South China Sea, where Manila has festering territorial dispute with Beijing, a defence department spokesman said Thursday.

The remarks came after the Philippine’s Supreme Court upheld a 10-year security agreement opening the door for the US to operate more troops and equipment out of the Southeast Asian archipelago.

“There is a need for more collaborative presence in the South China Sea. Thus, in addition to freedom of navigation operations

of the US, we are also suggesting that we patrol the area together,” spokesman Peter Paul Galvez told reporters.

Galvez did not specify where in the South China Sea the joint patrols would be conducted. China has conflicting territorial claims with the Philippines in the waters, as well as Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

While the United States does not support any of the claims, it has warned China against trying to restrict air and sea passage through the Sea – a major shipping lane, rich fishing ground and potential source of mineral resources.

Tensions flared last month See JOINT PATROL, page 12

The USS Topeka (SSN-754), a Los Angeles-class attack submarine, prepares to dock at the Alava pier of Subic port in Zambales Tuesday, for a three-day port stop. Subic Naval Base is one of the agreed locations that the US government identified as part of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. (MNS photo)

Binay leads latest poll despite graft allegations M a n i l a , P h i l i p pines | AFP | Friday 1/15/2016 – Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay has overcome a barrage of graft allegations to re-emerge as front-runner to become the nation’s next leader, according to an independent poll released Friday.

The 73-year-old had long been the favorite but his poll numbers tanked last year when allegations emerged that he and his son, both former mayors of the Makati financial district, had taken huge kickbacks in the construction of a city-owned car park building.

Pollster Social Weather Stations said the vice president had regained a clear lead with 31 percent preferring him in its January 8-10 nationwide survey.

“Some people are cynical, reasoning out that all politicians are

Aquino belittles Binay lead in latest poll

corrupt anyway,” political analyst Ramon Casiple, from Manila-based think tank the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform, told AFP. Binay, who leads the main opposition alliance, denies the corruption allegations against him and members of his family. His spokesmen did not reply to AFP’s requests for comment on the latest survey results.

In the Philippines, presidents can only serve a single six-year term.

President Benigno Aquino, a popular leader, has anointed fellow Liberal Party stalwart Mar Roxas as his preferred successor.

With an error of margin of plus or minus three percentage points, Senator Grace Poe (24 percent), Roxas (21 percent), and anti-crime

MANILA, Jan 15 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III on Friday belittled the lead garnered

by Vice President Jejomar Binay in the latest survey of pollster Social Weather Stations (SWS) on the presidential hopefuls.

“It’s a snapshot right now.

Wala pa tayo sa talagang kampanya... Baka may parte na walang naalalang negative sa kasalukuyan ‘yung mga natanong. Pero pag dating ng eleksyon, hindi na pwede iwasan ‘yun,” Aquino said in an interview with reporters on Thursday.

Binay, who is the presidential

See BINAY LEADS, page 12

See BELITTLES, page 12

Aquino: No credible terror threat in PHL MANILA, Jan 15 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III assured the public on Friday that there is no credible terror threat in the Philippines following the attack in Jakarta, Indonesia which left seven people dead.

“The last report I read says walang credible threat,” Aquino said in an interview. “Siyempre, magiging prudent tayo at makikipag-ugnayan sa intelligence agency. At babantayan nila ang komunidad para malaman kung may threat,” he added.

Shortly after the in Jakarta on Thursday, Armed Forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the military “is now elevating alert levels to heightened alert in all areas to ensure a state of readiness should there be a need for it in case of certain contingencies.”

On the other hand, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said they are now on “full alert” after a series of explosions and gunfire tore through a Starbucks cafe in Jakarta and shook an embassy district.

Padilla said police and military forces continue to monitor the “usual threats from local terrorist groups, such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).”

The Abu Sayyaf, blamed for many of the deadliest bombings in the country, as well as the BIFF, have pledged allegiance to Islamic State fighters or ISIS. The military, however, has dismissed this as “propaganda.” (MNS)

SWS: Sotto remains on top of senate field MANILA, Jan 15 (Mabuhay) – Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III continues to lead in the senatorial race, according to the latest BusinessWorld-Social Weather Stations survey conducted this month.

This is despite his rating dropping three percentage points to 56 percent from last December’s survey.

Sotto’s closest rival for the top spot is former senator Panfilo Lacson with 49 percent, which is higher by three percentage points than his figures for the previous survey.

Ranking third in the poll are Sen. Ralph Recto and former food security presidential assisSee SOTTO, page 12

Devotees raise their replica of the Sto. Nino during a blessing at a Catholic church in Cebu City on Friday. Filipino Catholic devotees will be celebrating the annual feast day of the Sto. Nino on Sunday in different parts of the country, particularly in Cebu and in Tondo, Manila. (MNS photo)

PHL worried Filipino Muslims could join IS in Middle East M a n i l a , P h i l i p pines | AFP | Friday 1/15/2016 – The Philippines said Friday it was concerned that Islamic State jihadists could recruit its nationals working in the Middle East, a day after militants linked to the group carried out an attack on Jakarta.

President Benigno Aquino told reporters that Philippine intelligence authorities would ask their Middle East counterparts

to monitor possible radicalisation within the Filipino community in the region, which numbers up to two million.

Aquino said there was no “credible threat” of attacks by the Islamic State group (IS) in the Philippines in the wake of Thursday’s attacks in the Indonesian capital, which left two civilians and five attackers dead, but warned of a See MUSLIMS, page 12

Odds bleak for reversing veto on SSS pension: Villar MANILA, Jan 15 (Mabuhay) – Lawmakers are unlikely to succeed in overriding President Aquino’s veto on the P2,000 monthly increase for Social Security System (SSS) pensioners, Senator Cynthia Villar admitted Friday.

Villar said that at least 16 senators - two-thirds of the total number of members of the upper chamber - are needed to override the president’s veto.

This proves a gargantuan task, Villar said, because senators seldom even reach a quorum of 13 as the election period nears.

She said getting two-thirds of the House of Representative, or 217 congressmen, to reverse the veto of the President is even more difficult because many of them are in the provinces.

“Dapat naman realistic tayo.

Hindi natin ipinapangako iyung something na hirap tayo. Kasi kahit kami’y makakuha ng twothirds sa Senate, paano ang House, 280 [representatives]. Ang twothirds noon, mabigat,” she said.

The senator emphasized that allies of the President in Congress may hesitate to oppose his veto on the proposed pension increase.

The President has cited the bill’s negative effect on SSS income, saying that it will result in an annual payout of P56 billion. The SSS only rakes in an annual investment income of 30 to 40 billion, he pointed out.

Finance Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa Habitan said House Bill No. 5842 was too expensive SeeVILLAR, page 12

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Central, southern PHL face ‘very dry’ Q1 2016

Members of the District Police Intelligence Operation Unit of the Manila Police District Command check beauty products at a warehouse in Tondo, Manila on Friday. The agency confiscated P10-million worth of beauty products at a warehouse allegedly owned by Wilson Co. (MNS photo)

DSWD clarifies relocation of MM informal settlers ongoing since 2013 MANILA, Jan. 16 (Mabuhay) – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman on Saturday clarified that Oplan Likas, which aims to resettle more then 26,000 informal settler families (ISF) to safer areas has been ongoing since 2013.

“Ongoing po. Hindi lang ngayon sinimulan. Tuluy-tuloy po iyan mula 2013,” Soliman said, clarifying Friday’s announcement of the Department

of the Inteior and Local Government (DILG) that a total of 26,367 ISFs in Metro Manila will be relocated starting this year.

Soliman said that since 2013, at least 20,000 ISFs have been relocated from Metro Manila to nearby provinces, including Bulacan.

Some of the ISFs were also relocated in areas in Rizal province.

“Bago magtag-ulan ay kailangang madagdagan pa ang ililipat namin para

hindi sila malagay sa panganib,” she added.

The DILG said in a press release on Friday that the relocation of ISFs from Metro Manila is being done in coordination between the DILG, local government units, the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor and the National Housing Authority.

The ISFs being relocated are living in high-risk areas, including waterways around Metro Manila.

(MNS)

MANILA, Jan. 16 (Mabuhay) – The prevailing strong El Nino phenomenon will further affect Philippine rainfall patterns, likely causing in 2016’s first quarter “very dry” conditions mostly across the Visayas and Mindanao, State-run Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) gave such warning as this agency forecast for the January-March 2016 period below-normal to way below-normal rainfall in the country due to El Nino.

“By the end of March, about 40 percent of the country or 32 provinces will likely experience meteorological drought conditions,” PAGASA said this week in its latest seasonal climate outlook.

PAGASA defines drought as three consecutive months of waybelow-normal rainfall condition.

Such condition is characterized by more than 60 percent reduction in rainfall from average levels, noted PAGASA. Data PAGASA presented at this month’s El Nino forum showed at risk for drought by March 2016’s end

are the central Philippine provinces of Palawan, Albay, Camarines Sur and Catanduanes all in Luzon as well as Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar and Samar all in the Visayas.

PAGASA also forecast drought by then in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Basilan, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu and Tawi-tawi provinces all in southern Philippines’ Mindanao, The data likewise showed the country can expect between 16 to 31 dry days during 2016’s first quarter Between 26 to 31 dry days are likely in March alone across 16 of 18 regions nationwide, the data further showed.

January to March is the northeast monsoon’s peak period but tropical cyclone (TC) activity that can bring rain to the country is at its

minimum then, noted PAGASA. For such three-month period, PAGASA forecast one to two TCs in the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

According to PAGASA, strong El Nino continues prevailing as data showed sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) in the Pacific exceeding 1.5°C. PAGASA Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section OIC Anthony Lucero earlier said the Philippines is already experiencing El Nino’s effects.

“Drought, dry spell, delayed onset of last year’s rainy season, lesser-than-average number of TCs and higher temperatures are El Nino manifestations in the country,” he noted.

Citing latest available model outputs, he said El Nino may last until mid2016.

He noted the models also indicate possible decreasing SSTA as 2016 progresses, however.

“We expect neutral conditions to return by July’s end,” he added, citing possible normalization of rainfall in the country by then.

(MNS)

MANILA, Jan. 16 (Mabuhay) – There has been a significant rise in number of complaints of erring taxi drivers last year, data from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) showed.

Records from the LTFRB showed that complaints increased by 43.03 percent in 2015 to 6,944 cases compared to the 4,855 recorded in 2014.

This data came from LTFRB’s public assistance and complaints annual desk report which also includes reports from its 24/7 hotline number ‘1342’ and reports from social media.

In 2014, majority of these complaints dealt with drivers who refused to convey passengers (1,012 cases) followed by drivers who have showed rude behavior (946 cases) and drivers who have overcharged passengers (790 cases).

