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Vol. 5 No. 56 LOS ANGELES
Friday - Thursday, December 9 - 15, 2016
Duterte invites Trump to PHL
DAVAO CITY, Dec 3 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte made a congratulatory phone call to US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday, Dec. 2. In a message, the President said that the conversation could signal an improvement of ties between the US and the Philippines. President Duterte said Mr. Trump extended his warm greetings to the Filipino people during their conversation. “And he wishes to extend his warmest regards to the Filipino people. And in just a few minutes, we were talking a lot of things,” the President revealed. The President said he could
sense a good rapport with an animated President-elect Trump. According to the President, Trump expressed support for the Philippine’s anti-drug campaign. “He understood the way we are handling it and I said that there’s nothing wrong in protecting a See TRUMP, page 12
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte congratulates United States of America President-elect Donald Trump through a phone call at Legaspi Suites in Davao City on December 3, 2016. (MNS photo)
Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter, YouTube unite to fight terrorist propaganda WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 (PNA/ Sputnik) – Four US social media giants are uniting in an effort to counter the spread of terrorist recruitment and propaganda materials online, Facebook said in a press release. According to the statement, Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter and YouTube are coming together to help curb the spread of terrorist
content online. “There is no place for content that promotes terrorism on our hosted consumer services,” the release stated on Monday. “When alerted, we take swift action against this kind of content in accordance with our respective policies.” Each company will use a shared database of digital “fingerprints”
AFP urges public vigilance MANILA, Dec. 2 (PNA) – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesman Brigadier General Restituto F. Padilla, Jr. called upon the Filipino citizenry to be vigilant in the fight against terrorism and share this responsibility with the Police and the Armed Forces. “Our call to the public, as we have made yesterday is that we must all subscribe to the tenet that security is a shared responsibility. It is not something that is placed on the shoulders of your police and your military alone. That every community, for it to remain secure, (there) must be a shared task on
to track down potential terrorism recruitment videos or images, the release added. “Our companies will begin sharing hashes of the most extreme and egregious terrorist images and videos we have removed from our services — content most likely to violate all of our respective companies’ content policies,” the release See PROPAGANDA, page 12
New MIAA chief lauded for reversing policy on OFWs terminal fee
the part of every citizen,” said Padilla in a press briefing on Friday. Padilla said the presence of any suspicious person must immediately be reported by the citizens to the authorities stationed in their area such as the barangay watchmen, barangay officials, police or military men. He underscored the need for unity when he said, ”Kaya nga po kahapon, ang aming panawagan sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan ay lagi pong isaisip na kung nais po natin na ang ating komunidad at ang ating kinaroroonan ay laging
MANILA, Dec. 2 (PNA) – Senator Cynthia Villar on Friday thanked new Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Ed Moreal for reversing the policy of the previous administration to collect airport terminal fees from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). “I am happy that the new MIAA general manager is attuned to
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See NEW MIAA CHIEF, page 12
American Heart Association’s Little Hats, Big Hearts launches in Los Angeles Volunteers needed to knit or crochet little red hats for babies born in February
PRRD hands over a bouquet of flowers to newly-crowned Miss International Beauty Pageant 2016: President Rodrigo Duterte hands over a bouquet of flowers to newlycrowned Miss International Beauty Pageant 2016 Winner Kylie Verzosa who was one of the guests during the Christmas Lighting Ceremony at the Malacañang Palace Grounds on December 5, 2016. (Photo by King Rodriguez/PPD/PNA)
Duterte accepts Robredo’s resignation with heavy heart MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday accepted “with a heavy heart” the resignation of Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo as member of his Cabinet. “It is with a heavy heart that I accept the resignation of Vice President Leni Robredo,” Duterte said
in a press statement forwarded to the Malacañang media by Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar. On Monday, Robredo formally resigned as chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) See RESIGNATION, page 12
Gloria Arroyo: Robredo resignation was inevitable
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 5, 2016 – The American Heart Association’s (AHA) Little Hats, Big Hearts launches in Los Angeles to raise awareness of heart disease, the No. 1 killer of Americans, and congenital heart defects, the most common type of birth defect in the country. The program, in collaboration with The Children’s Heart Foundation and sponsored locally by
MANILA, Dec 5 (Mabuhay) – Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday said she saw the resignation of Vice President Leni Robredo from the Duterte Cabinet coming. “It was inevitable because of the divergence [between her and President Rodrigo Duterte] on issues,” said Arroyo, who is incumbent Pampanga representative. The former Philippine leader, however, said she believes the resignation would not hurt the government. Arroyo drew a parallel between Robredo’s resignation and when she herself quit the Estrada Cabinet when she was vice president. “If I go to my own perosnal experience, when I resigned from [the] Estrada Cabinet, there was already a big clamor for me to resign from the Estrada Cabinet,” she recalled.
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De Lima berates Bato: I’ve had enough of you, your lies
At the Senate probe on illegal drugs on Monday, December 5, 2016, Senator Leila de Lima grills PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa regarding controversial CIDG-8 chief Supt. Marvin Marcos, who was ordered relieved over the killing of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. but was reinstated allegedly upon orders by President Rodrigo Duterte. (MNS photo)
Espinosa, Dayan face off in Senate MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) – The Senate on Monday resumed the inquiry into the slaying of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. with the late mayor’s son and self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa and Ronnie Dayan -- former security aide of Senator Leila de Lima -- finally meeting face-to-face. Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, led the hearing which was also attended by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and cops implicated in the illegal drug trade, including PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region 8 director Supt. Marvin Marcos, Albuera Police head Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido among others. To recall, both Dayan and Espinosa claimed in separate hearings that De Lima benefited from the il-
legal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) by receiving money in exchange for protection of drug lords. Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin Drilon cited ‘irreconcilable inconsistencies’ between the testimonies of Dayan and Espinosa, particularly on dates and how the exchange was facilitated. Dayan claimed the exchange happened in November 2014 while Espinosa insisted that the exchange took place in November 2015. Another inconsistency in their testimonies was that Dayan claimed that De Lima facilitated the meeting while Espinosa insisted that Albuera, Leyte Police head Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido contacted Dayan to talk to him. Dayan also claimed De Lima gave him Espinosa’s contact number. However, Senator Lacson pointed out that Dayan, during a previous hearing at the House of Representatives (HoR), said
he met Espinosa without knowing his number. Dayan reasoned out that he was “not thinking properly” during the House hearing and “could not remember” it during that time. “I think it is obvious there are irreconcilable inconsistencies between two witnesses. Irreconcilable inconsistencies are signs of fabrication and very poor fabrication at that,” Drilon said during the Senate inquiry. Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon meanwhile moved to subpoena the call and text logs of both Dayan and Espinosa to review their conversations. Other senators took turns asking questions. Meanwhile, despite earlier pronouncements that she would not show up at the hearing, De Lima joined the hearing and also began asking questions directed at PNP Chief Dela Rosa. The Senate inquiry is ongoing as of posting time.
Trillanes tells Kerwin: Implicating De Lima won’t save you MANILA, Dec 5 (Mabuhay) – Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Monday doubted alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa was telling the truth in implicating Senator Leila de Lima in the illegal drug trade. At the resumption of the Senate public order committee hearing, Trillanes asked why Espinosa chose to implicate only De Lima in supposedly receiving protection money from him. “Si Senator De Lima lang yung dinawit mo kasi
madali siyang ilaglag. Proteksyon, sabi mo kaya ka nagbibigay, pero yung mga sa politiko sa area mo, aba wala kang binigay,” Trillanes pointed out. “Naiintindihan kita, kailangan mo i-please yung mga humahawak sa ‘yo pero it will not save you. It will not save you Kerwin. Sinasabi ko sa ‘yo, kapag nagpalit ng administrasyon, at sasabihin sa ‘yo ‘sige nga, sabihin mo yung totoong kwento.’ Sasabihin mo ‘yan, hindi ba?” Trillanes added.
Espinosa, who claimed giving P8 million in total to De Lima, said he was just telling the truth. Espinosa said he gave money to De Lima for protection, and to supposedly help fund the latter’s senatorial campaign. Trillanes then pointed out that De Lima had already resigned as secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) at the time Espinosa claims he transacted with De Lima and hence cannot give him protection. (MNS)
Duterte ready to pardon old, ailing political prisoners before Christmas By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he will release the elderly and ailing political prisoners in the country before Christmas Day. President Duterte made this announcement before lighting a 12-foot Christmas Tree made of 360 pieces of Las Pinas Christmas parols at the Malacanang Palace buildings in a ceremony attended by 2016 Miss International titlist Kylie Versoza. ”There is no point of detaining a person who is old and sick. I find it very awkward feeling. I’m uncomfortable. So all the elderly, ailing, you can go,” the 71-year-old Filipino leader said in his speech. President Duterte said qualified detainees for his pardon are those 70-year old and above and suffering from incurable diseases like kidney failure and cancer. ”If they are ready to be released and will be accepted by their families, I will release them before Christmas time,” he said. The President failed to give the numbers of elderly and ailing political prisoners but reports said there are 25 elderly political detainees and 140 who are sickly.
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Meanwhile, President Duterte said he will also agree for the release of over 130 political prisoners if the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) can show peace agreement signed between the Philippine government and the CPP-National Democratic Front (CPPNDF). ”They’re asking for the release of 130 political prisoners. I said I cannot give you that. I’m sorry but I have already conceded so much on the side of the government,” the President said, referring to the detained CPP-NDF leaders who were allowed to attend the peace talks in Oslo, Norway. ”But if you can show me a document signed by the Republic of the Philippines representatives and the communist, then I will release the 130 plus more,” he noted. ”I know the left have vision for our country. I used to cross the ideological border because I was a student once and I saw the iniquity, the sense of uselessness of the Filipinos, and I saw also the other side how should it be in the government,” President Duterte explained. As President, Duterte said he pleads for unity of the country free from communal
wars and for generation of Filipinos who are able, competent, healthy and good. ”I please for peace so that our citizens can move around anytime of the day or night,” the President said. He reiterated his campaign promise to extinguish illegal drugs, corruption and criminality in the country. ”Expect to pass to this world but once, therefore any good that I can do to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again,” President Duterte said, quoting from an anonymous writer. The President also promised to work hard to achieve peace with the Moro rebels particularly with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). ”The MILF has shown its sincerity to talk to us about peace. Nur Misuari (of MNLF) chooses to be different but he has said that he will work with us in government to find peace,” President Duterte said. ”So I’m happy except for the extremists, actually that would really be a danger to our country in the days to come,” he added.
