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SHOWBIZ WE PROVIDE PRESS David Bunevacz COVERAGE FOR ANY and Jessica We EVENTS OR PROMOTIONS. Rodriguez: were a victim like
Deniece Cornejo to Vhong Navarro: Fear hell, be a man Vhong Navarro vs Deniece Cornejo: Grin and bear it - page 9
See page 12 for details.
Vhong -page 9
WWW.SF-POST.COM
VOL. 2 ISSUE 15
FEB 6, 2014- FEB 12, 2014
Aquino unfazed by urban terror threat
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Republicans not liekly to compromise
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Newly promoted police officers take their oath during at Camp Crame in this file photo. President Aquino has directed the security forces to neutralize “all enemies of the state, all criminals and all outlaws,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma told a Palace briefing on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014. INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
ANILA, Philippines—Malacañang is unfazed by the threat of renegade groups in Mindanao—led by the so-called “spoilers” in the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)—to sow terror in Metro Manila and other urban centers. President Aquino has directed the security forces to neutralize “all enemies of the state, all criminals and all outlaws,”
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma told a Palace briefing on Tuesday. Allaying fears the rebels might take the fight to highly populated urban areas, Coloma said the Armed Forces of the Philippines, other security forces and intelligence operatives were safeguarding the peace around the clock. “I assure you that the AFP and security forces are not remiss in their duty to en-
Obamacare means less people on the job - CBO
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ASHINGTON (AP) - Several million American workers will reduce their hours on the job or leave the workforce entirely because of incentives built into President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul, the Congressional Budget Office said Tuesday. That would mean losses equal to 2.3 million full-time jobs by 2021, in large part because people would opt to keep their income low to stay eligible for federal health care subsidies or Medicaid, the agency said. It had estimated previously that the law would lead to 800,000 fewer jobs
by that year. Republican lawmakers seized on the report as major new evidence of what they consider the failures of “Obamacare,” the huge overhaul of U.S. health care coverage that they’re trying to overturn and planning to use as a main argument against Democrats in November’s midterm elections. It’s the latest indication that “the president’s health care law is destroying full-time jobs,” said Republican Rep. John Kline of Minnesota, chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Commit(Cont. on Page 15) tee.
sure the safety of all people at all times,” he said. Coloma said the government could not be “complacent” and allow renegade groups to exploit the situation by spoiling the peace process and endangering people’s lives. “The overarching strategy is to pursue peace,” Coloma said. Negotiators for the government and the MILF signed the annex on normalization, (Cont. on p15)
NBI arrests ‘David Tan’
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Businessman Davidson Bangayan being arrested by NBI agents after appearing at a Senate hearing on rice smuggling yesterday. At right, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte shows a photo of alleged rice smuggler David Tan during the inquiry.
ANILA -- The National Bureau of Investigation has arrested Davidson Bangayan, the alleged big-time rice smuggler hiding behind the name David Tan, on Monday afternoon after he attended the Senate hearing on rice smuggling. The arrest was made after Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima told senators that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is ready to implement the warrant of arrest which was issued on October 11, 2010 by Caloocan Regional Trial Court Branch based on charges (Cont. on Page 15)
BIFF rebels turn to urban terror Story on page 15
USD to PHP Rate $1.00 = P45.22 as of Feb. 6, 2014
The San Francisco Post
PAGE 2 Feb. 6, 2014 - Feb. 12, 2014
Guerrilla protest at Google buses swells SAN FRANCISCO - Google’s corporate mantra may be to do no evil, but to a determined band of activists in San Francisco the company could just be the devil incarnate. Corporate buses that Google and other tech companies lay on to ferry their workers from the city to Silicon Valley, 30 or 40 miles to the south, are being targeted by an increasingly assertive guerrilla campaign of disruption. Over the last two months, a groundswell of discontent over the privatization of the Bay Area’s transport system has erupted into open revolt. Well-organized protesters have blocked buses, unfurled banners and distributed flyers to tech commuters who have seemed either nonplussed, embarrassed or downright terrified. And this could be just the beginning. “We’re in the planning process for the next protest,” one of the organisers, Erin McElroy, told the Observer. “We’re trying to stay creative with each one, not just repeat over and over.” Just before Christmas, a window was smashed on a Google bus in Oakland, across the San Francisco Bay. Last week, protesters door-stepped a Google engineer who they claimed was involved in working with the government to develop eavesdropping techniques and “war robots” for the military. “Anthony Levandowski is building an unconscionable world of surveillance, control and automation,” they wrote on flyers left near his house. “He is also your neighbour.” Corporate security guards have started to make a discreet appearance as the protests escalate. The core grievance is one keenly felt by almost everyone in San Francisco: the way the tech sector has pushed
up housing prices in the city and made it all but unaffordable for anyone without a six-figure salary. Almost no San Francisco police officers live in the city any more, and neither do most restaurant workers or healthcare workers. The funky, familyowned shops that once defined the city are closing because owners cannot afford the business rent, never mind the rent on their housing. The activists claim that the so-called “Google buses” are exacerbating the problem, because they are making it easier for tech workers who might otherwise live closer to their offices to live in San Francisco instead. In a metropolitan area known for its flamboyant political theatre, its anarchist streak and a tendency for liberals to turn on each other as much as their political enemies, the point has not always been made with the greatest subtlety. “You are not innocent victims,” one flyer directed at tech workers said. “You live your comfortable lives surrounded by poverty, homelessness and death, seemingly oblivious to everything around you, lost in the big bucks and success.” Already, splits are appearing in the protest movement. McElroy is part of a campaign championing affordable housing and fighting against a sharp rise in evictions. She does not condone the window-breaking, the attack on Levandowski, or the aggressive flyers. She also said she wanted the tech workers themselves to join the protests. That was in contrast to an anarchist commentator, The Counterforce, who wrote: “All of Google’s employees should be prevented from getting to work.”
NATIONAL
The San Francisco Post
PAGE 3 Feb. 6, 2014 - Feb. 12, 2014
China to overtake US as world’s top trader WASHINGTON -- China reported Friday that its total trade for 2013 reached $4.2 trillion, a sharp increase over the previous year. It is the first time the world’s most populous country has cleared the $4 trillion barrier, a feat accomplished despite lackluster numbers for the final month of the year. The U.S. has not yet reported trade numbers for December, but China is virtually assured the top ranking. In the first 11 months of the year, U.S. imports and exports totaled $3.5 trillion, according to the Department of Commerce. To retain the top spot, the U.S. would have to more than double its average monthly performance in December. “This is a milestone for the development of our national trading services,” Zheng Yuesh-
eng, a Chinese Customs Administration official, said at a press conference. Just how big an edge China might have is difficult to establish. China’s trade data is notoriously unreliable, skewed by fake invoices filed to evade capital controls. China’s growing trade prowess has been fueled by economic growth of around 10% a year in the past three decades. Sustained progress has propelled the country up the list of biggest economies, generated wealth for its growing middle class and boosted global trade. The country, once known for its production of textiles and light industrial products, has now made the switch to sophisticated products including the latest tech gadgets. Along the way, bilateral trade with the U.S. has
BUSINESS When are second mortgage loans on foreclosed property taxable?
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uestion: When are secforgiven indebtedness is to ond mortgage and home By Atty. Crispin C. Lozano consult with a bankruptcy equity loan discharged due attorney who will evaluate to foreclosure taxable? if you need to file bankruptcy. nswer: The general rule is that forgiveuestion: I filed bankruptcy after my secness of debt represents income and is ond home was foreclosed and I still got a subject to tax unless exemption applies. The Form 1099c for the cancelled debt. Should I difference between the second mortgage loan include this as taxable income? and the value of the property represents innswer: If you already filed for bankruptcy, come subject to tax in the event of forecloyou qualify for the exemption but still you sure. However, if you file bankruptcy the in- have to report in your income tax return the come derived as a result of foreclosure is not amount of forgiven debt that is exempt from taxable. If the house is underwater and the income tax because of your filing bankruptcy. second mortgage has no collateral value and You should consult with a bankruptcy attorwhen the lender discharged the debts through ney to help you report this matter in your tax forgiveness or settlement, the discharged return. amount is taxable unless the owner files for Note:This is not a legal advice and you need to speak to bankruptcy or has filed bankruptcy before the an attorney. The Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano has 14 years of experience in bankruptcy cases. house is foreclosed. uestion: My house is my primary residence, which was underwater when it Bankruptcy Basics was foreclosed. Am I subject to tax on the 1. Bankruptcy will actually improve your difference between loan amount and property credit within one year because your unsecured debts are discharged. Although the bankruptvalue? nswer: If the house is your principal resi- cy will be in your records for 10 years, not dence, any income derived as a result of filing bankruptcy will make your credit even foreclosure is not taxable under a special law worse until most your debts are paid. passed by Congress. This law will expire 2. If you are being sued by your creditors, December 31, 2012. However, if the debt is most money judgment can be eliminated in used to buy, build or substantially improve the bankruptcy. home, you may not qualify for this exemption. 3. Collection actions continue and you can be A good example is if the house is refinanced. sued if you are in debt settlement. The difference between the refinanced loan 4. Chapter 7 will eliminate all unsecured debts. If you are near retirement age, you must elimiand the value of the property will be taxable. Question: What other situation may cancella- nate most of your debts. 5. Bankruptcy will stop foreclosure actions. If tion of debt is deemed not taxable? Answer: The other exemption on the taxabil- your trustee sale date is 10 days before, you ity of cancelled debt is insolvency. Any in- can still file for bankruptcy. come derived on cancelled debt is not taxable 6. If your salary is being garnished, you have if a person is insolvent. A person is insolvent a court case about debts or you are being haif the person’s liability exceeded his assets. In rassed by creditors, bankruptcy can stop gardetermining assets for insolvency purposes, a nishment, court cases, harassing creditors and person’s 401k must be included in the list of eliminate the debt. properties and everything you own. Liabili- 7. Bankruptcy is cheaper, faster and safer than debt settlement which has no guaranteed sucties include almost everything you owe. uestion: My second home has been cess. foreclosed and I received a Form 1099c Caday Lozano is an active member of the State from the bank for the difference between the Crispin Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers amount I owe and the fair market value of the Association and the National Association of Consumers house. Should I file for bankruptcy? Bankruptcy Attorneys. He specializes in immigration nswer: Yes. The best way to resolve the law and bankruptcy law. crispinlozano@gmail.com. issue that you made an income on the
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grown to the point of mutual dependence. The U.S. now does almost as much trade with China as Canada. Total trade isn’t the only area Beijing has
come to dominate. China overtook the U.S. as the biggest importer of oil late last year, amid rising demand for fossil fuels.
Report clears way for Obama’s approval of oil pipeline WASHINGTON -- The long-delayed Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada to Texas cleared a major hurdle towards approval on Friday when the US State Department reported no major environmental objections to the project, in a serious blow to climate change activists. The proposed $7 billion pipeline, which will run more than 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) from the oil sands of Alberta in Canada to refineries on the Gulf Coast, has become a symbol of the political debate over climate change. Republicans and some oil and gas-producing states in the US, as well as Canada’s minister of natural resources, cheered the report, but it came as a slap in the face for environmentalists already at odds with Obama’s energy policy. The report stopped short of recommending approval of the pipeline, but it gives Obama new support if he chooses to endorse the project, in spite of opposition from many Democrats. Critics say the pipeline would carry “dirty oil” that contributes to global warming, and they also express concern about possible spills. The White House signaled late on Friday that a decision on an application by TransCanada Corp to build the project would be made “only after careful consideration” of the report, along with comments from the public and other government agencies. “The Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement includes a range of estimates of the project’s climate impacts, and that information will now need to be closely evaluated by Secretary (of State John) Kerry and other relevant agency heads in the weeks ahead,” White
House spokesman Matt Lehrich said. The agency said that blocking Keystone XL – or any pipeline – would do little to slow the expansion of Canada’s vast oil sands, maintaining the central finding of a preliminary study issued last year. Republicans and business and labour groups have urged Obama to approve the pipeline to create thousands of jobs and move toward North American energy independence. The pipeline is also strongly supported by Democrats in oil and gas-producing states, including Senators Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Mark Begich of Alaska and Mark Pryor of Arkansas. All face re-election this year and could be politically damaged by rejection of the pipeline. Republican Mitt Romney won in all three states in the 2012 presidential election. The pipeline would travel through the heart of the US, carrying oil derived from tar sands in western Canada to a hub in Nebraska, where it would connect with existing pipelines to carry more than 800,000 barrels of crude oil a day to refineries in Texas. An existing spur runs through Kansas and Oklahoma to Texas. Other options to get the oil from Canada to Gulf Coast refineries – including rail, trucks and barges – would be worse for climate change, the report said. State Department approval is needed because the pipeline crosses a US border. The Environmental Protection Agency and other departments will have 90 days to comment before the agency makes a recommendation to Obama on whether the project is in the national interest. A final decision is not expected before summer.