Meanwhile in 2015, there were more drivers who exhibited rude behavior (1,082 cases) followed by complaints of drivers who overcharged (892 cases) and finally drivers who refused to convey passengers (860

cases).

LTFRB board member Atty. Ariel Inton said the rise in the number of complaints against erring taxi drivers must have been a result of the use of social media as a venue to relay their complaints.

“The use of social media helped a lot because communicating has become so much easier. We can monitor and act swiftly on it sometimes even before an actual complaint is reported,” Inton told the Philippines News Agency.

“We get in touch with the complainant and encourage them to actively prosecute.

We want to be proactive,” he added.

Inton also pointed out that the LTFRB hotline number launched last year has also made it easier for complaints to be better accommodated.

“Previously, people would complain about how it takes time before complaints are addressed and how they lose interest in pursuing the complaint.

Now, we really want to be on top of this. We don’t want to waste time,” Inton said.

He further noted that while LTFRB only had jurisdiction on a public utility vehicle (PUV) franchise, it was fortunate for former LTFRB executive director Robert Cabrera was named Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief after the resignation of Alfonso Tan, Jr. LTO, meanwhile, is responsible for the suspension of driver’s licenses.

Inton has earlier expressed interest to pursue a review in the transport system’s current orders and memorandum circulars.

He pointed out that such reviews involve the selection and supervision of the drivers by the operators since the burden of the driver’s actions are always rippled down to the operators who were granted the franchises.

Stiffer penalties are also being looked into, he said.

The LTFRB official said that a review of the socalled “boundary system” should also be done immediately. He said that it all boils down to the fact that the driver wants to earn more especially in heavy traffic situations.(MNS)

CAAP team accuses Chinese Navy Complaints vs erring cabbies of harassment on Pag-asa Island in 2015 up by 43%: LTFRB MANILA, Jan 18 (Mabu- also said the Chinese Navy billion is subject to the ap-

hay) -- A technical group from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has experienced alleged harassment from Chinese military in the Philippine-claimed Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea. The team was on board a Cessna plane and was about to land on the island when it received a message from the Chinese Navy discouraging them from landing.

The exact message of the Chinese Navy was: “Foreign military aircraft this is the Chinese Navy, you are threatening the security of our station.”

The pilot of the Cessna plane ignored the message and landed the plane. It

did not threaten to shoot the team.

The CAAP team went to Pag-asa Island to check on the area where a radar that will monitor commercial flights passing through the West Philippine Sea will be constructed.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has already been informed of the incident.

Gen. Rodante Joya of CAAP said that they see no reason not to push through with the construction of the Automatic Dependent Satellite Broadcast Equipment on the island. He said this is part of CAAP’s obligation in the international aviation community.

The project worth P13

proval of Malacañang due to the tense situation in the area as a result of the territorial dispute between the Philippines in China.

Some 200 flights en route to the Middle East and carrying an estimated 40,000 plane passengers pass through the West Philippine Sea every day, the CAAP said. (MNS)

Charges dropped vs Qatari who attempted to jump off NAIA ledge MANILA, Jan. 16 (Mabuhay) – The charges against the Qatari national who attempted to jump off the ledge of the departure area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Thursday have been dismissed after the Qatar Embassy insisted diplomatic immunity.

Saud Salman Al-Thani who, according to his passport, is a sheik and a member of the ruling family of Qatar, immediately departed the Philippines after the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Of-

fice dismissed the charges of alarm and scandal and resisting arrest against him.

This, after the Qatar embassy presented a certification, confirming that Al-Thani is a member of the ruling family of Qatar and therefore enjoys diplomatic immunity and is exempted from criminal charges in the Philippines.

Qatar embassy Charge d’Affaires Abdullah Ali Al-Kubaisi presented the certification during the inquest proceedings for

the commotion caused by Al-Thani when he tried to commit suicide twice at the departure area of the NAIA Terminal 1.

Senior Superintendent Adolfo Samala Jr. of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) released Al-Thani to the custody of Embassy officials after the charges against him were dropped.

Al-Thani was immediately flown out of the Philippines on board a Qatar Airlines flight.(MNS)

Jinggoy wants to perform duty as senator in 2016 elections MANILA, Jan. 16 (Mabuhay) – Detained Senator Jinggoy Estrada is seeking the Sandiganbayan’s approval to allow him to participate in the coming elections.

In an urgent motion filed before the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division on Friday, Estrada expressed interest in performing his senatorial duty in the canvassing of votes for the presidential and vice presidential candidates.

Under Section 4 of Article 7 of the 1987 Constitution, the return of every election for the president and vice president will be transmitted to Congress.

The Senate President shall open the certificates of canvass in the presence of members of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“Senator Estrada has no intention of shirking from his duty as a senator and his constitutional mandate

with respect to the impending election of president and vice, president of the Republic of the Philippines,” read the motion.

Estrada, who chairs the Senate’s Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, has spent almost half of his term in jail after he was detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center for plunder, a non-bailable offense, over the pork barrel scam.

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Czech leader says Muslim integration ‘practically impossible’ in Europe Prague, Czech Republic | AFP | Sunday 1/17/2016 – Czech President Milos Zeman, known for his fiery anti-migrant rhetoric, said on Sunday it was “practically impossible” to integrate the Muslim community into European society.

“The experience of Western European countries which have ghettos and excluded localities shows that the integration of the Muslim community is practically impossible,” Zeman said in a televised interview.

“Let them have their culture in their countries and not take it to Europe, otherwise it will end up like Cologne,” he added, referring to the mass New Year’s Eve assaults on women in Germany and elsewhere.

“Integration is possible with cultures that are similar, and the similarities may vary,” pointing out that the Vietnamese and Ukrainian communities had been able to integrate into Czech society.

Zeman, a 71-year-old leftwinger and the first-ever directly elected president of the Czech Republic, has re-

peatedly spoken out against the surge of migrant and refugee arrivals in Europe.

Earlier this month, Zeman claimed the influx was masterminded by Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, saying the Islamist group was using money from several states to finance it in a bid to “gradually control Europe”.

Late last year, Zeman called the surge in refugee numbers “an organized invasion”, urging young men from Iraq and Syria to “take up arms” against the Islamic State (IS) group instead of running away.

More than one million migrants reached Europe in 2015, most of them refugees fleeing war and violence in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, according to the United Nations refugee agency.

But few asylum seekers have chosen to stay in the largely secular Czech Republic, an EU and NATO member of 10.5 million people, with the majority heading to wealthier Germany and other western EU states.

The Czech government has pledged to accept ref-

ugees under an EU quota scheme to place 160,000 asylum seekers throughout the bloc, despite Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka saying it is doomed to failure given refugees’ determination to head to Germany and other favored countries.

On Sunday, Pope Francis welcomed 5,000 migrant worshippers at a special mass at St Peter’s to mark the world day of migrants and refugees, urging them to treasure their culture and values as they start their new lives.

“Dear migrants and refugees, each one of you carries with them a story, a culture and precious values—but also, unfortunately, often experiences of misery, oppression and fear,” he told them.

The pontiff used an address to Vatican ambassadors on Monday to urge European governments to keep welcoming migrants, while acknowledging security and other concerns over the recent mass influx of people from the Middle East, South Asia and Africa. frj/txw-kjl/har © 1994-2016 Agence France-Presse

US Supreme Court to review immigration action

By Sébastien Blanc

Washington, United States | AFP | Wednesday 1/20/2016 – The US Supreme Court said Tuesday it will review whether President Barack Obama has the authority to protect millions of illegal immigrants from deportation.

The politically charged case – which comes in an election year -- stems from the administration’s appeal of lower court rulings that blocked Obama’s efforts to reform immigration policy through executive orders.

More than four million people in the country illegally whose children are legal residents stand to benefit from the president’s orders, which would allow them to stay and work in the United States while their legal status is being resolved.

Determined to circumvent Congress, after it failed to pass comprehensive immigration reform, Obama announced the measures in November 2014.

The executive action set off a storm in the US Congress, denounced by Republicans as an abuse of power and tantamount to “amnesty.”

Governors of 26 Republican-led states challenged the orders as exceeding the president’s executive powers, and federal courts in Texas and Louisiana put them on hold.

The top US court has not scheduled oral arguments in the case, but it is expected to render a decision by midJune, with the US election season in full swing and less than a month before the Republican and Democratic nominating conventions.

Immigration has dominated the race for the Re-

publican presidential nomination since frontrunner Donald Trump launched his campaign with accusations that Mexico was sending drug dealers and “rapists” to the United States.

The mere fact that the conservative-leaning court has decided to take up the case is seen as a victory for Obama, which argues that immigration policy is the purview of the federal government and that the measures it took do not violate federal law.

“Like millions of families across this country -- immigrants who want to be held accountable, to work on the books, to pay taxes, and to contribute to our society openly and honestly – we are pleased that the Supreme Court has decided to review the immigration case,” said Brandi Hoffine, a White House spokeswoman.

“The policies will make our communities safer.

They will make our economy stronger. And they are consistent with the actions taken by presidents of both parties, the laws passed by Congress, and the decisions of the Supreme Court.

“We are confident that the policies will be upheld as lawful.”

Separation of powers Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, however, said the Supreme Court’s decision to review the case meant it “recognizes the importance of the separation of powers.”

“As federal courts have already ruled three times, there are limits to the president’s authority, and those limits enacted by Congress were exceeded when the president unilaterally sought to grant ‘lawful

presence’ to more than four million unauthorized aliens who are in this country unlawfully,” Paxton said.

Among Texas’s complaints is the additional cost to the states of issuing driver’s licenses to all those given quasi-legal status if the administration’s policy is upheld.

The court decision to review the case was welcomed

by Democrats and pro-immigrant lobbying groups, who expressed confidence that the administration’s position would be upheld.

“If Republicans are truly interested in fixing our broken immigration system, they should work with Democrats to pass legislation that would render the president’s executive actions unnecessary,” said Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid.

Todd Schulte, the president of the tech industry-funded lobbying group FWD.us, called the review “a promising step in the right direction.”

Unfreezing the presidential orders would allow “millions of immigrants to come out of the shadows and positively contribute to our economy, and to our communities,” he said.

That was echoed by Mexico, which said: “Mexico urges that the positive impact that these programs have in the lives of migrant families, the economy and the social fabric of that country be taken into consideration.”

Thorny issue The outcome of the case also could have a bearing on the 2016 elections if it motivates Hispanics, the largest US minority, to go to the polls in November. In 2012, they voted overwhelmingly for Obama.