MANILA, Dec 5 (Mabuhay) – Senator Leila de Lima on Monday berated Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa during a Senate committee hearing as the former questioned why the PNP chief earlier refused to disclose who asked for the reinstatement of Supt. Marvin Marcos. “Bakit hindi ninyo kaagad sinabi sa amin at sa publiko na ‘yung nag-utos sa inyo ay mismong ang Pangulong Duterte? Nagpaikot-ikot ka pa eh. Kumpare, ganyan ganyan,” De Lima said. Dela Rosa replied: “We are trained not to divulge. Alangan naman sabihin ko kaagad, may rason si Presidente bakit niya pina-reinstate.” Dela Rosa earlier denied that it was Duterte who asked that Marcos, head of
the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Region 8, be reinstated to his post. He also said it was his “kumpare” from Malacañang. De Lima then revealed to the media that it was Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go who called up Dela Rosa. The PNP chief denied this and even dared De Lima to name her source. A day after, however, Duterte admitted that he instructed Go to call Dela Rosa. He explained that he asked that Supt. Marcos be reinstated so that he could further be observed for alleged links to illegal drug operations. During the hearing, Senator De Lima pressed on the issue, asking Dela Rosa if he would have divulged the identity of his kumpadre had Duterte not admitted that it
was him. “Kung maipit, sasabihin ko. Magpalit tayo ng position your honor, ikaw maging chief PNP kung kaya mo,” Dela Rosa told De Lima. This angered De Lima, telling the PNP chief: “Do not argue with me. I am not the one asking here. Do not argue with me! I’ve had enough of you, kayong lahat na mga nagsisinungaling.” It was disclosed during the hearing that Supt. Marcos was relieved from his post and reinstated on the same day. Marcos, for his part, was clueless how the information got to the President. Marcos was eventually relieved from his post after Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa was killed in an operation led by his CIDG team. He is still under restrictive custody. (MNS)
Duterte to gov’t panel: No ceasefire, no release of political prisoners By Sammy F. Martin
MANILA, Dec. 6 (PNA) – President Rodrigo R. Duterte has given instructions to Labor Secretary and government chief peace negotiator Silvestre ‘Bebot’ Bello III and panel member Angela Librado-Trinidad to produce a signed bilateral ceasefire agreement before he will order a substantial release of detained communist rebels. “Produce to me a signed bilateral ceasefire agreement and I will release them within 48 hours. You can take my word for it,” Bello quoted the president as saying. In a press statement released by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Tuesday, the president later told Malacanang Palace employees that the government has already conceded far enough to the National Democratic Front. But he also promised to release a number of elderly and sick detained rebels before Christmas Day. “The president told us that once he receives even just a facsimile copy of the signed agreement, he will immediately order the release of communist rebels,” Bello likewise said. Bello and Librado sought instructions from Malacanang after the president met with top rebel leaders Benito and William Tiamzon in Davao City on Friday evening. In that meeting, the president said he would keep his campaign promise to release detained commu-
nist rebels. The president, however, gave his latest instructions during the break of the cabinet meeting at the Palace Monday evening. The government panel holding peace talks with the NDF has submitted a list of 200 prisoners who are eligible for release under the new guidelines of the Presidential Committee on Bail, Recognizance and Parole (PCBREP). Twenty-five (25) of them are elderly, sick and women. The NDF claimed 434 rebels are still being held in different detentions all over the country. Four rebels convicted for murder and kidnapping were already given presidential pardon as announced by the Secretary Bello Friday last week. They were identified as Martin Villanueva, Bonifacio Suyon, Dindo Absalon and Rico Bodina. They have served sentence ranging from 18 to 26 years. All are farmers. Although both the government and the NDF have declared their own unilateral ceasefires, the two camps have been complaining of reports of violations from the field. But Bello said until both panels agree to a set of guidelines, “there are technically no violations.” The labor secretary said it is to the best interest of combatants from both sides and especially the civilians caught in the middle of the armed conflict that a “formal ceasefire is in place so that we can monitor any
claims of violations.” “Remember, one life saved is one more happy family,” the government chief negotiator said. During the formal opening round of the peace negotiations, both the GRP and NDF panels agreed to submit drafts on bilateral ceasefire. But the NDF later said the ceasefire is tied to the release of ‘political prisoners’. President Duterte earlier ordered the release of 21 rebel leaders who are now acting as consultants of the NDF panel holding peace talks with the government. The president made a campaign promise to reopen peace negotiations with the NDF, which is representing the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing the New People’s Army (NPA). The Philippine government and the NDF will resume formal peace talks in January, possibly in Rome, Italy. “The weather is a bit better in Rome than in Oslo, Norway,” Bello cited the reason for the change of talks’ venue. The first two rounds of formal peace negotiations with the NDF under the Duterte administration were held in Norway whose government is facilitating the talks to put an end to nearly 50 years of armed rebellion in the Philippines. The guerrilla war being waged by the CPP-NPANDF is now Asia’s longest running active insurgency movement.
CIDG-8 chief Marcos was relieved, reinstated on same day, says PNP chief MANILA, Dec 5 (Mabuhay) – Controversial cop Supt. Marvin Marcos was administratively relieved and reinstated on the same day, it was disclosed during the resumption of the Senate public order committee hearing on the death of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Monday. Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV inquired on the circumstances involving Marcos, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region 8. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said he relieved Marcos administratively in October “within the time frame” of the arrest of Mayor Espinosa’s son, alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa,
in Abu Dhabi. “Dahil gusto kong maimbestigahan ‘yung kanyang involvement sa pagtanggap ng drug payola,” Dela Rosa explained. Pressed by Aquino when Marcos was asked to be reinstated to his post, Senator Panfilo Lacson, chair of the committee, said “same day binalik.” Dela Rosa affirmed Lacson’s statement. “Okay lang, your honor, dahil it’s coming from the chief executive,” Dela Rosa said. “Hindi po ito pangkarinawan. To be frank, nagtataka ako but who am I to question the wisdom of the President? Meron siyang rason which he explained later,” the PNP chief added. Duterte earlier admitted ordering the reinstatement
of Marcos so that he could further be observed for alleged links to illegal drug operations. Dela Rosa said Mayor Espinosa would still be alive if Supt. Marcos was not reinstated. Mayor Espinosa was killed on November 5 inside the Baybay City sub-provincial jail in Leyte. It was Supt. Marcos’ team which led the raid inside the jail to serve a search warrant on Espinosa on information that he had in his possession a firearm and illegal drugs. Kerwin had alleged that Marcos received protection money from him. Marcos was eventually relieved from his post after Mayor Espinosa was killed. He is still under restrictive custody. (MNS)
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Jack Lam’s Fort Ilocandia casino operation shuts down By Leilani G. Adriano
LAOAG CITY, Dec 6 (PNA) – Responding to President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to look into illegal online gaming operations here, the casino operation of the lone five-star Fort Ilocandia Resort (FIR) in this city has been temporarily closed. The FIR is an affiliate of Fontana Leisure Park in Clark Field, Pampanga, owned by Macau-based gaming tycoon Jack Lam. Upon instruction of the President, joint authorities of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) in cooperation with the Regional Investigation and Detection Group and the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office led by Police
Senior Superintendent Jose Melencio Nartatez served the closure order on late Monday afternoon. Following the arrest of 1,316 Chinese at Lam’s casino in Fontana for overstaying and some violations, the President ordered the arrest of the big time gaming tycoon for allegedly attempting to bribe government officials, including Justice Sec. Vitaliano Aguirre and Pagcor chair Andrea Domingo, and for economic sabotage. Records from the Bureau of Immigration however showed that a certain Lam Yin Lok, Lam’s known Chinese name, left the country last Nov. 29 for Hong Kong. In view of this, several employees affected by the tem-
porary closure of the casino pending an investigation were transferred to other branches of Pagcor. Jayson Perrera, legal counsel of FIR, maintained that Lam has not violated any law, hence he is optimistic the operation of the Fort Ilocandia casino will resume as soon as possible. Earlier this year, authorities conducted a raid inside FIRC which resulted to the arrest of some Chinese who were accused of online betting but their cases were dismissed due to lack of evidence, Perrera confirmed. Over the years, pack of Chinese tourists visit Laoag City via chartered flights and they are all billeted at the Fort Ilocandia.
KARAPATAN members and NDFP peace consultants flank Choan Ocasla at a press conference in Quezon City on Friday. Ocasla is a relative of political prisoner Bernabe Ocasla who died of cardiac arrest two days ago. The group called out President Rodrigo Duterte to fulfill his promise of freeing ailing and elderly political prisoners this Christmas season.(MNS photo)
Coca-Cola FEMSA reaffirms USD1-B expansion in PHL Immigration lookout order issued MANILA, Dec. 1 (PNA) Rodrigo Duterte in Lima, creating more micro-busi– Coca-Cola FEMSA has re- Peru on the sidelines of the ness opportunities,” the vs. Jack Lam despite leaving PHL affirmed its USD1.0 billion investment in the Philippines in the next five years. During the “Trabaho, Negosyo, at Kabuhayan-Employment and Livelihood Summit” on Thursday, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez met with Coca-Cola FEMSA director general and CEO John Santa Maria who shared the investment plans here. Santa Maria had his meeting with President
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting last month. “Gearing towards longterm investment and placing strong investor confidence in the Duterte administration, Coca-Cola FEMSA’s capital infusion will go towards expanding and strengthening the company’s supply chain and commercial footprint throughout the country, therefore generating substantial employment and
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) stated. “Objectives of this new commitment are in line with the government’s poverty alleviation and inclusive growth agenda,” it added. In a previous report, the Mexico-based firm partnered with Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co. for a USD1.2 billion investment until 2020 to boost its distribution and operation in the country.