Obama defends himself from array of GOP criticism WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama is defending himself against an array of Republican criticism. And he did it in a live interview with Bill O’Reilly during Fox’s Super Bowl pregame show, The interview covered his troubled health care law rollout, the 2012 attacks on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Libya and revelations that the IRS targeted conservative groups for extra scrutiny. Obama said “I try to focus not on the fumbles but on the next plan.” Obama wouldn’t say why he didn’t fire the secretary of Health and Human Services after the failed launch of the government’s online health insurance market-
place. But argued the website is now working the way it’s supposed to. He also defended against O’Reilly’s questions about why administration officials initially described the attack in Benghazi as a spontaneous mob protest. He rejected “the notion that we would hide the ball for political purposes when a week later we all said in fact there was a terrorist attack taking place.” He said “That wouldn’t be a very good cover-up.” Obama also said there was “not even a smidgen of corruption” contributing to the IRS targeting of tea party and other conservative groups when they applied for tax-exempt status.
OPINION
PAGE 4 Feb. 6, 2014 - Feb. 12, 2014
The San Francisco Post
Is Davidson Bangayan untouchable?
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‘Sorry bridges the gap’
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hen Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was caught in a storm of protests on June 27, 2005 following the Hello Garci scandal, wherein she was taped talking to Commission on Elections Commissioner THE NUCLEUS OF Virgilio Garcillano THE MATTER about election reBy sults in Mindanao, Val Abelgas she addressed the people to say “I… am… sorry” in a melodramatic tone. Nobody probably believed she was indeed sorry for the mistake, which she acknowledged, but coming from the usually arrogant Arroyo, it was surprising, to say the least. Arroyo had always been arrogant in the face of criticisms. How many times did she challenge her critics after every corruption or political fraud scandals to go ahead and impeach her or charge her in court? But in that instance, faced with the prospect of another People Power revolt as tens of thousands gathered daily to protest poll fraud, Arroyo had to apologize. When President Benigno S. Aquino III was exposed as having talked to four senators about the impeachment trial of former Supreme Court
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Chief Justice Renato Corona, he admitted the meetings but denied impropriety and, instead of saying “I am sorry,” dared critics to impeach him. And I thought Arroyo was the most arrogant Philippine president ever. When it was revealed that he gave P50 million from the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) to each senator who voted to convict Corona a few months after the Senate decision, Aquino denied they were bribes and also dared critics to impeach him. Legal luminaries, including law deans Fr. Joaquin Bernas and Fr. Ranhillo Aquino, said the disbursements were illegal and unconstitutional but Aquino insisted there was nothing wrong with DAP and again dared critics to go ahead and impeach him. When he was criticized repeatedly for giving away billions of pesos in people’s money in the form of pork barrel or from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), which was eventually declared by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional, Aquino flared and in a live televised address, infamously said: “I am not a thief” and again attacked media and dared his critics to impeach him. Aquino’s arrogance and allergy to criticisms first surfaced just a few weeks after his first day in Malacanang when he refused to admit the poor handling of the hostage situation at the Luneta on August 23, 2010 and refused to apologize to the Hongkong government for the police operation that resulted in the death of eight HK tourists. Although the Philippine government has expressed “its deepest regret” over the incident and has started paying “generous offerings” to the families of the victims, Aquino insists no apology to the Hongkong government is coming. Hongkong demands that the Philippine government apologize for the incident and said: “It’s not the money. It’s the act of apologizing that we want to see because that will prove that you are really sorry for what happened.” But apparently, Aquino would have none of it. He is never known to admit mistakes, nor listen to critics. In fact, he has blamed his media critics for much of the negative things said about his administration. When it became obvious that the government failed in both the preparation for and the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda, he immediately blamed the provincial officials. He publicly reprimanded a police official who told media that the death toll would be close to 10,000 and insisted that the fatalities would be closer to 2,500. The police official was sacked. And then, even as the death toll climbed daily past the 2,500 mark, he remained adamant that it couldn’t be more than 2,500. As of the last count, nearly 7,000 bodies have been counted. Because of his refusal to issue a formal apology, Hongkong started imposing the first of many sanctions that it said it would implement until the Philippine government apologizes. The other week week, Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying announced that the current 14-day visa-free arrangement for visiting Philippine diplomats and officials would be suspended starting Wednesday, February 5. (valabelgas@aol.com)
he recent brouhaha over the “arrest” of David Tan has caused confusion among government PERRY SCOPE agencies and By officials. They Perry Diaz don’t seem to know what to do with a 33year old man whose identity baffled Department of Justice (DOJ) bureaucrats and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents. And like a hot potato, the country’s top justice and law enforcement officials closed the investigation and set Tan free without further action. The bizarre incident was the offshoot of allegations made by the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) chairman Jesus Arranza that a certain Davidson Bangayan alias “David Tan” was a major rice smuggler wanted by authorities. When Bangayan read news reports naming him as a “big-time rice smuggler,” he showed up at DOJ on January 14 and personally met with Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. He denied that he was the “David Tan” accused of being a major rice smuggler. With the ease by which Bangayan accessed de Lima – presumably without an appointment – it makes one wonder what kind of connections Bangayan used to open doors to DOJ’s top honcho? Accompanied by his lawyer, Bangayan told de Lima that he was not engaged in “major rice importation” as reported in the news and that his rice business was “not that big.” De Lima took Bangayan’s explanation hook, line, and sinker and told reporters that since Bangayan’s rice business was “not that big,” he couldn’t be the big-time smuggler he was accused of. When Bangayan offered to cooperate, de Lima referred him to the NBI. But when Bangayan showed up at the NBI, an arrest warrant against “David Tan” was served on him. After a cursory investigation, the NBI
concluded that Bangayan was not the David Tan wanted by a Caloocan City court for electricity pilferage, so Bangayan was released. But NBI Deputy Director Virgilio Mendez contradicted the findings and insisted that they have “evidence and witnesses to prove that” Bangayan and Tan are one and the same person. NBI records showed that Bangayan and Tan have the same address. Why then did the lower-ranked investigators let him go? Could it be that there was someone higher and powerful who interceded for Bangayan? What is strange is the manner the arrest warrant was written, to wit: “You are hereby commanded to arrest the person/s who is/are to be found at the address/es indicated below: Rose Tan, who is not Rosalind Galicia; David Tan, who is not Davidson Bangayan; and Benson Tan alias Mr. Kiao, who is not Venson Bangayan Bangayan – All Advance Metal Traiding (sic), Blk.5. Lot 1, ACCO Homes Langaray St., cor. Dagat-Dagatan Avenue, Caloocan City.” It seemingly shields Davidson Bangayan, Rosalind Galicia, and Venson Bangayan from arrest. The fact that Bangayan carries a valid Philippine passport (issued on May 18, 2011) supports the presumption that Bangayan is the real McCoy. If so, who then is David Tan? On January 22, Sen. Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Senate committee on agriculture, said her committee has documents that prove Davidson Bangayan and “smuggling king” David Tan are the same person. She said de Lima and Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile submitted documents that proved it. She also said that rice smugglers couldn’t operate without the help of corrupt government officials… or, I might add, powerful and influential private individuals. On January 28, Customs Deputy Commissioner Agaton Teodoro Uvero dropped a bombshell at the Senate hearing. He said that at the height of the rice smuggling, they were bringing in 2,000 containers week, which translates to 50,000 tons a week at 25 tons per 20-foot shipping container. These huge shipments of smuggled rice won’t be able to get past Customs inspection without the collusion of Customs officials. (PerryDiaz@gmail.com)
Palace fears adverse DAP ruling
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n a lousy effort to make By Atty. Crispin Lozano the Supreme Court dismiss all nine petitions questioning the use of Pres- hamper important governident Aquino’s discretion- ment programs. “The President no longer ary fund or the Disbursehas any use for DAP in ment Acceleration Fund (DAP), government law- 2014. This is a compelling yers said the government fact and development that has stopped using the fund undermines the viability of since the middle of last year the present cases, and puts and, therefore, the issue is in issue the necessity of moot. deciding these cases in the Using the same logic, first place,” Jardeleza said. Malacanang should stop I don’t see the justices prosecuting former Chief dismissing the petitions Justice Renato Corona on on Jardeleza’s lousy arguhis alleged P130-million ment, which was echoed by illegal wealth because, af- Budget Secretary Florencio ter all, Corona is no longer Abad, who told the justices a government official and that because DAP has alcan no longer stash addi- ready fully served its purtional illegal wealth. pose, the administration’s Jardeleza’s argument is economic managers have not only illogical, it is also recommended its terminainconsistent with his pre- tion to the President. vious oral argument that The petitions were brought the high court should not to the Supreme Court so issue a temporary restrain- that the tribunal can issue a ing order against the DAP ruling on the use of governbecause such a move would ment savings as a discretionary fund The San Fancisco Post and resolve 1290 B Street, Suite 203 Hayward CA 94541 other issues Ph: (510) 885-8827 Fax: (510) 538-7115 Email: infos@sf-post.com pertaining to discretionary funds. By issuing a ruling on the DAP, the court, in effect, FREE EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION FORM would prevent future misuse of government Name: _________________________________________________ funds. Without Email (required): ____________________________________________ such a ruling, Other Email Add: __________________________________________ what will stop Aquino or fu__________________________________________ ture presidents from reviv-
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ing DAP under a different name or under a different structure? The government lawyers obviously see the weakness of their original stand that nothing was illegal about the DAP, which used savings from other government departments and agencies and used by the President without authority from Congress. They are obviously anticipating an adverse ruling from the tribunal. Malacanang obviously fears the backlash of an adverse SC ruling against the DAP because if the program is declared unconstitutional, it would open the floodgates for a possible impeachment of Aquino and his possible criminal prosecution after his term is over. With the court declaring the DAP unconstitutional, Aquino can no longer remain arrogant and challenge critics to impeach him. The previously overconfident Aquino has probably realized that without the PDAF, which has earlier been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, and the DAP, it would be not be as easy as when he bribed the House to impeach and the Senate to convict Corona. It would be ironic that the same DAP that he used to bribe congressmen and senators to oust Corona would be used as a basis for his own impeachment. Poetic justice.
WORLD BRIEF
The San Francisco Post
Thai polls open amid tension BANGKOK – Thailand’s tense national election got underway Sunday with protesters forcing the closure of several polling stations in the capital amid fears of more bloodshed a day after gun battles in Bangkok left seven people wounded. The extent of disruptions was not immediately clear when polls opened nationwide. But there were early indications that
Carrying a pistol, an anti-government protester crawls during a gunfight between supporters and opponents of Thailand’s government near Laksi district office in Bangkok, Saturday. Dozens of gunshots and two explosions raised tension Saturday, a day ahead of a general election
several hundred polling stations in
Bangkok and southern Thailand, an opposition stronghold, could not open because protesters had blocked the delivery of ballots or stopped voters from entering. Whatever happens, the outcome will almost certainly be inconclusive. Because protesters blocked candidate registration in some districts, parliament will not have enough members to convene. That means beleaguered Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will be unable to form a government or even pass a budget, and Thailand will be stuck in political limbo for months as by-elections are run in constituencies that were unable to vote.
