VP Binay, big showbiz names guestMMDA of honor inchairman 6th Puregold ‘Sari-Sari’ clarifies Convention Speed guns work at night, Tolentino
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etro E M E R F E xpress The Philippines’ 1st...
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Vol. 1. No. 4
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Manila, PHILIPPINES
May 27-June 2, 2011
Doctors support MMDA’s smoking ban in public areas THE Philippine Medical Association (PMA) has enjoined its members to support the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA)’s drive to strictly enforce the smoking ban in public places in the metropolis. Newly re-elected PMA President Oscar D. Tinio, in a message directed to its 70,000 members nationwide, reiterated his organization’s advocacy for a Smoke Free Philippines which the PMA launched February this year. “We would like to congratulate MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino for demonstrating the political will required to enforce the smoking ban in public places across the National Capital Region.” Tinio said. “Smoking kills! As physicians, it is our duty to inform the public of the clear and present danger of tobacco smoking against our health and lives” he added. “Second hand and even third hand tobacco smoke equally kills people,” Tinio added as he cites a study on Metro Manila’s 12 million inhabitants showing that more than twenty per cent (20%) of heart attacks in Metro Manila can be attributed to second hand smoke. The study was done by the World Lung Foundation (WLF) and the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. Cont’d on page 2
THE SIGN IS CLEAR -- A smoking ban poster is prominently displayed in the vicinity of the Manila City Hall.
Villar eyes 6-hr work day for public teachers Page 2
INSIDE:
Chinese, international contractors eye $5.8B rail projects PAWIKAN -- Senator Miguel Zubiri (right) and Customs official Horacio Suansing show to reporters a preserved hawksbill turtle, locally known as "Pawikan," during a brief news conference inside a customs headquarters in Manila.
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Taguig boosts anti-rabies campaign Page 3
Luis has no problem with Jen’s love child with Patrick Read on Page 7
Marquez knows how to beat Manny - Page 8 -
Palace issues new guidelines on purchasing gov’t cars Page 2
NATION
2 METRO EXPRESS
MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2011
The first free broadsheet in the Philippines!
Villar proposes 6-hour work day for public teachers SENATOR Manny Villar has proposed to reduce the working hours of all public school teachers to a six-hour per day or a total of a 30-hour workweek to make them more effective and productive. “Teachers clamor for higher pay but shorter working hours. Their work schedule leaves them stressed out and exhausted. Reducing their number of working hours will allow them to have more time to innovate and enhance classroom
teaching and result to a more productive workforce,” Villar said. Villar filed Senate Bill No. 2454 providing a 6-hour workday for public school teachers and exempting them from compliance with the 8-hour workday for government employees. The bill repeals Sections 13 and 14 of Republic Act No. 4670 or the Magna Carta of Public School Teachers. The Department of Education issued
Memorandum 291 s. 2008 allowing teachers to allot six hours for actual classroom teaching a day, with the remaining two hours to be spent in teaching-related activities. Thus, teachers are required to render a total of eight hours a day. “A shorter work day would be a great relief for the teachers. We are also proposing that any work performed in excess of six hours a day shall be paid an
additional compensation of at least 25 percent of their regular remuneration,” he said. The bill seeks to exempt teachers from the generally established rule on 8-hour workday under the Civil Service Rules. Book V of the Administrative Code of 1987 also states that: “Officers and employees of all departments and agencies except those covered by special laws shall render not less than eight hours of
work a day for five days a week or a total of 40 hours a week, exclusive of time for lunch.” The proposed bill provides that co-curricula, out-of-school activities and other activities of any teacher outside of their normal duties shall be paid an additional compensation of at least 25 percent of his/her regular remuneration after the teacher has completed at least six hours of work.
Palace issues new guidelines on purchase of gov’t cars
COMPETITION Members of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) clear their firearms during the 2011 SWAT Competition at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. Some 42 SWAT units from the National Capital Region took part in the competition which also served as an evaluation of their capabilities and tactics needed for critical situations, local media reported.
Chiz urges DepEd to insure school properties in disaster-prone areas WITH the onset of rainy season, Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to immediately insure all school buildings and properties in the country’s northeastern seaboard where disasters usually strike. Escudero made his call as he pursued this plan together with the DepEd and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), who will serve as the education department’s insurance underwriter. “When disaster ravages the country, one of the first to go down with the mud and water is our school buildings. Classrooms have always bore nature’s brunt. Different perils of disasters either damage or destroy these structures, which are supposed to be the bastion of knowledge for our children,” Escudero explained. “Insuring these structures is a guarantee that after a direct impact with disaster, damage control, repair or replacement is an outright order. This reduces interruption of lives and thus putting back to normalcy our children's learning processes,” the senator added. A series of meetings in the past with the GSIS have identified
25,890 classrooms, mostly from Regions 5 and 8, as the beneficiaries of the insurance once DepEd put the scheme in place. The insurance, Escudero said, should cover school buildings against 1) typhoon and flood, 2) fire and lightning, 3) earthquake, fire and shock, 4) extended coverage such as volcanic eruption, tsunami, landslide, riot and civil commotion and aircraft and vehicle impact. Escudero urged the DepEd, especially the field offices responsible for the regional and local coordination and administration of the department’s mandate, to speed up facilitation of this insurance scheme especially now that weather disturbances are not only concentrated anymore in the usual areas like Eastern Visayas and Bicol. “There should already be a working mechanism that can rapidly respond after disaster strikes. The President has issued a zero-casualty order among agencies concerned with disaster response. This should be part of the menu because zero-casualty is not just body count, zero-casualty should also mean no one suffers from being deprived of the normalcy of life and learning,” Escudero pointed out.
Gov’t eyes PPP to close housing gap by half in 2016 THE government will tap the private sector and encourage volunteerism in a move to meet its target of halving the country’s 3.6 million housing gap by the time President Benigno S. Aquino III bows out of office in 2016. “Since the resources of government are limited, we will fast-track the implementation of our sustainable communities, including the immediate development of other proclaimed sites for housing under PPP (Public Private Partnerships)schemes,” Vice President and Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chair Jejomar Binay said in a speech at the 1st Philippine
Urbanization Forum at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. Binay also encouraged civil society organizations to join hands with HUDCC in pushing for the needed reforms in the housing sector. “We would like to solicit your support to push for the strict enforcement of RA 7279 or the Urban Development Housing Act (UDHA),” he said. “Furthermore, we would like to encourage volunteerism as a means to directly link the public sector, the private sector, and civil society organizations in re-engineering our settlements and involvement
of our civil society organizations and people’s organizations in estate management particularly in providing training and livelihood assistance,” he added. The Vice President said the country’s key shelter agencies are currently formulating housing policies that are designed to significantly reduce the country’s housing gap by half in 2016. He also said that the government is seriously considering portions of the land previously declared as housing sites to be developed as commercial areas to make them the enabling component for socialized and low-cost housing.