Chinese groups eye Davao City as PHL’s new tourism, investment destination By Lovely A. Carrillo
DAVAO CITY, Dec. 5 (PNA) – The city is being eyed as the new tourism and investment destination for Chinese nationals, with 20 bankers and their spouses from Beijing expected to visit for a four-day, three-night tour anytime soon. “This is the first organized Beijing groups to come here. We hope to get the market as these are Chinese big spenders and not just ordinary tourists,” said Alex Divinagracia, Vice President for Travels and Tours of the Davao Tourism Association (DATA). Divinagracia said this is an offshoot of the previous sales missions made by former Tourism Assistant Secretary Arturo Boncato. There is an influx of inbound travel to the Philippines and one of the cities benefiting from this is Davao, he added. Jean Rose Tecson, City Tourism Officer, said there is also a group of tour operators from Xiamen who is now in the city from Dec. 3-7. Meanwhile, a group of Chinese investors are set to visit Davao City next year to check out opportunities in infrastructure, real estate and tourism. Earlier, Davao City Council Majority Floor Leader Bernard Al-ag said Chinese investors are also expected to visit the city next year to look for possible opportunities in real estate and other investments. “We offered them the Three Ridges Integrated Area Development (TRIAD) area as this has been classified as a tourism development zone,” he said.
TRIAD includes Barangays Catigan, Eden and Tagurano in Toril. The Department of Tourism in Davao Region (DOT-XI) is also eyeing regular flights between Davao and Xiamen this month. This is in addition to the regular Xiamen-Manila and Xiamen-Cebu flights. It can be recalled that Xiamen Air brought some 80 Chinese businessmen and tourists to the city a few months ago to test the waters. Tourism Assistant Secretary Eden David earlier said Davao is a viable market for Chinese tourists in the Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) tourist sector. She added there are other feeder markets that go to Xiamen and a regular flight between Xiamen and Davao will help push the traffic between the said areas. Jazmin Esguerra, previously the country’s attache to China and now tourism consultant for the region, said it is possible to recapture the Chinese market now that a better relationship has been established after President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit to China. With the lifting of the travel advisory against the Philippines, Esguerra said the Philippines should try to get its share of the 120 million Chinese travelers (3015 travel data) with a total outbound expenditures amounting to USD194 billion. Esguerra however said “we have to start again, more than 400 countries are promoting to the Chinese market so we have to start at the bottom again.” She said it is not too late for the country’s tourism sector to lure the Chinese
market but it will depend on the quality and quantity of promotions that will be done by the government. “There are more than 620 million internet users and more than 80 percent mobile device users in China so social media has a huge impact in the decision-making process of the Chinese tourists in choosing their destinations,” she said. The top 10 outbound destination of Chinese tourists in 2014 are Hong Kong, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Macao, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and France. “There’s a problem in Thailand since they are in mourning and has limited tourism promotion and offerings and we should take advantage of this because we are nearer. They will come here for beach holidays, shopping and the Philippine Eagle Center because they do not have that,” she said. Esguerra, however, said the Philippines is more expensive than Bali in Indonesia and Thailand so we offer perks and improve our tourism products and experience. This is a big challenge considering that the tourism budget has been reduced by 40 percent this year, she added. Among the tourism products in the Davao Region which could lure the Chinese tourists are its natural environment including the beaches and the mountain resorts but the experience has to be enhanced by bringing in fresh fruits and vegetables to cater to health-conscious tourists as well as organic and grilled food.
Palace thanks Chinese Coast Guard for rescuing 2 Pinoy fishermen MANILA, Dec. 2 (PNA) – Malacañang on Friday thanked the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) for rescuing two Filipino fishermen near Panatag Shoal. ”We thank the Chinese Coast Guard for the assistance. This act demonstrates that the Philippine-China relationship is now back on friendly footing after the recent successful visit of
President Duterte in China,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar said in a press statement. ”We expect the ties between the two countries to further improve in the years ahead,” he added. Andanar said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has coordinated with the CCG to help in the search
operations. Last Thursday night, the PCG received information that the Filipino fishermen had been rescued and the CCG successfully transferred the two to the BRP Tubbataha Friday afternoon. According to the reports, the two rescued fishermen were identified as Morrey Sierra, 45; and Lloyd Akeiot, 37.
MANILA, Dec 5 (Mabuhay) - Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday instructed the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to be on the lookout for Chinese gambling tycoon Jack Lam who President Rodrigo Duterte wanted arrested for alleged bribery and economic sabotage. Aguirre issued the immigration lookout bulletin order even if BI records show Lam, whose real name is Yin Lok Lam, had left the country on November 29, four days before Duterte ordered the businessman’s arrest. “Considering the gravity of the offenses allegedly committed and apparent reports that he has already left the country, there is strong possibility that he may attempt to place himself (Lam) beyond the reach of the legal processes of this government by leaving the country,” the
order stated. “We thus deem the issuance of an immigration lookout bulletin order against him prudent in order to at least monitor the itineraries of his flight, travel, and/or whereabouts, of if warranted, effectuate his immediate arrest pursuant to the directives of the President should the subject return the country,” it added. Lam allegedly tried to bribe Aguirre and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairperson Andrea Domingo on separate occasions in relation to the apprehension on November 24 of 1,316 Chinese workers, allegedly working illegally for online gaming facilities operating in Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino Hotel in Clark, Pampanga. Lam’s camp has denied the bribery allegations.
They also said Lam has the proper legal authority to operate Fontana and has an existing license to conduct online gaming in the Clark Economic Zone. Police have already shut down Fontana’s casino operations also upon the instruction of the President. Also covered by the closure order is Fontana’s affiliate establishment in Fort Ilocandia, Laoag City. The order was signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. The immigration bureau is also bent on cancelling Lam’s investor’s visa, according to the Department of Justice. (MNS)
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Palace wishes Robredo to continue unhampered service to nation By Jelly F. Musico
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OPINION
Duterte administration has no time for alleged oust Robredo plot: Alvarez
MANILA, Dec. 4 (PNA) – Malacañang on Sunday wished Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo to continue her unhampered service to the nation despite her decision to tender resignation as member of the Cabinet of President Rodrigo Duterte. ”The Vice President has served our people for many years in various capacities and we wish her to continue this unhampered service to the nation to the best of her abilities,” said Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar in a press statement. Robredo has resignation as chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC). Andanar said “recent events” showed the differences between President Duterte and the Vice President “as becoming irreconcilable and public.” ”A member of the Cabinet enjoys the full trust and confidence of the President for he or she acts as the President’s alter ego. Having said this, the President entrusted the Vice President, whom we all know came from a rival political party, a position in his official family in deference to the wishes of our people who want both leaders to work together and succeed,” Andanar explained. ”As a Cabinet member, the Vice President is expected to be a team player where differences in policies and issues are discussed during Cabinet meetings. The President in turn respects any decision agreed upon by his Cabinet,” he added. In her press statement, Robredo said she received a text message last Saturday from Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco Jr. relaying the President’s instruction through Special Assistant to the President Bong Go for her to desist from attending all Cabinet meetings starting Dec. 5. Robredo clarified that since she assumed HUDCC post, she has been consistent in opposing several issues such as burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani and reinstating death penalty. ”This is the last straw, because it makes it impossible for me to perform my duties. Hence, I am tendering my resignation from the Cabinet on Monday, December 5, 2016,” she said. The Vice President, however, promised to support the positive initiatives of the administration and oppose “those that are inimical to the people’s interest.”
MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) – Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Monday categorically stated that the Duterte administration would not bother to involve itself in any “plot” to oust Vice President Leni Robredo if only for the simple reason that it has more pressing matters that needs its full attention. In a press briefing at the House of Representatives, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) stalwart said that with so many problems besetting the country, President Rodrigo Duterte would not even bother to think, much less involve himself, over such absurd allegations. “Bakit naman sa dami ng problema ng bansa natin pag-aabalahan pa yan ng Presidente. Eh yung listahan nung involved sa drugs ganyan na kakapal -- andami. Yun pa lang ang hirap nang ayusin tapos gagawa ka pa ng ano, plot dyan, kung ano-ano (Why would the President bother with the alleged oust plot, the country has more pressing problems. The list of government officials involved in drugs is so thick. That alone is already very difficult to solve and yet you would still put together a ‘plot’ or whatever),” said Alvarez. He also said that a six-year term is short that the ruling party would not distract itself from fulfilling its promises to the Filipino people. “Alam mo, yung six years mabilis lang naman yan e, hindi na kailangang mag-plot-plot. E meron pa nga tayong hinaharap na ano, etong charter change di ba, revision nung constitution. Doon pa lang mauubos na rin ang oras natin (Six years could swiftly go by;
Money, technology: Top 2 areas of conflict for Filipino couples
Biggest candles engulf streets in S. Korea after President’s address over scandal
By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata
MANILA, Dec. 4 (PNA) – A Relationship Index survey found that money and technology are the biggest sources of arguments among Filipino couples. The Pru Life UK Relationship Index aimed to understand the state of personal relationships in Asia. More than 5,000 interviews were conducted in the Philippines, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. While the Philippines ranked second in terms of relationship fulfillment, the research found that money is the usual source of arguments here, with 46 percent of couples admitting they argue about it. Couples argue on who makes financial decisions and who controls everyday spending. Almost half (48 percent) of married men said they make most of the big financial decisions, but only 13 percent of married women agree with them. With regard to day-to-day spending, 57 percent of women said they have control for this, but only 34 percent of men agree with it. Though money was found as a usual reason of arguments, the study also found that Filipino adults are generous when it comes to finances. “They are highly likely to provide mutual financial support, with almost all adults providing some financial support to at least one other person,” the study revealed. Filipinos are also highly likely to rely on their family for emergency support, with 80 percent thinking that their parents will provide for them in case of emergencies. Second to money is technology, with 41 percent citing they argue about the lack of attention, and 37 percent complaining about spending too much time on phone or computer. The study also highlighted the digital divide, as couples and parents were found to compete with smartphones for love and attention. Majority (37 percent) of couples cited time spent on mobile phones or computers as reason for arguments, and 24 percent cited that their partners sometimes prefer using their phones than spending intimate time with them. With this problem, 94 percent of the Filipino respondents consider giving up technology for a day so they could spend more time with their loved ones. Antonio De Rosas, Pru Life UK chief executive officer, noted that technology devices have intruded people’s personal spaces. “We are often distracted by phones and computers, to the extent that we sometimes fail to be present in the company of our loved ones,” he added. Meanwhile, the Philippines got the Relationship Index satisfaction score of 70/100. The study said that on an average, Filipinos’ primary relationships fulfill 79 percent of their desired relationship needs.