Mamasapano probe will prove Aquino didn’t do anything to save SAF men, says Enrile MANILA, Jan 18 (Mabuhay) – Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile on Monday vowed that he will prove that President Benigno Aquino IIII not only was “actively and directly” involved in the planning and preparation of the Mamasapano operation, but that the chief executive did not do anything to save the 44 members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force who were killed during the incident.

The veteran senator made the pronouncement on Monday with little more than a week before the resumption of the Senate investigation into the incident, which Enrile pushed the Committee on Public Order to reopen.

“So that there will be no more questions whether we should reopen the probe or

not, I would like to make manifestation that I have evidence that the President, Benigno Aquino III actively and directly involved himself in the planning and preparation of Oplan Exodus,” said Enrile as committee chairman Senator Grace Poe sought clarification on the Senate Rules Committee decision to reopen the probe.

Enrile said that on the day of the actual operation, the president was monitoring the operations and even went to Zamboanga City.

“While the operation is going on and the SAF units were being slaughtered, he did not do anything at all to save them. I’m going to prove this with evidence in that hearing,” said Enrile.

The Senate committee has set the reopening of the

probe on January 27.

When sought for comment, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said Malacañang will answer Enrile’s allegations in the “proper forum.”

“We will address these questions if and when these are raised or asked at the proper forum,” Coloma wrote in a text message. “As we have previously pointed out, the government has always been open and forthright in addressing all questions pertaining to the Mamasapano incident,” he added.

In a televised address a month after the January 25 incident, President Aquino claimed responsibility for the deaths of the SAF 44, saying he will carry the tragedy for the rest of his life.(MNS)

Filipino Muslim women take “selfie” before the start of morning prayers during Eid al-Fitr holiday, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, outside the Blue Mosque in Taguig, Metro Manila in the Philippines July 17, 2015. (MNS photo)

Why 2016 is being called ‘The Year of the American Traveler’ Saturday January 16 2016 (Relaxnews) – The year 2016 has been declared “The Year of the American Traveler,” thanks to the strength of the US dollar, plummeting oil prices, relaxed visa rules and Cuba.

It’s a bold declaration made by experts at the New York-based market research platform Skift, who paint an optimistic picture of the coming year and predict 2016 to mark a turning page for American travelers.

“If you’re a US citizen with disposable income, your odds of having a stellar year of travel are higher now than they’ve been in at least two decades,” reads the report entitled “Megatrends Defining Travel in 2016.”

First, there’s the greenback, which is at a 10-year high against the euro, the Brazilian real, Japanese yen and Turkish lira, authors say.

Next, oil prices have dropped so low American families can now plan two road trips for the price of one.

Now is also the time to visit Brazil, continues the report, with visa requirements suspended for the three-month period around the summer Olympics, and Cuba presenting another travel option that was previously off-limits to Americans. With fatter wallets and broader horizons, US globetrotters face some of the best traveling conditions that they’ve had in a decade, authors write.

In addition to calling 2016 a stellar year for Americans, the report singles out other interesting trends they predict will redefine the travel industry.

Though food tourism is nothing new, analysts say that culinary tourism will become the most important attraction for tourists and will cement its position as “the leading hook in travel.”

“In a time in which almost every experience can be digitized, food stands alone as stubbornly analog,” authors say.

In Denmark, chef René Redzepi’s restaurant Noma

is credited with bringing hordes of tourists to Copenhagen and redefining the Scandinavian travel landscape.

Street food in Asia has become so popular, that the revered Michelin guide added a new section in their latest Hong Kong and Macau guide dedicated to cheap food stalls.

And VisitBritain’s strategy for promoting Manchester is to extol the virtues of its gastropubs, authors note.

Meanwhile, the explosive growth of fast casual restaurants like Chipotle and Shake Shack which upended the fast food industry, will also be seen increasingly in travel, with self-serve meals and check-in kiosks, free wifi, and lean decor replacing the complexity and stuffiness of legacy hotel brands, predicts the report.

A trend that’s gaining momentum thanks to new and emerging hotel brands like Element, Aloft and Moxy, all of which have the younger, cost-conscious Millennial traveler in mind.

Sarah Palin endorses Donald Trump for president Washington, United States | AFP | Tuesday 1/19/2016 – Former vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin endorsed Republican billionaire Donald Trump on Tuesday, saying the bombastic real estate mogul would “lead the charge” as America’s next president.

Palin, who flirted with her own White House run, emerged as a conservative icon and political powerbroker following her failed 2008 vice presidential bid.

Since then she has endorsed several far-right candidates who went on to win seats in Congress.

The coveted endorsement comes just 13 days before votes are cast in Iowa, the debut contest in the presidential primary race, and it could give a welcome boost to Trump, the current Republican frontrunner.

“No more pussyfooting around!” boomed Palin as she stood alongside Trump at his campaign rally in

Ames, Iowa.

“The president has to keep us safe economically and militarily,” stressed Palin, a former Alaska governor who rocketed to political stardom when John McCain plucked her from obscurity to be his running mate.

Trump is a “master” dealmaker, she said.

“He knows how to lead the charge. So troops, hang in there because help’s on the way.”

Guia Gomez: JV, Erap not part of endorsement of Mar Roxas MANILA, Jan 18 (Mabuhay) -- San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez on Monday threw her support for presidential aspirant Mar Roxas, giving a major boost to the candidacy of the Liberal Party standard-bearer.

But Gomez quickly maintained that her support for Roxas was not binding on her son, Sen. JV Ejercito, and her former partner, ex-President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

“It was a difficult decision because of (my) family, but the entire city of San Juan and Mar Roxas know where my heart belongs,” Gomez told reporters after she and Liberal Party standard-bearer led the weekly flag-raising ceremony at City Hall. “(Roxas) has been a constant friend of San Juan,” she said.

She also praised Roxas who showed “genuine concern” for her constituents when he was still interior secretary.

“Among the national government officials, he was always the first to ask me about our situation in San Juan when there’s a typhoon,” she said.

Roxas, who was the guest speaker at the early morning event, expressed his elation over Gomez’s support, but said he would not add to her burden by asking her help in soliciting the support of the influential Ejercito-Estrada clan.

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Aquino insists SSS pension increase not good in the long run MANILA, Jan 15 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III reiterated on Friday his reasons for turning down a bill providing for the increase in pensions of Social Security System (SSS) members.

Aquino, during an event in Bulacan, said it was unfair to grant the increase at the expense of the other SSS members.

“Matutuwa yung 2 million, mapapahamak yung 30 million. Tama ba ang pagbabantay natin ng pondong ito?” he said during an ambush interview broadcasted over staterun Radyo ng Bayan.

(While 2 million (members) will be delighted, the other 30 million will be at risk. Are watching over this fund appropriately?)

The President discussed the factors considered, including the current income generated by SSS and the current economic and financial situation affecting the agency’s holdings.

“Hindi kapritsyo ito. Pinag-aralan,” he insisted, adding that there is always a need to take into consideration the future of the nation.

(This is not a whim. It must be deliberated on.)

Aquino has been receiving flak for vetoing the bill, which was due to lapse into law in a few days.

The proposed measure, House Bill No. 5842, provides for a two thousand pesos (P2,000) across-the-board increase in the SSS monthly pension. (MNS)

Aquino’s veto on SSS bill ‘wasted’ Congress time: Binay MANILA, Jan. 16 (Mabuhay) – Vice President Jejomar Binay on Saturday criticized President Beningo Aquino III for supposedly “wasting” the time of lawmakers with his move to veto a bill seeking P2,000 monthly increase for Social Security System (SSS) pensioners.

Binay claimed that Aquino should stopped the Congress from subjecting the bill to a lengthy process if he meant to trump their decision in the end.

“Hindi ko lang maintindihan doon e pinag-usapan nang mahaba, [pero] pagdating sa huli, hindi pala matutuloy,” he told reporters.

“Kasi ang Pangulo naman, kung ayaw niya, nahaharang naman iyan. Eh bakit pa pinabayaang dumaan sa buwanang proseso?”

Binay said that if and when he is elected president, he will coordinate with the judiciary and legislative branches to prevent passing vetoes on proposed laws.

“Sa umpisa ng araw ng panunungkulan ko sa pagka-pangulo e makikipag-usap ako nang maigi sa ating mga congressman at senador saka sa Supreme Court para hindi ho tayo nagkakaroon ng ganyang pagkakataon. Di ba aksaya ng oras iyun – iyung pasado sa Senado, sa Kongreso tapos mave-veto?” he said.

Binay, however, did not directly state if he favors the proposed P2,000 across-the-board in the monthly pension of over 2 million retirees and survivors.

He admitted that he has not yet read the entire bill, but he is considering the effects of inflation on the spending capacity of SSS pensioners.

“Ang ating mga pensyonado –isang dahilan kung bakit ko naisip iyung tulong na benepisyo sa mga senior citizen – at a certain point, noong mag-retire iyan, ang retirement benefit nila, nakabili sila ng isang bayong. Pagtagal-tagal, mga 10 taon, 12 taon e supot hindi na makapuno-puno kasi mababa na ang value ng peso,” the Vice President said.

The President has said that while the proposed pension hike will benefit two million pensioners and their dependents, it will also but disrupt the stability of the entire SSS benefit system and negatively affect 31 million other pensioners. Aquino said pension hike will result in an annual payout of P56 billion. Given an annual investment income of 30 to 40 billion of SSS, this would lead to a deficit of 16 to 24 billion annually, he added.

This would have led, he said, to SSS drawing from its Investment Reserve Fund (IRF) to support the pension increase, hence diminishing it and eventually reaching zero by the year 2027.

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OPINION

Palace shrugs off Roxas’ decline in election poll MANILA, Jan 15 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Friday shrugged off the results of the recent Social Weather Stations survey showing a decline in the ratings of administration presidential candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas II. “Public opinion survey results continue to be in flux as the start of the campaign period draws nearer,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in text statement.

Coloma said Filipinos should instead look at the candidates’ stand on issues instead of survey results.

“It is best that voters give greater attention to knowing and understanding the candidates’ plat-

forms of government to ensure that the country can build on the concrete gains that have been achieved and sustain our present high growth trajectory,” he said.

The SWS survey, conducted January 8 to 10 among 1,200 registered voters, showed Vice President Jejomar Binay (with 31 percent of the votes) leading the race, followed by Senator Grace Poe (with 24 percent).

While Binay enjoyed an increase in ratings, Poe and Roxas both suffered a slight decline.

Roxas placed third (with 21 percent), followed

by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (with 20 percent). (MNS)

Richest 1% own more than the rest of us: Oxfam Paris, France | AFP | Monday 1/18/2016 – The richest one percent of the world’s population now own more than the rest of us combined, aid group Oxfam said Monday, on the eve of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.