Paje wants financiers, poachers of black corals, marine turtles jailed
GMA eyes cure for gambling
DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje has ordered the department's lawyers to start summary proceedings against personalities behind the smuggle try of some P35-million worth of turtles and corals seized from two container vans last May 1 aboard a vessel that came from Cotabato province. Paje gave the order as he condemned the poachers and their financiers who, he said, “have practically robbed the present and future generations of Filipinos” the benefits that would have come from these marine species in unquantifiable terms and should face the full extent of the law “in whatever way necessary.” The incident comes at a time when the DENR is shoring up its efforts to stop wildlife trade through stricter enforcement of wildlife laws and more aggressive legal actions against violators of the country's environmental laws through the prosecution in special courts – or green courts – that have been designated by the Supreme Court. “We shall certainly act with dispatch to make sure that the suspects face the punishment to the fullest extent,” Paje said.
FORMER President and now Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria MacapagalArroyo wants the government to address the problem of compulsive gambling, calling it a “growing public health concern that needs immediate attention”. Arroyo has filed author of House Bill 3599, which seeks to lessen the social impact of the problem of gambling in the country by providing counseling support and information dissemination on its condition and treatment. “Compulsive gambling is characterized by the loss of control over gambling, restlessness when attempting to stop gambling and continuing the vice despite serious negative consequences,” Arroyo said.
PRESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III has delegated the authority to approve the acquisition of government motor vehicles to Cabinet secretaries, and to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for purchases by local government units (LGUs), under a new set of guidelines aimed at streamlining operations in the bureaucracy while promoting public accountability. Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said that the Chief Executive signed Administrative Order No. 15 on May 25, 2011 to transfer such authority from the Office of the President (OP) to specific government agencies and to reiterate existing policies on the prohibition on the acquisition of luxury vehicles. “Our objective here is to delegate the authority to approve the requests for the purchase of vehicles to the line agencies that are in a better position to determine whether the requests to purchase vehicles are justified,” Ochoa explained. “In our 10 months here, we have determined that there is a need to decentralize a lot of procedures because so many papers
need Malacañang approval even though we may not be the best office to process these requests. For example, we could not see the purpose behind requiring OP approval for administrative matters like the purchase of vehicles by LGUs in the provinces when there is an agency that is tasked to oversee LGU concerns,” he added. According to Ochoa, AO 15 also directs all government offices to immediately account for all their motor vehicle units and draw up a disposal program for all luxury motor vehicles, which they will submit to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) within six months. Under the new guidelines, the DBM has the authority to evaluate requests and recommend acquisition of motor vehicles by departments and attached agencies, including government-owned and -controlled corporations and government financial institutions. The authority to approve the requests rests with the heads of the concerned departments. LGUs planning to acquire motor vehicles, on the other hand, must secure the approval of the DILG instead of the Office of the President.
THE WEEK THAT WAS
VIP treatment on prisoners THE country's penal system was put in a bad light when two prominent personalities were discovered to be enjoying special treatment while incarcerated, with one having managed to get out of prison at least four times. Jailed for murder of his long-time aide, former Batangas Gov. Antonio Leviste was apprehended by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents as he was about to leave his building in Makati City. According to television reports, Leviste was able to leave jail at least four times, even without the consent of Bureau of Correction officials. Meanwhile, Maguindanao Gov. Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu, whose wife and sisters were among the Maguindanao massacre victims, showed to the media photographs showing Andal Ampatuan Sr., a prime suspect in the case, being able to stay outside his detention cell in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig. In some of the photographs, Andal Sr. was shown with at least 13 supposed visitors - including his wife. Mangudadatu said he considered it special treatment because jail officers have told him that a detainee is only allowed to have three visitors every day. Mangudadatu also said some of the people in the photographs - which he said came from a reliable source - were Andal Sr's personal cook and masseur, who were allegedly inmates themselves. The controversy resulted in the sacking of Camp Bagong Diwa's jail warden while BuCor chief Ernesto Diokno took a leave of absence due to Leviste's caper. Meanwhile, President Aquino went on with his visit to Thailand while the country was threatened by Typhoon Chedeng. In Thailand, the President formally welcomed the participation of Thailand companies in the infrastructure development projects through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program his administration has initiated. In his opening statement during the joint press conference with Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva following their bilateral meeting at the Government House here, the Chief Executive said Thailand has proven its track record in Private-Public Partnership projects, especially in the construction of extensive network of elevated roadways in Bangkok. Meanwhile, Philippine officials in tension-hit Yemen are now working to repatriate some 69 Filipinos availing of the government's voluntary repatriation program. However, Embassy Charge d'Affaires (CDA) Ezzedin Tago said the exit visas may be processed on Saturday yet, as Thursday and Friday are holidays in Yemen. He said the Embassy team has made representations with the Yemeni Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting for full waiver of the penalties. In other issues, the Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) awarded PIATCO $176 million (roughly P7.6 billion) as "just compensation" for building NAIA 3. PIATCO is set to appeal the decision because it initially wanted a payment of $846 million.
METRO
MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2011
The first free broadsheet in the Philippines!
METRO EXPRESS
Taguig boosts anti-rabies campaign
A homeless man living on a wooden cart with his dog rest along a street in Manila.
Speed guns work at night, MMDA chairman clarifies METROPOLITAN Manila DevelopmentAuthority (MMDA) Chairman Francis N. Tolentino clarified that its speed guns used to monitor overspeeding vehicles along Commonwealth Avenue could be used to monitor and apprehend overspeeding vehicles even at night. This clarification was made in the wake of an erroneous statement uttered by MMDA Deputy Chairman Alex Cabanilla during a House committee hearing on Wednesday (May 25). Cabanilla reportedly said the speed guns could not work at night because photos captured during the evening were blurry from lack
Risk reduction teams to be created in Caloocan CALOOCAN Mayor Enrico Echiverri has instructed Liga ng mga Barangay President, Councilor Ricojudge “RJ” Echiverri, to form risk reduction teams in all barangays of the city as a way of preparing for any possible disaster that may hit the country. He said this is necessary so each barangay may immediately respond to the need of residents wherever fires, typhoons, earthquakes or any other type of disaster strike. Echiverri said the volunteers who would be picked from each barangay will undergo proper training, particularly on the process of saving lives and property of the residents in need. The chosen and trained volunteers would then have members of the Reformed Department of Public Safety and Traffic Management (RDPSTM) Rescue Team as its partners. Volunteers and the RDPSTM rescue team members will be tasked to impart to residents and students in their respective barangays the knowledge they have in disaster preparedness. Experts will also teach the volunteers how to administer first aid to injured residents before the disaster victims are taken to the nearest hospital. “Proper preparation for any disaster that would visit our country assures that we’ll be able to respond efficiently and save both lives and property of our constituents,” Echiverri said. Meanwhile, the city government of Caloocan has ordered the inspection of dormitories, boarding houses, and similar buildings in the city as a means of looking after the safety of students.