By Cielito M. Reganit
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (PNA/Xinhua) – A historic number of candlelight engulfed the streets across South Korea as enraged people rallied to protest against President Park Geun-hye’s third address to the nation earlier this week over a scandal involving herself and her longtime confidante. About 1.7 million South Koreans gathered around the Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, just over a kilometer away from the presidential Blue House where Park’s office and residence are located, according to estimates by organizers. Other major cities across the country drew some 620,000 protesters, sending the total turnout to 2.32 million. It was the country’s largest-ever demonstration, topping the previous week’s 1.9 million nationwide. The official function was organized for sixth straight Saturdays by an association to force the scandal-hit president from office, which is composed of around 1,500 civic groups. The main roads and streets were transformed into a strip of “grand square,” which was stretched between the Gwanghwamun Square and the Seoul Plaza in front of the Seoul City Hall. The grand square was packed with common people holding candlelight or electronic candle, ranging from couples with children to the grey-haired elderly and students in school uniform. When demonstrators started to march, the square created the spectacle of a river in which candlelight flows. The river engulfed the embattled president’s office. Before the official event, a crocodile of around 400,000 protesters marched up to 100 meters from the presidential office for two hours as a Seoul court allowed it. Last Saturday, the march was restricted to 200 meters. They surrounded Park’s office in three sides, forming a so-called “human chain.” People shouted for the president’s immediate departure from office, wanting their infuriated yells to reach the cloistered leader. A lights-out event was held again for a minute. It is aimed to encourage people watching the rallies on TV to indirectly participate in the outside protest by turning off lights in offices or apartments. Hundreds of thousands of candles were put out all at once and were lit up again, giving a message that the darkness cannot beat the light. During the minute of darkness, a thunderous wave of shouts resonated throughout the grand square. Slogans people chanted for on the march got more aggressive. They screamed for Park’s immediate impeachment and resignation. Banners hung on roadside trees
there is no need to plot. As everybody knows, we also have to tackle charter change - the revision of the Constitution. That would also consume most of our time),” the Speaker said. Alvarez also downplayed allegations made by Robredo’s camp that a ballot recount is also part of the plot to take the vice presidency from her. Robredo, a member of the Liberal Party, won the vice presidential race with only a slim margin of only 263,473 votes over former Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. An electoral protest was filed by the camp of Marcos over allegations of rigging transmission results. Alvarez said that if ever a ballot recount will actually take place, nobody really knows what the real score is except Robredo. “Why worry if you are really confident of your numbers? No matter how they count it, if you are the real winner, then you are the real winner,” he said. “Besides, the recount would be attended by lawyers and representatives from both camps and I am sure that it would be televised. So, what is actually in the ballot would be counted,” Alvarez said. Robredo formally tendered her resignation on Monday as chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) barely five months after she accepted the offer to head the agency previously handled by former Vice Presidents Jejomar Binay and Noli de Castro. In her statement last Sunday, Robredo claimed she had been warned of a plot to steal the vice presidency from her.
demanded Park be imprisoned. Demand became stronger for the ruling Saenuri Party’s dismissal. Newly emerging were calls to arrest Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Mong-koo. People were angered further after President Park’s national address earlier this week. Park admitted to no wrongdoing, saying she had never pursed personal gains “for a flash” in about four years in office. Prosecutors branded Park as a criminal accomplice to Choi Soon-sil, Park’s decades-long friend who was charged with multiple counts including abuse of power and extortion. The ball of decision on Park’s fate was thrown in parliamentary court as the president demanded a legal procedure and schedule for her orderly departure. A faction of the ruling party, which is not loyal to President Park, had agreed to impeach President Park, but its position changed after her public speech. Most of the anti-Park faction members reportedly said that if President Park accepts a Saenuri-proposed timeline of resigning by next April and holding a presidential election two months later, they will not vote on the impeachment motion. Opposition and independent lawmakers handed in the bill to impeach Park early Saturday, heralding a vote on it next Friday. To overcome the two-thirds threshold necessary for the passage through the National Assembly, at least 28 Saenuri members must join the impeachment move. Some 20,000 protesters rallied earlier in the day in front of the Saenuri Party headquarters located near the unicameral assembly. They shouted for the party’s dissolution and President Park’s impeachment. A recently-appointed independent counsel is widely expected to investigate into bribery charges involving Choi and chiefs of large business conglomerates. Samsung Group, the country’s largest family-run conglomerate, is suspected of bribing Choi in return for receiving support from the national pension fund in last year’s controversial merger of two subsidiaries to create a de-facto holding company. It was extremely crucial to Vice Chairman Lee to inherit management control from his father Chairman Lee Kun-hee who has been hospitalized for some two and a half years on heart attack. Hyundai Motor is suspected of providing business favors to companies controlled by Choi and her acquaintances for fear of possible retaliations from the government such as tax inquiry. SK and Lotte, two of the country’s top five conglomerates, are accused of offering bribes to Choi in an attempt to get licenses for lucrative duty-free shop businesses.
UN launches largest-ever humanitarian appeal at $22.2-B in 2017 UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 6 (PNA/Xinhua) – The world is facing a humanitarian crisis that will require a record USD22.2 billion in funding for 2017 to support nearly 93 million of the most vulnerable and marginalized people, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said here Monday. “In order to deliver urgent relief, protection and support to nearly 93 million of the most vulnerable and marginalized people in 2017, we launched earlier today an appeal for USD22.2 billion in funding -- the highest consolidated humanitarian appeal ever launched,” Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here, quoting the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) which launched a relief aid appeal on Monday. The UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Stephen O’Brien, said that the scale of humanitarian crises today is greater than at any time since the United Nations was founded in 1945. “At the start of 2017, the plans presented collectively to the international donor community today will support vital humanitarian operations in 33 countries, including conflicts in Syria, Yemen, South Sudan and Nigeria,” Dujarric said.
Eighty percent of the needs stem from man-made conflicts, many of which are not protracted and push up demand for relief every year, the spokesman said. “At the same time, the impact of El Nino-triggered droughts, floods and extreme weather is pushing vulnerable communities to the brink of survival.” So far in 2016, international donors have generously provided 11.4 billion U.S. dollars to the current global appeal which, over the year, has risen from 20.1 billion dollars to 22.1 billion dollars. However, this represents only 52 percent of the requirements, and humanitarian organizations approach the end of this year with a funding gap of a record 10.7 billion dollars, the largest gap ever. “Not in living memory have so many people needed our support and solidarity to survive and live in safety and dignity,” O’Brien, who is also the UN emergency relief coordinator, said when he was launching the humanitarian appeal in Geneva. “Funding in support of the plans will translate into life-saving food assistance to people on the brink of starvation in the Lake Chad Basin and South Sudan; it will provide protection for the most vulnerable people in Syria, Iraq and Yemen,” O’Brien said.
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Zamboanga City needs more tour guides By Azer N. Parrocha
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 3 (PNA) – This city needs more tour guides to assist tourists, provide correct information about the city and help remove the stigma that it’s a place to be avoided or feared for safety concerns. This is the sentiment of Zamboanga City tour guide Errold Bayona, who has been working with the Department of Tourism (DOT) for almost six years to achieve this goal. He said that at present, there were a total of 12 DOT-accredited tour guides in the city, and was hoping the local government and concerned agencies would address this lack. Bayona lamented that during a recent tour guide training program, out of over 70 expected participants, only 12 managed to show up and only four managed to secure accreditation from the DOT. “The thing is people don’t look at tour guiding as a career especially in a place that carries a reputation like that of Zamboanga,” Bayona said in an interview. He also said that there had been a huge gap in the ages of tour guides — some
being 60-years-old and others being 30-years-old — because very few residents showed interest in it. ”Some train with us for a few years and eventually go abroad,” he added, noting that tour guides were not well compensated. ’Surviving Zamboanga’ Bayona meanwhile sought tourists to help boost the image of Zamboanga City by avoiding bragging to their friends and family about having “survived” their visit. ”Tourists don’t come here because they think it’s not safe while those that do come here brag about coming, leaving and surviving — which shouldn’t be the case. We don’t brag about surviving in other tourist destinations,” he said. He said that tourism stakeholders and ambassadors could start changing the city’s bad reputation by proper information dissemination and constant advertising. Data from DOT Mindanao showed that the island acquired around 8.5 million tourist arrivals in 2015 with the bulk of these arrivals coming from the Davao Region (Region 11) with around 2.8 million arrivals.
Mag
Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9) generated around 800,000 arrivals, Northern Mindanao (Region 10) with around 2.7 million arrivals, Soccsksargen (Region 12) with about 1 million arrivals and Caraga (Region 13) acquiring around 1.2 million arrivals. DOT Secretary Wanda Teo vowed to fan Mindanao tourism under her term, especially since she herself and President Rodrigo Duterte hail from the same region. Teo is looking at developing Zamboanga’s pink sand beach, Las Islas de Santa Cruz, and the hidden paradise, 11 Islands, as new tourist destinations, particularly for backpackers. Teo herself visited the pink sand beach on Friday to see the pink sand beach for herself and assure tourists that tourism in the Zamboanga Peninsula is safe regardless of the old stigma attached to its name. “I personally came here because I want people to know that because ‘the Secretary of Tourism was here’, the more they should come here. I would like to show the world that Zamboanga is safe,” Teo said.