“Runaway inequality has created a world where 62 people own as much wealth as the poorest half of the world’s population – a figure that has fallen from 388 just five years ago,” the anti-poverty agency said in its reported published ahead of the annual gathering of the world’s financial and political elites in Davos.

The report, entitled “An Economy for the 1%”, states that women are disproportionately affected by the global inequality.

“One of the other key trends behind rising inequality set out in Oxfam International’s report is the falling share of national income going to workers in almost all developed and most developing countries... The majority of low paid workers around the world are women.”

Although world leaders have increasingly talked about the need to tackle inequality “the gap between the richest and the rest has widened dramatically in the past 12 months,” Oxfam said.

Oxfam’s prediction, made ahead of last year’s Davos meeting, that the richest one percent would soon own more than the rest of us, “actually came true in 2015,” it added.

While the number of people living in extreme poverty halved between 1990 and 2010, the average annual income of the poorest 10 percent has risen by less than $3-a-year in the past quarter of a century, a increase in individuals’ income of less than one cent a year, the report said.

‘Few dozen super-rich people’ More than 40 heads of state and government will attend the Davos forum which begins late Tuesday and will end on January 23.

Those heading to the Swiss resort town for the high-level annual gathering also include 2,500 “leaders from business and society”, the WEF said in an earlier statement.

Describing the theme – the Fourth Industrial Revolution – WEF founder Klaus Shwab has said it “refers to the fusion of technologies across the physical, digital and biological worlds which is creating

entirely new capabilities and dramatic impacts on political, social and economic systems.”

Oxfam International Executive Director Winnie Byanima, who will also attend Davos having co-chaired last year’s event, said: “It is simply unacceptable that the poorest half of the world’s population owns no more than a few dozen super-rich people who could fit onto one bus.”

World leaders’ concerns about the escalating inequality crisis have “so far not translated into concrete action—the world has become a much more unequal place and the trend is accelerating,” she warned.

End tax-havens era As a priority, Oxfam is calling for an end to the era of tax havens which has seen the increasing use of offshore centres to avoid paying taxes.

“This has denied governments valuable resources needed to tackle poverty and inequality,” the report said.

As much as 30 percent of all African financial wealth is estimated to be held offshore, it added, costing an estimated $14 billion in lost tax revenues every year.

Getting hold of the proper level of taxes will be “vital” if world leaders are to meet their goal, set last September, of eliminating extreme poverty by 2030.

Byanima challenged those attending the Davos meeting “to play their part in ending the era of tax havens, which is fuelling economic inequality and preventing hundreds of millions of people lifting themselves out of poverty”.

Of the 62 people said to hold as much wealth as the poorest 50 percent, Oxfam said that 53 are men and just nine are female, highlighting that women are ill-represented even at the highest levels.

The headline Davos guests include British Prime Minister David Cameron, US Vice President Joe Biden, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls and newly-elected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

President Mauricio Marci of Argentina, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Alexis Tsipars, the Greek prime minister, are also due to attend.

Oxfam said it had calculated the wealth of the richest 62 people using Forbes’ billionaires list.

George W. Bush page most edited on Wikipedia San Francisco, United States | AFP | Friday 1/15/2016 – Former US president George W. Bush may no longer be able to change the course of history – but it has not stopped others trying for him.

To mark its 15th anniversary Friday, online encyclopedia Wikipedia released a ranking of its pages based on how many edits have been made by volunteers – edits can mount at Wikipedia pages when people or subjects incite passion or rival perspectives.

Bush, in office from 2001 to 2009, topped the list with 45,862 edits to his Wikipedia page, coming in about 3,000 edits ahead of the World Wrestling Entertainment roster page.

The list of the top-10 most edited pages went on to include, in order, the United States, Wikipedia itself, Michael Jackson, Jesus and the Catholic Church.

Rounding out the list were programs broadcast

by Philippines television network ABS-CBN, US President Barack Obama and Adolf Hitler.

Since its launch on January 15, 2001, Wikipedia has grown to more than 36 million articles, with approximately 80,000 volunteer editors contributing to the website, according to the nonprofit Wikimedia Foundation behind it.

Separately, Pew Research Center released a

study detailing which subjects are most popular on Wikipedia in different languages. The most visited article in the English version of Wikipedia was “List of deaths by year,” which racked up more than 20.8 million page views last year alone, the research showed. The most popular Chinese-language articles included the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, mention of which is strictly taboo in China and heavily censored.

The top four Japanese language Wikipedia pages were devoted to pop groups, and the fifth was an article about organized crime group Yamaguchi-gumi.

Volleyball, basketball and football, along with Wikipedia itself and the periodic table of elements, were among the most popular articles in Spanish.

“Wikipedia seemed like an impossible idea at the time: an online encyclopedia that everyone can edit,” founder Jimmy Wales said.

“However, it has surpassed everyone’s expectations over the past 15 years, thanks to the hundreds of thousands of volunteers around the world who have made Wikipedia possible.”

Wikipedia has expanded to include 280 languages and averages more than 18 billion page views monthly, making it one of the world’s most visited websites, according to Pew.

Next PHL leader needs clear China plan, says solon MANILA, Jan 18 (Mabuhay) – The South China Sea issue will no doubt be one of the main issues in the upcoming Philippine presidential elections as the increasingly assertive position of China on the matter threatens to undermine the country’s “economic and existential” well-being, a lawmaker said.

Magdalo Party-list Rep. Ashley Acedillo said the next president of the country needs a clear game plan on how to deal with China since the Asian giant’s leader, Xi Jinping, is expected to outlast the term of the next Philippine president by a few months.

“Walang mangyayaring desisyon sa China na walang pahintulot niya. We’ll have to deal with that kind of president with such consolidation of powers and with such intellectual capacity,” Acedillo said.

Xi has been considered by some to be China’s most powerful leader since Deng Xiaoping, the Chinese leader largely credited for introducing market reforms that have resulted in unprecedented economic growth for the Asian giant.

Xi has demonstrated his willingness to steer China to continued prosperity and stability by consolidating political and military powers.

“Kung sino ang maluluklok ngayong Hunyo will have to deal with a president like Xi Jinping, who by the way, while all of this is happening, is consolidating not only political powers…but military powers [as well],” he said.

Acedillo said the Aquino administration is not doing enough to protect the country’s sovereignty, relying mainly on empty rhetoric from the United States and the latter’s commitment to protect the Philippines.

“While all of this is happening, ang US magkakaroon din ng sariling transition of power. It behooves our next president na pag-aralan ng mabuti ito at paghandaaan, kasi hindi sasapat ang pag-asa natin sa isang bansa lamang katulad ng Estados Unidos,” he said.

EDCA Last Tuesday, the Supreme Court declared constitutional the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) - a security deal with the United States allowing increased US military presence in the Philippines.

Acedillo said while he welcomes the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the constitutionality of EDCA , the Philippines must not bet all of its money on the US’ promise to defend its long-time Asian ally.

He said ultimately, the US’ actions with regard to the South China Sea – where China has been building massive artificial islands - will be based on its national interest, which is to maintain the freedom of navigation and overflight in the contested waters.

“Sa paningin ng Estados Unidos, ito ay threat lang sa freedom of navigation and overflight. Sa Pilipinas it is both economic and existential,” he said.

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Expecting mothers should eat a balance of Students think best on their feet says new study Sunday January 17 2016 – It seems that omega-3 and -6 to improve children’s health (Relaxnews) the expression “thinking on Sunday January 17, 2016 (Relaxnews) – The health benefits of fish as a rich source of omega-3 are already well known, but a new Japanese study has now found further evidence to suggest that ensuring adequate consumption of omega-3 when pregnant can have a beneficial effect on the child’s development, with researchers also believing they have found out why.

The fatty acids omega-6 and omega-3 are both essential nutrients for the body, however in today’s modern world rather than eat a balance of the two our diets normally include an excess of omega-6 and too little omega-3, of which fish is a great source.

Earlier research on the intake of omega oils during pregnancy has already shown the importance of a diet with balanced levels of both of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for improved brain function in children, however until now the reason why was unknown.

To research further, a team from Tohoku University’s School of Medicine in Japan fed an ‘unbalanced’ diet—rich in omega-6 but low in omage-3 -- to pregnant female mice. When the female’s offspring were born the researchers noticed that not only did they have a smaller brain, but the offspring showed abnormal emotional behavior and higher anxiety levels in adulthood, even though they were fed a nutritionally optimal and omega-6 and omega-3 balanced diet from a young age.

Looking at the results

Professor Noriko Osumi, the study’s lead author, now believes this abnormal brain behavior was caused by the premature ageing of fetal neural stem cells, the cells which produce brain cells, as a result of an imbalance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

The team concluded that an excessive consumption of omega-6 by the mother while pregnant, with too low an intake of omega-3, can have long-lasting effects on the offspring’s mental state, with the results of the study suggesting that more a more balanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 is key for expecting mothers to improve their

children’s health.

The findings were published in the journal Stem Cells.

An increased intake of omega-3 from regular fish consumption has also been shown to have many other health benefits, with a 2013 study by the the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm finding that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish can reduce the risk of chronic inflammatory disease by 52 percent, and another 2013 study, this time by the Harvard School of Public Health, finding that fish oil supplements, also known as omega-3 fatty acid capsules, could help reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Study links food allergies to hyperactive immune system at birth Friday January 15 2016 (Relaxnews) – An Australian study, published this week in Science Translational Medicine, establishes a link between food allergies and an overactive immune system at birth.

The findings could help scientists understand the origin of food allergies and develop new preventative treatments.

Food shopping can be a real headache for parents whose children who are allergic to milk, eggs, nuts or wheat. The causes of food allergies remain unknown and, for the time being, the medical profession has no means of preventing allergic reactions.

The only option is to remove allergy-causing foods from a child’s diet.

New research may now shine light onto why some people to develop food allergies while others don’t. Research by Dr Yuxia Zhang and associates from the Walter + Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Parkville, Australia, found that the root of the problem could be linked to hyperactive immune cells present from birth. The team saw that babies carrying these overactive cells, or “monocytes,” at or prior to birth were at greater risk of developing food allergies.

Symptoms of food allergies can include rashes, nausea, swelling of the throat, and difficulty in swallowing or breathing when a certain food is consumed. The study was based on 1,000 pregnant women and their babies, examining immunity, allergies, and respiratory,

cardiovascular and neurological development.

Food allergies have increased greatly over the last ten years and are now relatively commonplace.

Hospital consultations for food allergies have tripled in Australia, with one in ten children developing a food allergy before their fifth birthday. “We don’t know why the increase in food allergy has occurred.