of lighting. "Our speed guns are used on a 24/7 basis. The LIDAR guns could not capture photo and video at night, but this is not to say that they are totally useless. Both our LIDAR and radar guns can still be used to detect overspeeding at night. Upon detection, our enforcers immediately apprehend the vehicle under the "contact" apprehension style that we have been implementing as of late," clarified the MMDA Head. "Our five speed guns are being used on a 24/7 basis. During the day, we can record photos and videos of errant vehi-
cles. During the night, we can detect overspeeding vehicles and immediately apprehend them. Either way, we are implementing the "contact" policy so that these speeders could immediately be imposed appropriate fines and penalties," he added. Tolentino further clarified other erroneous reports emanating from the same House Committee hearing that with only five speed guns, the MMDA could apprehend only five overspeeding vehicles along Commonwealth Avenue at a time. "This is plain and simply wrong," he stressed. "The LIDAR can shoot, mea-
sure and capture as many vehicles as the operator can target, with no wait time. It would take about six seconds per vehicle. So in 1 minute, the operator can capture 10 vehicles, 600 in an hour, if all vehicles within the operator's sights are overspeeding. All those vehicles can apprehend either via no contact or via contact." The MMDA Chairman explained that under contact apprehension, MMDA speed gun operators work with a partner who radios the plate number of overspeeders to the MMDA enforcers who immediately apprehend the vehicle.
TAGUIG City Mayor Lani Cayetano has ordered the concerned local departments to step up the campaign against rabies through mass vaccination of pet dogs. “Rabies is a grave concern for pets, their owners and the public in general. By having their pets vaccinated, they not only protect them from rabies but also contribute in preventing the spread of rabies-related incidents,” Cayetano said. For this year, the mayor said, a sixman team from the City Agriculture Office is going to conduct anti rabies vaccination in the city's 28 barangays. Cayetano added that the campaign is especially important this summer since lots of children become potential victims of rabies. “Since there are no classes and it is summer, children are often playing outside their homes and are thus at risk to rabies because of the dogs around them. Parents will only have peace of mind if they know that their children are protected,“ she said. Emelita Solis, chief of City Agricultural Office (CAO), reported that some 5,295 dogs and cats have already been vaccinated between January and March this year. Solis said the city government is targeting to vaccinate 24,000 dogs for this year for free. Solis appealed to the residents to be responsible pet owners and to help out in the city’s campaign by voluntarily bringing in their dogs and other pets so they may be given the anti-rabies shots. “If they cannot bring their pets on designated dates for vaccination, they can go directly to the CAO at the City Hall to have their pets vaccinated,” she said. For his part, Dr. Isaias Ramos, City Health Office officer-in-charge, advised the public to immediately seek medical help if they get bitten by a dog or even a cat for proper treatment.
Doctors support MMDA’s smoking ban FROM PAGE 1
The same study also revealed that if one’s average exposure to second hand tobacco smoke in Metro Manila is one to seven hours per week the total attributable heart attacks would be approximately ten per cent (10%). But if the average number of hours of exposure is more than 21 hours per week, the number of second hand smoke related heart attacks in Metro Manila would increase to more than 20 per cent (20%) of the total heart attacks incident in the metropolis. “A separate study done in the United States by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services showed that only by eliminating smoking in indoor spaces can a non–smoker be fully protected from exposure to second-hand smoke. This study further confirms that the usual practice of separating smokers from non-smokers in
public places cannot eliminate dangerous exposures of non-smokers to second hand smoke even if air cleaning devices and building ventilations are used” Tinio continues. “These shocking revelations necessitate the total ban on tobacco smoke in public places. There are existing Philippine laws on smoking but its enforcement is poorly implemented. The Philippines was among the 172 countries that originally signed the World Health Organization - Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHOFCTC), the first international treaty negotiated under the WHO and entered into force on February 25, 2005. This treaty was developed in response to the globalization of the fatal tobacco epidemic. The Philippines is yet to fully comply on its obligations under the said treaty.
QC enrols 200 pregnant women to free insurance TO IMPROVE the health condition of pregnant women in Quezon City, the QC government has given free health insurance coverage through the Philhealth, to some 200 pregnant women in two barangays in the city. The distribution of QC-sponsored Philhealth cards is part of the drive of QC to watch over the health of expectant mothers, especially the indigent ones. With the number of women dying of childbirth unabated, the insurance serves as an intervention to maternal deaths by providing health benfits such as maternal health care package which includes free pre- and postnatal check-ups, birth planning seminars, and free child delivery in public and
accredited private hospitals. As indicated in the city’s poverty profile, about 1.8 percent of women in QC die each year from childbirth or in other pregnancy-related causes. This prompted the city government to launch efforts to strengthen the delivery of maternal health care services, like compliance to four pre-natal visits, provision of tetanus toxoid, laboratory screening, micronutrient supplementation, nutrition assessment, and breastfeeding education. Of the 200 beneficiaries, 101 indigent pregnant women were from Barangay Pansol and 97 others, from Barangay Tatalon.
Valenzuela scholarship program benefits 70 more AT LEAST 70 more poor but deserving residents stand to benefit from the city government's scholarship project for SY 2011--the Dr. Pio Valenzuela Scholarship Program. According to Valenzuela Mayor Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian, this year’s recipients comprise the biggest batch of grantees in the 16-year history of the program. Gatchalian said the scholarship program was established to ensure a brighter future for the Valenzuelano youth. He said the grantee is entitled to a financial assistance for tuition and other school fees by virtue of Municipal Coun-
cil Ordinance No. 12 Series of 1995, otherwise known as “Dr. Pio Valenzuela Scholarship Program,” as amended by City Ordinance No. 37 Series of 2009. Under City Ordinance No. 37 Series of 2009, grantees will now receive a financial assistance of P30,000 annually or P15,000 per semester. Grantees can enroll in any university or college and in any course of their choice. Marginalized but intellectually gifted students of good moral character who belong to a family whose socio-economic status does not exceed the ceiling that the Scholarship Program Committee set
are eligible for the program. “We open the program to incoming college students each year through a qualifying examination,” Gatchalian stressed. “But the examination is open only to students whose family’s total annual gross income does not exceed P120,000 as attested by the income tax return,” he emphasized. Beneficiaries must also be residents of the city for the past four years as verified by the barangay and school records, and a graduate of a Valenzuela City public or private high school with a general weighted average grade of 85 percent and above.”