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Zamboanga’s pink sand beach seen as next top travel destination MANILA, Dec. 2 (PNA) – What do you get when you mix powdery white sand with fragments of red coral crushed by waves over many years? You get one of the only two pink sand beaches in the country -- Las Islas de Santa Cruz -- which the Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking at developing into a new tourist destination, particularly for backpackers. Las Islas de Santa Cruz, is also known as The Great and Little Santa Cruz Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape or simply Zamboanga’s Pink Sand Beach. The island is a 3,425-hectare marine reserve which is believed to be bigger than the country’s 24/7 party island, Boracay. It used to be operated by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) until it was turned over to the Zamboanga City government in 2011. Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo herself visited the island on Friday to see the pink sand beach for herself and assure tourists that tourism in the Zamboanga Peninsula is safe regardless of the old stigma attached to its name. “I personally came here because I want people to know that because ‘the Secretary of Tourism was here’, the more they should come here. I would like to show the world that Zamboanga is safe,” Teo said in a
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press conference. Teo, with other members of the DOT and media, assembled in the Basilan Strait at around 8 a.m. and took a 15-minute motorboat ride to the island escorted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine National Police (PNP). The motorboat she was on was also, coincidentally, pink. Upon arriving the island, Teo and company went shopping for accessories made of pearls and precious stones which were imported from Malaysia. Prices of freshwater pearl earrings start as low as Php50 and up. The team was later taken to a lagoon tour via bangka driven by teenagers and kids who are beneficiaries of The Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation which started as a national movement to help children who used to swim to school in the mangrove village of Layag-Layag, Zamboanga City. There, Teo got to interact with jellyfish and taste fresh sea grapes. After the tour, Teo vowed
to spearhead efforts to develop the island seeking funding from an agency that used to handle operate it -- TIEZA. “I would like to promote Santa Cruz as a new destination because of the pink sand. I have spoken to people in charge to coordinate with us for funding. We will help them through TIEZA,” Teo said. Tourism Assistant Secretary Frederick Alegre, who also joined Teo in the trip, said that he had a “fantastic experience” visiting the island giving credit to its accessibility. “It’s so accessible. This is what global tourists want nowadays. The Secretary was very happy to see the island and has instructed TIEZA to provide funding to help facilities. We feel that the time for Mindanao has come,” Alegre said. “These are undiscovered territories as far as foreign tourists are concerned. We are confident that this will be properly promoted,” he added.
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Sharon praying for her next leading man Sharon Cuneta is gearing up for her big screen comeback six years since she last appeared in a movie. On Instagram, Cuneta shared that Star Cinema is already in the process of picking the right actor who will be her leading man in the film. “I just pray for one who doesn’t have ‘amnesia,’ will respect me and not give me any headaches during filming,” Cuneta said of her leading man. Cuneta is also “praying for God to
pick the right one for this project” because she considers this movie as something mething “big and special” for or her. “I want to go too work happy everyday,, not stressed out and tense,” nse,” she said. According to Cuneta, her manager ger is already fixing her schedule and she will begin filming by Jananuary.
‘Blooming’ Ellen Adarna: I have a happy life “I have a happy life.” Sexy actress‘Blooming’ Ellen Adarna: I have a happy lifemade this statement after being told that she’s been “blooming” lately. “I mean, I have friends who support me. I have my family and loved ones, of course,” she said. Adarna has been linked to presidential son Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, with their
Angelica Panganiban
Liza, Angelica and Jodi get ‘Walk of Fame’ stars Kapamilya actresses Jodi Sta. Maria, Angelica Panganiban and Liza Soberano received their own stars in the country’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On Thursday, Sta. Maria, Panganiban and Soberano were presented with a star in the country’s Walk of Fame in Eastwood City in Quezon City. Shaina Magdayao, John Arcilla, Zenaida Amador, Willy Cruz, Pepe Smith, Manolo Favis, Eddie Ilarde, Susan Enriquez, Luchi
Cruz-Valdes, Ted Failon, Barbie Forteza and Jennylyn Mercado were also given stars. The Eastwood Walk of Fame is the Philippine version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The “Walk of Fame Philippines” was initiated by the late German Moreno in December 2005 to pay tribute to both living and departed actors and actresses who gave exemplary contributions to Philippine show business.(MNS)
Rhian Ramos
After 10 years, ‘Saving Sally’ comes to theaters for MMFF Ten years in the making, the indie film “Saving Sally” will finally be shown in theaters for the first time as an official entry for the Metro Manila Film Festival. “Saving Sally,” a film that mixes 2D animation with live actors, is one of the eight entries that will be screened in the annual all-Filipino film festival, which opens every Christmas Day. But unlike the other entries, “Saving Sally” has long been in the drawing board, and began shooting as early as 2005. Another entry in this year’s festival, “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: Forever is Not Enough,” is a sequel to a film that was released in 2011. That’s how long the film’s lead, Enzo Marcos, waited for a chance for the film to be shown in theaters. After initial filming in 2005, the project came to a halt due to lack of funding. French film producer Alain de la Mata, who was impressed with the work of film director Avid Liongoren, decided to come in and help with production. “We had to do a reshoot. We did the whole thing all
over again,” Marcos said. However, the film’s original “Sally,” Anna Larrucea, was no longer available, which meant the crew had to find a new partner for Marcos’ character. After a long audition process, a new female lead was cast in Rhian Ramos. The crew resumed shooting scenes in 2010 on a green screen, which was later replaced with a futuristic Manila and 2D animated monsters created by Liongoren and his team of artists at Rocket Sheep. On the film’s official website, “Saving Sally” is described as a “typical teen film about love, monsters, and gadgets”—a synopsis that remains relevant despite the decade-long wait. “Avid worked hard on this film. He didn’t take any shortcuts and he made sure he poured his soul into it,” said Marcos. “Every frame, every background, every piece of art was painstakingly made. He truly deserves an audience.” Liongoren’s short film “Momo,” was also selected as an entry in the short film category of MMFF 2016. (MNS)
Ellen Adarna
kissing photo going viral online. When asked about the young Duterte, she replied: “What you see is what you get... I’m very happy.” In a previous interview, Adarna said she and Baste, who has two kids, are just friends. Adarna is part of the newest series “Langit Lupa,” which airs weekdays before
Baron-Kiko fight was part of documentary, filmmaker says After speculations that Baron Geisler’s rude behavior is staged, it was revealed his past row with Kiko Matos was just part of a documentary film featuring the two actors. In a Facebook post, Beastmode Productions said the series of controversial fights and confrontations involving Geisler were staged and are going to be part of a film that will be released December 15. “Recent events have put “Project Beastmode” in a difficult situation. While many have speculated that certain events that unfolded early this year may have been orchestrated, we feel it is in everyone’s best interest for us come clean. Yes, certain actions were planned and enacted. Yes, there is a bigger picture: the release of a documentary film. We have
meticulously planned the preparation, execution, and reveal of every stage of this project. However, new incidents have forced our hand,” Beastmode wrote. Beastmode, however, clarified that the incident involving Geisler and Ping Medina is not part of their project. “Let it be clear that Project Beastmode had nothing to do with the recent incident between Baron Geisler and Ping Medina. We were all caught unaware. We hope all parties involved reach an amicable resolution.” The recent incident also forced the producers to release an unfinished trailer of their film. In May, Geisler and Matos allegedly had an altercation in a bar in Quezon City. Geisler then dared Matos to a fistfight, which concluded
Baron Geisler with Kiko Matos
in an exhibition match at Valkyrie Club in Bonifacio Global City. Geisler had also denied that his fight with Matos was scripted. On Monday, a disgusted and enraged Ping Medina urged the film and television industry on to snub Baron Geisler for unprofessional
Coco Martin wants to work with Liza Soberano “Ang Probinsyano” star Coco Martin is hoping to get the chance to work with Liza Soberano. Martin made the statement as he reacted to rumors that he will do a TV series with the actress. “Sana matuloy, sana magkaroon (I hope it will push through, I hope we’ll have a project together),” he said. Martin added that working with Soberano would be a dream come true for him.
In a previous interview, Soberano was caught by surprise when asked about the rumored project with Martin. The actress, who stars in the upcoming movie “My Ex And Whys” with love team partner Enrique Gil, said she is open to the idea of working with Martin. “I’m willing to work [with him], of course. Coco, he is a good actor,” Soberano said. (MNS)
Ate Vi gives financial tips to young actors
Coco Martin
Chito Miranda having hard time leaving baby at home Chito Miranda is not handling separation anxiety well. On Sunday, the Parokya ni Edgar vocalist took to Instagram to share a picture of him and his baby son, Alfonso. In the caption, he shared how hard it is for him to leave his son at home just to go to work. “Picture muna bago maghanda para sa trabaho. Dalawa tugtog namin mamaya tapos diretso kami Nueva Ecija pagkatapos. Tuesday
Chito Miranda with son Alfonso
pa ako makaka-uwi. Jusko... ang hirap hirap umalis ng bahay,” he said. Alfonso is Miranda’s first child with wife Neri Naig. Although no details about
conduct, after the controversial actor allegedly urinated on Medina during their taping. In a lengthy Facebook post, Medina angrily recalled the incident that happened while they were taping in Subic. Geisler has apologized over the incident.(MNS)
Naig’s date of birth was ever divulged, it was Miranda who first confirmed the good news when he posted the baby’s first public picture last November 23. (MNS)
Veteran actress and Batangas 6th District Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto once had to pay off millions of pesos in debt. Santos said there was a time that a big chunk, or even all, of her pay went to paying off her debts. “Dumating sa point na nagtatrabaho ako, gumawa ako ng walong pelikula sa Regal [Films Inc.], walong pelikula sa Viva [Entertainment Inc.], wala na akong tinatanggap na bayad kasi diretso na ‘yun pambayad sa bangko,” she said. According to Santos, she did not monitor her finances, so she was not aware that her debt to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and banks had grown to a total of about P8 million. “Masyado akong nagtiwala sa mga tao. I thought all the while, everything was okay, until isang araw, nagising ako na ‘yung mga bahay na binili ko, may mga utang, nailit ng bangko,” she said. When this happened, she was forced to learn how to handle her finances properly.