Financial world shaken by 4 bankers’ suicides in a week NEW YORK -- The apparent suicide death of the chief economist of a US investment house brings the number of financial workers who have died allegedly by their own hand to four in the last week. 50-year-old Mike Dueker, who had worked for Russell Investment for five years, was found dead close to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington State, says AP. Local police say he could have jumped over a fence and fallen 15 meters to his death, and are treating the case as a suicide. Dueker was reported missing by friends on January 29, and police had been searching for him. A Sheriff’s spokesman said investigators learned that he was having problems at work but did not elaborate. Jennifer Tice, a company spokeswoman declined to comment, however said, that Dueker was in good standing at Russell. “We were deeply saddened to learn today of the death,” Tice said in an e-mail on Friday. “He made a valuable contributions that helped our clients and many of his fellow associates.” Dueker joined Russell Investment in 2008. He wrote for Market Outlook fi-
nancial services publications, forecasting the business cycle and the target federal funds rate. He is the creator and developer of a business cycle index that forecast economic performance published monthly on the Russell website. He was previously an assistant vice president and research economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and is ranked in the top 5 percent of published economists. Over the past two decades he wrote tens of research papers mostly on monetary policy, according to the bank’s website. His most-cited paper was “Strengthening the case for the yield curve as a predictor of U.S. recessions,” published in 1997 while he was a researcher at the Federal Reserve. “He was a valued colleague of mine during my entire tenure at the St. Louis Fed,” said William Poole, the bank’s expresident. “Everyone respected his professional skills and good sense.” Dueker held an undergraduate degree in math from the University of Oregon, a master’s degree in economics from Northwestern University and a Ph.D. from the University of Washington. Dueker’s apparent suicide was the fourth among financial experts in a
TAX CORNER
week. A 58-year-old former senior executive at Deutsche Bank AG, William Broeksmit, was found dead on January 26 in his home after an apparent suicide in South Kensington in central London. The next day, January 27, Tata Motors managing director Karl Slym, 51, was found dead on the fourth floor of the Shangri-La hotel in Bangkok. Police said he could have committed suicide. Mr. Slym was staying on a 22th floor with his wife, and was attending a board meeting in the Thai capital. Another tragic incident occurred on January 28, when a 39-year-old Gabriel Magee, a JP Morgan employee, died after falling from the roof of its European headquarters in London. While creating fortunes, City and Wall Street jobs are notorious for extra-long working weeks and huge amounts of stress. In a move to ease the tension some of the world’s biggest lenders like Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Credit Suisse have been telling junior staff to take more time off. Some European countries like Belgium and the Netherlands have reduced the working week from 40 to 30 hours without damaging their economies, while in Germany an average worker puts in 35 hours a week and is the world’s fourth largest economy.
WHO SHOULD FILE A 2013 TAX RETURN? by: Alvin C. Maglan, CPA
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he determination if you must file taxes include such factors like your income, filing status, age and others. The 2013 Federal filing requirements for most taxpayers are:
There are times when you should file a tax return even if you do not meet above thresholds and these are good reasons : -Tax Withheld or Paid. If your employer withheld income tax from your pay
and you made estimated tax payments or overpaid last year and had it applied to this year’s taxes, you should file to get a refund. -Earned Income Tax Credit. If you work and earned less than $51,567 last year, you could receive EITC as a tax refund if you qualify.
for the Child Tax Credit and if you don’t get the full credit, you may still qualify for the additional child tax credit by filing the required tax schedule. -American Opportunity Credit. If you are a student or do support a student, you may be eligible for this credit. Students in their first four years of higher education may qualify for as much as $2,500. Even those who owe no tax may qualify for up to $1,000 for the credit refunded per eligible student. To summarize, check if you would benefit from filing a federal tax return. You may qualify for a tax refund even if you don’t have to file. But you must file a tax return to claim your refund.
Maximum EIC amount is $6,143 for taxpayers filing jointly who have 3 or more qualifying children, up from $6,044. -Additional Child Tax Credit. If you have at least one child that qualifies
Al Maglan is a CPA licensed in California and Nevada. You can contact him @ 510 432 7438. You may e-mail tax questions at amaglan@aol.com or taxsaverspro@gmail.com.
PAGE 5 Feb. 6, 2014 - Feb. 12, 2014
Moscow school siege: two dead but hostage pupils freed MOSCOW -- A brief hostage situation at a Moscow school on Monday ended with all the children freed, but a policeman and teacher were killed. Police said the gunman, who took two dozen 15-year-old pupils hostage, was a fellow student at the school, possibly on a revenge mission. The incident came as Russia sits on a high security alert before the Winter Olympics, which start in the southern city of Sochi later this week. The gunman does not appear to be linked in any way to organized terror groups. The student, named only as Sergei, was armed with two rifles, and forced a security guard at School 263 in north-east Moscow to let him inside the building. He then apparently entered a classroom of around 20 students. Students present told the Russian website Life News that the shooter was wearing a long woman’s fur coat, and had two rifles and two bags of bullets. A statement from the Investigative Committee said that the
shooter had taken aim at a teacher while on his way to the classroom and the teacher later died. Those in the classroom said the gunman entered the room and shot the 36-yearold geography teacher twice in the chest, before aiming a final shot at his head. “He started telling us how he had come to this, and said that he wanted to know if there is life after death, and came to shoot before he died,” said one of the students. Another said it was clear from his expression that he was very scared, and added that the student had not had previous conflicts with the teacher or any other students. Students from other classes were evacuated. When police arrived, the hostage taker shot at them from a window. One policeman later died of his wounds, while another is injured. Later, the gunman began to speak on his mobile phone, apparently to his father, who calmed him down and persuaded him to give himself up. The siege lasted less than two hours.
US warns Israel over distortion of Kerry remarks JERUSALEM -- The US hit back at Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday after the Israeli prime minister warned that calls for boycotts of Israel to pressure it over settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are “immoral and unjustified” and would not achieve their goal. In a public spat that reflected tensions over slowmoving Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, the state department rebuked Netanyahu for apparently misrepresenting the words of the US secretary of state, John Kerry. Another senior rightwing minister accused Kerry of serving as a “mouthpiece” for antisemitic views. Speaking on the record at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting, the Israeli prime minister said that the grow-
ing international boycott movement would only “push peace farther away” by encouraging Palestinian intransigence. “No pressure will force me to give up the vital interests of the state of Israel, above all the security of the citizens of Israel,” Netanyahu stated. The remarks followed Kerry’s warning on Saturday that failure to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians would damage Israel’s capacity to be a democratic state and could lead to more boycotts. “The risks are very high for Israel,” he said at an international security conference in Munich. “People are talking about boycott. That will intensify in the case of failure. We all have a strong interest in this conflict resolution.
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HOMELAND
Blast hits Zambo church; 4 injured FIVE people were injured Sunday when motorcycle-riding men hurled a grenade into a church in a Zamboanga City that was destroyed by an earthquake last year, officials said. One of two men on the motorcycle threw the grenade into the church in a suburb of Zamboanga just as a group of senior citizens were meeting there, police and district officials said. Four senior citizens and one passer-by were injured, said district chief Jodifer Arquiza. “It [the motive] is unlikely to be personal,” Arquiza said. “What can they get from these senior citizens? Perhaps this is a message.” Chief Inspector Felixberto Martinez said they were pursuing all possible leads but could not give a motive for the attack. The bombing came days after troops elsewhere in Mindanao launched a major operation against a break-
away Muslim rebel group opposed to peace talks with the main Muslim rebel organization, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Zamboanga City was also the scene of a bloody siege in September by another Muslim armed group that feared the peace talks with the MILF would sideline them. More than 240 people were killed in the three weeks of fighting in Zamboanga, a city with a mixed Christian and Muslim population. Despite the threats of violence, government and MILF negotiators on Jan. 25 announced that they had successfully completed talks aimed at ending a decades-long Muslim insurgency that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. President Benigno Aquino III recently said the government would crush “spoiler” rebels that might try to derail the peace process with the MILF.
Senators on COA ‘pork’ order: Nothing to return MANILA, Philippines - None of the senators asked by the Commission on Audit (COA) to return pork barrel funds deemed anomalously spent is likely to comply with the order. COA earlier sent notices of disallowance to Senate minority leader Juan Ponce Enrile, Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. and Gregorio Honasan to return funds they had allegedly diverted to non-government organizations linked to businesswoman Janet LimNapoles from 2007 to 2009. Enrile, Estrada and Revilla said they cannot be forced to return even a single centavo since their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) had never passed their hands. The three senators are facing plunder complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the pork barrel fund scam. Honasan has not issued a statement on the matter. Estrada said the implementing agencies, not him or his colleagues, should be held accountable for the millions of pork barrel funds supposedly siphoned off by the Napoles-linked NGOs. We will have to appeal (with COA) as I have mentioned before, we are not the custodian of funds. They should run after implementing agencies,” Estrada said. He said he hopes to get fair treatment from COA chief Grace Pulido-Tan. “But knowing the chairperson of COA, it is very obvi-
ous that she is biased against me. If my appeal is denied, we will have to elevate it to the Supreme Court,” he said. For his part, Enrile said he is unfazed by the COA move. “I will answer them. The only thing that I was issued was a SARO (special allotment release order) but, I did not even receive the SARO, it was received by other agencies of government,” Enrile said. “I am not an accountable person.” Revilla, speaking through his lawyer Joel Bodegon, echoed his colleagues’ position. “Sen. Bong Revilla stole no money from the government, much less from the PDAF, and therefore there is nothing for him to return to the government,” the lawyer said. “The COA disallowance does not apply to him as it is without basis whatsoever,” he said. “In any event, this matter is already filed before the court in the civil suit filed by Sen. Bong Revilla,” he said. He was referring to a civil suit filed with a Cavite court seeking to compel pork barrel scam whistle-blower Benhur Luy to return pork funds deemed stolen. “As admitted by Luy and his co-conspirators, they forged the signatures of Sen. Bong Revilla in the documents falsified by them and which they used in conspiracy with the implementing agencies to successfully steal, as they did, the money from the PDAF and made it appear that Sen. Bong Revilla was the one behind the scam,” Bodegon said.
The San Francisco Post
Rice smuggling stays unabated ZAMBOANGA CITY – Cheap imported rice is flooding the city’s public markets, prompting city officials to look for ways to stop the alleged smuggling of the prime commodity. Mayor Beng Climaco yesterday said she has ordered the police to intensify their anti-smuggling campaign but conceded they’re still finding ways on how to address the problem. “We are still studying the nuances of the operation,” said Climaco, citing the difficulty they’re facing. “As everyone knows, we’re very near Malaysia and there are many private wharfs where goods can be unloaded.” Before the siege of Zamboanga last year, Climaco said police confiscated 3,000 sacks of rice that arrived between July and August. “But after turning them over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC), customs officials simply returned them to the shippers,” she complained. Climaco said they wrote to then Customs chief Ruffy Biazon about the incident but the issue was overtaken by the armed conflict last September when members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fought the military for nearly three weeks. Pressed for his reaction, BOC district collector Enrico Turingan Jr., said taxes have been paid for the imported rice at their BOC sub port offices in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Turingan said they could not act against the
shipment because corresponding taxes have been paid at their ports of entry. He added that the goods are surplus rice supplies which traders have imported from Malaysia. The customs official said rice traders from the three provinces are just disposing of their supplies to this city, “hence there is no need for us to confiscate their goods and tagged it as smuggled rice.” During their campaign against rice smuggling, police authorities prevented the entry of thousands of sacks of imported rice stocks after shippers failed to produce the necessary documents like the authority to transport, importation documents and BOC payment receipt of taxes paid from their port of origin. However, the BOC simply returned the confiscated goods to the shippers, which according to the police could be seen as a sign that customs officials may have been conniving with rice smugglers. Imported rice is being sold at P1,600, just a little higher than NFA rice and cheaper than locally-produced commercial rice. National Food Authority (NFA) Zamboanga City Manager Gaudencio Nuega said their office has no authority to confiscate the arrival of imported rice to this city. Nuega said the only participation of NFA is when the shipper secures a “permit to transport” from the port of origin if the goods reach 200 sacks or more.