Malabon local gov't employees get mid-year pay THE city government of Malabon has released the mid-year pay and cash gift of its 900 employees Malabon Mayor Canuto "Tito" Oreta said the mid-year bonus and cash gift was meant to provide the city employees with the cash needed for tuition fees and school supplies this opening of classes. The mid-year pay is equivalent to half of an employee's regular salary plus a P2,000 cash gift from the local government unit. Oreta said the City Treasurer’s Office (MCTO) has assured him that there is sufficient funds to cover the payment. "We want our employees to have sufficient cash this coming enrollment, hence this decision to give them all a P2,000 cash gift," Oreta added. Meanwhile, some 188 persons were arrested in Malabon City following an operation conducted by a composite team of police and local law enforcers working under the “Oplan Disiplina’ project of Oreta.
4 METRO EXPRESS
TRANSPO The first free broadsheet in the Philippines!
MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2011
International contractors eye $5.8B rail projects THE Philippines is inviting Chinese and other international contractors to participate in the country’s $12.1-billion major transport sector infrastructure development program, including seven urban rail mass transit projects amounting to $5.8 billion, through the public private partnership (PPP) scheme. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) bared that a report from the Philippine Embassy in Beijing said that Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, speaking at the 2nd International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF) in Beijing on Thursday, emphasized that the Philippine government is offering a wide range of investment opportunities in transport infrastructure develop-
ment, including toll roads, airports, seaports and urban rail mass transit projects. "We invite you to consider these opportunities and other investment opportunities in the Philippines," Singson told the IIICF, which was organized by the China International Contractors Association (CHINCA). Singson said that the country's immediate major transport infrastructure development will cover 13 toll roads worth US$ 6 billion, three seaports costing $ 130 million and three airport projects worth $ 150 million. He stressed that the Philippine government has instituted and continues to make significant changes to make the investment climate in the Philippines more investor friendly, with less red-tape and corruption free.
FIRST AUTOMOBILE -- A man driving Carl Benz' first automobile (1885) makes his way down a Berlin throughway during a 'parade' of vehicles using alternative energy sources, as part of the Challenge Bibendum 2011 in Berlin. The Challenge Bibendum showcases entire ranges of fuel-efficient vehicles, including electric, hybrid, hydrogen, and solar-powered vehicles, in an effort to promote 'sustainable road mobility'.
Hyundai production improving after strike SEOUL -– South Korea's top automaker Hyundai Motor said its engine production was returning to normal after thousands of riot police broke up a strike at a key parts supplier. About 2,700 police backed by water cannon and helicopters moved into the main plant of supplier Yoosung Enterprise on Tuesday to evict 540 strikers occupying the premises. Yoosung makes piston rings, cylinder liners and camshafts for the country's automakers, some of which have had to cut production since the dispute began over pay and working conditions. Hyundai said it would try to resume normal production as soon as possible, although this depended on when Yoosung got back to normal. "Production was partially normalised today at our diesel engine lines," said a spokesman at the company's main plant in the southeastern city of Ulsan. Hyundai and its affiliate Kia Motors are the world's fifth-largest automaker by sales. They source piston rings for around 70 percent of their vehicles from Yoosung, whose main plant is at Asan, 80 kilometres (48 miles) south of Seoul. The strike had forced Hyundai to stop production at two diesel engine lines.
Expert panel calls on Toyota to decentralize WASHINGTON -– An expert panel in the United States commissioned by Toyota has called on the Japanese automaker to decentralize its operations in order to better respond to safety and quality concerns. "Toyota has erred too much on the side of global centralization and needs to shift the balance somewhat toward greater local authority and control," the Toyota North American Quality Advisory Panel said in its report on Monday. "Toyota’s tightly controlled global structure hindered information sharing and contributed to miscommunication and delayed response time to quality and safety issues, fueling criticism that Toyota was being unresponsive to regulators and customers," it said. Toyota's once stellar reputation for safety has taken a battering in recent years, with the firm recalling more than 12 million vehicles since 2009 and paying US authorities nearly $50 million in penalties.
The assembly line of South Korea's top automaker Hyundai Motor is seen at the company's factory in Ulsan, about 410 km (255 miles) southeast of Seoul.
Police moved in on Yoosung after declaring the work stoppage illegal because strikers barred non-strikers from the plant and occupied the premises. Police were on guard at the plant
Wednesday to help non-union members normalise operations, but it was still unclear when production would resume. Officers Tuesday detained some 500 of the 540 employees occupying the fac-
tory. "Some 400 workers have now been released while 100 are still in detention for questioning," a police spokesman in Asan said.
Volkswagen sees $1-B US plant as key to topping Toyota as No. 1 automaker CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee -– Volkswagen AG marked the grand opening of a $1 billion U.S. assembly plant that looms large in the German automaker's plan to unseat Toyota Motor Co as the world's largest automaker. The plant in south-central Tennessee, where Volkswagen is already building its 2012 Passat car, is a key part of the company's plan, which faces numerous hurdles and doubters within the auto industry. By shifting production to the United States and using local parts suppliers, Volkswagen can guard against exchange rate fluctuations that can eat away at profit, analysts said. Making cars in the Unit-
ed States also allows the company to keep close track of changing tastes in the world's No. 2 auto market, where consumer trends often originate. By having a plant in the United States, Volkswagen is also demonstrating its commitment to the U.S. market, analysts said. The company aims to nearly triple its sales in the United States to 1 million vehicles in 2018 from about 360,000 in 2010. "A car company can only be really successful and get a big market share if it is on location," said Juergen Pieper, an analyst at Metzler Equities in Germany. "The Japanese are stronger than VW in North America because they are already
there." Volkswagen's growth plans represent a tall order for an automaker that has long been seen as a niche player, analysts said. Including its luxury brand Audi, Volkswagen ended 2010 with just a 3 percent market share in the United States, according to Autodata. By contrast, Toyota had about 15 percent, while GM had about 19 percent. Adding to its challenges are the revamped vehicle lineups of the Detroit Big Three automakers -- General Motors Co, Ford Motor Co and Chrysler Group LLC -- as well as Korean companies Hyundai Motor and Kia.
Peugeot 508 makes Asia-premier debut in S. Korea SEOUL -- Hanbul Motors Corp., the local importer and distributor of French automaker PSA Peugeot Citroen, introduced the new Peugeot 508 in South Korea on Wednesday, also marking the vehicle's Asia debut. The passenger sedan comes in two trims -- the chaste Allure version with a 2.0-liter engine and the sportier GT version with a 2.2-liter HDi engine. The Peugeot 508 Allure has a maximum horsepower of 163 and a maximum torque of 34.6 kilogram-meters while
achieving a high fuel economy of 18 kilometers per liter. The GT model is packed with a maximum horsepower of 204 and a maximum torque of 45.5 kilogram-meters, enabling the performance of a car with a 5.0-liter engine, Hanbul Motors said. "As the first strategic model introduced under PSA Group's vision for globalization, the 508 was designed for the Asian market from the very planning stage of its production," the company said in a press release.