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Health dept confirms Zika cases now at 39 By Leilani S. Junio
MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) – The Department of Health (DOH) reported Monday that the number of Zika cases in the country has risen to 39 after the confirmation of four new cases. According to the department, one woman from Biñan, Laguna who is five months pregnant, one from Mandaluyong City and two from Iloilo City have caught the Zika virus. Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial put at three the total number of pregnant women who have contracted Zika. The first pregnant case was a 22-year-old woman
from Cebu who was detected with Zika during her 19th week of pregnancy last Sept., and the second was a 16-year-old in Las Piñas who was on her 32nd week of her pregnancy last November. According to DOH spokesperson Dr. Eric Tayag, these women will be monitored during the entire course of their pregnancy and even up to two years after giving birth. Tayag added that there is also a good indication that their babies will not possibly develop any congenital abnormality associated with Zika, such as microcephaly, a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than
expected. He explained that based on reports, congenital abnormalities in babies occur when the mothers get the virus during the first trimester of their pregnancy. “Note that all of them got Zika after the first trimester period, so there is a good probability that their babies will not be affected,” he said, noting however that they have also received reports from Brazil that congenital abnormalities could occur at any stage, even a year after the baby is born, hence the need for continuous monitoring. The other Zika cases were detected in Bacoor,
Cavite; Antipolo City; Las Piñas; Muntinlupa; Quezon City; Makati; Caloocan; and Manila. The DOH again took the opportunity to call on the public to clean their environment to get rid of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito that carries the viruses that cause Zika, dengue and chikungunya. The department recommended the 4S strategy -- searching and destroying mosquito-breeding places; using self-protection measures; seeking early consultation for fever lasting more than two days; and saying no to indiscriminate fogging.
Educate youth about dangers of ‘sporadic sex’ to address rise in HIV, says CBCP official By Ferdinand G. Patinio
MANILA, Dec. 2 (PNA) – An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Public Affairs Committee (CBCP-PAC) said distributing condoms in schools all over the country would only encourage students to engage in sex. “Distributing condoms will only condone sexual activity among students,” said Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the
CBCP-PAC. “But even granting the students will, in fact, not engage in sex, for what purpose will the condom serve now?” Secillano agreed when asked if the plan is just a waste of money. “Yes, we need to address the rising number of HIV cases in the country, but the government should invest more in educating people about the perils of ‘sporadic sexual activity’ than
procuring and distributing condoms,” he said. For his part, Fr. Kunegundo Gargantuan, executive secretary of the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY), said that the Department of Health (DOH) is just doing its job. “The DOH as a government agency will implement a program that way because it is what they have,” he said. As for the Church, they will continue what is expect-
ed of them, Gargantuan said “The Church has to continue with its mandate to educate and inform people about the dignity of every person and continue to promote understanding on the theology of the body,” he added. On Thursday, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that next year they plan to distribute condoms in schools to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS among young Filipinos.
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Health dept to shame LGUs with most number of firecracker-related injuries By Leilani S. Junio
MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) – The Department of Health (DOH) has warned that it would disclose to the press on Jan. 5 the local government units (LGUs) with the highest number of injuries from firecrackers. In a press briefing held at the DOH media relations unit in Tayuman, Sta. Cruz, Manila, Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial said the move aims to show which LGUs are actually heeding their call for a safer celebration of the holidays. “We hope the LGUs would heed our wake-up call,” Ubial said, noting the importance of the participation of every LGU in the success of the campaign towards zero injury, especially among children, during the New Year celebrations. She said they came up with the “shame campaign” since there has been no major change in the number of injuries from firecrackers in the past five years, despite the intensive yearly campaigns. “So, right now, I’m calling on all the LGUs, the local chief executives, please do your part in this campaign to prevent injuries among children and our people. Malaki na po ang nawawala or costs sa ating health care system (Our health care system has lost a lot) because of this useless cause of injuries,” she added. Ubial further cited that in other countries, people do not risk life and limb by igniting firecrackers. Instead, she said, they regulate the lighting of firecrackers, which is only done by those who have been trained to handle them. At the moment, the department is getting the active support of the LGUs, she said, adding that one of the earliest to express its commitment to the campaign was the LGU of Marikina City. The health chief added that they are intensifying their coordination with LGUs since the proposed Executive Order (EO) on the regulated use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics will not be signed by President Rodrigo Duterte anytime soon. The EO has not been signed because the President deemed it too late to impose it since the firecracker industry has already manufactured the fireworks. The manufacture of firecrackers usually starts middle of the year. The EO encourages the regulated use and not the total ban of firecrackers, leaving the responsibility of lighting fireworks in the hands of experts who are capable of handling them in a community setting. It will also require the presence of first aiders to attend to those injured.
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Historic Filipinotown parol festival gets bigger By Abner Galino
The wind gust of 12 miles per hour and a temperature of 52 degrees Farenheit did not dampen the spirits of participants and spectators to the 9thParol (Lantern) Parade at the Historic Filipinotown (HFT) on Friday (December 2). Amplified by two marching bands, the Damien High School Spartan Regiment Band and the Virgil High School Marching Band, a 40-vehicle convoy snaked through a three-mile route that begun and ended at the Our Lady of Loreto church in Union Avenue, in downtown Los Angeles. Hundreds of people, including non-Filipino HFT residents came out from their houses lined the streets or went out on their front porches and yards to wave
Beauty queens (from left to right) 2016 Miss Filipinotown Ciamara Morales, 2016 Mrs. Filipinotown Lurdez Garci and 2016 Miss Filipinotown Ambassador Jennifer Ann Nardone pose for US Asian Post/Weekend Balita amid the background of parols at the Our Lady of Loreto church compound.
and cheer as the parade passed by. Local beauty queens riding on the back seats of convertible cars waved back to the spectators. The parade, organized by the Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council (HFNC), took about an hour and a half to finish the route.
Visible during the parade were Council Member Mitch O’Farrell of District 13, HFNC president Cecille Ramos and HFNC treasurer Leo Pandac, Angelo Yengko and ASM Jimmy Gomez of the California Assembly. Some 30 organizations joined the parade, including the HFT-Knight of Rizal.
The beauty queens who participated in the event included 2016 Miss Filipinotown Ciamara Morales, 2016 Miss Filipinotown Ambassador Jennifer Ann Nardone, 2016 Mrs. Filipinotown Lurdez Garci, 2016 Queen of Asia-Pacific Jena Serrano and two other beauties from Miss Philippines USA. A short program, emceed by Thelma Sugay, was held inside the Loreto school auditorium where the winning parols were awarded. Board of judges chair Triniti Foliente announced the winners as Kim Yalong (1st prize-$500), the Kalayaan Inc. 2016 (2nd prize-$300) and Karl Maquiling (3rd prize-$200). Other members of the board judges were Dr. Veronico Agatep of the Knights of Rizal-HFT (KOR-HFT)
and Grace Mercado. The Historic Filipinotown annual Parol parade, according to one of its original organizers Art Garcia, started as a walking parade, with participants physically carrying their parols. Because the lanterns were heavy, the participants only managed to cover a short route. This practice went on for five years. “Four years ago, naisip namin nai-mount sa sasakyan. It worked. So, magmula noon naging motorcade na,� Garcia recalled. Apparently, the decision to use vehicles helped the annual event generate more attention and support to the annual Filipino American event. Parol, usually starshaped (but not limited to this shape) lantern, is a very popular symbol of Christmas
US Congress oks awarding of gold medals to Filipino veterans By Abner Galino
The United States House of Representatives has unanimously passed the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 (S.1555), which also solidly passed the Senate in July. The bill was jointly sponsored by Sen. Mazie K. Hirono(Democrat-Hawaii) and Rep. TulsiGabbard (Democrat-Hawaii).Rep. Joseph Heck (Republican-Nevada) was a lead co-sponsor. The bill will go to the desk of President Barack Obama for signature so it could be-
come a law. The bill was also actively pushed by Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CPAC). In a statement, retired Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetRep), called the bill’s passage as “a significant seminal period in American history.� “Now, we can tell our veteran with pride in our hearts that this grateful nation has, granted them recognition for the selfless sacrifice they endured in awr, and restored their dignity and honor in
service to their nation,� Taguba said. Aside from FilVetRep, the San Francisco Veterans Equity Center also helped in the nationwide campaign. However, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the group that has ben successfully organizing huge pro-Filipino veterans demonstratios in Hollywood for five the last consecutive years, called the act a “consuelo de bobo.� Art Garcia, JFAV national coordinator, said only the repeal of the Rescission Act of 1946 could “erase the shame-
ful and racist� action by the US Congress when it deprived the honor and benefits to the 260,000 Filipino soldiers who fought with the US armed forces shortly after World War II. “ The fact that it took the US Congress 72 years to give the Filipino Veterans the Gold Medal after giving it to more than 65 other nations is disgusting. The Filipinos were the last nation among the 66 nations that fought for America to given such medals,� Garcia pointed out. “We will continue to push for the Filipino Veterans
Fairness Act 0f 2015 that will give recognition to Filipino World War II Veterans and their survivors, give them full military pension for them and their survivors. We want full equity, not medals or baby steps for total recognition and full benefits.We will never settle for less.� Garcia added. In a related development, JFAV founder Franco Arcebal of Los Angeles, said he wanted the public to know that “the real Congressional Gold Medal will be engraved in gold and will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institute. While replicas made in bronze
in the Philippines. It is as important as the Christmas tree in the West. While it was not an original Filipino concept, the Filipinos owned up the parolsby making a tradition of building these lanterns from indigenous materials and designs. Parol is also associated with the Simbang Gabi tradition, a nine-day series of dawn Masses, of Filipino Catholics. Every year, competitions are held in many schools, communities, cities and provinces for the best parols. Most notable among these competitions is the Pampanga lantern festival where lanterns can reach up to 40 feet in height. The parols are hanged on windows as early as the middle of November and kept hanging until the celebration of the Three Kings.
will be given to the Filipino veterans or their survivors (widows or relatives) and they will have to pay for it.� The Rescission Act of 1946retroactively annulled benefits that would have been payable to Filipino troops on account of their military service during the time that the Philippines was a U.S. territory and Filipinos were U.S nationals. In 2009, the veterans received lump sum payments of $9,000 for WW II veterans living in the Philippines and $15,000 for those in the United States.