AFP ends offensive; BIFF regroups MANILA -- The military on ures and vowed to continue “The MNLF-BIFF forged a Sunday admitted that renegade its attacks against the govern- kind of friendship probably rebels from the Bangsamoro ment. because both parties shared Islamic Freedom Fighters “We will continue our fight the same aspiration and deswere still a constant threat to until the last drop of our tiny,” Cerveza said. civilian communities in Ma- blood,” said Abu Misry Mama. The military was able to guindanao despite the military A spokesman for the Moro Na- capture a BIFF encampment victories over the in Barangay group in five days Ganta Shariff of intense fighting Saydona at the that left 53 dead height of the and 49 wounded. fighting. In a statement, Operation Col. Ramon ZaDarkhorse gala, spokesman against the of the Armed BIFF was terForces, said the minated Sunmilitary had sucday with the cessfully restrict- Government troops engage in a clearing operation after capturing the expiration of ed the movements Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters’ main camp in Barangay Ganta, Shariff the 72-hour exof BIFF rebels Saydona Mustapha town, Maguindanao, on Feb. 1, 2014. tension granted and prevented the by the Joint Ad spread of violence Hoc Joint Acto nearby areas. tional Liberation Front , Absa- tion Group of the government “However, many of BIFF’s lom Cerveza, added that the and the Moro Islamic Liberamembers have standing war- BIFF was just regrouping and tion Front (MILF), which are rants of arrest and their pro- evaluating their next option in working toward a comprehenlonged evasion will pose case fighting erupts again. sive peace agreement that the threats in communities where “The BIFF have not lost the BIFF and MNLF Misuari facthe BIFF is contained,” Zagala battle, they have just retreated tion oppose. said. for a better position,” Cerveza The military operation was Until they are arrested, he said. launched last week in support said, the rebels continue to be The MNLF faction led by its of a police drive to serve ara threat to peace and stability founder, Nur Misuari, and the rest warrants to BIFF memin Maguindanao and neighbor- BIFF have forged an informal bers, including their leader, ing provinces, he added. tactical alliance that Cerveza Ameril Umra Kato, for variA spokesman for the BIFF said “was dictated by the exi- ous crimes, including kidnap questioned the military’s fig- gencies.” for ransom and murder.
Contractor corners P5B Ceza project MANILA —A big-time contractor, who has close personal and business ties to the former chief of staff of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and her family, cornered the bulk of P5 billion in state largesse given to the Cagayan Freeport in Sta. Ana town, Cagayan province, in the last five years. Alice G. Eduardo, president and chief executive officer of Sta. Elena Construction & Development Corp., has been awarded the 1,000-meter breakwater project under the Port Irene rehabilitation and development program, which costs a total of P5.101 billion, and “is envisioned to improve the economic activities of Cagayan.” “There must be something special about that company. Imagine, winning multiple biddings for the single biggest project in a free port controlled by one man since its inception,” Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said when informed by the Inquirer about how a single firm cornered the bulk of the government’s subsidies to Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (Ceza). Santiago added: “There is basis for the Department of Justice to probe this contract as this could be part of an apparent web of corruption and criminality woven by Senator Enrile.”
According to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) documents compiled by the Inquirer Research team, Eduardo was president of Sta. Fe Builders Dredging & Equipment Corp., whose chair, Neal Jose O. Gonzales, is the brother of Jessica Lucilla “Gigi” Reyes, Enrile’s former chief aide. Reyes fled the country in August last year after being implicated in the P10-billion pork barrel scam allegedly masterminded by detained businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles. Whistle-blowers tagged her as one of the senatorial chiefs of staff who facilitated the transfer of their bosses’ pork to bogus nongovernment organizations traced to Napoles. Reyes’ mother, Gloria O. Cooper, was one of the directors of Sta. Fe Builders, which was formed in December 2011 as a construction firm for buildings, houses and condominiums, roads, plants, bridges, airfields, piers, waterworks and railroads. The company has the same office address as Eduardo’s Sta. Elena Construction, which was formed in May 2006, and J. Vitangcol Construction at No. 1625 Leon Guinto St., Malate, Manila.
IMMIGRATION
The San Francisco Post
PAGE 7 Feb. 6, 2014 - Feb. 12, 2014
May spousal abuse be a basis for waiver of joint petitionto remove condition on residence I
f you entered into a good faith marriage but after the marriage your U.S. citizen of lawful permanent resident spouse is abusing you, then you do not have to sacrifice to get your permanent resident. You can immediately apply for a waiver of joint filing based on the information and document that you are an abused spouse. Your dependent children can be included in this application to remove condition on residence. If your abusive spouse has not filed a permanent resident petition for you, you may file the petition by yourself with the proof that you are an abused spouse. A self petitioner who married an abusive U.S. citizen may file an adjustment of status at the same time that the self petition is filed. If the spouse of the self petitioner is a lawful permanent resident he or she will have to wait until the I-360 petition is approved and the priority date for the second preference is current. VAWA also applies to men who are abused by their spouse. Spousal abuse includes physical or psychological abuse. In physical abuse the best evidence is a police report or medical report while in a psychological abuse the evidence could be an evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist. uestion: Who qualifies for self-petition and cancellation of removal under Violence against Women Act (VAWA)? nswer: The following qualify for self-petition and cancellation of removal: 1. Abused spouse, former spouse, or intended spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. 2. Abused child of U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. 3. Non-abusive parent of a child who was subjected to domestic violence or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parent. uestion: When can a self petitioner file an application for work authorization? nswer: A self petitioner is eligible for employment authorization upon approval of the self petition or upon filing of adjustment of status whichever comes first. uestion: What are the advantages of adjustment of status under VAWA compared to the regular adjustment of status? nswer: VAWA adjustment of status has the following advantages:
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1. VAWA self pewho entered the U.S. By Atty. Crispin C. Lozano titioner need not have as single but actually been inspected or admitmarried. . On October 24, 2013, we received an ted into the U.S. This means that “Entered approval by an Immigration Judge on without Inspection” or “present without the review of I-751 Application to Remove authorization” are eligible under VAWA. 2. Having worked without authorization is Condition on Residence that was previously denied by USCIS. not a bar to adjustment. 3. Having overstayed a nonimmigrant visa . On October 2, 2013, we received an or having violated the terms of nonimmiapprovgrant visa is not a bar to adjustment. al of ad4. Having been admitted as a nonimmi- j u s t m e n t grant under “D” [crewmember], “C” [alien of status in transit without a visa], or “S” [govern- based on ment witness] does not disqualify self S A M E petitioner from adjustment of status. The S E X regular adjustment of status provision does M A R not allow them to adjust. RIAGE. 5. Having been admitted under Visa Waiv. er program is not a bar to adjustment. On June 6. Self petitioners do not have to pay the 3, 2013, we $1000 penalty if they adjust status under received an Sec. 245(i). approval from USNote: This is not a legal advice. The Law Office CIS of a of Crispin C. Lozano has successfully received p e t i t i o n approvals for many VAWA cases that continued despite UCCESS STORIES the death of the peti. On January 24, 2014, we received an- tioner unother approval for waiver of misrepre- der Public sentation from the Immigration Court for law 111an alien who entered as single but actually 83. married. . On January 14, 2014, we received an Crispin Caapproval from USCIS of a green card day Lozano under law on Registry for a person who has is an active been in the U.S. since before 1972. member of . On January 6, 2014, we received an the State Bar approval of waiver of misrepresentation of California, from Immigration Judge for a client who the American entered as single but actually married. Immigration . On November 21, 2013, we received Lawyers Asan approval from USCIS for adjustment sociation and of status under SAME SEX MARRIAGE. the National . On November 14, 2013, we received Association an approval of adjustment of status from of Consumers Immigration Judge for a client who was Bankruptcy originally denied adjustment by USCIS. Attorneys. He . On November 4, 2013, we received an specializes in approval of waiver of misrepresentation immigration from the Immigration Judge for a client law and bank-
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ruptcy law. He earned his Juris Doctor at Western State University College of Law in Fullerton, California. He is also a Certified Public Accountant, a Real Estate Broker and a Bachelor of Business Administration Cum Laude graduate. He has offices in San Francisco, Hayward, San Jose, and Cerritos, California. You can contact him at 1-877-456-9266. Email questions to crispinlozano@gmail.com/. Visit our website at www.crispinlozanolaw.com.
PAGE 8 Feb. 6, 2014 - Feb. 12, 2014
The San Francisco Post
The San Francisco Post
PAGE 9 Feb. 6, 2014 - Feb. 12, 2014
The San Francisco Post HEALTH Third-hand smoke linked to liver, lung and skin problems
PAGE 10 Feb. 6, 2014 - Feb. 12, 2014
W
hile the physical evidence of secondhand smoke can be seen wafting through the air, thirdhand smoke is a more clandestine health threat. The invisible remnant of tobacco smoke that clings to surfaces and even dust, thirdhand smoke is linked to several adverse health effects in a new study published in PLOS ONE. According to the researchers, from the University of California-Riverside (UCR), tobacco smoke affects around 1.5 billion smokers worldwide, but several billion more are at an “underappreciated health risk” from cigarette smoke exposure. Although many parents who smoke may protect their children from exposure to secondhand smoke, the researchers say the effects of thirdhand smoke are also dangerous. They cite previous research suggesting that children living with adults who smoke in the home are absent from school 40% more days than children who do not live with smokers. Medical News Today recently reported on a study that suggested secondhand smoke
exposure is linked to hosp[ital readmission for asthmatic children. But researchers from this latest study say thirdhand smoke is left on surfaces and ages over time,
becoming increasingly more toxic. The team suggests second and thirdhand smoke are just as harmful as firsthand smoke. And the threat does not only ap-
ply to smokers, the team explains. Even after smokers move out of a house or ho-
tel, thirdhand smoke and its accompanying carcinogens remain. To conduct their study, the team - led by Prof. Manuela Martins-Green of UCR studied the effects of thirdhand smoke on mice, looking at “several organ systems under conditions that simulated thirdhand smoke exposure of humans,” Prof. Martins-Green explains. After exposure to thirdhand smoke, these mice showed alterations in several organs
and excreted levels of a tobacco carcinogen that are similar to those found in children confronted with secondhand smoke. In detail, the thirdhand smoke increased lipid levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is a forerunner to cirrhosis, cancer and cardiovascular disease. It also increased collagen production and inflammatory cytokine levels in the lungs, which has implications for fibrosis, pulmonary disease and asthma. The mice also showed poor healing of wounded skin and exhibited hyperactive behavior. Prof. Martins-Green comments on their findings: “The latter data, combined with emerging associated behavioral problems in children exposed to second and thirdhand smoke suggests that with prolonged exposure, they may be at significant risk for developing more severe neurological disorders.” The team says their results form a basis for future studies looking at the harmful effects of thirdhand smoke in humans, potentially informing regulatory policies aimed at prevention.