Chrysler exits gov’t bailout 6 years early WASHINGTON -– US automaker Chrysler announced Tuesday it had exited six years early a US and Canadian rescue program with the repayment of billions of dollars provided during the 2008-2009 economic crisis. Chrysler said it had repaid, six years ahead of time, $5.1 billion along with $865 million in interest and fees to the US Treasury. It repaid another $1.7 billion in principle, interest and fees to the governmentowned Export Development Canada. After going through a sweeping bankruptcy reorganization underpinned by the government loans, the company said it was "returning as a competitive force in the global automotive industry." Earlier this month, Chrysler raised $8.8 billion in private loans and debt placements as well as new equity from key shareholder Fiat, in order to retire the government financing. That will save it an estimated $350 million a year in interest expenses, Chrysler said. "Less than two years ago, we made a commitment to repay the US and Canadian taxpayers in full and today we made good on that promise," said Chrysler and Fiat chief executive Sergio Marchionne in a statement. "Paying back the loans, along with the financial community's investment in our refinancing packages, marks another step in the company returning as a competitive force in the global automotive industry." President Barack Obama, who went out on a political limb when his administration pushed to use financial industry rescue funds for big carmakers Chrysler and General Motors, called the repayment a "significant milestone" for the company and for people who rely on the auto industry. "Supporting the American auto industry required making some tough decisions, but I was not willing to walk away from the workers at Chrysler and the communities that rely on this iconic American company," the president said in a statement. "While there is more work to be done, we are starting to see stronger sales, additional shifts at plants and signs of strength in the auto industry and our economy, a true testament to the resolve and determination of American workers across the nation," he said. Canada, which has some 8,000 Chrysler workers in three factories, also applauded the move.
OPINION
MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2011
METRO EXPRESS
The first free broadsheet in the Philippines!
Solution vs unemployment YES, Virginia, there is a solution to the growing number of unemployed in the country. Instead of relying on the business process outsourcing industry to boost the country's workforce, the Aquino administration should strengthen the microsmall-medium enterprise sector as it is the best way to provide jobs to Filipinos. E D I T O R I A L The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey puts 11.3 million Filipinos without work in March, 1.4 million more from the 9.9 million Filipinos reported jobless in the November survey. Vice President Jejomar Binay, during the recent 6th Puregold Tindahan ni Aling Puring Sari-Sari Convention at the World , emphasized the importance of MSMEs, such as sari-sari stores, to economic growth. According to Binay, data from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) showed that in 2009, MSMEs created 3.5 million jobs or 63.2 percent of the total jobs generated by all types of business establishments that year. With the help of private organizations, Binay said the Aquino government would be able to provide gainful employment and economic opportunities for the Filipino people so that overseas employment will eventually become a matter of choice and not necessity. It seems that only Binay is providing the only bright spot for the Aquino government. Keep it up Mr. Vice President and you'll end up the No. 1 man in 2016. Speaking of the 6th Puregold Sari-Sari Convention, Puregold marketing manager Kelvin Kuan reported that the event held last May 18-21 was a huge successs. Kuan said the event’s mission of giving people a chance to have their own small business, avail discounted products and gain knowledge on how to expand their livelihood through seminars were all accomplished. Kuan added that thousands of Tindahan ni Aling Puring members and non-members alike flocked to the convention to participate and also enjoy the free samples from more than 200 trade partners and 350 booths. The four-day event which carried the theme “SIKAP - Sari-sari Store, Itaguyod Kasama ang Puregold” is expected to equal, if not top, last year’s record of 35,000 attendees. Attendees were also treated to a star-studded affair with celebrities like Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, Ruby Rodriguez, Jose Manalo, Boy Abunda, Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, KC Concepcion, Mara Clara teen stars Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes, singer Jonalyn Viray, Giselle Sanchez and Suzy Abrera. Kuan is hoping that participants can implement what they’ve learned during the seminars and sessions led by some prominent names in the business sector, including Dr. Francisco Colayco, Chinkee Tan, Francis Kong, Lloyd Luna and Jojo Baldo. The Metro Express is published weekly by SANZIBAR INC. with office address at Unit 2410 Cityland 10 Tower 1 Condominium, H.V. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City with tel. no. 470-3762. For press and photo releases as well as adverttising inquiries, text or call PR and Marketing Manager Eugene Labadan tru mobiles 0908-9874708 and 09175437729 or Hotlines Globe 0915-5517486 and Smart 0919-5794784. Email: esns03@yahoo.com.
George M. Balagtas Publisher
Ismael ‘El’ Amigo Editor-in-Chief
Fitzgerald Cecilio Executive Editor
Racquel Mendoza Advertising Manager
Eugene Labadan PR, Marketing & Circulation Manager
EDITOR’S NOTE All commentaries and or opinions submitted by our columnists and herein published shall remain as personal opinion of any of Metro Express’ column writers. As such, these cannot and never be construed nor considered as similar to that of this publication (Metro Express)’s stand on issues discussed. Be that as it may, Metro Express shall not be held liable to any legal issues related to, or any column/commentaries that may appear herein.
All necessary steps should be undertaken against flooding in the country, now that the rainy-back-to-school season is upon us!
