LOS ANGELES
VOL. XXI, NO. 14
MAY 11-17, 2013
PHL prepared to assert sovereignty in Spratlys
President Benigno S. Aquino III answers questions during the interview by the Bloomberg staff reporters Wednesday at the Presidential Security Group Officers Lounge inside the PSG Compound in Malacañang Park, Manila. (MNS photo)
MANILA, May 8 (Mabuhay) – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan, Jr., on Wednesday said that the country is prepared to assert its sovereignty on portions of Spratlys being claimed by the Philippines. He issued this statement in wake of reports that a fleet of 30 Chinese fishing vessels, all homeported in Hainan, are headed for the Spratlys for a 40-day fishing trip. Tutaan, however, declined to comment on how the Philippines will do this. “That will depend on the situation,” he added.
The AFP spokesperson also stressed that the Western Command has been ordered to conduct sea and air patrols to determine if the Chinese fishing fleet will pass near Philippine territory. “(Once their presence are verified), we will look into what action that can be undertaken,” Tutaan stressed. He also pointed out that this report will be forwarded to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as this involves international matters. But should the Chinese fishing fleet enter the country’s exclusive economic zone, Tutaan clarified See SOVEREIGNTY, page 12
Binay: Iglesia vote to spell difference in polls MANILA, May 9 (Mabuhay) – Vice-President Jejomar Binay is optimistic that the United Nationalist Alliance will have a strong showing in the May 13 senatorial election after the Iglesia ni Cristo reportedly endorsed some UNA candidates. Binay said a 12-0 sweep for Team PNoy is a “lost cause” and that a 9-3 victory is also unlikely. He said he expects at least 4 UNA candidates to win in the senatorial race. “Ang kalalabasan eh hindi 12-0. Hindi 9-3,” he said. He said a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey did not factor in the Iglesia endorsement. A political analyst earlier said the INC endorsement could give an additional 1.5 million to 1.8 million votes for a candidate.
“Unang-una na ‘yung [Social Weather Stations] na nakalagay doon May 2nd and 3rd. Hindi pa nakainput doon ‘yung Iglesia,” he said. The SWS survey that came out yesterday, the last before the elections on May 13, showed seven Team PNoy and two UNA senatorial candidates likely winning. The SWS survey was done before the INC came out with its list of candidates. INC will supposedly endorse: From Team PNoy: Sonny Angara, Bam Aquino, Alan Peter Cayetano, Grace Poe, Loren Legarda, Antonio Trillanes, and Cynthia Villar. From UNA: JV Ejercito, Richard Gordon, Nancy Binay, Gringo Honasan, and Jack Enrile. (MNS)
Uninsured gets fed’s help; $22-M provided to California health centers Aid is part of Health care law’s $150 million for enrollment assistance by health centers nationwide Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced new funds to help more uninsured Americans enroll in affordable health insurance coverage made available by the Affordable Care Act. In California an estimated $22,029,348 is available to support 129 health centers’ enrollment efforts. Nationwide, funding of approximately $150 million will expand the efforts at community health centers to provide in-person assistance to help enroll uninsured individuals into affordable health insurance coverage. “Health centers have extensive experience providing eligibility assistance to patients, are pro-
viding care to 3,262,412 individuals in California communities, and are well-positioned to support enrollment efforts,” Secretary Sebelius said. “Investing in health centers for outreach and enrollment assistance provides one more way the Obama Administration is helping consumers understand their options and enroll in affordable coverage.” With these new funds, health centers will be able to hire new staff, train existing staff, and conduct community outreach events and other educational activities. Healthcenters will help consumers understand their coverage options, determine their eligibility, and enroll in new affordable health in-
Rescuers carry the body of tour guide Jerome Berin whose body was airlifted from Camp 1 of the Malilipot trail, was one of the five – four of whom were German tourists – who died when Mayon spewed ash and steam on Tuesday while on a climb to the volcano. The bodies of the four German tourists are also expected to arrive Thursday. (MNS photo)
Mayon Volcano survivor recalls ‘scene from hell’
BY SARAH TAGUIAM
MANILA, May 8, 2013 (AFP) – Philippine tour guide Roel Llarena recalled Wednesday how a mountain hike turned into a nightmare when the volcano he was climbing began spewing out giant rocks, killing five of his companions. “I stood there frozen. I couldn’t believe what was happening, I didn’t know what to do. It was like a scene from hell,” he told AFP, after surviving the giant ash explosion at Mayon volcano on Tuesday. Llarena, 33, was one of the Filipino tour guides leading a group of foreigners up the 2,460-metre (8,070-foot) Mayon when the picturesque volcano suddenly shot a column of hot ash into the air. The volcano, famed for its near-perfect cone, has a history of deadly eruptions. But it was not showing signs of activity when the tour group See MAYON VOLCANO, page 12
See UNINSURED, page 12
THE LAW OFFICES OF
PAUL M. ALLEN
Services • Stop Foreclosure • Lien Stripping 2nd Mortgage • Stop Repossession • Stop Wage Garnishments • Stop Creditor Harassment • Consumer Bankruptcy Chapter 7 & 13 Affordable rates. Easy payment plans. Free consultation. Evening and Saturday appointments available.
Glendale
818.334.5445
Cerritos
562.356.9931