The important thing about this study is that we’ve shown the immune systems of babies who develop food allergy are in a sense ‘primed’ for allergic disease by the time they are born,” said Associate Professor Peter Vuillermin, who also worked on the research.

The next step for scientists is to examine why some babies have these hyperactive immune cells at

birth whereas others don’t, and to establish whether the phenomenon is genetic or occurs at or after birth.

More generally, the study’s authors have underlined the importance of studying pregnancy and the first moments of life to understand why chronic immune and inflammatory disorders like allergies develop in childhood and later in life.

As many as 15 million people in the US have food allergies, including approximately 4-6% of children. In Europe, average rates are 3.2% for adults and 4.2% for children. The World Health Organization now classifies allergies—including respiratory allergies, skin reactions or food allergies—as the fourth most important chronic disease in the world.

your feet” might have some scientific evidence behind it, with a new American study finding that students who stand rather than sit in the classroom are better able to complete school tasks.

The health benefits of standing have been the focus of many recent studies which have shown the positive effect that reduced sitting can have on obesity and general health. However this new research, from the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Public Health, is the first to provide evidence for any neurocognitive benefits of standing.

Researchers recruited 34 freshman high school students and gave them a choice of both standing or sitting desks in class.

At both the start of the study, in the fall term, and nearly 28 weeks later in the spring term, the students underwent neurocognitive testing using four computerized tests to assess cognitive skills.

Cognitive skills, such as ability to analyze a task, break it down into steps, and then complete the task, are directly related to the development of academic skills needed by students for memorizing information, solving problems, organizing ideas and time.

Test results after nearly 28 weeks of continued use of standing desks showed significant improvements in both cognitive skills and working memory -- ability

A US study has found that students who stand rather than sit in the classroom are better able to complete school tasks.©Texas A&M University

to remember and use information when in the middle of an action or over a short period of time, for example following steps of a math equation. Researchers also saw changes in the brain patterns associated with these skills.

The researchers believe that their results could have implications for policy makers, public health professionals and school administrators when looking for a simple and sustainable way to improve physical health and cognitive function in students. The standing desks also require no additional training or instructions.

However the team did acknowledge that although their findings are promising they are preliminary re-

sults, and further research on larger samples over a longer period of time, and in a wider range of schools would be useful.

The study was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

As well as neurocognitive benefits, previous research has also shown that there are many other health benefits of more standing and less sitting, with a 2015 study advising that decreasing amount of time sitting down is an effective way to improve health, independently of exercising more.

That study also found that sit-stand desks are one of the most effective methods to increase time spent on your feet.

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UTREACH Cuisia talks South China Sea tension in DC WASHINGTON, D.C. — Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. addressed issues surrounding the South China Sea and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in a speech to the prestigious Foreign Policy Discussion Group (FPDG) of Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, arguing that an atmosphere characterized by tension and insecurity does not bode well for economic prosperity and integration.

The Ambassador outlined the Philippine position on the South China Sea. He expressed the view of the Philippines that China’s 9-dash line claim is excessive, expansive and in gross violation of international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to which both the Philippines and China are signatories. He explained further that the Philippines turned to arbitration as a transparent, friendly, durable, and peaceful dispute settlement mechanism consistent with

international law, including UNCLOS. “What is happening in the South China Sea, if not managed adeptly, could have a profound impact on world trade, fish supply, and international norms and values, specifically the rule of law and a rulesbased system,” Ambassador Cuisia told the FPDG. The Ambassador also stated that freedom of navigation in the critical sea lanes of the region must be preserved. “The Philippines welcomes the freedom of navigation exercise (FONOPs) conducted by the USS Lassen in October 2015 and look forward to sustained FONOPs,” he added.

Ambassador Cuisia concluded that as the Philippine economy continues to develop and improve its competitiveness, of which regional integration is an important building block, peace and stability in the South China Sea is vital.

On the AEC, Ambassador Cuisia described the opportunities presented by

an integrated ASEAN market and the state of ASEAN economic integration as of the end of 2015. He also referred to the importance of the AEC 2025 vision.

The envoy also briefly described the key results from the Philippines’ hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in 2015, and how these are building blocks to achieving the Bogor Goals for free and open trade and investment in the Asia Pacific. Ambassador Cuisia likewise reiterated the keen interest of the Philippines in joining the Trans Pacific Partnership.

“The Foreign Policy Discussion Group was honored to hear the views of Ambassador Jose Cuisia, Jr. at a dinner at the City Tavern Club on January 12. His comments on important South China Sea issues and on the ASEAN Economic Community were well-received by our members, including a wide range of former U.S. Government officials and international business executives,” said

Mr. Thomas J. Reckford, FPDG President, and Ambassador Cuisia during the Question and Answer Session following the Ambassador’s speech to the FPD

Mr. Thomas J. Reckford, President of the FPDG. The FPDG was created to promote greater knowledge and understanding of problems affecting foreign policy among its members.

It was established to offer a platform and a framework conducive to frank discussions of problems of foreign policy. Members of the FPDG are primarily from the Washington area and

include former and present government officials, lawyers, representatives of the business sector, bankers, and academicians who are knowledgeable in foreign affairs.

DHS ‘enhances’ opportunities for H-1B1 other nonimmigrant work visas

Walmart has 11,600 stores worldwide. ©SAUL LOEB / AFP

Walmart closing 269 stores, including 115 in Latin America Friday January 15 2016 (Niamey-AFP) – US retailing giant Walmart announced Friday it is shuttering 269 stores inside and outside the United States, with Latin America the hardest-hit foreign market.

Of the total, 60 of the stores being closed are in Brazil, the once-promising emerging giant that has sunk into recession.

In the United States the company is pulling the plug on its Walmart Express convenience store program launched in 2011.

Out of a total 154 locations being shut down in the United States, 102 are Walmart Express outlets.

The company said it will focus on strengthening its largest stores, the Super-

centers, and its Neighborhood Markets, though some stores in those formats are also on the closure list.

Internationally, 115 stores will be closed, with Brazil the hardest-hit market. The 60 stores already being shut are all loss-making and represent only five percent of the company’s Brazil sales. Most of the rest of the international closures are in Latin America as well, the company said without offering details.

Walmart did not give figures for job losses associated with the closures. In Brazil, it said it had already been able to move “many” affected employees to other stores.

The company, which has 11,600 stores worldwide,

said it will continue to open outlets in strategic areas.

“Closing stores is never an easy decision, but it is necessary to keep the company strong and positioned for the future,” said president and chief executive Doug McMillon in a statement.

“It’s important to remember that we’ll open well more than 300 stores around the world next year.

So we are committed to growing, but we are being disciplined about it.”

Inside the United States it plans to open 50-60 more Supercenters and 85-95 Neighborhood Markets by early 2017.

Internationally, it plans to open 200-240 stores in the coming year.

Uber subsidiary fined $7.6-M in California San Francisco, United States | AFP | Friday 1/15/2016 – The California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday hit an Uber subsidiary with a $7.6 million fine for failing to comply with reporting requirements fully and in a timely manner.

The commission also said that the subsidiary, Raiser-CA, was in contempt and had 30 days to pay the penalty or face suspension of its license to operate in the state.

Information sought by the commission included whether requests for rides got similar responses regardless of neighborhood and whether people with disabilities are able to access Uber vehicles, a press

release said.

The commission said it was trying to determine whether services were being provided safely and “in a nondiscriminatory manner enabling equal access to all.”

In a statement later Thursday, Uber said it was disappointed with the ruling and vowed to appeal.

Uber maintained that it provided what information it could without risking the privacy of riders and drivers.

Uber lets people use smartphone applications to summon and pay for rides provided by drivers using their own cars.

The San Francisco-based company last month made its billionth trip in a mile-

stone for the global ridesharing service.

Uber has expanded to hundreds of cities around the world in at least 68 countries, offering new options for both riders and drivers but also running into complaints from the taxi industry and regulators.

The company has reached a valuation of more than $50 billion based on private investment disclosed to date.

Uber still faces competition from US-based Lyft and other global startups.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security has amended its regulations to improve the programs serving the H-1B1, E-3 and CW-1 nonimmigrant classifications and the EB-1 immigrant classification, and remove unnecessary hurdles that place such workers at a disadvantage when compared to similarly situated workers in other visa classifications.

This final rule, posted to the Federal Register today and effective on Feb. 16, revises regulations affecting highly skilled workers in the nonimmigrant classifications for specialty occupations from Chile, Singapore (H-1B1) and Australia (E-3); the immigrant classification for employment-based first preference (EB-1) outstanding professors and researchers; and nonimmigrant workers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) classification.

Specifically, this final rule amends DHS regulations as described below: DHS is including H-1B1 and principal E-3 classifications in the list of classes of foreign nationals authorized for employment incident to status with a specific employer. This means that H-1B1 and principal E-3 nonimmi-

grants are allowed to work for the sponsoring employer without having to separately apply for employment authorization.

DHS is authorizing continued employment with the same employer for up to 240 days for H-1B1 and principal E-3 nonimmigrants whose status has expired while their employer’s timely filed extension of stay request remains pending.

DHS is providing this same continued employment authorization for CW-1 nonimmigrants whose status has expired while their employer’s timely filed Form I-129CW, Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker, request for an extension of stay remains pending.

Existing regulations on the filing procedures for extensions of stay and change of status requests now include principal E-3 and H-1B1 nonimmigrant classifications.

Employers petitioning for EB-1 outstanding professors and researchers may now submit initial evidence comparable to the other forms of evidence already listed in 8 CFR 204.5(i)(3)(i), much like certain employment-based immigrant categories that already allow for submission of comparable evidence.

This final rule does not

impose any additional costs on employers, workers or any governmental entity. Further, changing the employment authorization regulations for H-1B1 and E-3 nonimmigrants makes them consistent with other similarly situated nonimmigrant worker classifications.

Additionally, this rule minimizes the potential of employment disruptions for U.S. employers of H-1B1, E-3 and CW-1 nonimmigrant workers.

Finally, DHS expects that this change will help U.S. employers recruit EB-1 outstanding professors and researchers by expanding the range of evidence that U.S. employers may provide to support their petitions.

“We constantly strive to improve our processes and ensure fair and consistent access to immigration benefits,” U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director León Rodríguez said. “This Enhancing Opportunities rule removes unnecessary hurdles that place workers at a disadvantage and will be beneficial to both employers and their workers.”