‘We can only hope’ ARMED Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Oban, Jr. is optimistic that China would abide on the existing code of conduct that govern the claimant countries on the Spratlys to avoid the use of force in settling conflicts or differences. China has announced that it will deploy an additional 36 ships in the South China Sea within a five-year period. Beijing actions will only ‘militarize’ the area. Other claimant countries who have a military capacity to increase its forces in the contested area will definitely follow suit, like Vietnam, reportedly has acquired a submarine from Russia. What about the Philippines? We can only hope that China will behave as a good neighbor. -ooo-
BENJIE ALEJANDRO
Voice of the News I like to believe that Beijing is sending a signal to all stakeholder because the announcement was made after the conclusion of the 18th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta where the regional bloc, which the Philippines is a member – agreed to work hard in achieving ‘one community
by 2015.’ As a bloc, ASEAN will play a major role in the ASIA Pacific Region where China’s interest and influence dominates. Responding to a question on China’s naval build-up, Oban said: “I think...they will be true to their word in abiding by the code of parties in the South China Sea.” What if a similar incident like the Reed Bank incident happened again? Well, Manila will send again a Note Verbale to Beijing. With the military limited resources and capability Oban said the Philippine Navy, including the Philippine Coast Guard as instructed by President Aquino will continue to protect the country’s territorial integrity. Read full article on www.metroexpressnews.yolasite.com
Let CHED do its work LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “…But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children---with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts…” (Psalm 103:17-18, the Holy Bible). -oooLET CHED DO ITS WORK: Now, there are two branches of government looking into supposed additional miscellaneous charges being made by schools and universities against their students during school opening in June---first the Senate, and second, Malacanang. To me, this is an overkill. To find out if the miscellaneous charges are legally permissible, the constitution by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of a committee, headed by its legal counsel, lawyer Julio Vitriolo, is the most appropriate step. All that has to be done is, study the
ATTY. BATAS MAURICIO
Kakampi Mo Ang Batas laws on schools and universities and find out if these laws allow such additional miscellaneous charges, and the Vitriolo committee should be able to establish that. There is no longer any need for the intervention of the Senate and the Office of the Malacanang. -ooo-
CONGRATS, ILOCOS SUR REP. RYAN LUIS SINGSON: I congratulate newly-elected Ilocos Sur Rep. Ryan Luis Singson, son of Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson and brother of former Rep. Ronald Singson, for his election in the special congressional elections in the province. Agbiyag kayo, Apo Congressman. Yet, will please someone clarify if this election, as well as the political exercise in May 2010, already means the “political separation” of the Singsons and their closest political allies in Ilocos Sur, the Baterina Family? I am asking this question because in the elections May 2010 and May 2011, a Baterina fought the Singsons tooth and nail, indicating, as it were, a fierce battle between the previously-allied families. What happened here? Read full article on www.metroexpressnews.yolasite.com
Criminals getting younger by the day OUR National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, must be turning in his grave right now. He has all the reason to do so because some of the youth he called as "future of the nation" are turning into criminals, no thanks to the Juvenile Justice System Act of 2006. Criminals are getting younger and younger by the day since the law that exempts minors 15-years old and younger from criminal liability, and allows punishment for those 15 to 18 if proven they acted “with discernment” was passed in 2006. Why? The law has been taken advantages by some criminal groups or gangs by employing minors to do their bidding, leading to the growing number of crimes committed by juveniles. -oooRecently, the Senate said it is planning to suspend implementation of the Juvenile Justice Law, for lack of rehabilitation facilities for youthful offenders. Sen. Francis Escudero said the Senate shall suspend the law until such time
ISMAEL ‘EL’ AMIGO
Better Late Than Never that the necessary rehabilitation centers for these children are established. Escudero’s amendment of the juvenile justice law shall be discussed when the Senate plenary session starts on May 9. Escudero said juvenile delinquents cannot be detained in municipal jails alongside hardened criminals as it would mean that authorities can be charged with both administrative and criminal charges.
-oooBut for me, lawmakers should focus on the bill filed by Iloilo City Rep. Jerry Trenas seeking to lower the age of criminal liability from 15 to 12 years of age. Trenas is alarmed at the growing incidence of crimes committed by minors, many of them recruited by crime syndicates. Treñas said House Bill 3815 seeks to protect Filipino youth used as “pawns” by criminals. The bill imposes “criminal penalties upon offenders belonging to a criminal juvenile organization aged 12 and above who acted with discernment, any person involved in any criminal juvenile organization that tolerates any criminal act as part of its authorized activities or initiation (rites), and on parents or guardians of a child commanded, encouraged or allowed to participate in any criminal act.” Treñas said his bill would also punish persons who encourage youngsters to join gangs, including their parents.
6 METRO EXPRESS
BUSINESS The first free broadsheet in the Philippines!
MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2011
Port of Subic posts P30M revenue surplus THE Port of Subic registered a P30million surplus in Customs revenue as reflected in its actual cash collections against target for the January-April period this year. Figures from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) showed that Subic’s year-on-year cash collection performance in the four-month period reached P2 billion, surpassing last year’s record of P1.6 billion by 25.26 percent.
In April alone, the Bureau of Customs (BoC) here easily surpassed the target of P622 million after coming up with P623 million, the highest monthly cash revenue so far this year. The Port of Subic, however, posted the highest monthly surplus on its actual cash collections in January when it exceeded its target by P25.61 million. The surplus in March reached P21.92 million and P1.02 million inApril, although
actual collection versus target fell short by P18.54 million in February, the BoC said. With this record, the Port of Subic emerged as one of the five ports in the entire country to surpass their target, joining Limay, which recorded a surplus of P456 million, Davao with P39 million, Zamboanga with P500,000, Legazpi with P100,000, and Clark with P10,000. Overall, the BoC national office announced a shortfall of P3.3 billion, as it
posted total cash collections at P21.88 billion, which is 13 percent short of its P25.19-billion target. According to the Subic district office of the BOC, cash collections here are derived from duties and taxes paid for ship calls, transshipment operations and the importation of various inputs, including oil, motor vehicles and other general merchandise. The Subic-BOC also posted P102.21 million in non-cash collections derived
from government-to-government transactions in January-April 2011. This was 97 percent lower than the P3.48-billion collection in the same period last year. The Port of Subic utilizes the Enhanced Automated Cargo Transfer System (e-ACTS) for faster, safer, synchronized and secure cargo transit between Subic Bay and other ports in the country like the NinoyAquino InternationalAirport, the Port of Manila, and the International Container Port Terminal.
PADERANGA
NEDA sees PHL economy to grow 5.8% in Q1
YOKOHAMA Expansion Project. Budget and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad led the laying of time capsule of the Y50 Billion expansion project of the Yokohama Tire Philippines, Inc. inside Clark Freeport Zone. The DBM chief, who was the guest of honor and speaker, was assisted by (l-r) Clark Development Corporation President Felipe B. Remollo, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe, Yokohama Rubber Corporation (YRC) President and Representative Director Tadanobu Nagumo, and Mabalacat Mayor Marino Morales.
DBM: Gov’t spending picks up in April NATIONAL government spending has started to pick up in April, as the utilization of Notice of Cash Allocations (NCA) has improved to 88.9 percent as of April from 82.0 percent as of March, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Government disbursements in April amounted to P112.1 billion, or 8 percent lower than the P121.9 billion spent in April 2010 and 14 percent lower than the program of P130.1 billion. Disbursements in the first four months of the year amounted to P461.4 billion, lower by P60.5 billion or 11.6 percent compared to P521.9 billion year-on-year. The lower disbursements recorded was on account of lower interest payments by P22.4 billion due to better interest and exchange rates this year; lower capital outlay due to lower account payables; and lower maintenance spending as there were non-recurring expenditures last year. Nonetheless, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad pressed departments and agencies, especially those with infrastructure projects, to fulfil their catch-up plans. “Agencies have a lot of catching up to do. I wish to remind them of President Aquino’s directive to accelerate program and project implementation,” he said. He also said that the President has called for a Mid-Year Budget Execution Assessment in July to ensure that budget execution and project implementation proceed according to schedule. “Nonetheless, we now see signs of improvement. Based on the catch-up plans of the agencies, as well as the allotments and cash allocations that we released recently, we expect spending to further pick up in the next few months,” he said, noting that DBM has already released P1.09 trillion in allotments, or 66.3 percent of this year’s P1.645-trillion budget.