Looking Good
W
ith the prospect of the u p comi n g LET’S HAVE COFFEE elecBy tions Don Augusto Orozco coming on 2016, SWS or the Social Weather Station has stirred up the competition by coming up with survey results that tends to make politicians react positively or negatively to this survey. Malacanang this week vowed to work harder and smarter in the last two years of its occupancy. This is the positive reaction after learning a survey result that showed a lower net satisfaction rating on the general performance of the national government. Looking Good. ….. The Philippine Peso has depreciated tp P45.45 to a dollar, its lowest in nearly four years and for the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their beneficiaries, this means better days for them. I remember way back then when the peso was sliding to a low P40 - $1, someone from OWWA, who was an advocate for OFWs was
asking Bangko Sentral to retain the P50 - $1 for our OFWs. But it did not materialize. Believe it or not, experts say it is due to the financial upheaval in Argentina. Looking Good. ….. Former Senator and now Rehabilitation Czar Panfilo Ping Lacson has come out and declared that there are no overpricing in the Yolanda bunkhouses. This was the result of their findings to the alleged overpricing but has nevertheless stated that it was obvious that it was substandard. Was it not the reason why people say there is overpricing! Plus, good thing the government has adjusted the size of the bunkhouse from a mere 8.64 square meters to 17.28 square meters. It is still small but at least it has more space now. Looking Good. ….. The hard hitting mayor of Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is at it again. He has reiterated his warning to rice smugglers to leave Davao alone. He said that the reason he again came out in the open is just to respond to the request of BIR Commissioner Kim Henares. He added that the reason he is pursuing this is to prevent people from thinking that he himself is into smuggling. Looking Good. ….. Malacanang may have a low survey result but the Vice President
is not. Vice President Jojo Binay is also looking good. In the fourth quarter rating of the Social Weather Station or SWS, 875% of the respondents have indicated their satisfaction to the performance of the Vice President. It seems that his rating seems to be getting consistent despite some efforts of other sectors to thwart whatever gains he has made in his performance. But ther is still a long way to go. We will see. Looking Good. ….. SHORTS…It is again with pride and honor to learn that another Filipina has given the Filipino people another reason to celebrate. Quezon City native Maria Jazsmine is the voice behind the campaign of Malaysia’s Tourism Board….Two Fil-Ams have given us another reason to proud Filipinos. Newly Superbowl Champs Filipino-American Doug Baldwin Jr played a vital role in the game clincher last Sunday while Singer Musician Filipino American Bruno Mars entertained the rest of the worl during the half time of the Superbowl…Meanwhile, things are getting more confusing. Who is telling the truth, is it Vhong Navarro or is it the duo of Deniece Cornejo and Cedric Lee? Lots of twists and counter twists. Well, showbiz indeed never cease to entertain us. For comments please email me at don.orozco@sf-post. com .
REAL ESTATE Eagle Rock named second hottest real estate neighborhood in US EAGLE ROCK—The Los Angeles community was named the second hottest neighborhood for real estate in United States for 2014, according to a report released in January by the Redfin Research Center, an online real estate research reporting agency. Along with Bernal Heights North Slope, San Francisco; Morningside-Lenox Park, Atlanta; and Upper Chevy Chase, Washington, D.C.; Eagle Rock was chosen because of it’s growth in popularity over the last four months, based on Redfin page views and realtor comments. “Eagle Rock has grown increasingly popular because it has so much to offer,” said Earnest Watts, a Redfin Real Estate agent in Silver Lake, Echo Park and Hollywood,
in the report. “Even though you’re in the Los Angeles area, [Eagle Rock] has a small town feel. You’ll find well-kept homes often full of charm and character on mature tree-lined streets. Some [home] buyers are attracted to the schools, and others appreciate the many great shops, bars, and restaurants on Colorado Blvd.” According to the Redfin report, Eagle Rock boasted an increase of
page views, presumably by those looking to purchase homes, by 128%. The area currently has a median single-family home sale price of $539,000. “After a year in which [national home] prices [increased] 13%, Americans are checking out stillclose-in but oftenoverlooked neighborhoods in search of affordability, even if means lessfashionable restaurants or a home that needs a little more work,” Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman wrote in the report.
AROUND TOWN
The San Francisco Post
PAGE 11 Feb. 6, 2014 - Feb. 12, 2014
THE SF Post Special Feature : MEET YOUR CANDIDATES Part 1 Madison Nguyen : The Filipino Connection
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June 2014 several B a y Area cities will conduct local elections to replace incumbent local officials that are no longer interested to run, officials that are termed out and officials that are seeking re-election. In the Bay Area, Asian Americans have lorded it over due to the overwhelming number of Asians who have migrated in the United States particularly the Silicon Valley. To mention a few you may have heard of the Mayor of San Francisco in the person of Ed Lee. There is Oakland City Mayor Jean Quan. Add to the list John Chiang, California State Controller and District 8 State Senator Leland Yee. All of whom are of Chinese descent and are either born or naturalized in the United States. There are two prominent figures in the Bay Area that are of Japanese descent. They are Congressman Mike Honda and former San Jose Mayor Norman Mineta. Not to be outdone, the Filipino American community also has former Daly City Mayor Mike Guingona and Rob Bonta, the first Filipino-American elected to the California State legislature. One of the shining stars in the world of politics in the Bay Area is District 7 Council member and Vice Mayor of San Jose Madison Nguyen, the very first Vietnamese American elected to the city council of San Jose. Madison was born in Vietnam to Nho and Dang Nguyen on January 10, 1975. At age four, her family fled war torn Vietnam. As her parents loaded them together with her siblings into a small fishing boat and left Vietnam with no possessions and only their clothes on their back her family floated from the middle of the ocean. After a week at sea, they were rescued and taken at a refugee camp in the Philippines. This is basically the start of her connections to the Filipino community and the Philippines. Together
with her parents, they lived for nearly three years in a cramped and dusty quarters that was provided for by the current Philippine government. She vividly remembers that at a very young and tender age, she was able to live a life full of good and bad memories. Her parents has kept on reminding her of their very simple, modest and humble life that they are all so thankful to the hospitality provided for by the Philippine government in general and the Filipino community in particular. In 1982, a church in Scottsdale, Arizona, sponsored the family of 10, allowing them to embark upon their version of the American dream. After a year in Arizona, they decided to move to Modesto, California and have found work in the agricultural fields of Central Valley. Years of hard field labor coupled with a great family support system, Madison realized that good education was the to achieve her goals. She was admitted at the University of California, Santa Cruz and went on to complete a graduate degree at the University of Chicago. After graduation, Madison returned to California to pursue a PhD in Sociology at UC Santa Cruz. Her exposure to politics started at the age of 27. Madison run and was elected to the Franklin-McKinley Board of Education, becoming the first Vietnamese American woman elected to any public office in California. A few years later in 2005, Madison decided to run for the San Jose City Council. She was elected with 62% of the votes, becoming the first Vietnamese American to serve on the San Jose City Council. In 2007 Madison married and had a beautiful daughter. As council member, Madison represents a district of nearly 100,000 residents. She was unanimously chosen by her peers to be Vice Mayor a position she held for the last seven years. As Vice Mayor, Madison Nguyen strives to make the City of San Jose a safe and healthy place to live, work and raise a family. She has authored and supported many positive policies including prohibition of smoking in public parks, community centers and libraries; developed frameworks to retain lands for employment opportunities, introduced policies relating to economic development, fair housing, a living wage, public safety and transportation needs. Vice Mayor Nguyen currently serves as the Chair of the Neighborhood Services and Education Committee, Vice Chair of the Public Safety, Finance and Strategic Support Committee; Member of the Rules and Open Government
The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Santa Clara County posing for a picture after their very first mixer for the year was hosted BPinoy Remittance Center in Seafood City at Milpitas. The mixer was held last Thursday January 30 in Seasons Mall in Milpitas. The following are the participants.
Committee, Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force, and San Jose/Santa Clara Water Treatment Plant Advisory Committee. Vice Mayor Nguyen published her first book, “Vietnam to America: My Journey of Dreams” in 2012. She is pas-
Madison have spearheaded as well as organized several fundraisers to provide a helping hand to the country who has embraced her and took her and her family at a time when they desperately needed help. For Madison, it was just giving back to the community who adopted her in
Grand Opening A2Zee Beauty Spa: This Saturday will be the Grand Opening of A2Zee Beauty Spa, located at 1715 Lundy Ave, Unit #192 in the Pacific Rim Plaza II, corner of Hostetter and Lundy Ave., San Jose, CA. A2Zee Beauty Spa is a place for family. Founded within a family, and run as a family, you will walk in feeling right at home. A2Zee Beauty Spa was founded as a mother and daughter team. As a team, we built our first store from the ground up with the help of the entire family. A2Zee Beauty Spa is a family affair, and the customer will always feel at home when here. We offer the best products in facials, waxing, threading and nail care. Every experience should be about you, the customer. The facials are appointment only so as to make sure we target your unique skin’s needs. We use both hard and soft wax for your preference, and have a private room for anything you may need done. We offer the ancient art of threading for the face
sionate about local government and sees herself as a public servant who is always willing to lend a helping hand when called upon and recalls her roots. Recently, after typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines,
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their most trying years of her childhood. This is Vice Mayor Madison Nguyen. Candidate for City Mayor of San Jose. Connected to the Filipino American community.
The San Francisco Post SPORTS Pacquiao, Bradley both seek Petron exacts revenge, routs redemption in rematch Rain or Shine BEVERLY HILLS — Manny Pacquiao and ranging from catcalls on the street to death PAGE 12 Feb. 6, 2014 - Feb. 12, 2014
Timothy Bradley intend to leave no doubt this time. Nearly two years after Bradley beat the Filipino congressman in a hotly disputed split decision, the welterweights both seemed uncommonly confident Tuesday as they began promotional work for their April 12 rematch. That’s because each man is still unshakably certain he won their first meeting. “I want to maintain my name at the top and prove I can still fight,” Pacquiao said. “My career is not done yet.” The June 2012 decision was savaged by fans, media and even Bob Arum, both fighters’ promoter. They all believed Pacquiao’s power and combinations had beaten Bradley’s elusiveness and tactical approach. Bradley (31-0, 12 KOs) still feels wronged by the reactions to the biggest win of his life,
threats in the mail. “With all the controversy, this fight is about redemption,” Bradley said. “I want to redeem what I didn’t get, which is the credit. It’s important for me to make the win decisive in the people’s eyes this time. I’ve already got a win. This is so I can walk down the street and nobody says, ‘Hey, you didn’t win that fight, man.’ That hurts me.” Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KOs) and trainer Freddie Roach both believe Pacquiao won essentially every round in the first bout. But the Pacman still wants to prove he’s back on top of his game by avenging the loss that snapped his 15-fight winning streak. “I’m not angry anymore,” Pacquiao said. “I was surprised by the decision, but I’m the kind of person that I respect the decision of the judges.” But did Pacquiao agree that Bradley gave him “a boxing lesson,” in the infamous words of judge Duane Ford? “I think I gave him a boxing lesson, and the judges gave him that,” Pacquiao said with a smile.
MANILA - Worn down bra and San Mig Coffee break in an up-tempo duel in the their two-game standoff in first game then reduced to Game Three of their own a pulp in a rugged, physical semis duel at 5 p.m. tonight at battle in the next, Petron the MOA Arena. Blaze used hot shooting hands to pull off a huge 10673 vengeful victory over Rain or Shine in Game Three of their PLDT M y D S L PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal Junmar Fajardo of Petron (right) won’t give Belga of Rain or Shine a chance to deny confronta- Beau him ball possession in Game 3 of their semifition at the nal series yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena. Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City yesterday. The Kings come off their bigBeaten by a combined gest win in five years and the margin of 27 points in the Mixers from their worst playfirst two games, the Boost- offs loss in 16 years. ers, their ego bruised, topped “The good news for us is you that as they cranked up and don’t get extra wins in the sefired on all cylinders all the ries for a blowout. It’s still just way to garbage time of the 1-1,” said coach Tim Cone lopsided match marred by whose San Mig team was the ejection of Rain or Shine blown off the floor by Ginecoach Yeng Guiao in the third bra, 93-64, Friday. “But we quarter. certainly have to pick it up, The Boosters torched the me especially.” Elasto Painters with a burnThe Boosters worked with ing 8-of-14 three-point shoot- their butts out for 48 mining in the first half and blazed utes to fashion out their through to the finish, thus own rout of the E-Painters. avoiding falling to a deep 0-3 “In the first game, we were hole. surprised by the physicalInstead, Petron has a chance ity of the semis. We played to catch up with Rain or Shine well in the second game but at 2-2 in Game Four set at 8 it wasn’t enough. We knew p.m. tomorrow at the Smart what to do all throughout Araneta Coliseum. in this game,” said Petron Meanwhile, Barangay Gine- coach Gee Abanilla.