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

New law increases H-1B and L-1 petition Fees The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (Public Law 114-113), signed into law by President Obama on December 18, 2015, increases fees for certain H-1B and L-1 petitioners. These petitioners must submit an additional fee of $4,000 for certain H-1B petitions and $4,500 for certain L-1A and L-1B petitions postmarked on or after December 18, 2015. The additional fees apply to petitioners who employ 50 or more employees in the United States, with more than 50 percent of those employees in H-1B or L (including L-1A and L-1B) nonimmigrant status. These petitioners must submit the additional fees with an H-1B or L-1 petition filed: Initially to grant status to a nonimmigrant described in subparagraph (H)(i)(b) or (L) of section 101(a)(15) of the

Immigration and Nationality Act; or To obtain authorization for a nonimmigrant in such status to change employers.

This fee is in addition to the base processing fee, Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee, American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 fee (when required), as well as the premium processing fee, if applicable. Public Law 114113 fees will remain effective through September 30, 2025.

USCIS is in the process of revising Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker and Form I-129S, Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition to reflect the provisions of Public Law 114-113. Petitioners should continue to complete Item Numbers 1.d. and 1.d.1 of Section

1 of the H-1B and H-1B1 Data Collection and Filing Fee Exemption Supplement (Page 19 of Form I-129) and Item Numbers 4.a. and 4.b. of the L Classification Supplement (Page 22 of Form I-129).

USCIS may begin rejecting petitions received on or after Feb. 11, 2016 that do not complete Item Numbers 1.d. and 1.d.1 ofSection 1 of the H-1B and H-1B1 Data Collection and Filing Fee Exemption Supplement and Item Numbers 4.a. and 4.b. of the L Classification Supplement, or include the additional Public Law 114-113 fee, if applicable. During the 30 day period immediately following this web alert, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) to determine whether the additional fee applies to the petition.

GABBIE PANGAN:

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MISS TEEN ASIA USA 1ST RUNNER UP

Thrills and hassles of competing in pageant

By Abner Galino

A

CONTESTANT walked towards the center of the stage, reticently estimated her distance from the microphone, she smiled and made eye contact with the audience, struck a pose and introduced herself: “I am Gabbie Pangan, I’m representing Philippines for Miss Teen Asia USA.” That little part could have not lasted more than 5 seconds, Gabbie recalled, adding that the act may look easy for anyone watching from the gallery but it wasn’t after all.

“I trained for that 5 times a day, 40 times in a week for four months,” Gabbie intimated. “I would talk to myself in the mirror or when I’m in the shower I would be yelling: I am Gabbie Pangan, I am representing the Philippines!”

With that much practice, perfection would have been guaranteed.

Well, almost …. but not for just one minor slip-up, which Gabbie said was hardly noticed by anyone --- except probably by members of her family and by some of the Filipino Americans who were present.

The young woman, who has been in modeling since she was 16 years old, said that most of the challenge in modeling revolve around presenting characters that “look nice and walk charmingly” according to the clothes that they wear.

“But in a pageant, you represent a culture and a country,” which Gabbie said requires not only ramp skills but as well as courage and commitment.

PAGEANT PHOTOS BY: KEN LEE, KIN VONG AND MISHA URUBLIOV

“I said “Mabuhay and Magandang Gabi sa inyong lahat,” Gabbie recalled giggling.

“It was that one English word that I inserted there.”

Well, one little downside of being bilingual. But apparently she made a good impression of herself on that stage and went on to bag the first runner-up crown.

Of course, in pageants first is actually second.

The title holder reaps all the rewards. Well, Gabbie did not seem to mind that. She takes it seriously that she is heir apparent to a beauty crown.

“If for whatever reason she is unable to continue her reign, I need to be there to take over the responsibilities,” Gabbie explained, adding that she seriously takes such a possibility.

And that, as Gabbie saw it, what sets apart modeling and beauty pageant. The young woman, who has been in modeling since she was 16 years old, said that most of the challenge in modeling revolve around presenting characters that “look nice and walk charmingly” according to the clothes that they wear.

“But in a pageant, you represent a culture and a country,” which Gabbie said requires not only ramp skills but as well as courage and commitment.

Gabbie said the pageant experience helped her become a better young adult because she felt that she has to “represent my culture and country in a right way.” She knew that she has stay into the “character” long after the coronation night.

“It boosted my self confidence, not in an arrogant way, but in a sense that I don’t feel inferior to others. I become more respectful, more responsible.

I always fix myself so I would look nice and presentable all the time. It is not easy, I am still young ... I still play… but I know that I have to fulfill these things for my family and my country,” Gabbie explained.

Of course, there is what we call de rigueur for people who want to be shapely enough as to walk the runway. Yes, there is a fitness routine and a diet, to which Gabbie too has to abide and her youthfulness is nary an excuse.

“I am lazy but I run at least every other day,” Gabbie revealed. And yes, she has to skip the rice too.

“It is really hard as a Pinoy. I used to finish at least two bowls of rice in one sitting. But I decided that I really had to do it so I can pursue one of my dreams,” Gabbie recounted.

The young woman keeps a diet of vegetables, fruits and salmon –which she attested really work to keep her long and black hair healthy.

“No sugar, no soda. Lots of water,” she added.

But Gabbie has other plans too aside from chasing titles.

“I have specific goals…I want to finish high school, I want to finish college and I want to build my own business someday,” she said.

But whether they come true or not, Gabbie said that ultimately what would really matter to her is just to “live a good happy life.”

Johakim Gabrielle Pangan is senior in Eagle Rock High School. She is the youngest in a brood of four (two girls and two boys). She was recently crowned 1st runner up for Miss Teen Asia USA where she competed against around 50 other American candidates of Asian Ancestry. The coronation night was held at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center last November 21.

It turns out music is her real passion. She sings and plays the ukelele. She treasures the once-in-lifetime moment of being able to open the act for the legendary Pinoy Band Aegis in September last year.

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Who is Antoinette Taus’ ‘unforgettable ex’?

Actress Antoinette Taus, one of the stars of the upcoming film “Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin,” named Dingdong Dantes as her “most unforgettable ex”.

While hesitant to answer the question at first, the 35-year-old Taus eventually replied: “Ito lang naman.

The only reason I’m saying this is because it’s the only long relationship that I’ve ever had and it was the only serious one, so the first one.”

Before leaving for the US in the early 2000s, Taus was in a relationship with actor Dingdong Dantes.

Taus added: “Unforgettable lang siya kasi una.

Pero wala na iyon. Masaya na sila.” Dantes is now married to actress Marian Rivera.

The couple recently welcomed their first child, Maria Letizia.

Asked if she’s afraid to love again, Taus said: “I think natural lang naman po iyon lalo na pag may mga pinagdaanan. Pero I think I came to terms with that years ago. Sabi ko, ‘Lord, kayo na po bahala.’

Kasi usually, in anything in life, Siya naman talaga ang nakakaalan.”

“I hope that someday the surrender will someday bring clarity. Kung meant to be, and I honestly believe in that. He knows better.”

Taus also talked about the film “Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin,” a Viva films adaptation of a Bob Ong book of the same name.

The comedy anthology film parodies many classic Filipino movies and television shows, as well as popular culture, while tackling several national issues at the same time.

“Lahat ng mga bagay na

Antoinette Taus

nangyari sa lahat ng teleserye na nakikita ninyo, mula sa pagiging serna sa pagiging kontrabida, ako po iyon,” Taus, when asked about her character, said.

The film, released last

January 14, also stars Maricel Soriano, Benjie Paras, Candy Pangilinan, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, Cristine Reyes, Paolo Ballesteros, and comedian Jayson Gainza. (MNS)

Carla Abellana makes appeal for caged animals

Carla Abellana

MANILA, Jan 16 (Mabuhay) – If it were up to Carla Abellana, she wants zoos proven unable to properly care for the caged animals shut down. In reposting on her Instagram account the blog entry of WhenInManila.com published December last year titled “Open Letter to Manila Zoo: It’s Not a Zoological Garden, It’s an Animal Prison,” she said, “I believe it’s best if they just close down Manila Zoo and even Malabon Zoo, quite honestly.”

In the blog entry, an anonymous Manila Zoo visitor shared his experience while visiting the decades-old site, alleging the animals there were eating

rubbish including plastic containers. The blogger also deemed the animals were housed in filthy cages.

“These animals deserve to be in much better sanctuaries,” Carla said.

“I wouldn’t like to think they should be released in their true homes because either they’d be helpless in surviving on their own (because they were raised in captivity), hunted down and killed, or both.”

Carla urged to have the animals transferred to sanctuaries “such as the one in Calauit.”

It was reported last year that Manila Zoo would undergo a major facelift as part of a joint venture

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agreement between the Manila local government and local developer Metropolitan Zoo and Botanical Park, Inc., the latter providing a P1.5 billion budget for the improvement of the 5.5-hectare zoo. The reconstruction promises improvement in animal facilities as well as establishment of shops offering food, refreshments, retail shops and the like.

It is known to many that apart from being an actress-model, Carla is actively involved with several animal welfare group.

She is vocal against animal cruelty, often airing her opinion on social media.

(MNS)

Cristine Reyes’ fiance to join showbiz Cristine Reyes revealed that her fiancé, Ali Khatibi, will be joining the entertainment industry.

Reyes shared that Khatibi signed a contract with Viva Sports but has also taken some acting workshops.

Asked how her soon-tobe-husband first reacted when he was offered this deal, Reyes said: “Tawa nga siya nang tawa, eh. Sabi niya, hindi niya alam ang ginagawa niya. Pero we’ll see.”

While she is excited for Khatibi, Reyes admitted that she was initially hesitant about the idea.

“Noong una, natakot ako.

Baka mamaya, alam mo ‘yun, ang daming temptation diyan. Pero sa pagkakakilala ko naman kay Ali, ayaw kong sabihing kampante pero I trust him enough,” she said.

At the end of the day, Reyes said she and Khatibi welcome this opportunity.

“Sabi ko naman sa kanya, kung merong kumakatok sa pinto mo, hindi naman lahat ng tao kinakatatukan ng pinto. Bakit hindi mo buksan?” she said.

Sam Concepcion’s new album to have all original songs For 2016, Sam Concepcion would like to focus not just on acting but on music as well.

Following his successful stint on the second season of “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” Concepcion, who is is part of the ABS-CBN series “You’re My Home,” revealed that Sam Concepcion he will release his new album this year.

Concepcion said the new record is different from the previous ones that he’s come up with because it has more of himself.

“I guess if I was more hands-on with the last one, there’s more of me in this next one. We spent a lot of time just brainstorming and putting this album together and it’s all originals. Medyo risk ‘yun in my part kasi you know, doing an all original album, it’s a risk,” he said.

While doing an album of covers seems safer, Concepcion is grateful to be given the opportunity to create his own music.