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PHL still attractive for e-vehicle firms, but industry loses momentum: EVAP By Kris M. Crismundo
MANILA, Dec 2 (PNA) – The E-trike (electric tricycle) manufacturing industry is losing its momentum after the Department of Energy (DoE)stopped its E-Trike Program. Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) President Rommel Juan told the Philippines News Agency in a phone interview Friday that investors remained interested in the country’s e-vehicle industry despite the cancellation of the E-Trike Program. But Juan noted that the DOE program played a significant role in rolling out e-vehicles in different parts of the country as well as in attracting investors in the industry.
“There are companies that expressed their interests; from China, Japan, and United States,” he said. “It (cancellation of E-Trike Program) is not really affecting the investment plans of companies. However, it is a big loss of momentum,” the EVAP chief added, noting that rolling out some 6,000 units of e-trike are set for the next bidding, should the program continue. The DOE last week wrote the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to terminate the loan component of the E-Trike Program due to high cost of an e-trike unit. Instead of scrapping the entire program, Juan said the ADB funding could be diverted as loan for other
e-vehicle projects nationwide which can also be implemented by other agencies such as Department of Transportation or Department of Tourism. “We implore the government to please help us sustain the momentum of the initial success of e-vehicles in the country and help make the Philippines the e-vehicle hub of Asia,” Juan stated early this week. “We have a sunrise industry in our hands. It needs the caring and nurturing arms of government. We hope it listens to our plight,” he added. The country’s e-vehicle industry received some Php 3-billion investments in the past year, said the EVAP official.
TNGA-based Toyota powertrain units are smooth, responsive New engines and transmissions and improved hybrid systems also reduce fuel consumption and co2 emissions Toyota City, Japan, December 6, 2016 -- Toyota Motor Corporation, in pursuit of superb driving and environmental performance, and based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) structural reform for making ever-better cars, has developed advanced engines and transmissions and further evolved its hybrid
systems. Toyota intends to deploy these new powertrain units in a rapidly broadening range of vehicle models, starting in 2017. Using TNGA, Toyota has been changing the automobile from its very structure, lowering hood heights, lowering the center of gravity and implementing other innovations to improve driving performance. To enhance fundamental vehicle performance in terms of running, turning and stopping, it initiated a com-
prehensive review centered on vehicle platforms and is now, since the release of the fourth-generation Prius in 2015, expanding the use of new platforms throughout its product lineup. At the same time, it has been developing new powertrain units, which form the core of an automobile, that significantly improve both driving and environmental performance. Toyota’s newly developed powertrain units are light and compact and have a low-center of gravity.
Full autonomy will enable a Tesla to be substantially safer than a human driver, lower the financial cost of transportation for those who own a car and provide low-cost on-demand mobility for those who do not.
All Tesla cars being produced now have full self-driving hardware Self-driving vehicles will play a crucial role in improving transportation safety and accelerating the world’s transition to a sustainable future. Full autonomy will enable a Tesla to be substantially safer than a human driver, lower the financial cost of transportation for those who own a car and provide low-cost on-demand mobility for those who do not. We are excited to announce that, as of today, all Tesla vehicles produced in our factory – including Model 3 – will have the hardware needed for full self-driving capability at a safety level substantially greater than that of a human driver. Eight surround cameras provide 360 degree visibility around the car at up to 250 meters of range.
Twelve updated ultrasonic sensors complement this vision, allowing for detection of both hard and soft objects at nearly twice the distance of the prior system. A forward-facing radar with enhanced processing provides additional data about the world on a redundant wavelength, capable of seeing through heavy rain, fog, dust and even the car ahead. To make sense of all of this data, a new onboard computer with more than 40 times the computing power of the previous generation runs the new Tesla-developed neural net for vision, sonar and radar processing software. Together, this system provides a view of the world that a driver alone cannot access, seeing in every direction simultaneously and
on wavelengths that go far beyond the human senses. Model S and Model X vehicles with this new hardware are already in production, and customers can purchase one today. Before activating the features enabled by the new hardware, we will further calibrate the system using millions of miles of real-world driving to ensure significant improvements to safety and convenience. While this is occurring, Teslas with new hardware will temporarily lack certain features currently available on Teslas with first-generation Autopilot hardware, including some standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, collision warning, lane holding and active cruise control.
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KITCHENOMICS
FAMILY FEATURES
Crispy Bacon Twists with Gouda and Apricot Preserves
T
Cook time: 45 minutes Serves: 15 Nonstick spray flour, for dusting 1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry dough, thawed 1 egg, beaten 1 cup (12 ounces) apricot preserves 2 cups (about 7 ounces) Gouda cheese, shredded 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves 2 pounds (about 25-30 slices) Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon Heat oven to 375 F. Line two rimmed baking pans with foil, set baking racks in pans and lightly spray racks with nonstick spray. On lightly floured surface, roll out one puff pastry sheet to roughly 8-by-12 inches. Brush top with egg and thinly spread 1/2 cup preserves over dough. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup shredded cheese and 1 tablespoon rosemary, lightly pressing cheese mixture into dough. Fold short end of dough over to enclose cheese mixture and lightly roll to seal. Cut into 15 1/2-inch strips. Repeat with remaining puff pastry and ingredients. Lay one slice bacon diagonally. Grab one strip of prepared dough by ends and place one end of dough strip horizontally at top end of bacon and roll bacon with dough downward, stretching dough strip while rolling. Place spiral-wrapped bacon twist on prepared rack and repeat. Bake twists 35-45 minutes, or until pastry is browned and bacon crisp, rotating pans as needed for even cooking. Let cool 5 minutes and gently use spatula to remove twists from racks. Serve warm or at room temperature. Tip: For a different flavor, try smoked or aged Gouda or fresh thyme instead of rosemary.
he holidays are the ultimate time for connecting with friends and family, so treat them to something special this year with your own mouthwatering take on a holiday feast. Add a new and delicious twist to entertaining this season with a festive bacon bar. Mix things up with simple decorating tips and these easy-tomake – and even easier to eat – bacon recipes from Smithfield that can help create the perfect setting for your next holiday gathering. Whether drizzled with caramel and sea salt, twisted with puff pastry or baked with bourbon and maple syrup, your guests can enjoy bacon in a variety of ways. The classic cut and versatility of Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon is ideal for dishes you can include in your bacon bar like bacon cheddar biscuits, savory bacon jam and flavorful bacon salt. You can also incorporate different bacon flavors; with more than 10 different Smithfield varieties to choose from, there truly is something for everyone. Complete your holiday spread with printed labels that festively identify the variety of bacon flavors, unique recipes and side dishes on display. Simply print templates onto thick card stock and cut to your desired shape. Use twine or holiday ribbon to tie the labels onto mason jars, bowls or baskets, or use a small clothespin to clip the labels onto your bacon creations. Garnish your display with garland, red berries and pine cones for added holiday cheer. Visit Smithfield.com/BaconBar for printable labels, more decor ideas and recipe inspiration to give your own bacon bar a personal touch.
Crispy Bacon Twists with Gouda and Apricot Preserves
Caramelized Bourbon Bacon Cook time: 30 minutes Serves: 12 2 packages (16 ounces each) Smithfield Thick Cut Bacon 4 tablespoons honey 1/2 cup bourbon 4 tablespoons maple syrup Heat oven to 375 F. Line two baking pans with parchment paper. Remove bacon from package and space evenly on pans without overlapping slices. Place pans in oven and bake 15 minutes. Rotate pans halfway through baking time. Meanwhile, combine honey, bourbon and syrup. Remove bacon from oven. Carefully drain grease from pans. Brush bacon with bourbon mixture. Return to oven and bake 3-5 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve.
Caramelized Bourbon Bacon Heat oven to 450 F. In small bowl, toss together cheese, green onions Cook time: 30 minutes and bacon with 1 tablespoon flour. Set aside. In Serves: 12 separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese and salt. Use pastry cutter or two forks to cut in 1/4 cup chopped green onions butter. 1/2 cup cooked Smithfield Hometown Add milk and stir just enough to bring ingredients Original Bacon, diced together. Gently fold in cheese mixture. 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1 tablespoon Turn dough onto floured surface and knead and extra for rolling, divided about 1 minute. Pat or roll out dough to 1/2- or 1 tablespoon baking powder 3/4-inch thickness. Cut into rounds with 2 1/2-inch 1/2 teaspoon salt round biscuit cutter. 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter Place biscuits on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top. 3/4 cup milk
Bacon Cheddar Biscuits
Sea Salt Caramel Bacon
Sea Salt Caramel Bacon Cook time: 40 minutes Serves: 12 2 packages (12 ounces each) Smithfield Thick Cut Bacon 4 tablespoons caramel topping 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt Heat oven to 375 F. Line two baking pans with nonstick foil. Remove bacon from package and space evenly on pans without overlapping slices. Place pans in oven and bake 10 minutes. Rotate pans and continue baking until crisp, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven. Using tongs, place bacon slices on clean parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Let cool slightly. Heat caramel in microwave 10 seconds. Drizzle bacon with caramel. Sprinkle with sea salt. Return to oven and bake 2 minutes. Let sit 5 minutes. Using tongs, remove to cooling rack. Cool 5 minutes before serving.