Cebu Pacific boosts domestic tourism with additional flights, 33% more seats THE Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) will increase domestic flights in the 4th quarter of 2011, making available 33% more seats compared to the same period last year. CEB will take delivery of 3 more brand-new Airbus A320 aircraft in October, allowing the airline to offer the lowest possible fares in the market and mount more domestic flights. “This is in line with CEB’s continued commitment to promote tourism and economy in the destinations it flies to. Foreign and local travelers can book CEB’s lowest fares to explore the Philippines’ top beaches and diving sites, and attend the country’s most popular fiestas,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog. “We currently already offer the most flights and the lowest fares to Cebu and Davao, two key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao, compared to any other air-
line. Tourists will have faster, easier access to the most extensive route network in the country,” she added. With this flight increases, CEB will also continue to have the most flights to popular tourist destinations such as Boracay, Coron, Dumaguete and Cagayan de Oro. CEB will increase flight frequencies in the following routes: *Effective 1 October 2011 Manila-Butuan-Manila (2x to 3x daily) Manila-General Santos-Manila (2x to 3x daily) Manila-Tacloban-Manila (4x to 5x daily) Manila-Davao-Manila (from 45x to 49x weekly) *Effective 7 October 2011 Manila-Davao-Manila (7x to 8x daily) Manila-Dumaguete-Manila (2x to 3x daily) Manila-Roxas-Manila (7x to 12x weekly) Cebu-Butuan-Cebu (7x to 11x weekly) Manila-Boracay (Caticlan)Manila (86x to 91x weekly) Cebu-Dum-
BUSINESS BRIEFS DTI urges Boracay Island resorts to patronize local products BORACAY ISLAND -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is strengthening the promotion of Aklan products even as it encourages resorts in Boracay Island to patronize local products in their respective establishments. DTI provincial director Diosdado Cadena said that the Hugod Aklanon Association is currently exploring possible partnership with the Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI). The Hugod Aklanon is a group of entrepreneurs while the BFI is one of the major business groups in this resort island. "We in the DTI allow the exploration between the Hugod and BFI to flourish. In our view, we would like to see this partnership by encouraging the business sector to directly order from Aklan producers instead of ordering the supplies from other provinces," said Cadena.
Gov't posts highest recorded monthly fiscal surplus in 25 years “WE HAVE strived to increase tax collections without imposing new taxes and we have been very aggressive in eliminating wasteful spending,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said, in response to the Government’s highest monthly fiscal surplus in 25 years.
aguete-Cebu (3x to 7x weekly) CebuPagadian-Cebu (4x to 7x weekly) Additional Seats (from ATR 72-500 to Airbus A319) Cebu-Ozamiz-Cebu (Daily) Manila-Tuguegarao-Manila (Daily) *Effective 14 October 2011 Manila-Cagayan de Oro-Manila (6x to 7x daily) Cebu-Davao-Cebu (24x to 28x weekly) Manila-Cebu-Manila (80x to 87x weekly) Manila-Coron (Busuanga)Manila (2x to 3x daily) Manila-Boracay (Caticlan)-Manila (13x to 14x daily) Manila-Naga-Manila (3x to 4x daily) Additional Seats (from ATR 72-500 to Airbus A319) Cebu-Bacolod-Cebu (Daily) Cebu-Cagayan de Oro-Cebu (Daily) Cebu-Iloilo-Cebu (Daily) Cebu-Tacloban-Cebu (Daily). For CEB booking and inquiries, guests can visit www.cebupacificair.com or http://funtours.cebupacificair.com or call (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888.
THE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has said the Philippine economy is likely to grow 4.8 percent to 5.8 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to last year. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cayetano Paderanga told reporters that the agriculture and services sectors contributed to the growth in the JanuaryMarch 2011 quarter. In the first quarter of 2010, the economy grew by 7.3 percent. The government expects the economy, as measured by the gross domestic product (GDP), to grow between 7 percent and 8 percent this year and up to 2016. GDP refers to the total value of final goods and services produced in a country in a year. Paderanga, however, said that the economic managers may review the country's economic target "after the end of the second quarter to see how we are doing." "The (yearly) GDP targets may be easier to reach starting in 2012 since the effect of last year's elections spending would not be there," Paderanga added. The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) said that the economy grew by 7.6 percent last year, a slight upward revision from an earlier announced 7.3 percent. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank earlier projected that GDP may grow 5 percent this year. At the same time, Paderanga said inflation is still relatively low although it moved to the higher end of the range. "It's still within target," he said. The National Statistics Office (NSO) reported that inflation in the first four months of 2011 reached 4.2 percent or within the government's projection of between 3 percent and 5 percent this year.
The national government recorded a surplus of P26.258 billion for the month of April, which brings its fiscal position for the first four months of the year to a surplus of P61 million. “According to our economic managers, this strong fiscal performance was a result of an 18.22 percent increase in revenue collections for the first four months to P461.4 billion, while our expenditures for the same period decreased by 11.6 percent to P461.35 billion,” Lacierda added. The reduction in expenditures was in large part due to a 17.98 percent reduction in interest payments, as reported earlier.
IFC grants EDC $75-M loan THE International Finance Corp. (IFC), the lending arm of the World Bank has granted a US$ 75 million long-term loan to Lopez-controlled Energy Development Corp. (EDC). EDC disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday that proceeds of the loans will be used to fund the company’s medium-term capital expenditure program.The loan facility will have a 15-year term. IFC bought some $ 50 million worth of shares of EDC in 2006 during the company's initial public offering (IPO). IFC said its investment in EDC supports the Philippine government’s goal of privatizing energy sector assets and will improve efficiency and aid expansion in the geothermal energy sector. IFC said its investment would assist the country’s efforts to improve its energy mix toward the use of indigenous and renewable sources of energy.
SHOWBIZ
MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2011
The first free broadsheet in the Philippines!
METRO EXPRESS
Luis OK with Jen's love child
Wild, Weird, World! Creepy weird Internet kissing NOW this is pretty creepy! A Japanese lab has created a device that may let let you “French kiss” someone over the Internet. And by “kiss,” we mean waggle your tongue on a plastic straw, thereby making another plastic straw waggle remotely on someone else’s tongue. Hot, huh? Well, the folks at Tokyo’s Kajimoto Laboratory say it’s just the beginning of what could become a full-on person-to-person experience over the Internet. The lab, part of The University of Electro-Communications, posted a video in which a researcher demonstrates the “Kiss Transmission Device.” It’s a motorized box that looks a little like a police Breathalyzer.