“I’m in the process of finding my own sound and identity as a recording artist so I am really experimenting on different sounds and different styles but it is still very much me,” he said, adding that he also collaborated with different artists in the album. (MNS)

Meg Imperial wants to do more ‘sexy action’ films after ‘Nilalang’ In addition to being cast in pivotal roles in the films “Chain Mail,” “Ex with Benefits” and the Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Nilalang,” the 22-year-old actress has appeared in three episodes of the afternoon weekend drama anthology “Ipaglaban Mo.” And for the second straight year, Meg is also the calendar girl of White Castle Whisky and she’ll soon be filming a commercial for the popular liquor Meg Imperial feelings for him. That’s why product that will depict her as riding the iconic we also have a love scene white horse just like its in the film so sexy pa rin naman ‘yung role ko dito,” previous endorsers.

Ranked number 30 in she revealed.

As love scenes go, Meg FHM Philippines’ 100 Sexiest Women list in 2015, admits that her tryst with Meg was expected by fans Cesar in “Nilalang” is not to do more sexy roles. But as lengthy as the one she instead she surprised many had in her 2013 launching with her foray into action as film “Menor de Edad” and an NBI agent in “Nilalang.” is no match compared to the “Noon ko pa laging si- one Cesar did with Maria nasabi kay Boss Vic (del Ozawa.

Speaking of Maria, Meg Rosario) of Viva that I wanted to do more action only has kind words for the films, to develop an image former Japanese porn star na inosente pero palaban. who is now trying to cross Pwede din naman kasing over to mainstream films.

“Yes, I did a Google pagsamahin ang action at search on her because I ang sexy,” Meg said. “ S o w h e n I w a s o f - didn’t know who she was fered the role of Jane in when I was cast in the film.

‘Nilalang,’ I was very excit- But I enjoyed working with ed even though I was one of her. We had a lot of scenes those who was cast late in together and she’s nice and sweet and does not the film.”

To prepare for her role, complain at all even when Meg trained in martial arts she didn’t understand what we’re saying. She just foland how to handle a gun.

“I did firing and at first, lows what the director tells sobrang lakas ng impact her,” Meg shared.

“Her demeanor on the ng putok but my ears can tolerate it naman so it’s all set is very friendly. You won’t even think that she good.”

Meg said what adds depth was what she was in the to her role in “Nilalang” is past.”

Together with Yam Conjust like the other characters in the film, Jane also cepcion, another sexy actress who is also in the film, has a hidden agenda.

“Almost all of our char- Meg said she and Maria acters here have their own bonded really well on the respective twists so I didn’t set.

“We’re still texting each feel like I’m playing a supporting role. Being the other that we should hang partner of Tony played out sometime,” she said.

by Cesar Montano, I have (MNS)

Ciara Sotto admits leaving husband Actress Ciara Sotto finally broke her silence on rumors that she has left her husband, Jojo Oconer, and their home.

In an Instagram post, Sotto confirmed that she has decided to go back to the house of her parents, Tito Sotto and Helen Gamboa.

She said the past weeks have been difficult for her and her son.

“The truth is painful, but it is what it is. I know that the Lord will strengthen me after this,” she wrote.

“I prefer to keep my privacy at this time and I would appreciate the public respecting this. Thank you to those who are sending me messages of support and encouragement.”

Sotto did not say the exact reason why she left her husband and their home.

But in her Instagram posts last week, the actress hinted at instances of cheating.

Sotto married Oconer in 2010. They gave birth to their first child, Vincezo Xose, last year. (MNS)

Ciara Sotto

THE US ASIAN POST Friday - Thursday, January 22-28, 2016

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MOTORING US pledges $4 bn to speed self-driving cars Friday January 15 2016 (Detroit-AFP) – The US administration pledged Thursday to help clear the way for autonomous vehicles with an investment of $4 billion to fund research and testing projects.

US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx made the announcement in Detroit, flanked by executives from Google and auto manufacturers General Motors, Ford Motor Co., Volvo, Fiat Chrysler and Honda.

“Much needs to be done to create the transportation system of the 21st century,” Foxx said at the North American International Auto Show.

He said the Obama administration plans to ask for funding to speed up the introduction and use of autonomous vehicles, saying it would help reduce the congestion and improve

A Google self-driving car is seen in Mountain View, California, on May 13, 2014. ©AFP PHOTO/Glenn CHAPMA

road safety.

The initiative also aims to improve the US transportation system and vehicle-to-vehicle communications technology which helps cars avoid obstacles and accidents through better awareness of the surrounding environment.

“We are on course for a future where congestion will only get worse,” said Foxx, adding that in the future 75 percent of the US population will be concentrated in 11 “mega regions.”

Foxx said that because most accidents are caused by human error, autono-

mous vehicles can eliminate many road fatalities.

“By my simple math, that means that autonomous cars could have saved 25,000 lives last year,” he said.

The agency is proposing that some funds be made available to local governments to develop the kind of infrastructure needed to increase the effectiveness of vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

Such an infrastructure can give drivers up-to-theminute information on traffic conditions, or even automatically stop a vehicle short of crash by automatically applying brakes.

Foxx said DOT will propose rule changes over the next six months that will make it easier for car makers to install autonomous driving features in their vehicles.

DOT also will draft model legislation for could be used by various states and make it easier to introduce automated vehicles.

John Krafcik, who heads Google Cars, welcomed effort, saying that to implement these changes “you need to have a clear path and guard rails and DOT is offering to provide that.”

Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president for vehicle development, said he believes the initiative will help automakers as they move into an area where the technology is evolving rapidly.

GM, Ford Motor Co, Honda, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Toyota, Nissan and Hyundai have and all said they are actively working on autonomous driving, and have unveiled features such as automatic braking and automated steering

that allow the driver to let go of the steering wheel.

The Mercedes-Benz E Class introduced earlier this week is capable of driving by itself, although it still requires attention a driver’s attention.

Carlos Ghosn, Nissan’s chief executive officer, told the Automotive News World Congress that Nissan has been a pioneer in autonomous vehicles and expects to have a fully autonomous vehicle on the road by 2020.

The DOT said it was working with automakers to develop common technical standards for autonomous cars and for vehicles to vehicle communication.

The agency also said it would work with automakers on rule-making, and confirmed that a self-parking system developed by Germany’s BMW meets federal safety regulations.

Autonomous technology and greener tech shine brightest in Detroit Saturday January 16 2016 (Relaxnews) – Even though CES has started taking some of the shine off the glamour of Detroit as

an event for debuting a new car or vehicular innovation, the 2016 North American International Auto Show still had its fair share of star

cars shinning a light on the path the industry is taking towards greater environmental responsibility and greater autonomy.

“Of the 57 introductions at NAIAS, nearly 90% were worldwide debuts, which is an incredible testament to the global position of im-

portance that NAIAS plays in automaker’s new vehicle and technology launch strategies,” said 2016 NAIAS Chairman Paul Sabatini.

And although Buick’s latest concept dazzled, the most important reveal was that of a rather ordinary-looking mid-size executive sedan, the Mercedes E Class.

“Over the years, [it] has consistently redefined the benchmark in the business-class segment. It is now carrying this tradition forward with a host of first-rate innovations. The new E-Class takes another major step towards fully autonomous driving,” said Daimler board member Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber.

How big a step? It is the first production car licensed for autonomous test-driving in the US state of Nevada and the first that can drive itself at speeds of up to 130mph. And although fully autonomous cars are a long way from being a reality, the E Class represents the pinnacle of what’s not just possible, but tried and tested at this moment in time.

Alongside the E Class, new models from Ford and Volvo were promoted primarily on their active, semi-autonomous safety systems. The new Ford Fusion will be the first Ford sold in the US with a pedestrian detection system and hands-free parallel and perpendicular parking, while Volvo’s new S90 will be the first car to go on sale in the US with autonomous highway driving features as standard. Alongside autonomy, the other major theme at this year’s show was greater responsibility, whether via hybrids, plugin electric or fuel cell.

“We believe Mirai and hydrogen fuel cell technology represents the future of sustainable transportation,” said Jim Lentz, Toyota North America CEO. Toyota is even inviting other companies to use its patents.

“We hope sharing this technology with the auto industry will bring us closer to achieving a future hydrogen society helping us to improve lives for generations to come,” continued Lentz. For its show car, Audi unveiled a hydrogen powered crossover, the h-tron Quattro, and Mercedes and BMW have also indicated their desire to explore the technology, but for the moment, hybrids are key.“The BMW i3 is the world’s thirdbest-selling pure electric car,” said BMW board member Dr. Ian Robertson (HonDSc).

“We are transferring our knowledge from BMW i and will electrify the whole fleet.

This year we’ll add several new models as plug-in hybrid versions, including the BMW 3 and 7 Series.”

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Auto industry’s green push challenged by low gas prices

Tuesday January 12 2016 (Detroit, Jan 12, 2016 (AFP)-AFP) – Beneath the hoods of the cars showing in Detroit this week lie engines that are as powerful as ever, but are smaller and, helped by direct injection, guzzle less gas.

Automakers have subbed out stainless steel for aluminum and other lighter-weight materials, and added more gears to let engines run in “sweet spot” mode more often, so that their cars and trucks can save money on fuel and emit less climate-harming pollutants.

But with gasoline prices now nearly half of what they were just two years ago, the question is, do consumers care?

Or will a surge in sales of higher fuel-consuming cars and trucks, especially sport utility vehicles, erase recent efficiency gains on US roads?

The improvements to gasoline-based internal combustion engines that automakers have made show how greater efficiency has been mainstreamed throughout the industry, and not just on the electric and hybrid cars that steal most of the glory.

Under pressure from government regulation, fuel economy in US cars has risen 26 percent since 2004, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Signs progress is flagging -

Yet there are signs of flagging progress. Fuel economy for the fleet overall was unchanged at 24.3 miles per gallon in 2014, the last year with full data, according to the EPA report.

Data from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute suggest fuel economy fell in 2015, with a significant drop in the last months of the year.

With gasoline prices so low, customers appear less pressured to buy more fuel-efficient cars, not to mention electrics and hybrids.

Of the 17.5 million cars US automakers sold in 2015, less efficient pickup trucks and SUVs dominated the market and grew much faster in sales than other types.

“You hear a lot of noise about demand for hybrids not being so big,” Honda executive vice president John Mendel said at a launch Monday of its Ridgeline pickup truck.

“When (gasoline) was four or five bucks a gallon, everybody was clamoring for anything—a hybrid, ... something to take the sting out.”

Focus shifts to SUVs, pickups To boot, Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager at Toyota, said his company has lowered production of some fuel-efficient models, while taking steps to lift output of SUVs and pickups.