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DOF: Duterte admin may pay for more ‘sins’ of past administrations
MANILA, Dec 5 (Mabuhay) – The Department of Finance (DOF) is bracing for unprogrammed payments to private companies that have dragged the government in court to collect tens of billions of pesos in combined claims from bungled public-private partnerships dating as far back as the 1990s. Controversial ventures such as the Poverty Eradication and Alleviation Certificates (PEACe) Bonds and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA 3), both of which have been tarnished by legal debacles, are starting to catch up with Malacañang, and the Duterte presidency faces the unenviable task of paying – literally – for the “sins of the past” administrations, courtesy of previous and possibly future court rulings favoring contractors or concessionaires that presumably have scores to settle with the state, the DOF said in a statement
on Monday. The government will likely have to cough up some P5 billion to pay RCBC Capital for the amount that the Bureau of Treasury (BTr) kept back as final withholding tax (FWT) – as ruled by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) – when the 10-year zero coupon PEACe bonds, issued during the Arroyo administration, matured in 2011. The Supreme Court ruled that RCBC Capital was entitled to rely on a much earlier position issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in 2001 that the PEACe bonds were not deposit substitutes, and thus not subject to the 20 percent FWT. The BTr sold the 10year notes during a public auction in October 2001. RCBC Capital won the bid on behalf of the Caucus of Development NGO Network (CODE-NGO). In the case of the NAIA 3 project which got entangled
in one legal dispute after another as an offshoot of the financial troubles that had buffeted the winning bidder Philippine International Air Terminals Co. (PIATCO), the SC ruled on April 19 – entered in the book of entries of judgments on May 20 and upheld in a follow-up resolution on June 21 – that the government must pay the contractor $326.93 million in just compensation. The Supreme Court had nullified the PIATCO contracts but ruled that just compensation was incidental because the structures were already built by PIATCO before the deal was voided. On top of the amount, the high tribunal also directed the government to pay PIATCO an extra amount equivalent to a 12-percent legal interest from September 2006 to June 2013 plus 6-percent interest from July 2013 up to the time the government will have made the full payment.
INEVITABLE
From page 1
“Whereas right now, Preident Duterte is very very popular. So the resignation does not come from a widespread clamor. It comes from policy difference,” she added. Over the weekend, Duterte, through Secretary to the Cabinet Leoncio Evasco, directed her to no longer attend Cabinet meetings starting December 5.
Arroyo also recalled a time when she was still Estrada’s vice president that she also received instruction to no longer attend Cabinet meetings. “They would probably take up something political and since I come from the opposite side of fence, they probably don’t want me to become privy,” said Arroyo.
Arroyo said the public seemed to be looking for a “deeper meaning” in Robredo’s resignation and suspecting politics to be behind it, when in fact, she said, the resignation should be taken “at face value.” “The difference between Cabinet members is a very reasonable reason of easing out a Cabinet member,” she said.
NEW MIAA CHIEF
From page 1
President (Rodrigo) Duterte’s policy of treating our modern-day heroes with respect and compassion,” Villar said. Despite a unanimous resolution approved by the Senate describing the collections as unlawful, the former MIAA leadership under Angel Honrado and Transportation Secretary Emilio Abaya Jr. proceeded to collect Php550 terminal fee from the OFWs starting February last year. “We in the Senate have always believed that the integration of terminal fees in airport tickets can be accomplished without having to tread on the toes of millions of our OFWs,” the lady senator said.
“In fact, I had made repeated appeals to the MIAA, DOTC and the DOST to look at IT solutions to spare our OFWs from paying a fee that the law exempts them from,” she added. Villar presided over a series of Senate hearings held last year on the issue of terminal fees for OFWs where she took Honrado to task for implementing Memorandum Circular No. 8 without any public hearings or direct consultations with the OFW sector. Monreal said efforts are now underway to modify the collection system so that OFW exemptions as mandated under the Migrant Workers Act of 1995 and its amendatory law, Republic
Act No. 10022, will not be affected. “MIAA sources said more than a billion pesos has been collected since the inclusion of terminal fees in air tickets with half of this amount still unclaimed by some OFWs making it part of MIAA’s general fund,” Villar said. Villar recommended to put up an online verification system in coordination with the POEA and the Bureau of Immigration to make it easier for OFWs who have left the Philippines to request for a terminal fee refund. “We need an online platform that would make it easier for our OFWs to claim their refunds which may soon reach a billion pesos,” Villar said.
who entered the municipality last week had all been cleared, according to Padilla. “What remains for us is to clear the outskirts and that operation is ongoing. The sentro itself is well-secured and we are preparing and paving the way to allow the local government to take it back so that their constituents can return to their homes and resume their normal lives,” said the AFP spokesman. At the same press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary Marie Banaag aired the government’s congratulatory message to the new King of Thailand. “The Philippines wishes to convey our warmest congratulations to his Majesty, King Maha Vajiralongkorn,
on his ascension and proclamation as the King of Thailand. We are confident that his reign will continue to bring happiness, peace and prosperity to the Thai people. We wish him success as he leads the Kingdom of Thailand,” she said.
ident for the United States of America. I am very sure,” he said. Duterte said Trump also extended an invitation for him to visit New York and Washington DC. “He said that if I’m around, he wants to be notified of my presence,” he said. In return, Duterte invited
Trump to attend the 2017 Asean Summit in the Philippines. “And I mentioned to him about the ASEAN Summit next year and he said that he will try his best to be here. He wants to attend the Summit and that would be great for our country,” the President reported.
VIGILANCE
From page 1
safe o maayos, tayo po dapat ay nakikipagtulungan. Sama-sama po dapat tayo.” The AFP spokesman also said the call for vigilance will continuously be repeated by the authorities until the citizens come to realize that ensuring the security of the community is the common responsibility of everyone. An update pertaining to the operations of the AFP in Butig, Lanao del Sur was also given by Padilla. He said the “sentro” or the heart of the Municipality of Butig is well in the hands of government as no other signs of enemy presence have been seen. The built–up area or most of the buildings that were tentatively occupied by a lot of the local terrorist groups
PROPAGANDA From page 1
stated. Each social media outlet, the release said, will continue to review any government requests and will retain its own appeals process related to removal decisions. Facebook said it intends to respect its users and protect their privacy rights while it seeks to prevent the spread of terrorist content online.
TRUMP
From page 1
country. It was a bit very encouraging in the sense that I supposed that what he really wanted to say was that we would be the last to interfere in the affairs of your own country,” Duterte said. Duterte said he wished Trump success. “He will be a good Pres-
Just recently, the BTr transferred some P20 billion to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for just compensation in favor of PIATCO for the NAIA 3 project as directed by the SC. “The government is liquid at this point, but paying for these pecuniary claims will mean setting aside for such possible court-ordered payments huge amounts of taxpayers’ money that should otherwise be used to augment the budget for the Duterte administration’s accelerated spending over the next six years on infrastructure, human capital and social protection for the poor and other vulnerable sectors,” the DOF said. “The DOF is now looking at other cases that might similarly give the Duterte administration financial headaches in the near future,” it added. (MNS)
THE US ASIAN POST
Dayan says De Lima hatched plan to collect funds MANILA, Dec 5 (Mabuhay) – Ronnie Dayan, the alleged bagman of Senator Leila de Lima, on Monday backed the testimony of self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa that he received P8 million in funds allegedly for De Lima’s electoral campaign. In his testimony during the Senate inquiry on extrajudicial killings, Dayan said it was the lawmaker who hatched a plan to collect funds for her electoral campaign in the 2016 polls. “Si Senator De Lima. Inuutusan lang po ako. Doon sa unang pag ano namin, kailangan mag ano tayo ng pondo, ganun lang ang sinabi niya,” he said. He said he received instructions to get funds from self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa but denied getting money from other drug lords. He also claimed it was De Lima who gave him Espinosa’s cell phone number. Asked how much money he collected from Espinosa for De Lima, he said: “P8 million.” This is the same amount that Espinosa said he handed to Dayan in several transactions. While both Dayan and the younger Espinosa’s claim that money from the illegal drug trade reached De Lima, their previous statements had glaring contradictions. One of the biggest inconsistencies between their testimonies was the one-year difference in the time they supposedly met each other. Kerwin said he met Dayan four times in 2015, while Dayan said his exchanges with Kerwin happened five times in 2014. Dayan earlier admitted that he had a seven-year relationship with De Lima, starting in 2007 when he was accepted as driver-bodyguard of De Lima’s law firm.
RESIGNATION
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after she has been directed to desist from attending all Cabinet meetings. “Your directive for me to ‘desist from attending all Cabinet meetings’ has effectively made it impossible for me to do my job. Remaining in your Cabinet has become untenable,” Robredo stated in her resignation letter. “With due respect, I am tendering my resignation as HUDCC Chairperson effective immediately,” she added. Barely five months ago, Robredo said she decided to accept the offer to head HUDCC given her and President Duterte’s “shared commitment to the poor and marginalized.”
“I have exerted all effort to put aside our differences, maintain a professional working relationship, and work effectively despite the constraints because the Filipino people deserve no less,” she said. Last Saturday, Robredo said she received a text message from Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco Jr. relaying the President’s instruction through Special Assistant to the President Bong Go for her to desist from attending all Cabinet meetings starting Dec. 5. Robredo clarified that since she assumed HUDCC post, she has been consistent in opposing several issues
including the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Robredo, a member of the Liberal Party, won the vice presidential race with a slim margin of only 263,473 votes over Marcos’ son, former Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos. The late President Marcos was buried at the heroes’ cemetery last November 18 or one week after the Supreme Court (SC) allowed the burial. In the two past administrations, the HUDCC was handled by former Vice Presidents Jejomar Binay and Noli de Castro.
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