FUN FACT
VHONG NAVARRO LUIS MANZANO
Vhong inks new pact with ABS-CBN COMEDIAN Vhong Navarro will stay a "Kapamilya" for three more years. This after the comedian, who started as a member of all-male dance group Streeboys, signedafresh3-yearcontractwithABS-CBN. The contract signing was attended by top ABS-CBN executives. He has been a Kapamilya talent for more than a decade now. Navarro said he is thankful for the trust and opportunity given by the company. The “Showtime” host vowed to work harder in his upcoming projects. The comedian-actor also said he wishes to do a television project with his fellow “Kanto Boys” members John Lloyd Cruz, Luis Manzano and Billy Crawford. Their current individual schedules, however, will not allow them to collaborate. The shooting of their movie is currently underway. Navarro might also do either a soap opera or a sitcom.
JENNYLYN MERCADO
LUIS Manzano sees no problem with Jennylyn Mercado's child out of wedlock. "I don't take it as a bad thing (with Jenn has a son). Definitely, any child is a bless-
METRO HAPPENINGS
Lady Gaga the most followed user on Twitter Lady Gaga, aka Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (USA), had more than 10,131,629 Twitter followers of her @ladygaga Twitter feed as of 18 May 2011.
Hillsong United Live in Manila, Araneta Coliseum, June 2, 2011 XLR8 Mania, Metro Bar, June 2, 2011 2NE1 Live in Manila, Araneta Coliseum, June 4, 2011 Tsai Chin Hu & Chang Hsiu-Ching Live in Manila, Newport Performing Arts Theater, June 4, 2011 Miley Cyrus Live in Manila, SM MOA Concert Grounds, June 17, 2011 David Choi Live in Manila, Music Museum, June 24, 2011 Ryan Cayabyab and Friends, Resorts World Manila, June 28, 2011 PAGCOR Bingo “Shower of Millions” June 12, 2011, World Trade Center 5th Manila Food and Beverage Expo (MAFBEX), June 15-19, World Trade Center
CROSSWORD
Across 1 Competent 5 "The Hobbit" character 10 Take note of 14 "Dracula" author Stoker 15 Deck 16 General's command 17 1970s Egptian president 19 Creole cooking staple 20 Clyde's partner 21 Heightened 23 In addition 25 Erase 26 Sudden outpouring 29 Uncouth 31 Easy gait 32 Atmosphere 33 Preoccupy 36 Cleopatra's killer
37 African spear 39 "Flying Down to __" 40 Grad student's work 42 Assistance 43 Email option 44 Nougat ingredient 46 Mythical sorceress 47 Homer's home 48 Donkey pin-on 50 Emperor after Caligula 52 Abstract 56 Period before Easter 57 Noble 59 Apiece 60 Aggregate 61 Ghana neighbor 62 Singles 63 Foe
64 Flat-bottomed boat Down 1 Quatrain rhyme scheme 2 Chief city of Moravia 3 Croquet area 4 Flow forth 5 Army posts 6 Gilbert and Sullivan princess 7 Prospector's prospect 8 "Mutiny on the Bounty" star 9 Jack Kerouac title 10 Bring under control 11 10th century explorer 12 Game-show host 13 Changed hue 18 Exasperate 22 Legal get-out 24 Japanese sashes 26 Blind part 27 Swanky 28 Look 30 Mountain nymph 32 Colleague 34 Periodic function 35 Carbonated quaff 37 Prepared to fire 38 Main point 41 Detectives 43 Chooses 45 Nerve cell 46 Dali contemporary 47 Gather gradually 49 As is proper 50 Chanteuse Laine 51 Location 53 Swamp snapper 54 "Othello" villain 55 Put away 58 Symbolic Uncle
ANSWER NEXT ISSUE
ing. There are some na napaka-negative na tao, na mahirap na makipagrelasyon sa babaeng may anak na," Luis said. Luis recently admitted that he is dating Jennylyn, who has a son with actor Patrick Garcia. "Ang masasabi ko lang sa ganun, eh di sana parang hinusgahan na din ang mommy (Vilma Santos) ko. Nung pumasok si tito Ralph (Recto) sa buhay naming, eh my mom had me. Kung hinuhusgahan niyo si Jenn for having a son, it's very unfair," he said. In a television interview, the actor shared that they went out on a date a couple of times already and he's very happy with what is happening now. He said he knew Jennylyn even before, but he got to bond with her during their Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thia training. Luis also shared that he met Jenn's son with actor Patrick Garcia, while the actress also met his mom, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto.
METRO EXPRESS
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ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE
8 METRO EXPRESS
SPORTS
MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2011
The first free broadsheet in the Philippines!
Tiger sinks to new low TIGER Woods continued to slip the golf’s world rankings from eighth down to 12th position, the first time he has been outside the world top 10 since winning the Masters in 1997. His high profile infidelity that led to a costly divorce from his wife has devastated him mentally. Followed by a long lay-off after the incident, has affected his game. Since his comeback, he has yet to regain his luster performance and the lost glory where he was once the top player and the dominant athlete of the game. The top 10: Lee Westwood (England) , Luke Donald (England); Martin Kaymer (Germany) ; Phil Mickelson (US) ; Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland) ; Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) [7.] Charl Schwartzel (South Africa); Steve Stricker (US) ; Paul Casey (England) ; Matt Kuchar (US).
Pacquiao rocks Marquez with a left hook during their 2nd encounter.
‘I know how to beat Pacman’ MEXICAN fighter Juan Manuel Marquez has boasted that he possesses the tols and knowledge tools to beat eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. "You have to match his rhythm," said Marquez, who will face Pacquiao for a third time, possibly on November 12, in an interview with Examiner.com. "You have to match his speed with speed and when he throws punches, you have to counter-punch with the same velocity," added Marquez, who holds the World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight belts. The bout will take place at a 144-pound catch weight in Las Vegas, Nevada. Marquez has been offered $5 million
for a third fight against Pacquiao tentatively set on November 12. One of the best technical boxers of his generation, the Mexican has given Pacquiao two of his toughest career fights. The Mexican champion fought the Filipino superstar to controversial draw in 2004. Pacquiao then won a split decision over Marquez 4 years later. Since their last face-off, Pacquiao went on to become the only 8-division champion in the world. He is the reigning WBO welterweight champion. Marquez admitted that Pacquiao, who is coming off a unanimous decision win over Shane Mosley, has made improvements on his game since they last fought.
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