Government pressure

since the late 2000s to improve fuel consumption has spurred the gains. President Barack Obama has set the goal of cars getting 54.5 miles per gallon (4.36 liters per 100 km) in 2025, compared to about 29 miles per gallon in 2014.

Compliance is determined on gains of individual models and also whether the average efficiency of an automaker’s overall fleet is improving enough.

Trucks and SUVs are not expected to get the same mileage as sedans and subcompacts, only to improve their mileage each year.

The result has been not only an unprecedented number of hyper-efficient electric and hybrid vehicles in the US fleet, but also the significant improvements in gas-powered cars.

But with trucks and SUVS now dominating sales, automakers have to keep improving the performance of those vehicles.

Some industry officials gripe that many of the easiest and cheapest changes have already been made, and meeting the 2025 targets will be hard.

Achieving gains has become more difficult now that the easiest changes—the “low-hanging fruit”—have been implemented, said Wade Newton, a spokesman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

“You need more and more advanced technology to meet ever-increasing fuel

The Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Vehicle was introduced in October 2015 ©Toyota

economy standards,” Newton said.

Others say there is still lots of potential.

“There’s lots of room to get efficiency from these engines before we get rid of the internal-combustion engine,” said General Motors executive vice president Mark Reuss Tuesday at a launch of the new GMC Acadia SUV Tuesday, which

weighs 700 pounds (318 kg) less than the version it replaces.

Still, automakers say they are not counting on the government to walk back the fuel targets.

“It’s a poor bet to base your business case on somebody changing the rules at the last minute,” noted Honda executive vice president John Mendel.

Over half of consumers now cite reliability as a major issue when choosing a new car. ©PathDoc/Shutterstock

Quality now a key concern for car buyers: poll Thursday January 14 2016 (Relaxnews) – New research from JD Power finds that more US consumers in the market for a new vehicle have started focusing on a brand’s reliability when making a buying decision.

According to JD Power, 55% of the 26,500 people polled cited reliability as a leading reason for purchasing their current car. The percentage of consumers worried about reliability has been steadily rising over recent years; in 2013, 48% of respondents said that it was a serious issue. As this focus increases, so do the number of consumers that say they’re actively avoiding certain cars because of their perceived reputation (17%, up from 14% in 2015).

And this is even though interior and exterior styling are still the two biggest reasons why people go for one

car over another.

“With so many auto recalls in the news and challenges with the introduction of new technology, consumers are even more attuned to the expected reliability of new vehicles. This impacts which models consumers avoid and which ones they ultimately purchase. Bad news can tarnish an automaker’s reputation in an instant, yet, can take years to build back up,” said Dave Sargent, vice president, quality practice, JD Power.

The perception of a brand’s reliability versus the reality is why it took Audi years to re-establish itself as a marque in the US after accelerator pedal problem allegations in the late 1980s and why, according to JD Power’s study, 24% of those avoiding a car because of reliability issues are avoiding an Ameri-

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Toyota, which has enjoyed the profitable surge in truck and SUV sales, has also unveiled a revamped Prius and in October launched the Mirai, a fuel cell vehicle.

“We’re starting to get ready for a world that doesn’t have any more gas engines by 2050,” Fay told AFP. “Long way away ... but investing in that today.”

ws. nal and international ne tio na l, ca lo ith w ily da ated r Fil-Am Lifestyle. Upd Your premier source fo

can vehicle. However, the reality is that most mainstream US cars, particularly Buicks, are as reliable as Japanese or European competitors, according to JD Power ratings and indexes. ”Though vehicle reliability and durability have improved significantly over the years, they remain a vital consideration for consumers,” said Sargent. “Automakers need to convince consumers of the true reliability of their vehicles so it is not a reason to avoid selecting a particular model.”

Still, all carmakers, mass-market and premium can take heart from the fact that on the whole consumers are still loyal to one brand. The top reason for switching to a competitor given in the study was “I simply wanted to try something different.”

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Struggling with privacy tradeoffs in digital era Thursday January 14 2016 (Washington-AFP) – Would you allow your insurance company to monitor your driving for a discount?

Or let a “smart thermostat” save energy by tracking your family’s movements around your home?

These are among the constant stream of privacy tradeoffs Americans face in a digital era where their activities, shopping and other personal data can be tracked easily.

A Pew Research Center survey released Thursday found no consistent pattern on decisions to give up privacy in return for discounts, rewards or other benefits: – A majority (52 percent) of those surveyed said they would allow their medical data to be uploaded to a secure site in order to allow their doctor to keep track of their health.

– But only 27 percent said it was acceptable for a thermostat sensor to monitor movements in the home to potentially save on energy costs.

– 47 percent said it was OK for retailers to keep track of shopping habits to offer discounts, while 32 percent said it was not acceptable.

“Many policy makers and companies are anxious to know where Americans draw the line on privacy –when they will resist privacy intrusions and when they are comfortable with sharing personal data,” said Pew researcher Lee Rainie.

“These findings show how people’s decisions are often context-specific and contingent. A phrase that summarizes their attitudes is, ‘It depends.’ Most are likely to consider options on a caseby-case basis, rather than

apply hard-and-fast privacy rules,” Rainie added.

The survey found a majority (54 to 24 percent) said it would be acceptable for employers to install monitoring cameras following a series of workplace thefts.

But many seemed worried about how much information is being shared by social media.

Asked about a scenario in which a free social media platform allows people to connect with friends in exchange for sharing data to deliver advertisements, just one in three said this was acceptable, and 51 percent disagreed.

Some comments received in the survey offered insights into Americans’ privacy concerns.

Many fear their personal information is vulnerable, despite pledges to keep it secure.

There is none. Is there a general threat? Yes. We are not immune from the extremism problem.”

In particular, he said a Filipino-Lebanese and a Filipino-Saudi, both of whom were living abroad, had attempted to join the jihadist group. This month, the Philippine-based Abu Sayyaf extremist group released a video pledging allegiance to IS. Aquino, however, belit-

tled the group’s claim and said they were riding on IS’s notoriety. The group had previously been associated with IS rival Al-Qaeda, he noted. The Abu Sayyaf, a group of several hundred fighters notorious for kidnapping foreigners for ransom, is also responsible for the worst terror attacks in the Philippines. In 2004, it bombed a passenger ferry off Manila Bay killing over 100 people.

MUSLIMS From page 1

“general threat”.

“We need to be prudent.

We will coordinate with (Middle Eastern) intelligence agencies to monitor these communities to see if they have been influenced by ISIS,” he said, using another acronym for the group.

“We can’t be like an ostrich, which burrows its head in the ground to avoid seeing the problem,” he said.

“Is there a credible threat?

Is there a specific threat?

candidate of opposition United Nationalist Alliance, is facing graft and plunder charges over during his term as the mayor of Makati City.

The Jan. 8-10 SWS poll, involving 1,200 validated voters, showed the Vice President was picked by 31 percent of the respondents.

The figure was 5 percent higher than what he got in

VILLAR From page 1

and detrimental to the pension fund reserve if implemented.

“The bill does not have a revenue generating component, which means when the pension reserve runs out much earlier by 13 years-2029 instead of 2042,” said Habitan, who is in charge of government financial institutions.

But Villar maintained that the proposed pension hike will not imperil the SSS fund life.

She said the agency’s

collection efficiency for SSS premium is only at 38%.

Villar said SSS has ample time to improve its collection efficiency and ensure that higher income will flow into the agency until their pension reserves run out in 2029.

The government may also subsidize SSS pension should the agency fail to abate the projected income shortfall, Villar said.

“Hindi naman abuso na ibigay natin ito (pension hike) and then pagbutihin

natin ang operation. And in the end, after so many years, kung hindi tayo mag-improve, hindi makaya at may kakulangan pa rin, e di i-subsidize,” she said.

“Ano namang masamang i-subsidize natin ang pension ng ating mahihirap na pensioner when we can subsidize other things. Ito, mas magandang i-subsidize kasi may malinaw na listahan at talaga namang nagtrabaho sila, 10 years and 20 years to deserve this pension.”(MNS)

the senatorial race that made it to the top 13 of the poll are: Franklin Drilon 43% Sergio Osmena III 42% Juan Miguel Zubiri 39% Manny Pacquiao 37% Leila de Lima 33% Richard Gordon 31% Teofisto Guingona III

28% Risa Hontiveros 28% Isko Moreno 28% The survey showed that only 32 percent of respondents chose a full slate of 12 names.

Respondents named just 7.9 candidates each on average. (MNS)

Filipino voters have yet to make up their minds months before the May 9 election.

The official Commission on Elections ruled last month that Poe, an orphan of unknown parentage who was adopted and raised by the Philippines’ most famous movie stars, was not a Filipino at birth and could not run for president.

The case is on appeal at

the Supreme Court, which provisionally stopped the government dropping her name from the ballot.

Duterte, mayor of a southern city where hundreds of petty criminals have been killed by masked anti-crime vigilantes, registered as a candidate after the October 16, 2015 deadline to replace another candidate who backed out.

SOTTO From page 1

tant Francis N. Pangilinan, whose ratings saw similar 10-point drops to 46 percent.

The nationwide survey was conducted from Jan. 8-10 with 1,200 respondents and sampling error margins of ±3 points for national percentages.

The other candidates for

BINAY LEADS From page 1

advocate Rodrigo Duterte (20 percent) are in a statistical deadlock.

The 1,200 voters polled were not asked to explain their preference, Leo Laroza, survey data library director for Social Weather, told AFP. Casiple said some support for Poe and Duterte eroded due to disqualification cases filed against them.

However, he said many

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the previous SWS survey last month.

Statistically tied after Binay were three other presidential candidates: Sen. Grace Poe at 24 percent (down by 2 percentage points from December), followed closely by Liberal Party’s Mar Roxas at 21 percent (down a percentage point) and Davao City Mayor Ro-

drigo Duterte, still at 20 percent. SWS assigned a ±3 points margin of error for national percentages and ±6 percent for Metro Manila, Balance of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Another presidential hopeful, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, got 3 percent or a percentage point lower from December.(MNS)

when the US flew two B-52 bombers close to flashpoint islands that have been artificially built up by China, reportedly by mistake.

Philippine and US foreign and defense secretaries have also just concluded a meeting in Washington to discuss their security ties.

The Philippine defense department said in a state-

ment the meeting had concluded “with the US side reiterating the US ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines.”

“The US side emphasized that it will not allow China to control the South China Sea and will act to ensure that freedom of navigation is respected,” it added.

The Philippines, which

has one of the weakest militaries in the region, has been seeking closer defense ties with the US, accusing China of increased aggressiveness in the disputed waters.

In April 2012, after a tense stand-off with Philippine ships, Chinese vessels took control of a shoal just 135 miles off the main Philippine island of Luzon.