“We fouled less in this game. We sent them to the line just a few times. And Junmar was patient enough finding open guys. He’s slowly adapting to it and recognizing it properly,” Abanilla also said. Petron gunners Alex Cabagnot, Chris Lutz, Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter and Ronald Tubid came out to provide center Junmar Fajardo the help they failed to supply in Game One and Game Two. They combined for six three-pointers in the opening quarter and a total of eight in the first half as the Boosters pulled away early without looking back. In the series’ first two games, the Petron backcourt and wing players failed to complement Fajardo’s inside game. Making the push together in Game Three, the Boosters stormed to a 59-36 halftime lead and hardly ceased even with the outcome beyond reach in the homestretch. Santos, the league reigning MVP, delivered an MVP performance, coming up with 22 points and 18 rebounds – his ninth double-double game in the conference. And Santos drew the second technical foul resulting in the ejection of Guiao late in the third as the Petron ace forward showboated a little in front of the Rain or Shine bench after saving a loose ball. Guiao showed a dirty finger as Santos ran in front of him.
Manning wins 5th MVP award
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NEW YORK -- Peyton Manning made his fifth MVP award a family affair. Manning’s record-setting season earned him The Associated Press NFL MVP award Saturday night in a landslide. No other player has won more than three. Denver’s record-setting quarterback, who threw for 55 touchdowns and 5,477 yards in leading the Broncos to the AFC’s best record, earned 49 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league. New England quarterback Tom Brady got the other vote. Manning won his other MVPs with Indianapolis in 2003, `04, `08 and `09. He also was the runnerup last season to Adrian Peterson. “I am humbled by this recognition and grateful to my family, (Broncos owner) Pat Bowlen, John Elway, John Fox and the entire Denver Broncos organization, and of course, my coaches and my teammates,” Manning said in a prepared video acceptance speech. He was not on hand as he gets ready for Sunday’s Super Bowl against Seattle. “Now, I sent a couple of guys over there tonight to pick up the trophy on my behalf: my father Archie and my son Marshall. Thank you very much and God bless you.” Archie Manning, holding his grandson Marshall in his arms, accepted the award from two more MVPs, Joe Montana and Aaron Rodgers. Manning still trails several Hall of Famers for total MVPs in their sport. Wayne Gretzky won nine NHL MVPs, Barry Bonds owns seven in baseball, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won six in the NBA.
Manning also took the AP’s Offensive Player of the Year award for the second time. Elway accepted the Offensive Player award on Manning’s behalf. “I can say I have never seen a better year played by a quarterback than Peyton Manning,” said Elway, a Broncos executive who won the MVP award in 1987. “To see what he did this year, it was truly amazing.” Manning received 33 votes for the offensive player honor. He also was runner-up last year to Peterson for the award. This time, running back LeSean McCoy of Philadelphia was second with 10 votes, followed by Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles with four. Carolina grabbed two major awards, with Ron Rivera winning AP NFL Coach of the Year and linebacker Luke Kuechly voted top defensive player. Rivera engineered the Panthers’ turnaround from a 7-9 record to 12-4, the NFC South title and a first-round playoff bye. Kuechly keyed a defense that allowed 241 points, less than every team except NFC champion Seattle. “I had no idea,” he said of adding the award to the top defensive rookie honors he got last season. “You look at the list of guys: Robert Mathis, a sack master, a guy that forced a lot of fumbles. And obviously, everybody knows about Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas. Those guys are both studs.”
The San Francisco Post
SHOWBIZ
Deniece Cornejo to Vhong Navarro: Fear hell, be a man MANILA, Philippines–The camp of ily restrict him or her from leaving the model-stylist Deniece Cornejo has asked country. the Department of Justice (DOJ) to place “In the spirit of fairness, we hope that comedian and TV Ferdinand “Vhong” the DOJ will act on our request for an Navarro under the Bureau of Immigra- LBO against Navarro. His [rape] case, tion’s lookout bulif not higher, is letin list for being a at par with the flight risk. serious illegal Cornejo’s lawyer detention case Howard Calleja filed against my said Tuesday he client,” Calleja had already sent said. a letter to Justice In the StarSecretary Leila de talk interview, Lima to issue Cornejo stood a look out bulfirm on her letin order (LBO) story, swearing against Navarro by her life that since the actor she is telling himself had althe truth. She ready been charged aired an emobefore the Taguig Deniece Cornejo in Startalk Interview tional message Prosecutor with to Navarro, tellrape. ing him to fear a Cornejo’s request against Navarro came second life in hell. four days after the DOJ issued an LBO She furthered that hurting her is as good against her, businessman Cedric Lee and as hurting other rape victims and that she his sister Bernice, Ferdinand Guerrero, serves to give strength to others who and Zimmer Rance. They were allegedly have been abused or hurt. involved in the mauling of Navarro last Cornejo said that if there’s anyone who January 22. was dehumanized, it was her. With an LBO, immigration officials Despite this, she added that she will on all ports nationwide are alerted of an continue to pray for the actor, also hopindividual’s movement but not necessar- ing for his family’s understanding.
PAGE 13 Feb. 6, 2014 - Feb. 12, 2014
Vhong Navarro vs Deniece Cornejo: Grin and bear it MANILA, Philippines—An unofficial survey conducted by INQUIRER.net showed that most of the people who joined the poll think comedian and TV host Vhong Navarro has a more credible story compared to Deniece Cornejo and Cedric Lee over the mauling incident at a posh condominium in Taguig City two weeks ago. The week-long poll generated a total of 34,579 respondents, with 80.32 percent (27,774 votes) favoring Navarro on the question: Who do you think is telling the truth in the Vhong Navarro controversy? Only 2,382 respondents, or 6.89 percent, think Cornejo and Lee are telling the truth. The rest, 4,423 respondents, or 12.79 percent, think none of the personalities involved in the case were telling the truth. Condo security fined for not reporting Vhong Navarro’s mauling
officials of United Megaforce to shed light on the Jan. 22 incident involving Navarro, Lee and model Deniece Cornejo who had accused the TV host of rape. Lee—a friend of Cornejo—said he walked into her F o r beswood Heights condominium unit and caught Navarro r a p ing her, prompting him and his compan- Vhong Navarro after the surions to gery beat him up. The actor, on the other hand, claimed that it was all a setup so that Lee could extort money from him. “We were wondering why they [did not report the mauling immediately]. For that alone, they are at fault. That’s why we are penalizing them,” Celedio told reporters. He said the security agency should have informed the nearest police station of the incident within 24 hours after it happened as required by SOSIA’s existing policy. Meanwhile, a Department of Justice (DOJ) panel tasked to conduct a preliminary investigation of the criminal complaint filed by Navarro against Lee, Cornejo and six others will also hear the model’s rape complaint against the TV host.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday imposed a P5,000 fine on the security agency of a ritzy condominium in Taguig City, where TV host-actor Vhong Navarro was beaten up by the group of businessman Cedric Lee, for its failure to report the incident to the police. United Megaforce Security Services Inc. may also lose its license to operate if it is found to have committed major lapses, according to Chief Insp. Sonny Celedio, administrative officer of the PNP Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agency (SOSIA). The PNP imposed the penalty after SOSIA—the police unit tasked to supervise Leaders of the local showbiz industry expressed torture on anyone regardless of his economic private security agencies—summoned their support for actor-host Vhong Navarro, or social standing society. Let the law prevail. who is currently recovering after he was beaten Let the court decide,” the statement read. up at a condomonium in Taguig last January 22. The showbiz industry also denounced the atIn a statement read on “Buzz ng Bayan” on tack on Navarro and expressed full support in Sunday, the country’s entertainment industry the plea for justice of the “It’s Showtime” host. called the mauling incident involving Navarro, “In view of this, the undersigned leaders and businessman Cedric Lee and model Deniece officers representing the various sector of the M A N I L A , Cornejo “horrible” and said no one has the right Philippine entertainment industry unilaterally Philippines– to “torture” anyone. regret and denounce the brutal attack against C o m e d i a n “On January 24, 2014, the entire Philippine our colleague, Mr. Navarro, we likewise ex- and TV host entertainment industry was shocked to learn of press full support in his plea for justice,” it Vhong Navarro and the horrible incident involving TV host-actor added. Deniece Vhong Navarro. No one has any right to inflict Cornejo may face each other at the Department of Justice on MANILA, Philippines–Gerry Velasquez, the father of “We are hoping he’d be strong enough to watch,” she Valentine’s singer-actress Regine Velasquez, passed away Monday. said. “If not, we cannot do anything about it.” Day. He was 76. Known in show business as This, after The singer-actress conMang Gerry, he was fondly re- the DOJ’s firmed the news on Insmembered by his daughter’s peers panel of intagram: “The leader of as a “regular” in her concerts and vestigators the band, Mang Gerry, shows. issued a subjoined his creator at 1:39 Singer-actress Lea Salonga poena order- Vhong Navarro and Deniece Cornejo p.m. Thank you for praysaid on Facebook: “Rest in ing Cornejo, ing for him during all peace, Mang Gerry. I will Cedric Lee, They are also ordered to this time that he has been always remember you as a his sister Bernice, Ferdi- submit counter-affidavit. fighting for his life. God fixture by Reg’s side at gigs nand Guerrero, and ZimMembers of the invesbless you all.” from when we were young mer Rance to appear at the tigating panel Assistant Singer-songwriter Ogie ones in the biz. Always present, DoJ on Feb. 14, 2pm. State Prosecutors Olivia Alcasid, Regine’s husforever supportive. I don’t think The subpoena is for Na- Torrevillas, Hazel Decenaband, told the Inquirer: of Reg without thinking of you. varro’s complaint for seri- Valdez and Mari Elvira “God comforts [my wife] To Ogie and Regine, you are in ous illegal detention, seri- Herrera. always.” our prayers and we send hugs to ous physical injury, grave A case for rape has been Earlier Monday, Velas- “Mang Gerry” and her daughter Regine you and your family.” threats, grave coercion, il- filed by Cornejo against quez had just met with Velasquez Singer-actress Rachelle Ann Go, legal arrest and blackmail. Navarro, which Prosecutor select members of the who was discovered on the talent press to promote her show “Search for a Star” (which coming Valentine concert, “Voices of Love.” was hosted by Regine), remembered Mang Gerry as a She arrived late at the lunch gathering, explaining that good man. “He was always on the set, guarding they just had a family emergency. Ms. Reg. He was always generous with compliHer father was rushed to the hospital the day before and ments.” she had slept late, she explained. Mang Gerry had been credited for training the She expressed the hope that her father would be able to Asia’s Songbird during her youth, when she used to join watch the show set on Feb. 14 at the Mall of Asia Arena. numerous singing competitions.
Showbiz industry denounces attack on Vhong
Valentine’s Day faceoff between Navarro, Cornejo looms
Regine Velasquez’s father, Mang Gerry, takes a bow
General Claro Arellano ordered consolidated with the case of Navarro and will be handled by the same panel of prosecutors. However, there is no information if both cases will be heard on the same date. Records of Cornejo’s complaint are still with the Taguig Prosecutors Office.
CLASSIFIED
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HOROSCOPE
Aries March 20 - April 18 There is a powerful force that seems to be working against you today, Aries, but realize that you do have the power to produce a positive outcome. Consider enrolling in a class or seeking a path of spirituality. Taurus April 19 - May 19 People may seem especially insensitive to your feelings today, Taurus, but try not to get down on them about it. You may feel a sudden urge to act out in a physical manner, and you should do it, but in a constructive way. Gemini May 20 - June 19 Go for the gusto today, Gemini. Nothing can stop you. You’ve got a tremendous amount of power at your disposal, so use it wisely. You can accomplish a great deal and make extremely positive transformations in your life. Cancer June 20 - July 21 You may have the sense that something is going on around you that you just can’t seem to grab hold of, Cancer. Your mind is bouncing this way and that as if you’re watching a ball in a tennis match. Leo July 22 - August 21 An opposing person or situation may rear its head today, Leo. Realize that you can draw on the same energy that’s causing them to act and state your point of view for the record. Virgo August 22 - September 21 Today is a great day for transformation, Virgo, and your actions have deeper than usual inner meaning. Be careful where you aim your arrow, because the tip of it has extra sting today. Libra September 22 - October 21
Use today’s powerful energy to cut to the heart of the matter and strip away the façade that’s currently doing more harm than good. Open yourself up to the world, Libra, and show the people around you that you have a great deal more to offer than you’ve been revealing. Scorpio October 22 - November 20 Try not to get blown off course by the fire that seems to be raging around you, Scorpio. Ultimately, you know what’s right and what’s wrong, so don’t compromise yourself or your sense of pride. Sagittarius November 21 - December 20 Pick yourself up by your bootstraps and go in for the kill today, Sagittarius. You’re in a terrific position to make some strong and lasting impressions on others. Any sort of group work is especially favored. Capricorn December 21 - January 18 Your emotional nature may seem revved up for action today, Capricorn, although it could be that you don’t know what direction to drive in. The engine is running, but for some reason the windshield looks a bit cloudy. Aquarius January 19 - February 17 There is a tremendous amount of power at your disposal today, Aquarius, and you should take care and use it wisely. This is quite a transformative period for you, and your body may be going through many changes. Pisces February 18 - March 19 There may be a big conflict in your life that you seem almost powerless to control at this time, Pisces. It could feel like a war is raging around you and all you want is for it to stop.
PAGE 15 Feb. 6, 2014 - Feb. 12, 2014
The San Francisco Post (Cont. from page 1..PALACE UNFAZED)
has eluded a dragnet set up by the AFP after weeklong fighting in Maguindanao, the last of the four annexes to the framehe said: “It’s the duty of the armed forces work peace agreement, on Jan. 25. to ensure the safety of our people, so there They also signed an addendum on the has been no let-up (in the pursuit of) the “Bangsamoro Waters.” enemies of the republic.” The framework agreement, which was Coloma assured the public that the ausigned on Oct. 15, 2012, served as the thorities were continuing surveillance op“road map” for the creation of a so-called erations as part of their “proactive action.” autonomous “Bangsamoro entity” that will “That’s the continuing guidance being replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim given to them by our president as comMindanao (ARMM). mander in chief, and this (directive) is beThe President expects the framework ing implemented by our chief of staff and agreement to lay the groundwork for a the major service commanders, and being lasting and genuine peace in the troubled supervised by the Department of National south. Defense,” said Coloma. He urged the public to cooperate with the Coloma could not say whether or not govauthorities as well as to observe “height- ernment troops were aware of the whereened vigilance.” abouts of Ameril Umbra Kato, the BIFF “At all times, (the public) should have a leader who ordered the attack on governheightened vigilance level because that’s ment troops two days after the finalization our only protection from … uncertainty of the annexes to the peace agreement. and danger,” said Coloma. He said the BIFF remained a threat to seAsked if the President gave fresh in- curity which the AFP was trying to nip in structions to pursue the Bangsamoro Is- the bud through “proactive” intelligence lamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), which gathering, surveillance and decisive action. De Lima said the NBI is still build(Cont. from page 1..NBI ARRESTS DAVID TAN ) ing cases on Bangayan’s alleged involvement in rice smuggling. of violating Republic Act 7832 or the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission His arrest is based on power pilferage, a bailable case. De Lima said Bangayan may Lines/Material Pilferage Act of 1994. De Lima said an employee from the Ma- post P40,000 bail. nila Electric Company (Meralco) has testified that Tan and Bangayan are the same Bangayan bailed out hours after he was arrested after posting a P40,000. person.
BIFF turns to urban terror MANILA -- The military said on Monday that it was bracing for more attacks from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters following reports that the renegade group may resort to sowing terror in ‘urban areas.’ Colonel Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the military would deploy soldiers to vital installations and public areas part of its proactive security measures and intensify its intelligence gathering to avert possible attacks. “We’re heightening our proactive preemptive security measures especially on providing security to vital installations such as roads, public markets, churches, and all areas where people converge. We’ve also discussed with local government units to include in their security system to encourage residents to give information about activities of the BIFF and possible ally groups for immediate action,” he added. Meanwhile, a Palace official said the military would continue its mopping operations against the BIFF, two days after it terminated ‘Operation Darkhorse’ in Maguindanao. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma said the BIFF remains a threat to the country’s security. “We will do everything that needs to be done to neutralize elements that sow conflict, fear, and threat to our people,” Coloma said. “They (BIFF) are still a threat that we are trying to stem. We will not allow them to become a bigger threat through proactive intelligence gathering, surveillance, and decisive action,” he added. Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala said the military had successfully restricted the movements of BIFF rebels and prevented the spread of violence to nearby areas. The military also captured a BIFF encampment in Barangay Ganta Shariff Saydona at the height of the fighting. The military terminated its major offensive against the BIFF in Maguindanao on Sunday after the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (AFP-MILF) Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) did not extend the 72-hour extension for the military to defeat the BIFF. The deadline ended on Saturday, Feb. 1. As this developed, the Moro National Liberation Front-Nur Misuari faction, which declared on Saturday that it had forged an ‘informal’ tactical alliance with the BIFF, said that the Islamic Command Council also sought an alliance with the MNLF in its bid to boost its quest for an independent Muslim Islamic state in Mindanao following the abrogation of the 1996 final peace agreement. MNLF spokesperson Absalom Cerveza said the Islamic Command Council under Commander Hashim Bogdabi signed the alliance with the MNLF last week.
Cerveza said the ICC is the largest Muslim armed group operating in the Zamboanga peninsula, which include Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay. Cerveza, however, said the two groups were ‘still in the process of solidifying our ranks.” Meanwhile, Cerveza said Misuari has instructed his political staff and supporters to reject any plea from the government for a renegotiation of the terminated 1996 peace agreement. “His instruction is that there will be no more negotiations to take place and that the only possible negotiations should center on the closure of the tripartite review talks,” Cerveza said. The clashes between government forces and BIFF members had killed 52 BIFF fighters, including 13 alleged “child soldiers” and a government trooper. More than 130 were wounded on both sides and at least eight civilians were injured in crossfire. The war also displaced more than 9,000 families. The military claimed to have reduced the armed capability of the BIFF with the capture of three major camps including a “bomb-making factory.” “We’d stopped the joint law enforcement operation of the 6th ID and the police in Maguindanao but we continue to enforce normal law enforcement operation to preempt possible retaliation from the BIFF. We are expecting this just like what happened to the convoy of soldiers and mediamen who were hit by a roadside bombing. Yesterday, there was an attempt by BIFF elements in Guindulungan town to bomb a road but because of information relayed by the residents, our soldiers and policemen quickly responded and diffused at least three bombs planted along the road,” Hermoso said.
(Cont. from page 1..OBAMACARE MEANS) “This fatally flawed health care scheme is wreaking havoc on working families nationwide,” he said. But the White House said the possible reduction would be due to voluntary steps by workers rather than businesses cutting jobs - people having the freedom to retire early or spend more time as stay-at-home parents because they no longer had to depend only on their employers for health insurance. “CBO’s findings are not driven by an assumption that (the health care law) will lead employers to eliminate jobs or reduce hours,” said White House Press Secretary Jay Carney. The agency also reduced its estimate of the number of uninsured people who will get coverage through the health care law. The budget experts now say more than 1 million fewer people than had been expected will gain coverage this year, partly because of the website problems that prevented people from signing up last fall. However, it wasn’t all bad news for the Obama administration. The CBO’s wide-ranging report predicted that the federal budget deficit will fall to $514 billion this year, down from last year’s $680 billion and the lowest by far since Obama took office five years ago. The new estimates also say that the health care law will, in the short run, benefit the economy by boosting demand for goods and services because the lower-income people it helps will have more purchasing power. The report noted that the 2014 premiums that people pay for exchange coverage are coming in about 15 percent lower than projected, and the health care law, on balance, still is expected to reduce the federal deficit. However, the budget experts see the long-term federal deficit picture worsening by about $100 billion a year through the end of the decade because of slower growth in the economy than they had previously predicted. As for health care signups, the
website woes have largely been cleared up, but the nonpartisan congressional analysts estimated that about 1 million fewer people will enroll through the new insurance exchanges than had been expected this year, for a total of 6 million. Enrollment is predicted to pick up, topping 20 million in 2016. The exchanges, or online marketplaces, offer subsidized private coverage and cater mainly to middle-class people who don’t have health care on the job. The Congressional Budget Office also revised its Medicaid enrollment projection downward by about 1 million, for a new total of 8 million signups in 2014. About half the states have accepted the health law’s Medicaid expansion. What about those people whose decisions about work might be affected by the new law? Lower-wage workers are more likely to reduce their hours or quit their jobs because of Obamacare incentives, the report said. Although some employers will choose not to hire additional workers, or will reduce hours, the budget office said that does not appear to be the main factor. “The estimated reduction stems almost entirely from a net decline in the amount of labor that workers choose to supply, rather than from a net drop in businesses’ demand for labor,” the report said. The health care analysis is layered with complexity. The job losses are measured in “full-time-equivalent workers,” which means more people are actually affected than, say, the 2 million full-time-equivalent jobs lost in 2017. It could take several parttime workers or people deciding to reduce their hours to produce the wage loss of one full-time equiva-
lent. The report also contains an important caveat, that the estimate of job losses is “subject to substantial uncertainty” and could be larger or smaller than predicted. There now are more than 130 million jobs in the economy. Meanwhile, the broad federal deficit projection shows another yearly improvement. Obama inherited an economy in crisis and the first deficits ever to exceed $1 trillion. The 2009 total, swelled by the costs of the Wall Street bailout, hit a record $1.4 trillion, while the deficits of 2010 and 2011 each registered $1.3 trillion. The agency sees the deficit sliding to $478 billion next year before beginning a steady rise years through 2024 that would bring the annual imbalance back above $1 trillion. Overall, it forecasts deficits totaling $7.3 trillion over the coming decade, about $1 trillion more than previously estimated. “CBO expects that economic growth will diminish to a pace that is well below the average seen over the past several decades,” the report said, citing an aging population and a decrease in the rate of growth in the labor force. Tuesday’s report comes as Obama and Republicans in Congress are taking a respite in the budget wars that have periodically consumed Washington since Republicans took control of the House in 2011. The declining deficit numbers mean they could feel even less urgency to act now. A December budget agreement and last month’s followup spending bill could buy peace through November’s midterm elections. Republicans also appear to be taking a less confrontational approach to legislation needed this month to increase the government’s borrowing limit to avoid defaulting on its obligations.
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Hyundai aims to sell 4.9M cars in 2014 H
yundai Motor Company, the fastest-growing automaker by brand, said the company’s revenue rose on increased sales from its overseas markets, while profits fell slightly due to production losses and sluggish sales in Korea and fluctuations in currency exchange rates. For the year 2013, sales revenue rose 3.4 percent to 87.3 trillion won (automotive: 71.54 trillion / finance and other: 15.77 trillion) from a year earlier, helped by increased sales volume in overseas markets. Operating profit fell 1.5 percent to 8.32 trillion won and net profit fell 0.7 percent to 8.99 trillion won (including non-controlling interest). Hyundai sold 4,732,366 units
The all new 2015 Hyundai Genesis
Self drive cars in Ford’s near future
F
ORD says it is teaming up with researchers at two US universities to work on obstacles, technical and otherwise, to automated driving. “To deliver on our vision for the future of mobility, we need to work with many new partners across the public and private sectors, and we need to start today,” says Paul Mascarenas, chief technical officer and vice-president at Ford. The Detroit carmaker says it will work with the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University on Ford’s Blueprint for Mobility, its vision for transportation in 2025 and beyond. Ford says the project will build on its automated Ford Fusion hybrid research vehicle unveiled last month and examine “potential solutions for the longer-term societal, legislative and technological is-
sues posed by a future of fully automated driving. “Working with university partners like MIT and Stanford enables us to address some of the longer-term challenges surrounding automated driving while exploring more near-term solutions for delivering an even safer and more efficient driving experience,” says Mascarenas.
globally (Korea: 640,698 / overseas: 4,091,668) in 2013, a 7.3 percent increase from a year earlier. While its sales in Korea fell 4.0 percent to 640,698 units from the previous year, its overseas sales rose 9.3 percent to 4,091,668 units (exports: 1,179,447 / overseas plants: 2,912,221). In the fourth quarter alone, sales revenue decreased 3.4 percent to 21.94 trillion won (automotive: 17.76 trillion / finance and other: 4.18 trillion) with global sales of 1,232,344 units. However, operating profit increased 10.8 percent to 2.03 trillion won from a year earlier. Hyundai forecast that both domestic and overseas markets - advanced and emerging alike - are
poised to generate sluggish demand. As a result, the company plans to focus on strengthening its fundamentals and securing future competitiveness such as boosting fuel efficiency and developing so-called smart cars that combine clean energy and advanced technologies. Hyundai aims to sell 4.9 million vehicles globally in 2014 (Korea: 682,000 / overseas: 4,218,000), a 3.6 percent increase from last year. In order to achieve this, Hyundai plans to maximize efficiencies at its overseas manufacturing bases to increase global sales, while launching new models such as the all-new Genesis and nextgeneration Sonata.
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Ford bares solar-powered hybrid car NEW YORK – Ford announced plans Thursday for a prototype hybrid car that uses solar energy from a rooftop charger, reducing gas use and avoiding the need for plugging into the electric grid. The US auto giant said its C-MAX Solar Energi concept car with a solar panel roof
draws power from a special solar concentrator lens similar to a magnifying glass. The vehicle, which will be on display at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week, is estimated to reduce the annual greenhouse gas emissions a typical car owner would produce by four metric tons. The new system aims to rev up sales of electic and hybrid vehicles without the plug-in requirement of some current models. Ford said the system tracks the sun as it moves from east to west, drawing enough power from the solar rays each day to equal a four-hour battery charge. Ford said this car would deliver an estimated 100 miles (160 kilometers) per gallon (3.8 liters) of gasoline. “Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept shines a new light on electric transportation and renewable energy,’’ said Mike Tinskey, Ford global director of vehicle
electrification and infrastructure. “As an innovation leader, we want to further the public dialogue about the art of the possible in moving the world toward a cleaner future.’’ The car is a collaborative project of Ford, California-based SunPower Corp. and the Georgia Institute of Technology. Earlier, Ford announced 2 0 1 3 N o r t h American sales of cars and trucks bearing its namesake brand will top 2.4 million, making Ford again the topselling US brand over Toyota. The automaker says it will sell more than 600,000 passenger cars this year, the most since 2000, with the strongest demand coming from the West and Southeast. Ford says it has seen double-digit sales growth across all segments – cars, trucks and utility vehicles. Growth has been led by demand for the Ford Fiesta small car, Ford Fusion midsize sedan, C-Max hybrid and the Ford Escape SUV. November sales to non-fleet customers rose 15 percent through November, compared with 12 percent for the Ford brand overall.
FORD launches new global Mustang DETROIT - Nearly 50 years after launching its affordable sports car, Ford Motor Co is unveiling a global redesign of the Mustang to try to burnish the U.S. automaker’s image and spur sales of its more expensive models. Top Ford executives, including Chief Executive Alan Mulally, will fan out across six cities to take the wraps off the 2015 Mustang on Thursday. The car will be shown in Dearborn, Michigan, Shanghai, Sydney, Barcelona, New York and Los Angeles. This will be the first Mustang sold in Europe and Asia. The second-largest U.S. automaker expects most sales to come from North America, but the car’s mystique should prompt new consumers to visit Ford showrooms in other markets. A new influx of buyers could help Ford increase sales of its other high-
performance models, such as the Focus ST, boosting profit margins and the Ford brand image, analysts said. “We kept seeing them show up even though we don’t sell them in China, Australia and other places,” Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s head of North and South America, said of the Mustang on the sidelines of the Los Angeles Auto Show last month. “People are figuring out a way to get it into the country, even though it’s not sold there, which tells you something,” added Hinrichs, who previously led Ford’s operations in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The Mustang was redesigned to appeal to a global audience, in keeping with Mulally’s effort to cut costs by building models that can be sold around the world with a few tweaks.
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Porsche Macan: Cayenne’s spicy sister An entirely new vehicle joins the Porsche family in the form of the Macan SUV. Slotting under the Cayenne as the brand’s first compact SUV, the vehicle was first conceived in 2010, internally called the Cajun (Cayenne Junior). The Macan name comes from the Indonesian word for tiger. It features design very similar to the Cayenne, bearing the distinctive Porsche façade and sloping rear tailgate. Unlike the Cayenne, the Macan features a wraparound bonnet and short but broad LED tail lamps. Buyers can choose from several variants, beginning with the Macan S, equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine delivering 340 bhp and also features an active all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch. This all-wheel drive is fitted on all Macan models. A seven-speed double-clutch transmission transfers power as required via Porsche Traction Management (PTM) and enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. The vehicle reaches a top speed of 254 km/h,
and its fuel consumption figures are between 9.0 and 8.7 litres/100 km. The top model in the Macan line, the Macan Turbo, is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 biturbo engine. It delivers 400 bhp and catapults the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. Although the top speed is 266 km/h, the Macan Turbo delivers fuel consumption figures of between just 9.2 and 8.9 liters/100 km. Inside, the Macan features an interior inspired by the Panamera, featuring a sloping center console with much of the switches on either side of the stickshift. Generous use of carbon fiber inlays can be paired with the bold red leather interior or more subdued neutral shades. The range of equipment fitted on the Macan as standard is extensive, and includes the all-wheel drive, PDK, multi-function sport steering wheel with shift paddles, large wheels, high-performance audio system and an electrically operated tailgate.
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Ford to introduce aluminum F-150 at Detroit auto show
Ford will introduce the new aluminum 2015 F-150 at the Auto Show in Detroit.
In January of 2013 Ford announced the Ford Atlas Concept which features a next-generation EcoBoost® powertrain, that introduces truckenhanced Auto Start-Stop engine shutoff technology. Auto Start-Stop shuts off the engine when stopped in traffic to save fuel – and smartly suspends the feature when the truck knows it is towing. EcoBoost engines use gasoline direct injection and turbocharging to deliver fueleconomy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger displacement engines. More than 500,000 Eco-
Boost engines have been sold globally, including 250,000 in the Ford F-150. In effort to continue with the Ford A t l a s concept Ford will introduce a lighter, m o r e e c o friendly alumin u m F-150. Though there is talk that the F-150 will be a
rolling beer can; Ford’s effort is an attempt to compete with the aluminum used in military vehicles, not the aluminum used to create beer cans. The 2015 Ford F-150 will also roll out a showcase of features that improve increased fuel efficiency, capability, durability and productivity to meet the diverse needs of pickup truck owners.
Mexico’s booming car industry selling unsafe cars RAMOS ARIZPE, Mexico -- In Mexico’s booming auto industry, the cars rolling off assembly lines may look identical, but how safe they are depends on where they’re headed. Vehicles destined to stay in Mexico or go south to the rest of Latin America carry a code signifying there’s no need for antilock braking systems, electronic stability control, or more than two air bags, if any, in its basic models. If the cars will be exported to the United States or Europe, however, they must meet stringent safety laws, including as many as six to 10 air bags, and stability controls that compensate for slippery roads and other road dangers, say engineers who have worked in Mexicobased auto factories. Because the price of the two versions of the cars is about the same, the dual system buttresses the bottom lines of automakers such as General Motors and Nissan. But it’s being blamed for a surge in auto-related fatalities in Mexico, where laws require virtually no safety protections. “We are paying for cars that are far more expensive and
far less safe,” said Alejandro Furas, technical director for Global New Car Assessment Program, or NCAP, a vehicle crash-test group. “Something is very wrong.” In 2011, nearly 5,000 drivers and passengers in Mexico died in accidents, a 58 percent increase since 2001, according to the latest available data from the country’s transportation department. Over the same decade, the U.S. reduced the number of auto-related fatalities by 40 percent. The death rate in Mexico, when comparing fatalities with the size of the car fleet, is more than 3.5 times that of the U.S. Nevertheless, Mexico hasn’t introduced any safety proposals other than general seat belt requirements for its 22-million strong auto fleet. Even then, the laws don’t mandate three-point shoulder belts necessary to secure child safety seats. Brazil and Argentina, on the other hand, have passed laws requiring all vehicles to have dual front air bags and antilock braking systems by next year.
Honda celebrates 50 years ofautomobile excellence TOKYO -- Honda Motor Co. unveiled its concept vehicles and announced its lineup of production vehicles to members of the media at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show during the first press day last Nov. 21 at Tokyo Big Sight. The show became open to the public last Nov. 23 and will run until Dec. 1.Visitors looked very eager to see the much-anticipated unveiling of its Honda S660 and NSX Concept Cars, ushering in a new genre of sports cars that, Honda says, will be available in showrooms by 2015. On two opposite ends of the sports car segment, the S660 is a revival of its Sports 360 compact sports car while the NSX is positioned as an exotic supercar packed with Honda’s latest innovations including the Super Hybrid SHAWD (short for Super Handling, All-Wheel Drive). Its midship engine layout is reminiscent of the previous Acura NSX supercar. With its slogan “The Power of Dreams,” this year’s theme for the exhibit is “Live outside the box.” The Honda S660 is the company’s latest foray into a sports-oriented, open-top minivehicle and a revival of its Sports 360 compact sports car introduced fifty years ago by its founder, Soichiro Honda. According to Takanobu Ito, president and CEO of Honda Motor Co.: “This year, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary
since Honda began automobile sales. In 1962, Honda exhibited a small-sized sports car named Sports 360 at the Japan National Auto Show and we began automobile business the following year. The car, which completely changed the established image of minivehicles, is one of the Honda models which represent Honda living outside the box. And more importantly, this represented the first step toward one of Mr. Soichiro Honda’s big dreams, that was to enter the automobile business. Thus, it is the origin of all Honda automobiles.” With the company’s comeback to Formula One motorsports in 2015, these two cars are wellpositioned to cause a stir in the highly competitive and badge-conscious market. With Honda’s victory with MotoGP’s youngest champion Marc Marquez, Honda is setting its sights once again on the pinnacle of automotive motorsports—the F1. “Ever since its foundation, Honda has grown by winning races. Only one year after the start of automobile sales, Honda participated in F1 racing with our first F1 machine called RA271 in 1964. Many people thought it was a crazy attempt at that time, however, in only the second year, Honda captured its first F1 victory.
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